The Estée Lauder Companies - Project Director (Store Design and Visual Merchandising)

Job Description

Position Summary

Overall responsible to lead and manage all the Creative output from the Retail COE, in the programmed management and tactical execution of any brand creative requirements, including Visual Merchandising launches, the design and construction of free-standing stores, department stores and pop up’s, as we as well as an overview of digital creative campaigns.

This role is responsible for driving the very best internal consumer experiences, working closely with the brands (our consumer). This role will critically solve any challenges raised by the brands strategically working out what’s best for the wider business. As part of this the role must work closely with multiple stakeholders including Regional President, Regional GMs, UK Brand team, Global design, UK Commercial, Finance, Procurement, IT and store operations.

This role will create and deliver the RDDC strategy within the UK&I for both Design and Operations, identifying where there is a need for process improvement to continually find significant operational efficiencies. It will lead the operations team in executing the strategic plan, by establishing priorities and determining resource allocation for efficient and effective delivery of projects. The role will require a rigorous review of processes and tools to identify opportunities to provide an enhanced end to end programmes and exploring new opportunities to create value for our brand partners
The role will be responsible for creating and managing the RDDC’s budgets (staffing, training, T&E etc.).

The role is also ultimately responsible for OPEX (£6-£8m) and CAPEX (£10-15m) for project delivery. As part of the role you should actively work with UK Procurement and Global Design Creative Directors to find creative cost savings in design of stores whilst maintaining high standards.

This role is responsible for enabling visibility of the resource needs and ensuring the structure is resourced successfully to allow peaks in workload are covered. This role will take a critical review of the skill sets required, building a Design and Ops structure that supports the business’ future needs as well as ensuring the team are supported by the correct technology. The role will also be responsible for creating and managing a training plan to successfully grow the team.

Reporting into the SVP Global Retail Design Centres this role is responsible for finding efficiencies by working closely with all other RDDC leads.
This role is a leadership position within our department, requiring positive team culture contributions including mentoring, supporting, and motivating and management of external communications.

The role is a key position within the RDDC structure and will work as part of a wider team to identify opportunities and innovations within the channel. The individual will be a strategic thinker with the ability to challenge and change with innovation always at front of mind whilst retaining a strong commercial acumen.

Supporting strategic vision and operational excellence within the Digital Studio.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Leadership

• Planning for the department’s future needs of creative operations, hiring, performance management, salary decisions, talent planning
• Recognizes organization-wide linkages and interdependencies, ensuring alignment with overall brand priorities
• Links innovation to overall business goals
• Swiftly mobilizes team to meet changing demands

Budget Responsibility

• Accountable to ensure creative operations team are working within the confines of the brands budgets and are seeking planned savings required for region

Independence of Action and Accountability

• Builds and initiates long-term partnerships within Creative and other stakeholders in support of overall objectives
• Respects and incorporates the needs of stakeholders
• Fosters and optimizes an entrepreneurial spirit
• Builds and develops diverse and interdependent teams

Problem Solving

• Champions new approaches or ideas that have worked well across brands, regions & functions
• Leverages internal and external expertise

Decision Making

• Complex management of stakeholder alignment within COE to ensure agility but best result for the region and individual brands

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Held a senior position for 10+ years and hold a relevant qualification in architecture, design or project management with strong management experience.
• 360-creative, global project management
• Production experience
• Agency background
• Experience managing multiple brands in fast-paced environ.
• Awareness of emerging trends in the region
• Knowledge of local retailer/ media specs and requirements
• Global mindset and multicultural understanding
• Ability to leverage data to make informed decisions
• Awareness of emerging trends in the region
• Construction experience is recommended due to the types of projects the teams own

Job: Creative / Design
Primary Location: GB-ENG-London
Job Type: Standard
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: 1st (Day) Shift
Job Number: 2210108
Estee Lauder Companies is an equal opportunities employer. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.