Boutique Architecture Manager

Boutique Architecture Manager: Location: London Headquarters, UK Reports to: Director of Store Planning Contract: Full Time Contract Your role @CHANEL: Boutique Architecture Manager You are an experienced member of the Store Planning department with advanced knowledge in detailed design development and project management. You will work closely with our Director of Store Planning Director to initiate and deliver UK Regional CHANEL environments for Permanent/ Temporary Fashion, WFJ boutiques, Office spaces, from conception to installation. Coordinate with Design Architects and consultant teams to prepare initial location layout, organize internal reviews to validate the lay-out with corporate stakeholders and the local boutique team. Supervise and coordinate all design and construction activities involved with the renovation or creation of new and existing projects. Manage, coach, develop and support the Boutique Architecture Intern within their role. Be the first point of contact throughout their career and help inspire them in their role. What impact you can create at Chanel: Design and project manage CHANEL environments? Supporting Director of Store Planning to implement strong design and creative solutions to deliver the highest standards of CHANEL Boutique/ Office environments. Coordinate all aspects of a project with the UK Region corporate teams, external consultants, outside vendors, Global Image team and the local boutique teams:

• Help prepare feasibility studies for potential locations.
• Help prepare budget estimates and schedules.
• Collect the necessary design brief information from corporate and local boutique managers to develop the design in accordance with company commercial requirements.
• Act as liaison with Landlord’s & business partner and/or architectural team, to get location drawings, guidelines and all other necessary technical start-up information.
• Assist Director in preparing Capex and Cost Reports and regularly update those reports during the project’s development.
• Assist Group Director in preparing and delivering project presentations and updates to senior executives.
• Visit construction sites and prepare reports, from possession, at tracement, through punch list, completion and opening, to ensure quality of fit-out, identifying outstanding issues and appropriate follow-up.
• Collect as-built drawings and keep a record of store opening information, finalize financial accounts and store data for inclusion in Global Database
• Designing in an environmentally responsible way, considering new, sustainable initiatives within budget considerations
• Overseeing these concepts through to installation and completion
• Managing your own workflow as well as considering workflow within other teams to ensure projects are completed on time and to the standard required

This is an impact-focused summary of the job and it’s helpful to note that responsibilities listed are not exhaustive; additional and more detailed duties will be shared during training stage. What you will bring to the role:

• At least 10+ years’ experience within the design practice or luxury retail is preferable
• Must have good working knowledge of AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite, Sketchup & Vectorworks
• Skill with 3D software such as REVIT/BIM, Sketchup, 3DS Max is a plus.
• Ability to effectively communicate and share concepts/design intent.
• Qualification in a design subject, University degree, BA in architecture or interior design preferred.
• Ability to design with a CSR mindset with a sustainable, circular approach is a must.
• LEED credentials a plus

• Fluent in the Microsoft suite of programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc)
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organised and detail-oriented
• Ability to work proactively in a fast paced and dynamic environment
• Team player mindset with the ability to confidently work self-sufficiently
• Able to commute to a London-based office
• Proactive and hardworking, with a no-task-too-small attitude.
• Ability to develop influential and collaborative relationships across teams and functions.
• Collaborative mindset, self-motivated and flexible
• Budgeting and estimating experience a plus.

What you will gain from this experience:

• Develop, evolve, and improve your ability to work across various design platforms
• Collaborate and engage at various levels including internal and external clients
• To work independently and creatively on a diverse range of projects
• You will gain an in-depth knowledge of the business, across the key departments including Fashion, VM, Finance, Maintenance and Legal departments
• Future Project Management courses required to further develop in-depth knowledge and application of this role

You are energised by:

• Have a passion for sustainability, innovation, and circular design.
• Work with regional partners and internal teams to maintain green building standards.
• Work with external consultants to propose and advance green building initiatives.
• Coordinate with global store design, visual merchandising, retail and operations for standards and best practices
• Develop and Maintain Furniture, Fixture and Art database for projects.
• Manage Global Boutique Tool for UK Region portion of database.
• Research circular materials and new green building processes
• Develop and maintain fixture and furniture reuse and recycling program.
• Maintain and advance accessibility considerations within our boutiques.
• Coordinate with External Interior design team on all furniture, finishes, carpet, and artwork ordering; track payment and deliveries
• Support the boutique architecture team on special projects as needed.
• Assist in store openings and close out punch lists post-opening.
• Help coordinate “minor works” and upgrades to existing stores within our department store network.
• Assist the design development of retail stores by supporting the Global Architect’s concept design and implementing in specific locations.
• Distribute to external and internal business partners in a timely manner!
• Participate in project calls, bid reviews and site visits as needed.
• Track projects and maintain accurate records for stores.
• Partner and coordinate design activities
• Working in a highly collaborative and global environment
• Designing in real life scenarios with tangible outcomes
• New challenges within a high-project-turnover role with testing deadlines
• Designing in an environmentally responsible way as well as developing new, sustainable initiatives
• The opportunity to work within a highly reputable global brand with a strong heritage.
• Upholding the guidelines and visual identity of an iconic brand
• Being a part of an extremely passionate team with a common goal

At CHANEL we are focused on creating an inclusive culture that nurtures personal growth, contributing to collective progress. We believe that the uniqueness of everyone increases the diversity, complementarity, and effectiveness of our team. We strongly encourage your application, as we value the perspective and potential your experience could bring to CHANEL.