Graphic Design Manager, New Development (Corporate)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Design Manager, New Development (Corporate) Company: Eataly North America Location: New York, New York, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: August 05, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manages the end-to-end graphic design process for new store developments and renovations, focusing on environmental graphics, signage, and wayfinding systems.
• Ensures brand consistency and visual integrity across all physical retail touchpoints, adhering to established brand guidelines.
• Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including Construction, Store Planning, Visual Merchandising, and Marketing to execute design projects aligned with business objectives.
• Oversees the creation of a wide range of creative assets for both in-store and digital applications, utilizing the Adobe Creative Suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Design Manager," its responsibilities heavily lean into the operational aspects of design execution within a corporate development context. This includes project management, vendor coordination, budget tracking, and understanding architectural plans, which are critical for successful Go-To-Market (GTM) execution in physical retail spaces. This position is integral to the operational success of new store launches.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative concepts for branded signage and wayfinding systems for new Eataly locations, ensuring visual consistency and legibility across diverse formats and materials.
• Coordinate production and installation logistics with general contractors, signage vendors, and project managers, ensuring timely and accurate implementation of design elements.
• Create detailed mock-ups, elevations, and installation guides for signage and environmental graphics to facilitate clear communication with stakeholders and external partners.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Construction, Store Planning, Visual Merchandising, Marketing) and external partners to align on project deliverables, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Design a comprehensive suite of creative assets for in-store applications, print collateral, and digital platforms, maintaining brand standards across all outputs.
• Conduct thorough reviews of proofs and installation photographs to guarantee design quality and adherence to brand guidelines throughout the production and installation phases.
• Manage and track signage-related budgets, process vendor invoices, and coordinate approvals in strict alignment with project timelines and financial objectives.
• Contribute to the continuous enhancement of Eataly’s physical brand identity through proactive research, innovative design solutions, and thoughtful spatial integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong bias towards project management and operational execution within a design framework. The emphasis on coordinating with construction, vendors, and managing budgets points to a need for highly organized and process-driven individuals who can translate creative vision into tangible, operational realities for new store openings.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Environmental Design, Architecture, or a closely related field. This educational background provides the foundational understanding of design principles, spatial relationships, and visual communication necessary for environmental graphics and retail branding.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a specialized focus on environmental graphics, retail signage, or wayfinding systems. This level of experience ensures a strong grasp of the unique challenges and best practices associated with designing for physical spaces and public-facing branding.

Required Skills:

• Environmental Graphics & Signage Design: Proven ability to design and execute effective signage, wayfinding systems, and environmental graphics for retail or commercial spaces.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for creating high-quality graphic assets and print-ready files.
• Brand Guideline Adherence: Strong understanding and application of brand standards to ensure visual consistency across all design outputs and physical locations.
• Architectural Drawing Interpretation: Capability to read and interpret architectural drawings, construction documents, and floor plans to inform design decisions and ensure integration with built environments.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams, external vendors, and project stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• CAD Software/SketchUp Familiarity: Experience with CAD software or SketchUp is advantageous for creating precise technical drawings and 3D visualizations of signage and environmental elements.
• Budget Management & Forecasting: Demonstrated experience in managing project budgets, tracking expenses, and forecasting costs related to design production and installation.
• Vendor Management & Production Oversight: Proven ability to coordinate with external vendors, understand production processes for various materials, and oversee quality control during execution.
• Spatial Design Acumen: A keen eye for typography, scale, proportion, and spatial layout, essential for creating impactful and functional environmental graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience in environmental graphics and the ability to interpret architectural drawings are key differentiators for operations-focused design roles. This indicates a need for candidates who can bridge the gap between creative design and the practicalities of construction and installation, a common requirement in GTM operations for physical retail.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Environmental Graphics & Signage Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful projects involving retail signage, wayfinding systems, and environmental graphics, showcasing problem-solving and execution.
• Brand Consistency Examples: Visual evidence of maintaining and applying brand standards across diverse applications and physical spaces.
• Technical Design Deliverables: Inclusion of examples of technical drawings, mock-ups, elevations, and installation guides developed for previous projects.
• Project Scope & Impact: Clear articulation of project scope, design process, and quantifiable impact or benefits derived from the implemented designs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of established workflows for design concept development, production coordination, and installation oversight in a project-based environment.
• Collaboration Protocols: Documentation or examples of how collaboration with construction, operations, and marketing teams was managed for design projects.
• Quality Assurance Procedures: Outlined processes for reviewing proofs, ensuring brand adherence, and validating installation quality for environmental graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on new development and corporate projects, a portfolio that clearly illustrates a candidate's ability to manage the entire design lifecycle—from concept to installation—is crucial. The emphasis on technical deliverables and process documentation signals a need for individuals who can demonstrate structured and repeatable execution, a hallmark of strong operational capability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $90,000 - $100,000 annually. This range is competitive for a Graphic Design Manager role with specialized experience in environmental graphics and corporate development within the New York City metropolitan area, reflecting the cost of living and the demand for these skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave.
• Retirement Savings: 401K with employer match (or RRSP, depending on candidate's location/preference).
• Performance Incentives: Bonus program participation.
• Employee Perks: Daily free family meal, discounts at Eataly stores, and opportunities to attend classes on products and Italian cuisine.
• Referral Program: Incentive for referring successful candidates.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time corporate employment. Flexibility may be required to coordinate with project timelines and vendor schedules, particularly during critical development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and aligns with mid-to-senior level design management roles in a high-cost-of-living urban center like New York. The benefits package is robust, offering a blend of standard corporate benefits and unique employee perks reflective of Eataly's brand and culture, which can be a significant draw for operations professionals seeking a stable and engaging work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Eataly operates within the specialty food retail and dining sector, focusing on high-quality, artisanal Italian food and beverage. This industry context means the operations environment is fast-paced, customer-centric, and emphasizes authenticity and quality. For a design manager, it means understanding how to translate these values visually in physical spaces.

Company Size:

• Eataly is a global brand with a significant presence in North America. The company size implies a structured corporate environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within a growing segment of the business (New Development). This duality means operations professionals will experience both formal procedures and the dynamism of expansion.

Founded:

• Eataly was founded in 2004, bringing a modern approach to the traditional Italian marketplace concept. This relatively recent founding in the retail space suggests a culture that is perhaps more agile and innovative than heritage retail brands, which can influence how design and operational improvements are implemented.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Integration: The Graphic Design Manager reports to the Director of Marketing, indicating a central role in the marketing function, but with significant operational interdependencies.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with Construction, Store Planning, Visual Merchandising, and Operations teams. This suggests a highly matrixed and collaborative work environment where clear communication and alignment are paramount for successful project execution.
• External Partnerships: Close coordination with external vendors, general contractors, and signage manufacturers is a key aspect, requiring strong vendor management and project oversight skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Application: While not explicitly stated, the need to coordinate with multiple departments suggests that design decisions for new developments are informed by market research, store performance data, and strategic business objectives.
• Process Optimization Focus: The role's responsibilities in managing production logistics, budgets, and installation quality indicate a focus on optimizing the design-to-execution process for efficiency and brand integrity.
• Brand Standards Enforcement: A core operational methodology involves rigorously applying and maintaining brand standards across all physical and digital touchpoints to ensure a cohesive customer experience.

Company Website:

• https://www.eataly.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Eataly's unique business model – blending retail, dining, and education – is crucial. The operations of design within this context require an appreciation for how visual elements impact customer experience across these different facets. The collaborative nature with construction and store planning highlights the operational challenge of integrating brand identity into the physical build-out process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is a management-level position within the marketing and creative operations function. It signifies a transition from individual contributor to a role with significant responsibility for project execution, cross-functional coordination, and strategic brand implementation in physical spaces. The scope includes managing design projects from concept through installation, impacting the operational readiness of new store locations.

Reporting Structure:

• The role reports to the Director of Marketing. This placement suggests that while the focus is on design execution and operational delivery, the strategic direction and alignment with broader marketing objectives are managed at a higher level. This structure allows for direct input into marketing strategy while maintaining a strong operational focus.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Design Manager plays a critical role in shaping the customer's first impression of new Eataly locations. Effective environmental graphics and signage directly contribute to positive customer experiences, operational efficiency (e.g., wayfinding reduces staff intervention), and brand perception, ultimately influencing sales and customer loyalty. The role's success is measured by the seamless integration of brand identity into the physical store environment, supporting the operational launch of new developments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Potential to become a subject matter expert in retail environmental graphics and store development design within Eataly, leading larger or more complex projects.
• Leadership Development: Opportunity to potentially build and lead a small design team or take on broader responsibilities within the marketing department as the company expands.
• Cross-functional Mastery: Deepen expertise in project management, construction coordination, and cross-functional collaboration, valuable skills for future operational leadership roles in retail or GTM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly defined within operations and marketing leadership. Success here can lead to more strategic, high-impact roles in managing store openings or broader operational initiatives, leveraging the unique blend of creative and operational skills gained.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is a corporate-based role, implying a traditional office setting within Eataly's headquarters or a dedicated corporate office. The environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, geared towards supporting strategic initiatives and new development projects.

Office Location(s):

• The primary location is New York, NY, specifically at 43 West 23rd Street. This central Manhattan location offers accessibility via public transportation, a common requirement for corporate roles in major metropolitan areas.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace likely fosters collaboration, with shared areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project reviews with cross-functional partners.
• Technology Enabled: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite), hardware, and potentially project management tools will be provided to facilitate efficient workflow.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with various departments are abundant, given the cross-functional nature of new development projects. This provides exposure to different business functions and enhances understanding of the broader operational landscape.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. However, given the project-driven nature of new developments, some flexibility may be required to meet critical deadlines, such as during store opening phases or when coordinating with external vendor schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a bustling urban center like New York emphasizes the need for strong coordination and in-person collaboration, which is vital for managing complex physical development projects. The workspace is designed to facilitate this interaction, crucial for efficient operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resume and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and aesthetic fit.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through the candidate's portfolio, focusing on environmental graphics, signage projects, and their role in executing these. Expect questions about design rationale, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Construction, Store Planning, and Marketing to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of project timelines, and ability to work with diverse teams.
• Manager/Director Interview: A final discussion with the Director of Marketing to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit within the broader marketing team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process for environmental graphics, from initial concept and stakeholder alignment to production oversight and installation.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples of technical drawings, mock-ups, and installation guides. Demonstrate your ability to interpret architectural plans.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, quantify the impact of your designs – e.g., improved customer flow, brand recognition uplift, or successful budget adherence.
• Tailor to Eataly: Select projects that best reflect Eataly's brand aesthetic and the specific requirements of retail development and signage. Show an understanding of their unique marketplace concept.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or a case study discussion focused on a hypothetical new store opening. This might involve designing a signage concept or outlining a process for implementing environmental graphics within a given architectural context.
• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of brand consistency, spatial design, and the operational considerations of producing and installing graphics in a retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges underscores the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative talent but also a methodical approach to design management and operational delivery, especially concerning physical retail spaces.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is non-negotiable for the creation of all graphic assets, signage designs, and print collateral.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms for tracking project progress, managing tasks, and coordinating with teams.
• File Sharing & Collaboration: Proficiency with cloud-based storage and sharing solutions (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for asset management and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting Software/Tools: Experience with spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for budget tracking, forecasting, and invoice processing.
• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating mock-ups, installation guides, and presenting design concepts to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how marketing and design initiatives integrate with customer data and broader sales/marketing operations might be beneficial. Familiarity with how design assets are deployed across digital channels (website, social media) that might leverage CRM data is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is a mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. Beyond that, proficiency in project management and financial tracking tools is essential for the operational success of this role, enabling efficient execution and resource management for new store developments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Authenticity: A commitment to high standards in design execution, mirroring Eataly's dedication to quality Italian food and products.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse internal teams and external partners to achieve shared project goals.
• Efficiency & Process Orientation: Valuing streamlined processes and organized execution to ensure timely and successful project delivery, especially in the context of new store openings.
• Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for and commitment to upholding and enhancing the Eataly brand across all touchpoints.
• Customer Focus: Understanding that design decisions ultimately impact the customer experience within Eataly's unique retail environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Engaging early and often with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on design requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
• Solution-Oriented: Approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset, working collaboratively to find effective design and operational solutions.
• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project success.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Prioritizing the integration of design elements into construction and store planning processes, ensuring a cohesive final product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely rewards individuals who can balance creative vision with rigorous operational execution. A proactive, communicative, and team-oriented approach is essential for navigating the complexities of corporate development projects within a dynamic retail environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints: The primary challenge will be to deliver impactful and on-brand environmental graphics while adhering to strict construction timelines, budgets, and architectural specifications.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent communication and buy-in from multiple departments (Construction, Store Planning, Marketing) who may have differing priorities or perspectives.
• Vendor Management & Quality Control: Overseeing external vendors to ensure designs are produced and installed accurately and to a high standard, often at a distance or with complex logistics.
• Adapting to Evolving Retail Environments: Staying current with design trends and customer expectations in the competitive specialty retail market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Retail Design Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of environmental graphics, signage, and wayfinding specific to the food and beverage retail sector.
• Project Management Skills: Enhancing project management capabilities through hands-on experience with large-scale development projects and cross-functional team leadership.
• Industry Exposure: Deepening understanding of retail operations, store planning, and construction processes by working closely with these departments.
• Brand Development: Contributing directly to the physical manifestation of a beloved international brand, offering significant professional satisfaction and portfolio enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to develop specialized skills in retail operations and GTM execution for physical spaces. Overcoming the challenges presented will build robust project management and stakeholder management capabilities, which are highly transferable and valuable in operations leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process for New Stores: "Walk me through your process for designing signage and environmental graphics for a new retail location, from initial concept to installation." (Focus on structure, collaboration, and how you handle architectural plans.)
• Brand Consistency in Physical Spaces: "How do you ensure brand consistency across various materials, scales, and locations, especially when working with multiple vendors?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and quality control.)
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Describe a time you faced a challenge with a signage installation due to construction delays or vendor errors. How did you resolve it?" (Prepare specific examples demonstrating problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Eataly's Brand: "What appeals to you about Eataly's brand, and how would you translate that into the physical design of a new store?" (Show you've researched the company and can connect their values to your design expertise.)
• Collaboration Experience: "Describe your experience working with construction, store planning, or operations teams. How do you manage differing priorities or feedback?" (Prepare examples of successful cross-functional collaboration.)
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of environmental graphics and signage in a retail setting?" (Think about customer experience, operational efficiency, and brand perception.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your approach, the solutions you implemented, and the outcome. Emphasize your direct contributions.
• Showcase Technicality: Include examples of your work on architectural drawings, mock-ups, and installation guides.
• Highlight Collaboration: Mention how you worked with different teams or vendors on specific projects.
• Be Concise and Focused: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your skills in environmental graphics and retail signage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent and strong operational project management skills. Candidates need to show they can effectively translate brand strategy into tangible, executable designs within the physical retail environment, managing all aspects from concept to installation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Portfolio Tailoring: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant experience in environmental graphics, retail signage, and wayfinding. Select projects that demonstrate your ability to interpret architectural drawings and manage design through to installation.
• Resume Optimization: Highlight keywords related to graphic design, environmental graphics, retail signage, Adobe Creative Suite, project management, vendor coordination, and budget management. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, collaboration strategies, and problem-solving approaches. Prepare specific examples to showcase your skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Eataly's brand, mission, and retail concept. Understand how design contributes to their unique customer experience and operational success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details should be verified directly with Eataly North America during the application and interview process.