Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Sheetz, Inc

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Operations / Retail Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-21T14:21:00

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK with potential for on-site requirements)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of design professionals to execute strategic retail store design initiatives, ensuring alignment with Sheetz's growth objectives and brand standards.

• Drive the development and implementation of innovative store designs that enhance customer experience and maximize sales potential through a blend of functionality and aesthetics.

• Manage multiple high-priority design projects simultaneously, from conceptualization through to construction documentation and administration, within fast-paced timelines.

• Oversee annual budgets for design programs, focusing on profitability and efficient resource allocation to achieve strategic financial goals.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing design studio environment by providing regular performance coaching, development opportunities, and effective team leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified as Senior Design Manager, implying a significant level of responsibility in both strategic direction and team management. The "Remote OK" status suggests a hybrid model, where while remote work is permissible, there will likely be expectations for on-site presence for key meetings, team collaborations, and project reviews, particularly given the need for hands-on oversight of physical retail spaces. The emphasis on "customer experience" and "sales opportunities" firmly places this role within a GTM (Go-To-Market) operations context, where design directly influences commercial success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Sheetz Executive Committee, Planning Team, and other key stakeholders to define and execute the strategic direction for current and future store designs.

• Provide effective leadership and guidance to direct reports, including performance coaching, regular reviews, and identifying development opportunities to build a high-performing design and architectural studio.

• Plan, manage, balance, prioritize, and execute multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment, employing strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to meet critical timeline requirements for supporting departments.

• Oversee the development and delivery of creative design solutions for retail physical spaces, encompassing new stores, prototypes, remodels, refreshes, rebuilds, and existing business aspects, to maximize sales and enhance the customer experience.

• Ensure effective workflow and resource prioritization for design teams to translate strategic goals, marketing plans, company initiatives, sales data, and customer feedback into impactful and effective store design solutions.

• Manage, monitor, and adhere to annual budgets for the design area of responsibility, focusing on maximizing profitability and efficient resource allocation.

• Lead the creation of visual positioning boards using tools like Mural to comprehensively represent project evolution and process through design concept finalization.

• Apply expertise in interior architectural design and construction documentation (conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents), signage, site design, and construction administration.

• Utilize high-level interpersonal and communication skills to foster positive and effective relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on strategic planning, team development, and project execution within a commercial retail environment. The inclusion of "customer journey" and "maximizing sales opportunities" indicates that design decisions are directly tied to revenue generation and business performance, aligning with GTM operations principles. The requirement to manage budgets and vendor shop drawings underscores the operational and financial accountability of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field from an NCARB accredited program is required.

• Master’s Degree in Architecture is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in interior architectural design for multi-unit retail, building renovations, and/or new construction for commercial buildings.

• Minimum 8 years of work experience utilizing Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp.

• Minimum 8 years of supervisory experience leading and building high-performing teams.

• Minimum 7 years of project management experience.

• Proven experience managing the customer journey and executing solutions through this lens.

• Demonstrated experience with building codes, materials, and systems in commercial construction, space planning, basic ADA compliance, human ergonomics, construction documents, and implementation of design elements in CD sets.

• Previous experience reviewing, revising, and approving vendor shop drawings.

• Experience creating and maintaining accurate building plans and architectural/interior architectural drawings.

• A portfolio showcasing successful projects in restaurant and/or retail environments that illustrate appropriate experience and qualities.

• Experience managing or involvement in a capital expansion program is preferred. Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise

• Architectural Design Principles

• Construction Documentation (Conceptual, Schematic, Design Development, Construction Documents)

• Revit Proficiency

• AutoCAD Proficiency

• SketchUp Proficiency

• Retail Store Design Strategy

• Project Management (7+ years)

• Team Leadership & Supervision (8+ years)

• Budget Management & Financial Oversight

• Customer Journey Mapping & Implementation

• Building Codes & ADA Compliance

• Vendor Management & Shop Drawing Review

• Strategic Planning & Execution Preferred Skills:

• Master’s Degree in Architecture

• Experience with Mural or similar collaborative design software

• Experience managing capital expansion programs

• Signage Design

• Site Design

• Construction Administration

• Human Ergonomics

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirements (8+ years in design, leadership, and specific software) and the NCIDQ certification point towards a candidate expected to be a seasoned professional capable of immediate, high-impact contributions. The emphasis on "customer journey" and "maximizing sales opportunities" suggests that candidates with a strong understanding of how design influences consumer behavior and purchasing decisions will be highly valued. This aligns with GTM operations focus on driving revenue through optimized customer touchpoints.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing successful interior architectural design projects for multi-unit retail environments.

• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic objectives and customer journey insights into impactful store designs.

• Examples of projects that illustrate strong space planning, functional layout, and aesthetic coherence.

• Documentation of projects managed from concept through to construction documents, highlighting problem-solving and decision-making processes.

• Evidence of experience with commercial construction, building codes, and ADA compliance integrated into design solutions. Process Documentation:

• Showcase of workflow processes used for managing multiple design projects simultaneously, including prioritization and timeline adherence.

• Examples of how design strategies were developed based on market analysis, sales data, and customer feedback.

• Documentation of experience in creating and maintaining accurate building plans and architectural drawings, including construction document sets.

• Evidence of managing and adhering to project budgets, demonstrating financial accountability.

• Case studies detailing the process of reviewing, revising, and approving vendor shop drawings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critical for this role, demanding tangible proof of design execution, project management capabilities, and strategic thinking applied to retail environments. Candidates should prepare to present detailed case studies that not only highlight aesthetic success but also demonstrate process efficiency, budget adherence, and positive impact on sales and customer experience, aligning with the operational demands of a GTM role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $140,000 annually

Explanation: This estimated salary range is based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 8-10+ years of experience, supervisory responsibilities, and expertise in specialized design software and project management, particularly within the retail or multi-unit commercial sector in a major metropolitan area like Pittsburgh, PA. The range accounts for the required NCIDQ certification and Master's degree preference.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Paid Time Off (PTO) including Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education (e.g., NCIDQ CEUs, advanced training in design software)

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to project success and budget management.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. While a standard work week is expected, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and accommodate urgent design needs, especially during critical phases of new store openings or remodels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the seniority of the role, required qualifications, and the location. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, negotiation, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits listed are standard for full-time roles at companies of Sheetz's size and industry, with a focus on professional development relevant to a design management position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Convenience Stores & Food Service)

Company Size: 10,000+ Employees (Large Enterprise)

Founded: 1952

Sheetz, Inc. is a prominent privately-owned convenience store chain known for its unique brand, extensive food service offerings, and commitment to innovation. Founded in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Sheetz has grown significantly, operating hundreds of locations across multiple states. The company culture often emphasizes a fast-paced, entrepreneurial spirit, a strong focus on customer service, and an investment in employee development and well-being.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely operates within a broader Real Estate, Development, or Operations department.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a Director or VP level executive overseeing Store Development or Design.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role will require extensive collaboration with departments such as Real Estate, Construction, Marketing, Operations, Merchandising, and IT to ensure store designs meet diverse business needs and enhance the customer experience. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by sales data, customer feedback, market trends, and operational efficiency metrics.

• Agile Project Management: Given the fast-paced retail environment, projects are likely managed using agile or hybrid methodologies to adapt to changing requirements and timelines.

• Customer-Centric Approach: All design initiatives are focused on improving the customer journey and driving sales.

Company Website: https://jobs.sheetz.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Sheetz's position as a large, established retail operator implies a structured yet dynamic work environment. The Senior Design Manager will be instrumental in shaping the physical customer experience, a critical component of GTM strategy. The company's longevity and growth suggest a stable organization that values innovation and employee contributions, likely fostering a culture that rewards performance and strategic thinking.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Strategic Leadership

This role represents a significant step into senior leadership within the design function. It demands not only deep technical expertise in design and construction but also strong strategic vision, team leadership, and the ability to influence executive-level decisions. The Senior Design Manager is responsible for shaping the physical manifestation of the Sheetz brand and directly impacting the customer experience and sales performance.

Reporting Structure:

The Senior Design Manager typically reports to a Director or Vice President of Store Development, Design, or Real Estate. This position will manage a team of designers, architects, and potentially project coordinators, influencing their career paths and professional development.

Operations Impact:

The Senior Design Manager's work has a direct and measurable impact on Sheetz's revenue and business operations. Well-designed stores enhance customer traffic, increase dwell time, drive impulse purchases through effective merchandising layouts, and improve operational efficiency for store staff. This role is crucial in translating strategic business goals into physical retail environments that support and drive sales targets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Director or VP roles within Store Development, Design, or broader Operations leadership.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to take on greater strategic responsibilities, influencing long-term brand direction and expansion initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, customer experience innovation, or global retail design trends.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related operational leadership roles within Merchandising, Marketing, or Store Operations, leveraging design and customer experience insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical leadership function within Sheetz's GTM strategy. The growth opportunities emphasize not just career progression within design but also the potential for broader operational leadership, leveraging the unique perspective gained from shaping the physical customer interface.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Environment (Combination of remote and in-office)

Sheetz likely offers a modern office space designed to foster collaboration and creativity, while also supporting remote work flexibility. This allows for focused individual work and team-based problem-solving.

Office Location(s): Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This location places the role within a significant metropolitan area, offering access to talent and resources. Specific office details would typically be provided during the interview process, but expect a professional setting conducive to design work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and shared workspaces to facilitate team discussions and cross-functional interactions.

• Technology & Tools: A robust technology infrastructure supporting advanced design software (Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp), collaboration tools (Mural), and project management systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with direct reports, peers in related departments, and senior leadership, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week with flexibility. The nature of design and retail operations may require occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical project deadlines, especially during store openings or major renovations. This flexibility is balanced by the remote work option.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment is key. Candidates should be prepared for a blend of independent remote work and collaborative in-office sessions. This setup is designed to optimize productivity and engagement for a role that requires both deep focus and extensive team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will review applications and conduct a preliminary phone screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth interview with the Hiring Manager (Gina Thibodeaux) focusing on experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and understanding of retail design challenges.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design rationale, problem-solving approaches, and demonstrated impact on sales and customer experience. This is a critical stage to assess practical application of skills.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from departments like Construction, Operations, and Marketing to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of broader business objectives.

• Executive/Final Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to assess strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with Sheetz's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best represent your experience in multi-unit retail design, leadership, and project management. Highlight projects that demonstrate creative problem-solving, budget adherence, and positive business impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased sales, improved customer flow, operational efficiency gains).

• Showcase Process: Include examples of your process, such as conceptual sketches, space plans, construction documents, and how you utilized tools like Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp. Detail your methodology for managing timelines and budgets.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, coached direct reports, and collaborated effectively with cross-functional partners.

• Tailor to Sheetz: Emphasize projects that align with Sheetz's brand, customer experience goals, and operational needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge or case study that requires you to outline a strategic approach to a retail design problem relevant to Sheetz. This might involve optimizing store layout for a new product category or redesigning a specific customer touchpoint.

• Process Optimization: Expect questions about how you would improve existing design processes, manage project pipelines, or implement new technologies within a design team.

• Leadership & Team Management: Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you motivate teams, handle underperformance, and foster a positive and productive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical design capabilities and leadership acumen. The portfolio review is paramount; candidates must be ready to articulate the "why" and "how" behind their designs, linking them directly to business outcomes and operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for creating detailed 3D models, construction documents, and managing building information modeling (BIM). Expect proficiency in creating complex architectural designs and documentation.

• AutoCAD: Crucial for 2D drafting, site plans, floor plans, and technical drawings. Proficiency in generating precise architectural and interior architectural drawings is expected.

• SketchUp: Useful for rapid 3D conceptualization, visualization, and communicating design ideas effectively.

• Mural (or similar collaborative design software): Used for creating visual positioning boards, brainstorming, and facilitating remote design collaboration. Expertise in leveraging this for team alignment and project evolution is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly listed as a primary tool, proficiency in interpreting and utilizing data from sales reports, customer feedback surveys, and operational metrics will be critical for informing design decisions. Experience with BI tools or dashboard reporting may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how store design impacts CRM data (e.g., customer traffic, dwell time) and potentially influences automated customer engagement strategies could be a plus. Integration:

• Understanding how design integrates with broader store systems and technologies (e.g., POS systems, digital signage, inventory management) to support operational efficiency and customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp is non-negotiable. The inclusion of Mural highlights a modern approach to collaborative design, emphasizing efficiency and visual communication in a hybrid work setting. The ability to interpret data to inform design decisions is a key GTM operations skill.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and enhancing the customer experience through thoughtful and functional store design.

• Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and implement forward-thinking design solutions that keep Sheetz at the forefront of the retail industry.

• Collaboration: A belief in working together across departments to achieve common goals, ensuring design aligns with operational, marketing, and business strategies.

• Excellence: A pursuit of high standards in design quality, project execution, and team performance.

• Efficiency: A focus on creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also operationally efficient for staff and cost-effective for the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Engaging early and often with stakeholders across Real Estate, Construction, Operations, and Marketing to ensure designs meet diverse needs and are feasible for implementation.

• Data-Informed Partnerships: Using sales data, customer feedback, and operational insights to collaborate with other departments and justify design decisions.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from various teams to refine designs and ensure successful project outcomes.

• Team Empowerment: Fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas, take ownership, and contribute to collective success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on customer focus, innovation, and collaboration directly aligns with the core tenets of effective GTM operations, where design plays a pivotal role in customer acquisition, retention, and revenue growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing numerous projects with varying deadlines and stakeholder requirements, while ensuring consistent brand standards and operational efficiency.

• Driving Innovation within Constraints: Implementing creative and modern design solutions within budget limitations and the practical needs of a high-volume retail environment.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and seamless integration of design strategies with diverse departmental goals and operational realities.

• Adapting to Evolving Retail Landscape: Staying ahead of consumer trends, technological advancements, and competitor strategies to ensure Sheetz's store designs remain relevant and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, or explore new design and visualization technologies.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Participation in retail design, architecture, and customer experience conferences to gain insights and network.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to company-sponsored training focused on management, strategic planning, and executive leadership.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leadership or to mentor junior design staff, fostering professional growth.

• Exposure to Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in high-level strategic planning sessions that shape the future of Sheetz's physical footprint.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in dynamic retail environments. The growth opportunities are geared towards continuous professional development, leadership expansion, and strategic contribution, essential for a senior operations-focused role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a new store prototype design for Sheetz, considering our current brand identity, customer demographics, and operational needs?" (Focus on strategic planning, research, and cross-functional input).

• "Describe your process for managing multiple complex retail design projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery." (Highlight project management methodologies, prioritization, and risk mitigation).

• "How do you balance innovative design concepts with the practical constraints of commercial construction, building codes, and budget requirements?" (Emphasize problem-solving, value engineering, and feasibility). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Sheetz's brand and customer experience, and how would your design philosophy contribute to it?" (Showcase understanding of Sheetz's market position and customer focus).

• "Describe your experience leading and developing design teams. How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing environment?" (Focus on leadership style, coaching, and team dynamics).

• "How do you ensure your design decisions are data-driven and aligned with business objectives, such as maximizing sales and improving operational efficiency?" (Connect design to business outcomes and GTM strategy). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline: the objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the design process undertaken, key challenges and solutions, and the quantifiable results (e.g., impact on sales, customer satisfaction, operational improvements).

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp in detail, showcasing how these tools facilitated the design and documentation process.

• Demonstrate Leadership & Collaboration: Use examples from your projects to illustrate how you managed teams, collaborated with stakeholders, and navigated complex project dynamics.

• Visualize Your Impact: Use compelling visuals (renderings, floor plans, photos of completed projects) and data points to make your presentation engaging and impactful. Focus on how your designs contributed to business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong leadership, a deep understanding of retail operations, and the ability to translate design vision into tangible business results. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Sheetz careers portal at https://jobs.sheetz.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in multi-unit retail design, team leadership, project management, and proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, and SketchUp. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., managed X projects, improved sales by Y%, reduced costs by Z%).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio that showcases relevant retail design projects, emphasizing your process, problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and the business impact of your work. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., PDF or online link).

• Research Sheetz: Familiarize yourself with Sheetz's brand, store formats, recent initiatives, and customer experience strategy. Understand their competitive landscape and operational model.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions related to design strategy, leadership, and project management. Be ready to discuss your approach to a hypothetical Sheetz design challenge.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.