Senior Store Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Store Design Manager

Company: DICK’S Sporting Goods

Location: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Retail Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-07-24

Experience Level: 7-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and execution of new and remodeled retail store environments, directly impacting the athlete experience and brand presentation.

• Drive innovation in store design by staying ahead of retail trends, technologies, and sustainable practices to enhance store performance.

• Manage and mentor a team of Store Designers, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and design excellence within the organization.

• Oversee complex, large-scale projects from concept through completion, ensuring adherence to budget, timeline, and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the broader operational framework of DICK'S Sporting Goods, focusing on the physical retail space as a critical touchpoint for customer engagement and sales. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, the Senior Store Design Manager significantly influences sales outcomes and operational efficiency through strategic store layouts and customer journey design. Success in this role requires a blend of creative design expertise and strong project management capabilities, with a keen understanding of how store design impacts retail operations and customer behavior.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design development for complex, large-scale projects including new store openings, major remodels, and strategic retail initiatives, ensuring alignment with brand identity and business goals.

• Translate business objectives, customer insights, and merchandising strategies into actionable design concepts and prototypes, utilizing 3D modeling and 2D drawings for compelling presentations to senior leadership.

• Develop and maintain design standards, guidelines, and best practices to ensure consistency, quality, and operational efficiency across the entire store network.

• Proactively identify and resolve design challenges, leveraging creative problem-solving skills to overcome site-specific constraints and optimize space utilization for maximum impact on foot traffic and engagement.

• Inspire, mentor, and develop a team of Store Designers, fostering a high-performing environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional growth through individualized development plans (IDPs).

• Manage the value engineering process to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities without negatively impacting the customer experience or brand integrity.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Merchandising, Operations, Marketing, Visual Merchandising) and external partners (agencies, vendors, architects) to ensure seamless integration of design into broader business strategies and operational plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "value engineering" and "cost savings" without impacting customer experience highlights a key operational concern. This indicates the role requires a pragmatic approach to design, balancing aesthetic vision with fiscal responsibility and operational feasibility. The responsibility for managing prototype designs and ensuring adherence to company requirements by external architects also points to a strong need for process management and quality control within the design execution phase.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design (or equivalent experience).

Experience: 7-10 years of experience in Architecture, Interior Design, or Retail design industry/environments.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in architectural and design software, including Revit BIM, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCad, and Sketchup.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multiple complex, large-scale retail design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Expertise in applying design skills, including concept development, ideation, spatial design, and space planning layouts.

• Strong understanding of production design, fabrication, materiality, and emerging retail design trends and technologies.

• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills for effectively collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Proven ability to confidently present design concepts and project updates to Executive Leadership.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate design documentation.

• Highly collaborative mindset, capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a team. Preferred Skills:

• Architect or Interior Design License.

• Experience with V-Ray and Enscape rendering software.

• Cross-functional knowledge in Merchandising, Store Operations, Planning, and Visual Merchandising.

• Experience in sustainable design practices and their application in retail environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing projects that demonstrate not only creative vision but also practical application, problem-solving, and successful project delivery within retail contexts. Highlighting projects involving remodels, new store openings, and initiatives that improved customer flow or sales performance will be particularly impactful.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of successful retail design projects, including new store designs, major remodels, and strategic initiative implementations.

• Demonstrate proficiency in translating business objectives and customer insights into tangible design solutions that enhance the retail experience.

• Include examples of 3D models, 2D drawings, and compelling visual presentations used to articulate design vision and secure leadership approval.

• Showcase case studies that highlight your ability to manage projects from concept to completion, detailing challenges overcome, solutions implemented, and project outcomes, particularly focusing on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Process Documentation:

• Examples of established design standards, guidelines, and best practices that ensure consistency and quality across a retail network.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to managing the entire design process, from initial concept development through to final execution and implementation.

• Evidence of proactive problem-solving and creative resolution of site-specific design constraints, demonstrating efficiency in project execution.

• Demonstrate experience in leading value engineering processes, detailing how cost savings were identified and implemented without compromising customer experience or brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of process. Candidates should curate their portfolio to explicitly highlight their project management methodologies, their approach to value engineering, and how they translate strategic business goals into physical retail spaces. Documenting the "why" behind design decisions and the resulting impact is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Store Design Manager role in Warsaw, Poland, with 7-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is approximately 180,000 - 280,000 PLN annually. This estimation considers the cost of living in Warsaw, the specialized nature of retail design management, and the senior level of the position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement savings plan with potential company matching contributions.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Employee discounts on DICK’S Sporting Goods merchandise.

• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between remote work and in-office collaboration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, specific in-office days (estimated 2 days per week) will be determined by team needs and project requirements. Flexibility may be offered based on project demands and individual performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in Warsaw. DICK'S Sporting Goods' specific compensation structure may vary. The benefits listed are typical for a company of this size and industry in the region; candidates should confirm exact details during the interview process. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong time management and self-discipline.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods Retail. DICK'S Sporting Goods operates within a competitive retail landscape, focusing on providing a comprehensive selection of athletic apparel, footwear, and equipment. The company emphasizes its role in empowering athletes and fostering a passion for sports within the communities it serves.

Company Size: DICK'S Sporting Goods is a large, publicly traded company with a significant retail footprint. This means the Senior Store Design Manager will be part of a well-established organization with structured processes, ample resources, and opportunities for large-scale impact.

Founded: DICK'S Sporting Goods was founded in 1948, bringing a long history and deep expertise in the sporting goods retail sector. This heritage suggests a company culture that values tradition while embracing innovation to stay relevant in a dynamic market.

Team Structure:

• The Store Design team is likely a specialized unit within the broader Store Development or Operations division, comprising several Store Designers and reporting to a Director or VP of Store Design/Development.

• The reporting structure would place the Senior Store Design Manager at a leadership level, overseeing a team of designers and acting as a key liaison between design, merchandising, and operations.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with frequent interaction with Merchandising, Operations, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, and external architectural/construction partners. Methodology:

• Data Analysis: Design decisions are informed by sales data, customer traffic patterns, and market research to optimize store layouts for performance.

• Workflow Planning: A structured approach to project management is employed, moving from conceptualization and schematic design through to detailed construction documents and site implementation.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not directly in an IT operations role, the design team leverages advanced software (Revit BIM) for efficiency, consistency, and to facilitate value engineering.

Company Website: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "how positively sports can change lives" and creating an "inclusive and diverse workforce" suggests a culture that values purpose-driven work and employee well-being. For a design manager, this translates to opportunities to create inspiring and accessible retail spaces that reflect these values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level management position, indicating significant responsibility for strategic direction, team leadership, and project oversight. It represents a mid-to-senior career stage for a design professional, moving from individual contribution to managing both projects and people.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Store Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Store Design, Director of Store Development, or a similar senior leader within the Operations or Real Estate division. They will directly manage a team of Store Designers.

Operations Impact: The role has a substantial impact on the operational efficiency and revenue generation of DICK'S Sporting Goods stores. Strategic store design influences customer flow, product visibility, purchasing decisions, and overall shopping experience, directly contributing to sales performance and brand perception. Efficient store layouts can also streamline operational tasks for store staff.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles overseeing larger teams or broader design/development functions within the company.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunities to shape the future of DICK'S Sporting Goods' retail presence by leading innovative design initiatives and contributing to long-term strategic planning.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable retail design, experiential retail, or digital integration within physical spaces.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain broader exposure to other retail operations functions through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a need for demonstrated leadership and strategic thinking beyond just design execution. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they've influenced design strategy, managed teams, and contributed to business outcomes in previous roles. The hybrid work model also suggests a need for candidates who can maintain high performance and team cohesion in a distributed environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, meaning it involves a combination of remote work and in-office presence at DICK'S Sporting Goods' Customer Support Center in Warsaw. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Customer Support Center in Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland. This location will serve as the hub for team meetings, cross-functional collaboration, and access to company resources.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment likely fosters collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially design studios equipped with necessary software and hardware.

• Access to advanced design tools (Revit BIM, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) and potentially visualization software (V-Ray, Enscape) is expected for effective design work.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with design team members, cross-functional partners, and leadership will be present during in-office days, facilitating idea exchange and project alignment.

Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement will require careful management of time to balance remote productivity with in-office collaboration. Specific in-office days will likely be scheduled to maximize team interaction and project alignment, while remote days allow for focused design work and personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role requires candidates to be comfortable with both independent work and collaborative in-office sessions. Those who thrive on structured collaboration and can demonstrate effective time management in a hybrid setting will be well-suited. The expectation of 2 days in the office is a key detail for candidates to consider for their work-life balance and logistical planning.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and design capabilities. Be prepared to highlight your most relevant retail design projects and leadership experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, leadership style, design philosophy, and how you align with DICK'S Sporting Goods' values and strategic goals. Expect questions about your approach to team management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Design Challenge/Presentation: A potential exercise where you might be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or tackle a design problem related to retail environments. Focus on articulating your process, design rationale, and the impact of your work.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Operations, or Marketing to assess your ability to collaborate and understand diverse business needs.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant retail design projects. Prioritize those demonstrating innovation, successful project delivery, and positive business impact (e.g., increased sales, improved customer flow).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design process, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes. Use strong visuals and concise descriptions.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Explicitly show examples of your work in Revit BIM, AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of projects where you led a team, managed multiple stakeholders, or influenced design strategy.

• Address Value Engineering: If possible, include a project where you successfully implemented cost-saving measures without compromising design intent or customer experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Research DICK'S Sporting Goods' current store formats, brand positioning, and target audience.

• Focus on Process: Be ready to walk through your design process step-by-step, explaining your rationale at each stage.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your past projects.

• Prepare for Hybrid Work: Be ready to discuss how you manage productivity and collaboration in a hybrid environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of not using AI tools during interviews is a significant point. Candidates should be prepared for a very direct and authentic interview process, focusing on their own skills, experience, and critical thinking. The portfolio is paramount and should be meticulously prepared to serve as a visual resume and a strong foundation for interview discussions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit BIM: Essential for creating detailed architectural models, managing project data, and facilitating collaboration with construction teams. Proficiency is a must for complex project delivery.

• AutoCad: Standard for 2D drafting and technical drawings, often used for site plans, floor plans, and detailed elevations.

• Sketchup: Useful for quick 3D conceptualization, massing studies, and preliminary design explorations.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): Critical for creating compelling visual presentations, mood boards, graphics, and refining design deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, the Senior Store Design Manager will likely interact with reports on store performance, foot traffic, and sales data to inform design decisions and measure the impact of design initiatives. Familiarity with how design influences these metrics is key. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to core design responsibilities, but understanding how store design integrates with CRM strategies (e.g., customer journey mapping) and store operations automation could be beneficial. Visualization Software (Preferred):

• V-Ray / Enscape: These rendering engines are valuable for creating photorealistic visualizations that effectively communicate design intent and atmosphere to stakeholders, aiding in decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit BIM is a critical technical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience level with this software and how they leverage its capabilities for complex retail design projects, including its BIM features for integrated project delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Athlete-Centricity: A core value that translates to designing spaces that enhance the experience for every customer, from casual shoppers to serious athletes.

• Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and adopt new technologies and trends to keep retail environments fresh and engaging.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and open communication, both within the design team and across various departments, to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Accountability: A commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget, with a focus on smart design solutions that optimize operational performance.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: A value reflected in creating welcoming and accessible store environments for all customers and fostering a diverse and inclusive internal team.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively partners with Merchandising, Operations, Marketing, and Visual Merchandising to ensure store designs are holistically aligned with business strategies.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture for constructive feedback within the design team and from stakeholders to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, design trends, and lessons learned to foster continuous improvement and collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "how positively sports can change lives" and "creating an inclusive and diverse workforce" are central. Candidates should consider how their design philosophy and leadership approach align with these principles, and be ready to discuss examples of creating inclusive or impactful retail experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Budget: The constant challenge of introducing cutting-edge design concepts while adhering to strict budget constraints and value engineering targets.

• Multi-Project Management: Effectively juggling numerous complex projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements, timelines, and stakeholders.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating diverse priorities and perspectives from various departments (Merchandising, Operations, Marketing) to ensure cohesive design outcomes.

• Adapting to Evolving Retail Trends: Staying ahead of rapid changes in consumer behavior, technology, and retail formats to ensure store designs remain relevant and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Revit BIM, advanced rendering software, or new design visualization tools.

• Retail Industry Conferences: Participation in leading retail design and industry events to gain insights into emerging trends and network with peers.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to training and mentorship focused on enhancing management skills, strategic thinking, and executive communication.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to learn about different facets of retail operations through collaboration, potentially leading to broader career paths within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of "adapting to evolving retail trends" is particularly relevant given the dynamic nature of the sporting goods market. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their strategies for staying current and how they incorporate future-forward thinking into their design work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a brand's core values and merchandising strategy into a physical retail environment. How do you ensure the design supports both the customer experience and operational efficiency?" (Focus on your systematic approach, stakeholder engagement, and ROI considerations.)

• "How have you managed conflicting priorities or feedback from different departments (e.g., Merchandising vs. Operations) in past design projects? Provide a specific example." (Highlight your negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.)

• "Walk me through a challenging retail design project you managed. What were the key obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome in terms of budget, timeline, and impact?" (Prepare a concise case study with quantifiable results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for DICK'S Sporting Goods' store design strategy in the current retail landscape?" (Demonstrate your understanding of the brand, industry, and competitive environment.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within a design team, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Discuss your leadership philosophy and practical strategies for team cohesion and creativity.)

• "How do you measure the success of a store design project beyond aesthetics? What operational or business metrics do you consider?" (Focus on data-driven decision-making and impact assessment.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, aim for a 3-5 minute overview that clearly articulates the problem, your solution, your process, and the results.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images and clear graphics. Ensure text is readable and annotations are helpful.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your work demonstrates proficiency in Revit BIM, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Adobe Suite, and any visualization tools.

• Emphasize Leadership: If applicable, highlight your role in leading teams, managing budgets, or influencing strategic decisions.

• Address Value Engineering: Be ready to discuss specific instances where you contributed to cost savings while maintaining design integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the explicit instruction against AI use, interviewers will likely probe deeply into the candidate's personal thought process, problem-solving skills, and original contributions. Be prepared for in-depth discussions about your portfolio and decision-making rationale.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Store Design Manager position at DICK’S Sporting Goods:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful retail design projects. Focus on those demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, successful project delivery (on time, on budget), and measurable impact on customer experience or sales. Ensure clear visual representation of your work in Revit BIM, AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 7-10 years of relevant experience in architecture, interior design, and retail environments. Emphasize your leadership accomplishments, project management skills, proficiency in required software, and experience with value engineering and cross-functional collaboration.

• Prepare for Interviews: Research DICK'S Sporting Goods' brand, market position, and recent initiatives. Prepare concise case studies from your portfolio to illustrate your problem-solving approach, design process, and ability to deliver results. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration in a hybrid work environment.

• Understand Hybrid Work Expectations: Be prepared to discuss how you manage productivity and team engagement in a hybrid work setting, and confirm your understanding of the expected in-office days.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details, particularly regarding salary ranges and specific benefits, should be verified directly with DICK’S Sporting Goods during the application and interview process. Candidates are strongly advised to adhere to the company's policy regarding AI use during interviews.