Designer Sr - D&FS
Signet Jewelers · Akron
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Signet Jewelers is the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry, operating more than 2,800 stores worldwide under the iconic brands: Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, H.Samuel, Ernest Jones, Peoples, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, Rocksbox, JamesAllen.com and Diamonds Direct. We are a people-first company and this core value is at the heart of everything we do, from empowering our valued team members, to collaborating with our customers, to fostering the communities in which we live and serve. People – and the love their actions inspire – are what drive us. We’re not only proud of the love we inspire outside our walls, we’re especially proud of the diversity, inclusion and equity we’re inspiring inside. There are dynamic career paths awaiting you – rewarding opportunities to impact the lives of others and inspire love. Join us!
The Senior Designer is responsible for leading the design, development, and execution of innovative retail environments, fixture programs, special projects, and new concepts across multiple retail banners. This role combines strategic design thinking, technical expertise, and project leadership to create customer-centric experiences that enhance brand perception and support business objectives. The Senior Designer manages projects from concept through implementation, partnering closely leadership and with internal stakeholders, architects, consultants, vendors, and construction teams to ensure exceptional execution. This position serves as a key design resource for innovation & Rollout initiatives, prototype evolution, and future store concepts across the portfolio.Key Responsibilities
Store Design & Innovation
- Lead the development of new store concepts, fixture programs, shop-in-shop environments, remodels, and special design initiatives.
- Create innovative design solutions that enhance the customer journey while supporting operational and merchandising requirements.
- Develop store plans, fixture layouts, design presentations, elevations, material palettes, and conceptual renderings.
- Partner with Merchandising, Marketing, Innovation, and Brand teams to translate business objectives into compelling retail experiences.
- Contribute to the evolution of prototype stores and design standards across all banners.
Project Leadership
- Serve as lead designer and primary point of contact for assigned projects, managing scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
- Coordinate internal stakeholders, architects, engineers, fixture manufacturers, general contractors, and external consultants.
- Facilitate project meetings and ensure communication remains aligned throughout design and construction phases.
- Identify project risks and develop solutions to maintain timelines and design integrity.
- Support business case development, capital approval submissions, and project forecasting.
Technical Design & Execution
- Develop and review design drawings, prototype packages, fixture specifications, and construction documents.
- Ensure consistency with brand standards, design intent, and operational requirements.
- Review architectural, engineering, and shop drawing packages for quality, accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
- Support development and maintenance of design standards, fixture libraries, and prototype documentation.
- Ensure adherence to ADA requirements, building codes, landlord criteria, and company standards.
Fixture & Prototype Development
- Lead fixture design and development initiatives from concept through production implementation.
- Collaborate with vendors and sourcing partners on material selection, engineering, fabrication methods, and value engineering opportunities.
- Evaluate fixture performance, durability, and customer interaction to drive continuous improvement.
- Support testing and rollout of new fixture concepts, merchandising systems, and innovation pilots.
Brand & Customer Experience
- Design environments that reflect the unique positioning of each banner while maintaining consistency with enterprise design strategies.
- Apply customer experience principles to improve engagement, product discovery, and conversion.
- Leverage materials, lighting, graphics, and fixture solutions to create compelling retail storytelling opportunities.
- Partner with Visual Merchandising teams to ensure seamless integration between merchandise presentation and store design.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
- Act as design liaison between banners, corporate partners, field teams, and external vendors.
- Present concepts, prototypes, and project updates to leadership teams and key stakeholders.
- Build strong relationships across cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives and drive innovation.
- Mentor junior designers and provide guidance on design standards, project execution, and professional development.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Environmental Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
- Ability to present concepts in 2D and 3D format.
- 5-7 years of retail design experience with demonstrated success managing complex projects from concept through implementation.
- Strong experience in store design, fixture development, retail environments, and prototype evolution.
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering software.
- Working knowledge of retail construction processes, project management methodologies, and fixture manufacturing.
- Strong presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred
- Experience supporting multiple retail brands or banners.
- Experience with luxury, specialty, fashion, jewelry, or premium retail environments.
- Experience leading innovation initiatives, pilot programs, and prototype development.
- Knowledge of visual merchandising principles and customer experience strategy.