The Company:

Patagonia is an outdoor apparel business like no other, "We’re in business to save our home planet." Staying true to our core values during 49 years in business has helped us create a company we're proud to work for. Our values stay true to a business that was started by a band of climbers and surfers, and the minimalist style they promoted. The approach we take demonstrates a bias for simplicity and utility; build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to protect nature, not bound by convention.

We look for candidates with proven experience who thrive in a team-based atmosphere. We’re seeking individuals who are passionate about their communities, the environment and caring for others. We need people who participate in and appreciate our core sports. Folks who deal well with ambiguity, learn on the fly, demonstrate sound judgment and solve problems creatively are most successful with us. We’re looking for someone who builds and maintains relationships with ease and desires to put the customer at the centre of everything they do.

We don’t want someone who can just do a job – we want the best person for the job. Yet we don’t look for “stars” seeking special treatment and perks. Our best efforts are collaborative, and Patagonia culture rewards the ensemble player while it barely tolerates those who need the limelight.

The Role:

The purpose of the Retail Store Development Manager is to support new store development and delivery of Patagonia Australia and New Zealand retail store and branded wholesale fit outs. This role will project manage on-time and on-budget delivery of our new retail store and branded wholesale projects, leading the end-to-end project lifecycle deliverables.

Responsibilities include identifying appropriate new locations, site search and negotiation, project planning, feasibility, design, budgeting, sign off, construction, and procurement through managing a large range of internal and external resources. Key stakeholder engagement and collaboration is critical to the success of this process – the incumbent will be comfortable with managing ambiguity, will channel feedback constructively, and be able to understand and embed Patagonia’s values at every step.

Our retail stores are where our brand comes to life, and we consider these spaces as a gift to our communities. We create an environment that is welcoming to everyone, unique, inspiring, and reflective of the local community. This role will honour this through creative design, embedding brand directives, and ensuring that local stories are told to create not only a unique retail experience, but a hub for local activism.

What’s involved:

This is truly an exciting time to join Patagonia Australia and New Zealand, as we embark on the next chapter in this region. A greenfield opportunity, we are seeking someone with extensive retail or hospitality development experience, an individual who has delivered high quality and unique retail or hospitality experiences in the past, and someone who is respectful of and connected to Patagonia’s values.

NEW STORE PLANNING

You will establish and maintain a roadmap plan for new stores, lease renewals and refurbishments across Australia and New Zealand. This will involve:

• Establishing and communicating project brief documentation for internal stakeholders for all new projects, including management, design teams, other relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitating the concept design process for store projects with external design partners; from initial briefing, through to design iterations, and final sign off with internal and external stakeholders.
• Establishing project resourcing through trusted and cost-effective trades or store fit-out partners as appropriate. And then conducting regular review of vendors to ensure positive outcomes.
• Developing and managing project budgets and timelines in line with capital planning and management direction.
• Working closely with internal and external legal advisors to prepare, secure, and execute on all new leases/documentation.
• Meeting with and following up landlords for all tenancy plan approvals.

RETAIL ENVIRONMENT DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

You will oversee the design process for new stores, existing store refurbishment and significant wholesale branded projects through management of an external architects, designers and drafts people. This will involve:

• Producing 3D modelling and rendering of complex branded structures and store environments, through design partners and directly (project size dependant).
• Producing floorplans, layouts, and detailed presentation decks.
• Interfacing with vendors, contractors, and other external agencies where necessary.
• Researching and selecting appropriate materials with thoughtful consideration to sustainability and environmental impact - maintain a materials library and sample boards.
• Implementing Patagonia’s sustainable building principles through all project steps.
• Providing regular communication with internal and other stakeholders regarding project status.
• Collaborating with marketing, product, and retail/sales peers on creative and compelling design solutions.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

You will work "hands on" through the end-end project lifecycle deliverables including concept, feasibility, design and planning, build and implementation – for all new store or refurbishment projects.

• Develop and implement project management plans and budgets to ensure the success of all projects.
• Regularly communicate with key stakeholders to ensure project outcomes and expectations are met.
• Manage communication with cross functional teams to ensure project business objectives are achieved on time and within budget.
• Manage vendors and contractors effectively, for on-time delivery within budget.
• Monitor progress of projects including risks, issues, dependencies, including escalating concerns with a solutions mindset.
• Complete project documentation and fulfil record and reporting requirements for the projects as necessary.

About You:

• Tertiary qualified in Architectural Design, Construction Project Management or similar.
• Experience in a similar senior design/construction/project management role within a retail/hospitality environment.
• Previous experience in leading project teams, in a fast-paced environment, while navigating between multiple projects at once.
• Demonstrated experience at delivering multiple projects in different locations simultaneously.
• Knowledge of fabrication processes: construction, masonry, wood and metal working, lighting, digital printing, finishes, etc.
• Agile mindset and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and budgets.
• High level of project management skills and attention to detail with a focus on premium design principles.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders, and the drive to be adaptable in order to manage great relationships.
• Able to provide folio documentation and supporting material to validate experience.
• Must effectively lead open and concise communications at all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrate strong people skills, problem solving, communication, organisational skills, time management, and multi-tasking ability.
• Ability to give presentations and training to large groups and/or senior leadership.
• Proficient in the following: Sketchup Pro Rendering software (KeyShot, Podium, etc.); Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator); Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word and Excel); Keynote; FTP file transfer; Ideation/visualisation via hand sketching/drawing, model building or other non-CAD techniques.
• Ability to work extended hours and travel when needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Patagonia is proud of our diverse workforce and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from different cultural backgrounds.

Benefits: Patagonia provides employees with competitive benefits package (unique to each role) that may include environmental internships, employee discounts, generous clothing allowance, matching of charity donations, nine day working fortnight, and much more.

Please apply via the below link, including a cover letter as part of your application.