Design Development Manager, Store Design

Job Description

Company Description

Job Description

The Design Development Manager, Store Design sits within the Store Design team and is responsible for sourcing and delivering innovative materials, fixtures, finishes, and solutions that bring new and first store concepts to life. This role partners closely with Store Design, Store Concept, Construction, and Global Procurement to ensure creative ideas are translated into executable, scalable, and brand-right physical experiences.

This individual has a strong sourcing background, excels at vendor management, and thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. They are organized, proactive, and an excellent communicator with the ability to manage multiple workstreams while supporting the evolution of our store environments.

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.

What Will You Be Doing?

Design-Focused Procurement & Sourcing

Partner with Store Design and Concept teams to support new and first store concepts, pilots, and prototype development from early ideation through execution

Source, evaluate, and develop innovative materials, finishes, fixtures, and custom solutions that align with brand vision, design intent, budget, and timeline

Identify emerging vendors, materials, and technologies to continuously evolve the store experience and push creative boundaries

Balance creativity, quality, cost, and scalability when developing sourcing strategies for design-driven initiatives

Vendor Management & Development

Own vendor relationships throughout the new & first development lifecycle, including exploration, onboarding, sampling, testing, and refinement

Act as the primary point of contact for vendors during concept development and early execution phases

Manage vendor performance, timelines, and deliverables to ensure alignment with design expectations and project milestones

Partner closely with Global Procurement to ensure smooth transition of vetted vendors and solutions from new & first development into broader rollout, when applicable

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Serve as a key connector between Store Design, Concept, Construction, Global Procurement, and Operations

Translate creative design intent into clear sourcing requirements and vendor briefs

Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities clearly and effectively to internal partners and leadership

Organization & Process

Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining clear documentation, timelines, and communication

Support the development and evolution of processes that improve efficiency and clarity across design-focused procurement workflows

Ensure sourcing and vendor activity aligns with company standards, compliance requirements, and procurement best practices

What Do You Need To Bring?

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience

9+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management, preferably within retail, store design, construction, or a design-adjacent environment

Experience supporting new development, concept work, or prototype-driven projects

Skills & Attributes

Strong sourcing and negotiation skills with a design-forward mindset

Proven ability to build and manage strong vendor partnerships

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Clear, confident communicator who collaborates effectively across creative and operational teams

Self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and comfortable working in ambiguity

Team player with a positive, proactive approach

Our Company

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com.

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.

Benefits & Perks

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:

Incentive bonus program

401(K) savings plan with company match

Annual companywide review process

Flexible spending accounts

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Associate assistance program

Paid parental and adoption leave

Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot

Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace

Paid Caregiver Leave

Mobile Stipend

Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community

Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year)

Seven associate wellness half days per year

Merchandise discount on all of our brands

Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within

Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups

Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU! Additional Information

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Full-time