Senior Retail Program Manager

Purpose of the job

The Senior Retail Program Manager, is responsible for developing and delivering retail solutions in collaboration with key client stakeholders. This role ensures that all solutions are both globally and regionally aligned, maintaining brand and technical consistency across different markets. Client operates Globally in defined regions – NAM (North America), APLA (Asia Pacific Latin America), EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and GC (Greater China). 

Additionally, the Senior Retail Program Manager will define, implement, and oversee client-specific operational principles within the team, ensuring they are adhered to. The role also involves managing the delivery of high-profile, strategically important projects while training and developing the team on operational principles and project management standards defined for the client. The Senior Retail Program Manager will also be pivotal in ensuring the success of design concepts, sustainability initiatives, and client satisfaction, while coordinating cross-functional teams to align with the client’s strategic vision.

• Develop and implement retail solutions that align with global and regional client requirements.
• Ensure brand and technical consistency across regions for all deliverables.
• Define, in collaboration with the team, and implement client-specific operational principles to ensure efficient execution.
• Deliver high-profile, strategically important projects, ensuring they meet client objectives and standards.
• Train and develop the team on operational principles and project management standards specific to the client, ensuring they are consistently applied.
• Act as the primary point of contact with client strategic business units based in Europe by developing and maintaining strong relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Driving Project Success: Ensure clear briefings, quality checks, consistent pricing, and apply cost-saving measures across regions.
• Driving Success of Concept Designs: Organize resources, manage costs, and oversee design, quality, prototype and production reviews.
• Development Coordination: Supervise design development stages, ensuring alignment with client goals and team execution.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Lead sustainability efforts to meet client expectations in collaboration with the Global Account Director.
• Client Satisfaction: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring continuous client satisfaction.
• Communication: Ensure clear communication with the client and internal teams, providing guidance on projects.
• Team Coordination: Keep all team members informed and aligned on current design concepts and project objectives.

Knowledge, skills + experience:

Professional:

• 5+ years of experience in client services, design, or production-ideally within retail fixture fabrication or a related industry.
• Technical education in furniture, civil engineering, or architecture is a big plus.
• Knowledge of materials and production technologies (joinery, metal works, plastics, printing, and glass works) is a plus.
• Active listening, providing feedback, accountability, and transparency, earning credibility by role modeling. Ability to quickly become a trusted and respected member of the team.
• Strong project management skills: outstanding organizational and planning abilities (juggling multiple projects), great attention to detail, and ability to multi-task while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Negotiation skills: ability to use a range of approaches and strategies to build a strong negotiation foundation and form long-term relationships.

Technical:

• Advanced level of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint is a must
• ERP experience is a must
• Experience with CAD applications is a great benefit

Languages:

• Level of English close to native speaker is a must
• Another language relevant to client needs is an advantage (Dutch, Spanish, German, French)

Personal:

• Self-motivated, confident, and able to deliver high performance and excellent quality.
• Open, honest, and direct in communication.
• Flexible, dedicated, and passionate about the role.
• Organized, efficient, and goal-oriented.
• Empathetic and social, comfortable with daily interactions with a variety of people.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain focus without losing control.
• A perfectionist with a high level of attention to detail.