layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

LAYIQ - Sr Manager, Store Design at Walt Disney

In this management role, you will lead multiple related store design teams, guiding concept development, design execution, and project delivery for retail locations that support Walt Disney World and special locations creative, guest-focused, and consumer-driven business. You will set departmental strategies and priorities, allocate resources, and partner across operations, merchandising, facilities, and external vendors to deliver innovative, on-brand environments that elevate the guest and consumer experience. This role matters because it connects design vision to business goals, requiring a strategic, collaborative, detail-oriented leader who can mentor others, manage complexity, and drive results in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
Lead and manage day-to-day store design activities from concept through project completion, ensuring alignment with business goals, brand standards, and operational needs.
Oversee the creation of design concepts, store layouts, finish selections, fixture design, and visual storytelling elements that bring Disney stories to life in retail environments.
Provide leadership, coaching, and development to the Store Design & Development team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and an inclusive, team-oriented culture.
Review, interpret, and provide direction on architectural drawings, engineering documents, and vendor shop drawings to ensure accuracy, adherence to design intent, and compliance with codes and standards.
Drive project management excellence by managing multiple concurrent projects, ensuring deliverables meet established timelines, budgets, and quality expectations in fast-paced environments.
Monitor and manage all design milestones and deliverables, proactively identifying risks and implementing solutions to maintain project momentum and schedule integrity.
Resolve design issues quickly during construction and build-out phases, partnering with internal and external teams to protect design intent and guest experience.
Lead cross-functional meetings to align design direction, communicate changes, and ensure seamless coordination across partners and stakeholders.
Represent Store Design as the subject matter expert in internal and external forums, providing guidance, recommendations, and design leadership while influencing without direct authority.
Build strong, collaborative relationships with partners across Operations, Merchandising, Facilities, Architecture & Engineering, and external vendors to support shared objectives and guest-focused outcomes.
Contribute to departmental innovation by supporting pilot programs, process improvements, and new design initiatives that enhance creative, consumer, and operational performance.
Ensure all projects reflect Disney's commitment to quality, storytelling, and exceptional guest experience across theme parks, resorts, cruise, and retail locations.
Define strategies, expectations, and priorities that connect team responsibilities to company-wide goals, empowering teams to pursue solutions for both immediate and future challenges.
Required Qualifications & Skills: Minimum 8+ years of experience in retail design, store planning, or related architectural design roles including branded architecture or experiential design, with a major retail company or top design agency.
3+ years of management experience leading professional design teams.
Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural and engineering documents, shop drawings, and specifications.
Deep knowledge of building codes, retail design standards, and construction processes for store environments.
Ability to communicate design concepts visually and verbally to leadership and cross-functional partners, including executive stakeholders.
Proven ability to manage multiple fast-paced projects with strict adherence to budget, schedule, and quality requirements.
Demonstrated success working within cross-functional teams and influencing without authority in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Project).
Proficiency in 3D rendering and visualization tools and familiarity with CAD-based workflows.
Strong organizational, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills; results-oriented, self-motivated, and able to operate independently while escalating appropriately.

Sr Manager, Store Design

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You will report to the Director, Store Design & Development

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