Senior Associate, Retail Design and Experience, New York, NY

Senior Associate, Retail Design and Experience, New York, NY

Country: United States of America

It Starts Here:

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.  This is more than a strategic shift.  It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:

As a Senior Associate, Retail Design & Experience, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing Santander’s retail experience strategy across the U.S. branch network. You will support the development and delivery of new branch formats and renovation programs, ensuring our physical locations deliver a consistent, customer-centered, and operationally effective experience aligned to Santander’s omni-channel strategy.

Retail Experience & Format Execution

• Support end-to-end execution of retail experience and format initiatives across the physical network

• Support design development and implementation for new builds and renovations

• Maintain visibility into project scope, timelines, risks, decisions, and dependencies

• Ensure retail formats and customer journeys are consistently implemented across markets

Design Development & Standards

• Support space design, finish standards, furniture selection, and customer experience consistency

• Maintain and evolve design standards, playbooks, prototypes, and implementation guidance

• Review design packages for alignment to brand, experience standards, and operational requirements

• Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards based on pilot learnings and rollout feedback

Vendor & Partner Management

• Coordinate with architecture/design firms, agencies, and contractors to ensure high-quality deliverables

• Support vendor meeting cadence, documentation, follow-ups, and decision tracking

• Ensure design quality, consistency, and completeness across projects

Cross-Functional Delivery

• Partner with Network Planning, Real Estate/Delivery, Construction, Marketing, and Operations

• Translate experience strategy into buildable solutions meeting cost, schedule, and implementation needs

• Drive alignment and progress across a matrixed organization

Executive Storytelling & Communication

• Create executive-ready presentations to communicate concepts, progress, and recommendations

• Compile and communicate information aligned to governance processes

• Conduct research and benchmarking on retail experience trends and digital + physical integration

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design (or equivalent experience)

• 9+ years of relevant experience in financial services, retail, luxury retail, hospitality, or multi-site commercial design environments

• Ability to read and review architectural construction drawings and design documentation

• Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail

• Strong communication skills (visual, verbal, written) with ability to clearly convey design intent

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook)

• Ability to collaborate across local and global teams and influence without direct authority

• Demonstrated ownership, urgency, and accountability, with sound judgment on escalation

Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design (required)

It Would Be Nice For You to Have:

• Experience working with an in-house design team, financial services firm preferred

• Strong background in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator/Photoshop); basic 3D modeling/rendering a plus

• Knowledge of finish and furniture vendors and experience supporting multi-site rollout programs

• Strong knowledge of building codes and ADA compliance

• Experience at the intersection of digital and physical customer experience

• Experience within complex global organizations and cross-functional delivery models