Senior Store Designer

Summary

The Senior Store Designer is responsible for creating and executing innovative retail store designs that align with Buckle’s brand and customer experience goals. The Teammate in this role will combine creative vision with technical expertise to design stores that are functional, visually appealing, and optimized for retail success. The Senior Store Designer will work in close collaboration with the Sr. Director of Operations and Store Construction to optimize pre-development and design team workflows. The Teammate will also work closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, Merchandising, Leasing, Marketing, and Loss Prevention to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to specification.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

This description intends to describe the general nature and level of work performed by Teammates assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Store Design and Development

• Conceptualize and design Buckle retail store layouts, including interior spaces, fixtures, and visual merchandising elements.

• Translate Buckle brand identity into brick-and-mortar stores that enhance the customer experience.

• Create 2D and 3D design plans, renderings, and technical drawings for new stores, renovations, and remodels.

Project Management

• Collaborate with project managers, architects, and contractors to ensure design execution aligns with project timelines and budgets.

• Maintain electronic project files and distribute project drawings to vendors, code authorities, outside consultants, and General Contractors.

• Manage costs, design objectives, and presentation approaches to meet business goals.

• Lead design reviews and provide constructive feedback to designers or external consultants.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring quality control and consistency across all deliverables.

• Develop flexible, adaptable solutions in a fast-paced environment.

• Manage CAD hardware and software systems for the Store Design Team.

Collaboration

• Work closely with stakeholders to understand business objectives, customer demographics, and site-specific requirements.

• Partner with Visual Merchandising and Marketing Teams to align store design with promotional strategies and brand initiatives.

• Liaise with suppliers and vendors to source materials and fixtures that meet design and budget criteria.

• Demonstrate effective teamwork and collaboration across diverse teams and departments.

Research and Innovation

• Stay informed about retail design trends, materials, and sustainability practices.

• Introduce innovative solutions that enhance store functionality, improve customer flow, and elevate aesthetics.

• Conduct post-opening evaluations to identify opportunities for design improvements.

Compliance and Standards

• Ensure all designs meet regulatory requirements, including accessibility, safety, and building codes.

• Maintain and refine the brand’s design guidelines and standards to ensure consistency across all store locations.

General

• Fulfill mission statement by performing job duties with a high level of customer service while contributing to a positive team spirit. 

• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

This position will provide guidance, feedback, and instruction to the Design Team in coordination with the Design Manager and Sr. Director of Operations & Store Construction. 

Education and/or Experience 

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field from four-year college or university; or 5-7 years related experience in retail store design and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in retail design projects or multi-location rollouts.

Knowledge of compute