This role is critical in translating design concepts into tangible realities within Citi's retail network. Reporting to the Global Retail Design Head, the Design Manager will oversee the application of the Citi Retail concepts into site specific design solutions for West Coast projects and North America Programs. The implementation of these concepts will require detailed planning, precise coordination, and final production of these innovative retail designs. This involves managing internal and external design and project management resources, ensuring technical specifications are finalized, and bringing designs to life through collaborative efforts with project managers, architects, contractors, and other professionals. The successful candidate will ensure the final outcome aligns with concept proto@types, meets stringent quality standards, and adheres to budget and schedule parameters, all while supporting Citi's goals. This role requires expertise in the dynamic retail or banking industry, with direct experience leading design execution for retail programs. The ideal candidate will seamlessly collaborate with the Program Management team to deliver projects aligned with our strategic brand, driving the development of client-centric solutions that elevate the Citi brand and enhance the client experience.
Key Responsibilities
Design Translation & Development:
Translate Citi's retail design concept proto@types at a project level, ensuring design concepts and standards implementation integrity.
Collaborate with internal and external design resources to guide design direction for new and existing retail projects and programs.
Lead the preparation of presentation-level drawings, renderings, and technical solutions to influence and guide the creation of comprehensive design intent packages for retail projects.
Lead the development of schematic design, design development, and construction documents for projects, including reviewing and approving highly technical design deliverables prepared by architects and other consultants.
Influence the application of stated design principles and objectives by ensuring adherence to brand standards, retail store planning principles, and project programming.
Project Planning & Coordination:
In partnership with Construction Program Managers, oversee the management and construction of projects as it relates to design execution to ensure timescales, designs/specifications, quality, and costs are achieved within approved parameters.
Collaborate with Design Innovation, Strategy and Standards Teams to strengthen and contribute to the management of North America design standards and methodologies to ensure a consistent approach to the delivery and design of branches nationwide.
Collaborate with Project Management teams to develop comprehensive project plans that include scope, schedule, cost, quality, roles, responsibilities, communication, risk, and issue management.
Collaborate with Project Management teams during project walks with senior management and stakeholders, to steer the design approach, providing insightful recommendations and influencing project outcomes from early stages, including real estate selection.
Provide clear, effective, and timely communication for design direction and changes, identifying exceptions and proposing creative design solutions.
Quality Assurance & Compliance:
Ensure the integrity of all design concepts and manage internal and external staff to ensure the best creative solutions and brand continuity.
Direct design and technical updates for details and specifications to tighten and strengthen various retail and client-facing design formats.
Proven understanding of expert level retail space planning principles, including baseline ADA and building code.
Support the sustainability strategy by integrating design best practices for green retail building into design and construction projects
Oversight & Risk Management:
Remain connected to Project Management teams to monitor actual schedule and costs against project estimates and develop corrective action plans as required.
Control operational and reputational risk resulting from Citi's Retail Real Estate operations, ensuring adherence to Citi's compliance and control framework.
Operational Tasks:
Reviewing shop drawings and mock-ups.
Conducting detailed construction document reviews.
Performing regular site visits to assess conditions and progress and provide feedback.
Participating in punch list walks to ensure quality and completion.
Attending Owner, Architect, Contractor (OAC) meetings to represent design interests and collaborate with the project team.
Job Skills/Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Interior Design, or a relevant field.
Experience:
Minimum 10 years of consecutive professional experience in retail or hospitality design.
Minimum 10 years as a retail designer within a project team, coupled with 5-10 years' experience in retail construction and store development.
Hands-on experience at an active construction site, including punch listing projects, reviewing mock-ups/shop drawings, and providing immediate feedback.
Successful history of completing multi-million-dollar projects on budget and within projected timelines.
Experience on the owner side is highly preferred.
Technical Proficiency:
Demonstration of 3D visualization ability.
Proven knowledge of building product specifications, manufacturers, vendors, and design resources.
Technical proficiency in AutoCAD/Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and other 3D programs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Project.
Core Competencies:
Proven understanding of expert-level retail space planning principles, including baseline ADA and building code.
Demonstration of strong design problem-solving skills, leadership, and adaptability when facing unique challenges.
Exceptional written, spoken, and presentation communication skills; ability to translate complicated design and technical information for diverse audiences.
Collaborator with the ability to manage strong personalities at all levels of the company, and ease in interfacing with senior management and external partners.
Ability to persuade and influence others through developed communication and diplomacy skills.
Ability to deal with ambiguity, quickly adapt to change, and support evolving business strategy and goals.
Strong critical thinking skills and strong meeting organization and facilitation skills.
Job Family Group:
Corporate Services
Job Family:
Facilities Operations
Time Type:
Full time
Primary Location:
Telecommuter California United States
Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:
$123,360.00 - $185,040.00
In addition to salary, Citi's offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.
Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.
Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.
Anticipated Posting Close Date:
Jan 22, 2026
Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Citi is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Minority/Female/Veteran/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
