Nordstrom

Director, Design and Construction (Hybrid, Seattle)

Nordstrom$160K — $250K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of substantial construction experience in retail, especially big box projects.
  • Proven ability to manage large-scale, multi-location construction programs successfully.
  • Hands-on construction delivery experience is essential.
  • Proven track record as a change agent, driving organizational improvements.
  • Strong financial acumen and cost-conscious decision-making skills.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for influencing stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proven ability to handle difficult conversations with various partners.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with executive leaders and stakeholders to anticipate business changes and develop impactful strategies.
  • Lead the delivery of multiple concurrent projects while maintaining a scalable and cost-efficient approach.
  • Set goals and develop strategies for the project management team, ensuring alignment with off-price business needs.
  • Create and enhance standardized project management tools to streamline processes and optimise budget adherence.
  • Develop and manage project teams, ensuring clear roles throughout all project phases.
  • Regularly communicate project status and adapt strategies as necessary.
  • Work closely with finance teams to refine construction estimates and establish best practices for efficiency.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
  • 401k retirement plan options with employer matching.
  • Paid time off along with holiday pay.
  • Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources for personal support.
  • Discounts on merchandise offered to employees.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The ideal Director, Design and Construction will contribute to the vision and strategy for store design and construction of new Rack stores, remodels, and selected projects across the off-price fleet. This leader is a proven change agent with deep, hands-on construction experience — ideally in big box retail — who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and demonstrates excellence in managing multiple concurrent rollouts with agility, cost discipline, and precision.

This role demands a dynamic people leader who builds strong relationships, navigates difficult conversations with confidence, and balances strategic decision-making with hands-on execution to drive business and team outcomes — all of which are a regular part of day-to-day construction management. The Director will drive speed to market and cost efficiencies across the Rack portfolio, bringing a rollout mindset and a relentless focus on execution and accountability.

This role requires a strong ability to lead and navigate cross-functional partnerships, including internal teams, third-party vendors, and external consultants. The Director will be responsible for managing down the pyramid, ensuring alignment and execution across all levels of the organization. Travel is expected to support project oversight and stakeholder engagement.

This position reports to the Vice President of Real Estate and Store Development for Nordstrom.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Partner effectively with key executive leaders, internal and external stakeholders, and end users to understand needs, anticipate future business changes, and proactively build strategies that influence and lead cross-functional teams and third-party partners in delivering high-impact results aligned with business goals.
  • Lead rollout delivery across the Nordstrom Rack fleet — managing multiple concurrent projects with a consistent, scalable, and cost-conscious approach.
  • Identify and establish goals and develop strategies for the project management team while overseeing the creation, implementation, and ongoing management of department processes to support Rack Store Design and construction objectives and meet the needs of the off-price business
  • Develop and evolve standardized project management tools — encompassing goals, scope, timelines, and task documentation — to ensure milestone progress while driving speed to market, cost optimization, and budget adherence across all projects
  • Build and lead project teams, including external contractors, consultants, and vendors, providing clear roles and responsibilities through all phases of the project lifecycle.
  • Manage and communicate information about project status and changes in strategy, initiatives, standards, priorities, and resource allocation.
  • Partner with Rack and Store Design Finance teams to develop, document, and refine construction estimates while managing and reporting on budgets to drive efficiencies; establish Rack construction standards and best practices through contractor, vendor, and supplier relationships to consistently meet quality, time, and cost expectations

Qualifications:

  • Deep, demonstrated construction experience with a track record of delivering large-scale retail or big box projects. Experience at a direct competitor or comparable retailer strongly preferred.
  • Proven rollout expertise — experience managing high-volume, multi-location construction programs on time and on budget.
  • Candidates must have substantial hands-on construction delivery experience.
  • Change agent with the ability to build new processes, challenge the status quo, and drive organizational improvement.
  • Strong financial acumen — cost-conscious decision-making is core to this role.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; able to influence at all levels and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to make difficult decisions and lead challenging conversations with contractors, vendors, and internal partners.
  • Ability to travel as required to support project oversight across the Rack fleet.

Pay Range Details


The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

$160,000.00 - $250,000.00 Annual

We27ve got you covered26hellip;


Our employees are our most important asset and that27s reflected in our benefits.Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:

  • Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources

This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_20-21.pdf

A few more important points...


The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It27s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.

About Nordstrom

Acquired by Nordstrom in March 2011, HauteLook is a place where you'll discover thousands of the top fashion and lifestyle brands at amazing savings. Each day at 8 AM Pacific, shop new sale events featuring the best names in women's and men's fashion, beauty, and home décor at up to 75% off. Membership is free and everyone is welcome. HauteLook launched in 2007 and is headquartered in Los Angeles. See what the buzz is all about! Register now to become a HauteLook member. www.hautelook.com

Nordstrom Careers

Join the vibrant team at Nordstrom, a leader in the retail industry, where your career growth and development are prioritized. At Nordstrom, we offer a wide array of job opportunities that allow professionals to thrive in an innovative and supportive environment. Work You’ll Do At Nordstrom, we are committed to driving success not only for our company but for each individual who joins our team. Whether you are looking for a position in sales, management, or corporate roles, Nordstrom provides a platform for professional growth through hands-on experience and high-quality leadership training. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a workplace where everyone can truly belong and excel. Nordstrom’s market-leading team is at the forefront of retail innovation and customer service excellence. By joining us, you will collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to reshaping the future of retail through cutting-edge technology and exceptional service strategies. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Nordstrom internship. Our programs offer invaluable industry insights and hands-on experience, making them a perfect starting point for students and recent graduates eager to make their mark in the retail sector. Interns at Nordstrom gain practical skills and are often considered for full-time positions, reflecting our commitment to nurturing talent from within. Employee Benefits and Culture Nordstrom’s reputation is built not only on our commitment to customers but also on our dedication to our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits at Nordstrom include health insurance, employee discounts, and access to wellness programs. Our culture at Nordstrom is one of collaboration, innovation, and respect. We believe in the power of working together as a team, where each member’s contribution is valued. Networking within the company is encouraged, fostering a community of support and continuous learning. Career Advancement Opportunities Nordstrom believes in the growth of our employees. With a variety of training and development programs, employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers within the company. Leadership development and succession planning are integral parts of our commitment to employee advancement. Join Our Team Explore the exciting career and employment opportunities available at Nordstrom today. We are actively hiring and looking for ambitious, creative, and driven individuals to join our team. Search open positions that match your skills and interests on our Jobs page. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work at Nordstrom. Subscribe to our Careers Blog and personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the rewarding career opportunities waiting for you at Nordstrom, where we turn jobs into pathways for professional growth and personal achievement. Join us and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Learn more about Nordstrom
Size
60,000 employees
Market Cap
$2.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$531 million
Founded
1901
5 Year Trend
-5.8%
Revenue
$10.7 billion
NASDAQ

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