Fast Retailing Company

Store Design & Construction Manager

Retail & Consumer Goods
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years in retail construction, store development, or architecture in Canada.
  • Strong knowledge of architectural, engineering, and construction standards.
  • Proven project management experience in construction and design environments.
  • Formal project management training; architectural or PM certification preferred.
  • Proficiency in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp is a plus.
  • Experience in multicultural and cross-functional teams is essential.
  • Strong understanding of UNIQLO's brand and customer expectations.

Responsibilities

  • Manage all phases of design development and construction execution.
  • Oversee project budgets, schedules, and landlord handover collaboration.
  • Uphold UNIQLO's layout standards and operational requirements in design.
  • Support the Legal team in defining construction criteria during lease setups.
  • Evaluate and select contractors and architects based on project criteria.
  • Review and approve construction plans, schedules, and contractor deliverables.
  • Conduct final inspections ensuring compliance with quality and code standards.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and performance bonus.
  • Collaborative role with global and regional executive teams.
  • Opportunities for career growth within a values-driven company.
  • An entrepreneurial culture emphasizing real business impact.
  • Modern office conveniently located near public transport.
Full Job Description
Description

Job Title: Store Design & Construction Manager

https://www.uniqlo.com/ca/en/

https://www.fastretailing.com/employment/en/

Position Overview:

The Store Design & Construction Manager is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of UNIQLO's new store development projects - from early feasibility assessment through final handover to store operations. This role oversees design coordination, construction execution, budget and schedule management, and cross-functional collaboration with internal teams, landlords, and external partners to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to UNIQLO's quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage design development and construction execution through all project phases.
  • Oversee project budgets, schedules, and landlord handover conditions in close collaboration with the Real Estate team.
  • Apply and uphold UNIQLO store layout standards, design criteria, and operational requirements.
  • Support the Legal team during lease setup by ensuring construction criteria and technical requirements are clearly defined.
  • Evaluate proposals and select general contractors and architects based on scope, cost, timeline, and qualifications.
  • Review and approve detailed construction plans, schedules, permitting processes, and deliverables from general contractors.
  • Ensure architectural and construction documents meet all UNIQLO operational, design, and quality requirements.
  • Coordinate the timely delivery of all owner-furnished items in partnership with relevant internal stakeholders.
  • Proactively identify and escalate risks related to cost, quality, or schedule to prevent overruns.
  • Lead site visits and walkthroughs throughout the project lifestyle, from initial costing through final handover.
  • Collaborate closely with local architects and contractors to resolve on-site issues efficiently.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable local building codes, safety regulations, and jurisdictional requirements.
  • Conduct final inspections with the general contractor to confirm readiness for store opening, including quality, code compliance, and maintenance standards.
  • Lead post-projects reviews, analyzing budget and schedule variances, identifying root causes, and implementing process improvements.
  • Own accountability for project outcomes, including clear documentation and explanation of variances.
  • Approve and process invoices in a timely manner in coordination with the Store Development Management Control team.
  • Perform other duties as reasonably assigned.

What You Bring:

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in retail construction, store development, architecture within Canada.
  • Strong knowledge of architectural, engineering, and construction standards.
  • Proven project management experience in construction and design environments.
  • Formal project management training required; architectural or PM certification preferred.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar design software is an asset.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across varying levels of complexity.
  • Experience working in multicultural and cross-functional environments.
  • Understanding of UNIQLO's brand positioning and customer expectations.
  • Strong aesthetic sensibility with a high level of attention to detail and quality.
  • Knowledge of flagship and standard retail store requirements.
  • Familiarity with the Canadian retail or construction market is an asset.
  • Results-driven mindset with strong ownership and accountability.
  • Solid business judgment and financial acumen.
  • Positive, high-energy, and collaborative working style.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Comfortable building processes from the ground up and taking initiative in fast-paced, lean team environments.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
  • A high-visibility role with collaboration across global and regional executive teams.
  • Career growth in a company that values ambition, innovation, integrity, and performance.
  • A results-driven, entrepreneurial culture where your decisions drive real business impact.
  • Work in a modern office that is easily accessible by public transportation.

Please note: All job postings at UNIQLO Canada Inc. are to fill existing vacancies within our organization.

Annual Salary: $138,000 CAD.

The annual salary is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills and expertise, and the position's location.

AI Usage:

As part of our recruitment process, we may use technology-assisted tools, including automated systems, to support the review and assessment of applications. These tools do not make the final decisions. All decisions related to screening, interviewing, and selection are made by our Talent Acquisition and hiring teams.

About Fast Retailing Company

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. is a public Japanese multinational retail holding company. In addition to its primary subsidiary Uniqlo, it owns several other brands, including J Brand, Comptoir des Cotonniers, GU, Princesse Tam-Tam, and Theory.
Learn more about Fast Retailing Company
Size
55,589 employees
Industry
NASDAQ

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