Senior Design Manager

The Senior Design Manager (SDM) leads the design execution and delivery of new studios and the refresh of our existing fleet. They oversee the development and implementation of brand standards, and own new design initiatives in partnership with cross functional leaders. The Senior Design Manager acts as a key liaison between internal stakeholders, external consultants, and cross-functional partners to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and brand-elevating retail experiences.

This hybrid position will be located at our Corporate Office in Arlington, VA. The expectation for hybrid in-office schedule is three days a week, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Responsibilities:

• Produce test fit layouts for prospective studios in accordance with brand identity, space standards, local codes, lease constraints, and operational needs.
• Develop signage and branding solutions, including the production of rendered elevations, renderings and other presentation materials to express creative concepts.
• Own relationships with key vendors to ensure quality execution of brand standards as well as lead innovations of new design concepts
• Oversee the full design and documentation lifecycle from Real Estate Committee approval through studio opening, in alignment with brand design intent and operational requirements.
• Review and qualify MEP documents for alignment with project and design requirements.
• Negotiate directly with landlords and developers on design-related issues, signage, and storefront approvals as needed.
• Partner with Operations and Field Team Leaders to execute refresh of existing studio fleet.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for brand design standards, communicating updates, and maintaining design standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the development team.
• Support leadership on strategic design initiatives, fixture innovation, material exploration, and prototype development.

Required Competencies:

• Ownership and accountability in delivering results.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Innovative thinking with high attention to technical and design detail.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
• Agility to adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Ability to build trust, influence cross-functional partners, and manage external resources.
• Commitment to quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in architecture or interior design required.
• Minimum 6 - 8 years of experience in retail architecture, design management, or store development.
• Proven experience in managing multi-site retail rollout programs or brand prototype development.
• High proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch Up, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong understanding of construction detailing, MEP coordination, building codes, and retail operations.
• Skilled in project management tools such as Smartsheet or similar.
• Strong design and technical acumen, with the ability to produce and critique drawings and 3D visualizations.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet tight deadlines across multiple concurrent projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and manage external design partners.
• Licensure in Architecture or NCIDQ certification preferred but not required.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive starting salary, based on experience
• Bonus eligibility based on performance
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• 401k with employer match
• Health, dental, & vision insurance
• Flexible PTO
• Free drop in classes at [solidcore]
• And MORE

[solidcore] is a national boutique fitness company with 100+ studios across the country. Our signature workout is 50 minutes of low-impact, high-intensity strength training: the lights are low and the music is loud. The coach guides the class through a series of slow & controlled movements that are sequenced to work muscles to failure. This class is accessible for all fitness levels and can be amplified or modified to accommodate individual goals.

Class is as intense as our reviews suggest, but our instructors go above and beyond to provide a welcoming, supportive,…