Lead Store Concept Planner
Role Specific Information
Job Description
About the Role
This role translates the brand strategy into scalable store concepts and systems that shape the customer experience across the fleet. Acting as a senior thought partner, it drives concept leadership, cross-functional alignment, and clear recommendations that balance creativity, feasibility, and long-term business goals
What You’ll Do
Lead the development and evolution of scalable store concepts, systems, fixture strategies, and brand-level standards that support enterprise brand, customer experience, and business goals, all with critical self-management
Serve as a senior cross-functional partner to Merchandise Presentation, In-Store Marketing, Brand Creative, and Store Operations to integrate brand environment design strategy into the broader brand ecosystem
Shape strategies by defining design intent, frameworks, and principles that guide designers and cross-functional partners, creating and issuing necessary materials to allow coordination, implementation and execution within core team
Own the creation and ongoing refinement of store design standards, playbooks, and toolkits, ensuring they are scalable, actionable, and aligned with brand strategy
Develop prototype development and fixture concepts from ideation through recommendation, partnering with internal teams and external consultants and vendors to validate design, functionality, and feasibility
Support priorities for consistent, compelling customer experiences while balancing creativity, operational feasibility, and long-range business priorities
Mentor and task-lead team partners, providing creative direction, feedback, and prioritization while elevating overall team capability and output
Represent team in key project forums, participating in routine status meetings while maintaining momentum and clarity
Identify opportunities to evolve the store environment with a long-range perspective, contributing to multi-year concept roadmaps and future-state thinking in partnership with leadership
Develop executive-ready presentations and narratives that clearly articulate design strategies, tradeoffs, and recommendations for senior leadership review
Additional tasks may be assigned
What Skills You Have
Required
4+ years of experience in retail store design, architectural environments, or concept development within a multi-unit or national retail context
Demonstrated ability to lead concept development, standards creation, or system-level design work that scales across a fleet
Strong conceptual and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate brand and business objectives into physical environments
Proven experience influencing cross-functional partners and building alignment across merchandising, operational, and marketing teams
Advanced communication skills, including the ability to create concise, executive-level presentations and clearly articulate recommendations
Proficiency collaborating with architects, designers, vendors, and consultants to develop and validate design concepts and prototypes
Proficient skills in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office / Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Working experience in 3D modeling/rendering, including both SketchUp and Lumion or V-Ray software platforms
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in related field
Experience contributing to or leading the development of fixture systems, modular kits of parts, or brand environment standards
Familiarity with retail capital planning considerations, constructability, and operational impacts of design decisions
Prior experience mentoring or task-leading creative professionals in a matrixed environment
Essential Functions
The requirements listed below are representative of functions you will be required to perform, however you may be required to perform additional functions. Kohl’s may revise this job description from time to time. To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, absent undue hardship.
Ability to perform the accountabilities listed in the “What You’ll Do” Section
Ability to maintain prompt and regular attendance as set by the company
Ability to work at least 8 hours per day, occasionally longer when necessary to meet business needs, 5 days per week
Ability to comply with dress code requirements
Ability to learn and comply with all company policies, procedures, standards and guidelines
Ability to give direction and receive, understand and proactively respond to direction from leadership and other company personnel
Ability to work as part of a team and interact effectively and appropriately with others
Ability to maintain composure and work in a fast paced environment while accomplishing multiple tasks within established timeframes
Ability to satisfactorily complete company training programs
Perform work in accordance with the Physical/Cognitive Requirements section
Physical/Cognitive Requirements
Ability to use a personal computer for tasks such as communicating, preparing reports, etc.
Ability to plan, prioritize and monitor activities across business units
Ability to complete or oversee the completion of assigned projects in a timely manner
Ability to comply with health and safety standards