Reference code: JR131253
Founded in Florence in 1860, Panerai began as a workshop dedicated to precision instruments, shaped early on by a decisive partnership with the Royal Italian Navy. Designing instruments and tool watches for extreme conditions forged a mindset rooted in performance, innovation, and purpose.
After joining the Richemont Group in 1997, Panerai gained international recognition for its distinctive DNA of Italian design and Swiss watchmaking expertise. Today, the Maison continues to create timepieces that push boundaries, translating its technical heritage into contemporary watchmaking for Modern Heroes—individuals driven by curiosity, courage, and the will to go further. We empower those who embrace challenges, value authenticity, and seek to leave a mark, together with a Maison that has never stopped evolving.
MAIN PURPOSE
The Director, Store Development and Planning (SDP) is responsible for driving store development Panerai North America across boutiques (internal and external) and Shop in Shops (Corners).
Lead the store planning from concept to opening. Coordinates with our internal design team, consultants, architects, contractors and business partners from the feasibility study phase, schematic and design development phases through the execution and tender phase to the final construction and turnover. Builds relationships and processes with key partners (business partners, architects, vendors, etc.) with the goal of on time, on budget and quality construction.
Support in maintenance of stores and on-going store operational needs. Support animations and Visual Merchandising as need.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (chronologically not in order of importance)
Key responsibility 1: Location Scouting
- Help in analyzing potential locations.
- Develop budget and project timeline to support project approval.
Key responsibility 2: Design and development
- Lead and coordinate with our internal design teams.
- Be able to support the drawing phase including helping other markets as the need comes up
Key responsibility 3: Pre Construction
- Lead identifying the project architects (and consultants as needed) and lead the bidding process to ensure budget and quality is met
- Work with Architect, and HQ design team, Richemont IT and Security, and the Landlord to align on US codes, and design intent.
- Monitor process though completion of the design set while identifying potential savings.
- Reviewing construction drawings
- Monitor permit times.
- Identify and bid for General Contractor.
Key responsibility 4: Construction.
- Manage entire project cycle, in partnership with immediate team, from conception to close out to ensure timely delivery of projects and within budget
- Responsible for project management of +/- 5 Retail construction projects per year in North America
- Lead and coordination of construction between International SDP, internal local teams, consultants and vendors
Key responsibility 5: Administration
- Responsible for the cost tracking of the project
- Process invoices and work together with AP for reconciliations in regular basis
- Responsible for procuring and coordinating owner supplied item
Key responsibility 6: Repair and Maintenance (on going)
- Work with stores, HQ and venders to solve potential repair issues as they arrive.
- Ensure good working order of Boutiques and corners as needed.
Key responsibility 7: VM Support (as needed)
- Support visual / merchandising as needed especially on more complicated installations.
- Other projects as needed including potential pop ups in the market
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required
Required experience:
- 5+ years of experience in store design, construction management, or a related field
- Experience working for/with architects, general contractors, millworkers and materials suppliers
- Experience in the luxury goods industry preferred
Technical skills / abilities:
- Deep level of expertise in construction materials, methods, timelines, costs, and budgets
- Extensive knowledge of architecture, including the ability to read architectural drawings
- Understanding of building codes, permitting requirements, ADA, energy and other related compliance regulations
- Ability to review, analyze, understand and negotiate bids and costs associated with architectural firms, general contractors, quantity surveyors, and construction management firms
Personal Skills
- Well-developed relationship/stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to take ownership and drive construction projects end-to-end
- Strong negotiation skills
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneiously
- Ability to travel up to 30%
- Demonstrates agility and flexibility
