Store Construction Project Lead-Contractor-REMOTE

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee's unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of "We Love What We Do," "We Own What We Do," "We Do What's Right," and "We Belong," we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

Store Construction Project Lead

The Opportunity

At Designer Brands, we believe every store tells a story-of craft, creativity, and the experience we want our customers to feel the moment they walk through the door. As a Store Construction Project Lead, you'll bring those stories to life.

This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and central to how our physical spaces evolve. You'll guide the full journey of each construction project-from the earliest drawings to the final walk-through-shaping spaces that reflect our brand and support our teams and customers.

You'll thrive here if you enjoy solving challenges in real time, collaborating across disciplines, and seeing your work come alive in stores across the country.

This position is a fulltime CONTRACT role that is REMOTE.

What You'll Be Doing

Project Leadership & Planning

• Lead the competitive bidding process, including:

• Contractor evaluation and selection

• Bid reviews, analysis, and award recommendations

• Review and validate construction drawings for:

• Accuracy

• Completeness

• Brand alignment

• Scope consistency

Construction Administration

• Manage day-to-day project tasks such as:

• Responding to RFIs

• Reviewing and approving updates or submissions

• Coordinating materials and delivery schedules

• Maintaining up-to-date project timelines

• Review and approve:

• Pay applications

• Change orders

• Budget adjustments or impacts

On-Site Management & Quality Control

• Conduct site visits to assess:

• Build quality

• Progress against milestones

• Contractor performance

• Prepare and manage punch lists to ensure all items are completed accurately and on time

• Oversee project close-out documentation and handoff

• Travel up to 30% to support construction across regions

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain clear, consistent communication with:

• Internal partners

• External contractors

• Vendors

• Design teams

• Facilitate or participate in weekly construction and scheduling meetings

• Lead weekly project calls focused on alignment across:

• Timeline

• Scope

• Deliverables

• Provide proactive updates, including risk mitigation and solution-oriented recommendations

What You'll Need

Core Skills

• Communication: Clear, effective verbal and written communication with home office teams, field teams, vendors, and contractors

• Organization: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at once

• Financial acumen: Confidence managing budgets and tracking project spend

• Technical proficiency:

• Microsoft Word

• Excel

• Project

• Construction knowledge: Ability to read and interpret construction drawings

• Problem-solving: Ability to resolve or escalate issues quickly and thoughtfully

• Team collaboration: Experience working with diverse teams and maximizing collective strengths

• Leadership mindset: Inspire excellence and accountability across partners

Qualifications

Minimum Experience

• 5 years of experience as a Project Manager or Project Engineer preferred
• Recent graduates of a construction management program may also be considered

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field preferred
• Candidates with an unrelated bachelor's degree may qualify with 5 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in retail or hospitality environments
• Knowledge of capital budget approval processes
• Experience with remodel or rollout programs
• CAD experience is a plus

Perks and Benefits You'll Enjoy!

• Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at .
• Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired-wherever you do your best work.
• Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
• We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you'll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com, plus discounts across our family of brands.