Manager - Retail Design Pre Development

Position Title: Manager - Retail Design - Pre Development - Aerie Inc. Reports To: Sr. Director - Retail Design, Aerie Inc. Get to Know the Role: The Manager of Retail Design - Pre Development evaluates the viability of potential retail locations proposed by the Real Estate team. In this role, you will lead the creation of architectural feasibility studies, signage and storefront explorations and space plans to determine site suitability for the Aerie and Offline by Aerie brands. As a key cross-functional collaborator, you will leverage your professional judgment to navigate ambiguity, understand the unique nuances of complex spaces, and apply creative problem-solving to address challenging site conditions before project approval. What You’ll Do: Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary design liaison between Real Estate, Construction, Visual Merchandising, Store Operations, and external Landlords during the pre-development phase. Site Feasibility & Due Diligence: Evaluate proposed real estate opportunities, using your judgment to analyze as-builts, existing conditions, Google Earth data, local signage codes, and mall tenant criteria. Identify potential life-safety, ADA, building code, or structural challenges that could impact budget, schedule, or design integrity. Design Adaptation: Adapt current prototype designs to atypical spaces, understanding the architectural nuances of each property to develop innovative layout solutions that meet merchandising requirements while maintaining brand standards. Real Estate Support: Partner with Real Estate deal-makers to present brand standards and design concepts to landlords. Prepare clear presentation materials, test-fits, and renderings for internal design reviews and monthly Real Estate Committee meetings. Vendor & Brand Coordination: Work directly with signage vendors to build code-compliant packages for committee meetings. Coordinate side-by-side branded layouts with the American Eagle retail design team. Project Hand-off: Partner with Project Designers to ensure a seamless transition from the approved feasibility phase into schematic design. What You Bring: Experience: at least 5 years of experience in Retail Design, Store Planning, Architecture, or a related field. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or equivalent experience preferred. Technical Skills: High proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and 3D rendering programs. Familiarity with Procore, Adobe Creative Suite, Monday.com is a plus. Architectural Expertise: Strong understanding of architectural drawing details, construction means and methods, and general building/ADA codes. Core Competencies: Exceptional analytical and creative problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and visual presentation skills, with a highly collaborative and self-motivated mindset. Perks: Why You’ll Love it Here Generous Associate Discount: Treat yourself to the best our brands offer! Summer Fridays (For Pittsburgh, NYC and Remote Corporate Associates): More time for the sun and the weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Casual Dress Code: Come as you are (and stay comfy). Hybrid Schedule: Enjoy a blend of home-office focus and in-office collaboration. In-Person Connection: While we love our digital tools, we love our people even more! To keep our culture thriving, in-person presence is required at one of our Pittsburgh or NYC headquarters, distribution centers or field locations for interviews, orientation and periodic quarterly meetups. FOMO (Fun Office Moments Only) Events: Exciting company-wide events you won’t want to miss! PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION: Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location. Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits. Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE. AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion. #LI-MD1