The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic Director, Store Development for our Chicago HQ to lead the design and pre-construction process for our retail locations throughout the US.  This role contributes to Green Thumb’s success by collaborating with our retail operations team and external vendors, ensuring store designs uphold the retail customer experience standards, meeting cost, schedule and operational requirements for all our retail brands. This individual will be responsible for providing clear, effective and timely communication of design direction, permit process management and is adept at troubleshooting and finding solutions along the way. This role will be responsible for managing over a dozen projects at any given time and requires excellent project management, time management and entrepreneurial grit to be successful within our growing and scaling business.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the design process for all new store and store remodel projects from pre-construction process (real estate site selection, design, branding, architectural drawings, etc) for execution of store cohesion
• Build, manage, and maintain relationships with internal Green Thumb partners and vendors to develop design layouts that are aligned with our retail brand
• Partner with and manage external architects, design consultancies, and equipment & furniture vendors to ensure seamless integration with process flow and that details are aligned with design standards and budgets
• Prepare 2D and 3D architectural plans and elevation proposals for internal review
• Actively engage in and facilitate the design and permitting process of all retail locations in cooperation with cross-functional teams including real estate, operations, technology, legal, and others as necessary
• Ability to balance design with operational needs, budget objectives and delivery deadlines resulting in exceptional store environments
• Collaborate actively with our entire team to assure a consistently high standard of store design quality and timely openings
• Assure design accuracy during bidding and construction phases through review of submittals (signage, fixtures, equipment) and response to RFIs
• Support the ongoing development of design and documentation standards, tools, and processes
• Maintain focus and project momentum, sometimes with limited oversight, in a fast-paced work environment
• Accurately report on design and preconstruction timelines to ensure the retail business unit is hitting designated timelines
• Research local Code and permitting requirements
• Other design related responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or engineering required
• 8+ years experience with a minimum of 5 years experience in retail, hospitality, mix-use development experience
• Licensure in Architecture preferred but not required
• Thorough understanding and knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations and approval process
• Current knowledge of industry trends in retail store and restaurant design
• Proven track record of executing portfolio of projects under tight deadlines
• Strong project management skills required, PMP preferred
• Broad experience in finish selection and material sourcing
• Working knowledge of Building and Accessibility Codes
• Experience reviewing construction documents for quality and accuracy
• Familiarity with jurisdictional review and approval processes (Planning, Building, Signage, etc.)
• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative and able to work independently or among teams with keen judgement, common sense and resourcefulness
• Adapts and thrives in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• Possesses a high level of critical thinking
• Operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information
• Must understand and comply with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of Green Thumb
• Must have a solid understanding of the Medical Marijuana laws, rules and regulations and passion to further their understanding and knowledge of the industry and the laws.

Working Conditions

• Comfortable traveling up to 50% to site locations and being on site at construction project

Additional Requirements

• Must pass any and all required background checks
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
• Must possess valid driver’s license
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
• Must be approved by state badging agency to work in cannabis industry