Store Construction Project Manager-REMOTE - CONTRACT

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 ManagerThe OpportunityAt 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 Manager, 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 DoingProject Leadership & Planning Lead the competitive bidding process, including:Contractor evaluation and selectionBid reviews, analysis, and award recommendationsReview and validate construction drawings for:AccuracyCompletenessBrand alignmentScope consistencyConstruction Administration Manage day-to-day project tasks such as:Responding to RFIsReviewing and approving updates or submissionsCoordinating materials and delivery schedulesMaintaining up-to-date project timelinesReview and approve:Pay applicationsChange ordersBudget adjustments or impactsOn-Site Management & Quality Control Conduct site visits to assess:Build qualityProgress against milestonesContractor performancePrepare and manage punch lists to ensure all items are completed accurately and on timeOversee project close-out documentation and handoffTravel up to 30% to support construction across regionsCommunication & Collaboration Maintain clear, consistent communication with:Internal partnersExternal contractorsVendorsDesign teamsFacilitate or participate in weekly construction and scheduling meetingsLead weekly project calls focused on alignment across:TimelineScopeDeliverablesProvide proactive updates, including risk mitigation and solution-oriented recommendationsWhat You’ll NeedCore Skills Communication: Clear, effective verbal and written communication with home office teams, field teams, vendors, and contractorsOrganization: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at onceFinancial acumen: Confidence managing budgets and tracking project spendTechnical proficiency:Microsoft WordExcelProjectConstruction knowledge: Ability to read and interpret construction drawingsProblem-solving: Ability to resolve or escalate issues quickly and thoughtfullyTeam collaboration: Experience working with diverse teams and maximizing collective strengthsLeadership mindset: Inspire excellence and accountability across partnersQualificationsMinimum Experience1-2 years of experience as an Intern, Project Manager or Project Engineer preferredRecent graduates of a construction management program may also be consideredMinimum EducationBachelor’s degree in Construction Management or a related field preferredCandidates with an unrelated bachelor’s degree may qualify with 5 years of relevant experiencePreferred QualificationsExperience in retail or hospitality environmentsKnowledge of capital budget approval processesExperience with remodel or rollout programsCAD experience is a plus