Director, Store Design + Innovation (SF or LA Based Only)

Director, Store Design + Innovation (SF or LA Based Only)
Gap Inc. is an equal‑opportunity employer and committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We recruit, hire, train and promote qualified people of all backgrounds, making all employment decisions without regard to any protected status.

About Gap Inc.
Our brands bridge the gaps we see in the world. Old Navy democratizes style to ensure everyone has access to quality fashion at every price point. Athleta unleashes the potential of every woman, regardless of body size, age or ethnicity. Banana Republic believes in sustainable luxury for all. Gap inspires the world to bring individuality to modern, responsibly made essentials. This simple idea—that we all deserve to belong, and on our own terms—is core to who we are as a company and how we make decisions.

Our team is made up of thousands of people across the globe who take risks, think big, and do good for our customers, communities, and the planet. Ready to learn fast, create with audacity, and lead boldly? Join our team.

About The Role
As a Director of Store Design + Innovation, you will lead the design process and manage both internal and external teams to deliver key initiatives for store design and brand experience, with an additional focus on retail innovation. You bring creative solutions through design talent, brand knowledge, and retail design knowledge balanced with Gap Inc. business strategies. This position reports to the Sr. Director, Design and Creative Services.

This role is a dynamic lead position responsible for developing store design of the future, fostering a creative process, guiding decision‑making, shaping brand experience, cross‑functional relationships, and design strategy.

What You’ll Do

A design champion and brand liaison leading store environments, ensuring solutions provided are brand‑appropriate and overseeing store design development for multiple brands.

Develop store design concepts and solutions that merge brand and enterprise goals and strategies.

Innovate through R&D of the future‑focused conceptual design of the future retail.

Advocate for innovation by challenging retail industry norms and strengthening brand through design.

Act as a brand ambassador, manifesting strong brand understanding into concept‑lead ideation.

Foster an environment that encourages innovative ideas, concepts, and ideation, empowering internal and external teams to explore and drive creativity.

Collaborate directly with Gap Inc. business partners (Senior Leadership, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Operations, Architecture & Engineering, Tech Services, and Real Estate).

Support internal business partners’ intake of brand goals, requirements, and criteria as a foundation and ensure thoughtful incorporation into overall store design.

Manage the team and process, including direct reports of senior design managers, business partners, and consultants, to ensure creative intent and design results are achieved.

Oversee the process throughout all phases—from concept to construction—for various scaled projects, ensuring integrity of design intent and brand goals.

Accountable for design process management, design approvals, and adherence to established project budgets and timelines.

Who You Are

Minimum of 10+ years of progressive design experience in architecture, interiors, fixture design, experiential, and brand creative that elevates brand excellence (5 years of retail design experience preferred).

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.

Strong ability to manage a design team in delivering complex projects of varying scale, budget, and size, and to guide teams across multiple complex projects.

Experience engaging a design process that unlocks high‑speed visualization, concept generation, accelerated integration, and rapid prototyping to explore innovation initiatives.

Excellent design capabilities to translate ideas, forms, and functions into innovative retail design concepts.

Deep knowledge of architectural building systems (structural, mechanical, electrical), their impact on design, detailing, and code requirements.

Understanding of materials, fabrication, and construction and its relevance in developing forward‑thinking architecture, interior design, and fixture design.

Strong visual and graphic presentation skills, with the ability to create and direct spatial ideas into conceptual drawings and lead design decisions through documentation, fabrication, and construction.

Proficiency in design software to support a robust design process (Generative AI, SketchUp, Rhino, V‑Ray, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suites, Figma, and Miro). Ability to diagram, hand‑sketch, prepare layouts, 3D visualization, and massing studies.

Maintain pulse and curiosity about innovation, industry trends in retail experience and design.

Ability to manage diverse priorities and adapt rapidly to change.

Benefits at Gap Inc.

Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular‑priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.

An industry‑competitive Paid Time Off plan.

Up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of your choice.

Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay.

Employee stock purchase plan.

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Additional benefits available—see more of the benefits we offer.

Salary Range
$150,900 - $217,400 USD. Employee pay will vary based on qualifications, experience, skill level, competencies and work location. Minimum wage or minimum of the pay range (whichever is higher) will be met based on city, county, and state requirements.

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