Project Manager - Physical Retail Installations

This is a full-time, salaried role based in Boston. Employees are expected to work in-office Monday - Thursday, Friday is optional WFH.

Wayfair is seeking a dynamic and organized Installations Manager to join our growing Physical Retail team. This role is crucial in ensuring the seamless and efficient execution of all in-store and Retail Lab installations, directly impacting the visual presentation and customer experience of our physical spaces. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of project management acumen and a strong understanding of in-store visual merchandising principles.

Responsibilities:

Project Management:

• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans from conception to completion for all in-store installations, including visual merchandising displays, fixtures, and mock store builds.
• Establish clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables for each project, ensuring on-time and within-budget execution.
• Proactively identify and mitigate potential project risks and roadblocks.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including schedules, budgets, and vendor communications.

Vendor Management:

• Source, vet, and manage relationships with third-party vendors, including installers, contractors, and other service providers.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure vendor compliance with project specifications and quality standards.
• Schedule and coordinate vendor activities to align with project timelines.
• Book travel for vendors, and yourself as needed.

Visual Merchandising Expertise:

• Collaborate with the Visual Merchandising team to translate design concepts into actionable installation plans.
• Ensure that all installations adhere to brand standards and visual merchandising guidelines.
• Provide on-site support and guidance if needed during installations, ensuring accurate execution and addressing any issues that may arise.

Process Development & Scalability:

• Develop and implement standardized processes and procedures for in-store installations to ensure consistency and efficiency across all locations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and optimization to support the scalability of Wayfair's physical retail footprint.
• Create and maintain a central database for all installation information, including vendor contacts, installation guides, and project documentation.

Store Accountability & Communication:

• Establish clear lines of communication with store teams, providing regular updates on project progress and addressing any concerns.
• Hold store teams accountable for the proper maintenance and upkeep of installed displays and fixtures, even when not onsite.
• Conduct post-installation reviews to evaluate project success and identify areas for improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with the Builds team, Visual Merchandising team, and other cross-functional partners to ensure seamless project execution.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, proactively providing regular updates and addressing any questions or concerns.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in in-store visual merchandising.
• Project management experience is preferred, but not required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.  
• Familiar with simple vinyl installations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents and visual merchandising plans.  
• Ability to travel as needed to support store installations.
• Ability to create and maintain budgets.
• Ability to create and maintain project timelines.
• A proactive, problem-solving attitude with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to create scalable processes.
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 lbs., hang frames/artwork, and work on 8-12-ft. ladders as needed.
• 20-30% travel required for store visits and new store openings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing third-party vendors and contractors.
• Experience with retail construction or build-outs.
• Experience with reading and understanding blue prints.
• Familiarity with Sketch-Up or similar software.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace.