Manager, Design & Store Planning

Embark on a rewarding career with Sobeys Inc., celebrated among Canada’s Top 100 employers where your unique contributions drive success.

Overview

The Manager, Design and Store Planning plays a critical role in shaping the customer experience across our retail network. You’ll lead the design and development of new, expanded, and renovated stores, ensuring alignment with national standards, operational needs, and the Capital Plan. This role guides a team of design professionals, collaborates with cross‑functional partners, and delivers high‑quality, cost‑effective design solutions that support our brand and business objectives.

What You’ll Focus On

Store Design Leadership

• Lead the design and development of new, expanded, and renovated retail stores, from site planning to decor, in alignment with the Capital Plan.
• Provide direction to Design Staff in the execution and production of design drawings and plans.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and innovative team environment.
  
  

Design Standards & Project Delivery

• Partner with Real Estate Design, Real Estate, Regional Construction, Project Management, and Retail Operations to ensure project plans reflect company objectives.
• Oversee Design Staff, including hiring, onboarding, workload planning, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Collaborate with the National Design team to develop design concepts for all projects.
• Conduct site reviews with regional stakeholders to define scope for major capital projects.
• Review and secure signoff on project scope with Regional Retail Operations; ensure all design documents for REAC submission are accurate and on schedule.
• Manage external design consultants to ensure drawings are completed accurately, on time, and within budget.
• Work with Construction and Project Management teams to develop project design schedules.
• Support Procurement to ensure accurate execution of the Capital Plan.
• Assist Real Estate with design components of agreements, including site plan reviews, elevations, and technical assessments.
• Support Construction Project Management throughout execution; conduct periodic site reviews to resolve design issues.
• Participate in final inspections and post‑mortems to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment in accordance with company standards.
  
  

Processes & Systems

• Follow established processes, protocols, and technical standards for all design activities.
  
  

Relationship Management

• Work closely with regional stakeholders to address region‑specific needs.
• Provide guidance, insight, and technical expertise to cross‑functional teams.
  
  

People Leadership

• Foster a coaching and mentoring culture that supports team development and growth.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging and recognizing innovative ideas.
  
  

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Construction or Architectural Technology.
• 8+ years of experience, including 5–10 years as a Senior Store Planner in the retail industry (grocery preferred).
• Project management experience within an architectural or design environment.
• Strong background in retail grocery store design.
• Expertise in developing retail site plans, preliminary layouts, and fixture plans.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD/Revit and Microsoft Office.
• Solid understanding of Building Code requirements and local government regulations.
• Ability to provide clear direction and make informed decisions on design issues with consultants.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and time‑management skills.
• Proven relationship‑building and stakeholder‑management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of expense and budget management.
  
  

Who We Are

Sobeys is one of Canada’s leading grocery retailers, with more than 1,600 stores across all 10 provinces and banners including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawtons Drug Stores. Our 128,000 teammates and franchise affiliates are passionate about delivering great food and exceptional experiences to our customers and communities.

Learn More About Our Story And Culture

Who We Are | Why Work With Us

Total Rewards

We offer a Total Rewards package designed to support teammates at work and in life. Depending on role and eligibility, teammates may receive health and dental benefits, retirement and savings programs including an Employee Share Ownership Plan, a 10% in-store discount at participating banners, virtual healthcare and an Employee and Family Assistance Program, learning and development opportunities, parental leave top-up, and paid vacation.

Sobeys is committed to providing a compensation structure that is flexible, equitable and competitive in the market to enable performance and growth. To learn more about this opportunity including the expected range of compensation in accordance with Pay Transparency Legislation where required please click the “I’m interested” or "Apply" button above. Individual compensation is determined based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity within the range provided.

Additional Information

External websites may share our organization's job postings which includes compensation information based on similar roles and market benchmarks. These figures are provided for general comparison purposes only and are not issued or verified by our organization.

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support efficiencies in the candidate screening, assessment, and recruitment processes. These AI tools do not make hiring decisions on behalf of the Company. Hiring decisions are made by our Hiring Teams.

Sobeys is committed to creating accessible and inclusive hiring processes. We will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please note: Successful candidates will be required to provide documentation to prove their legal ability to work in the position during the onboarding process. Documentation will be assessed by the employer prior to commencement of work.