Associate, Retail Design & Experience, New York, NY

The Difference You Make

You will support Santander’s retail experience strategy across the U.S. branch network. You will assist with the development and delivery of new branch formats and renovation programs, helping ensure our physical locations deliver a consistent, customer-centered, and operationally effective experience aligned to Santander’s omni-channel strategy.

Retail Experience & Format Execution

• Support execution of retail experience and format initiatives across the physical network
• Aid in design development and implementation for new builds and renovations
• Track project scope, timelines, key milestones, risks, decisions, and dependencies with guidance from senior team members
• Help ensure retail formats and customer journeys are consistently implemented across markets
• Support multiple projects through all phases, from concept design through project completion

Design Development & Standards

• Support space design, finish standards, furniture selection, and customer experience consistency
• Aid in maintaining design standards, playbooks, prototypes, and implementation guidance
• Review design packages for alignment to brand, experience standards, and operational requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards based on pilot learnings and rollout feedback
• Participate in design reviews, site visits, and construction meetings to support successful project implementation and design quality

Vendor & Partner Management

• Coordinate with architecture/design firms, agencies, and contractors to support high-quality deliverables
• Sustain vendor meeting cadence, documentation, follow-ups, and decision tracking
• Aid in maintaining design quality, consistency, and completeness across projects

Cross-Functional Delivery

• Partner with Network Planning, Real Estate/Delivery, Construction, Marketing, and Operations
• Translate experience strategy into buildable solutions that meet cost, schedule, and implementation needs
• Support alignment and progress across a matrixed organization
• Facilitate coordination between Retail Design, Program Management, and cross-functional partners to support successful project delivery

Presentation & Communication

• Create presentation materials to communicate concepts, progress, and recommendations
• Compile and communicate information aligned to governance processes
• Conduct research and benchmarking on retail experience trends and digital + physical integration
• Identify opportunities to improve project delivery processes, workflows, and overall program efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of relevant experience in financial services, retail, luxury retail, hospitality, or multi-site commercial design environments
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and design documentation
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, including visual, verbal, and written communication
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Ability to collaborate across local and global teams and work effectively with cross-functional partners
• Demonstrated ownership, follow-through, and sound judgment on when to escalate or seek guidance

Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field preferred or equivalent experience required
• Experience working with an in-house design team; financial services experience preferred
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator and Photoshop; basic 3D modeling/rendering a plus
• Knowledge of finish and furniture vendors and experience supporting multi-site rollout programs
• General knowledge of building codes and ADA compliance
• Interest or experience at the intersection of digital and physical customer experience
• Experience working within cross-functional delivery models