Sr. Manager, Design Engineering

About the Role

The Senior Manager, Design Engineering is a senior technical leader responsible for transforming creative concepts into buildable, scalable, and repeatable store design solutions across Gap Inc.’s five brands and sub-concepts. This role bridges creative vision and real-world execution—balancing design intent, cost, quality, manufacturability, and operational performance.

With deep experience in fixture design, materials, manufacturing, and installation, this role partners closely with Creative, Architecture, Visual Merchandising, Sourcing, Procurement, and Construction to deliver high-quality OFI and VM programs from concept through rollout. The Senior Manager drives standardization, consolidation, and value engineering while ensuring compliance, durability, and brand integrity.
What You'll Do

Design Development & Technical Execution

• Partner closely with Global Creative teams to develop, document, and roll out new fixture concepts and store elements.
• Translate creative ideas into detailed technical specifications, shop drawings, prototypes, and rollout-ready solutions.
• Develop and maintain plans, elevations, details, finishes, materials, equipment schedules, and technical specifications.
• Ensure vendor adherence to approved drawings, quality standards, and performance expectations.

Manufacturing, Sourcing & Cost Optimization

• Collaborate with Sourcing to evaluate materials, supply chains, manufacturing methods, sustainability considerations, and commercial viability.
• Identify and document design trade-offs, cost impacts, and value engineering opportunities.
• Research and propose scope-of-work division between vendors and on-site General Contractors.
• Support RFPs, pricing exercises, and shipping strategies (assembled vs. knock-down) in partnership with Procurement and Transportation.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate components and leverage a shared kit-of-parts across brands.

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead fixture quality programs from prototype approval through first-run QA and ongoing durability management.
• Identify and document applicable jurisdictional, national, and industry code requirements for manufactured items.
• Partner with Risk Management to ensure compliance with Gap Inc. operating standards, safety, and warranty requirements.
• Develop material and finish specifications that protect inventory, quality, safety, and long-term performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Rollout

• Partner with Visual Merchandising to document fixture capacities, flexibility, and use cases.
• Work closely with Construction and General Contractors to define installation methods, sequencing, attachment details, and on-site assembly requirements.
• Collaborate with Architecture, Procurement, and Construction on shop drawing reviews and structured hindsight to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain and manage enterprise technical content including specifications, cut sheets, catalogues, and databases.

Leadership & Communication

• Prepare and present clear, data-driven recommendations on scope, cost, trade-offs, and program decisions for varied audiences, including executives.
• Manage and build strong working relationships with external vendors, manufacturers, and industry experts.
• Provide technical guidance and support to sourcing, architecture, and construction partners throughout the project lifecycle.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage timelines for new concepts, prototypes, and ongoing design updates.
• Maintain OFI/VM technical documentation, specifications, and standards.
• Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and scale components and finishes.
• Track and resolve shop drawing feedback across architecture, procurement, and construction.
• Provide hands-on technical problem-solving to enable efficient, high-quality execution.

Who You Are

• 6+ years of experience in design engineering, industrial design, architecture, engineering, or fixture manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge of retail fixture design, manufacturing, sourcing, and installation.
• Strong ability to balance aesthetics, cost, functionality, and scalability.
• Highly collaborative self-starter with the ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD/BIM and architectural tools; strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, tight timelines, and multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, engineering, construction, or related field; professional degree preferred.
• Comfortable working across highly cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.