Managing Director, Corporate Real Estate Retail Design

We believe that, when done right, investing liberates people to create their own destiny. We are driven by our purpose to champion every client’s goals with passion and integrity. We respect and appreciate the diversity of our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve. We challenge conventions strategically to create value for our clients, our firm and the world. We live and bring to life the concept of ‘own your tomorrow’ every day. We champion our employee strengths, guide their development, and invest in their long-term success. We hire optimistic, results-oriented, curious, innovative, and adaptable people with the desire to help our clients and one another succeed.

As a company, we were established by Chuck over 40 years ago to champion Main Street over Wall Street, and to help Americans transform themselves from earners to owners. Through advocacy and innovation, we work to make investing more affordable, accessible and understandable for all. As we enter our fifth decade, we are looking for talented, innovative and driven people who believe they can help themselves, and our clients, create a better future.

Our Opportunity:

This position will report to the Vice-President, Corporate Real Estate (CRE) Project Management, and will interface directly with internal and external clients and partners.  The Managing Director, CRE Retail Design, is a proven leader who will direct best practices of CRE Design operations and financial performance to ensure alignment with the mission, values and objectives of the organization.  Leadership, training and professional development opportunities will be provided to staff at all levels of the Design functional organization.  Collaboration with multiple departments including Brand, Marketing, Client Experience, and other business units at Charles Schwab.  The MD will ensure each project member reflects Client’s current strategy and adheres to established design guidelines.

What you’ll do: 

• Managing staff including Design, Sr. Manager and vendors responsible for day to day design projects which reflect the strategy of the corporation.
• Manage the process of design and implementation of design for retail branch properties.
  • Provide space planning and design direction (interior and exterior) for new retail locations, renovations and expansions
  • Present design solutions visually and verbally to upper management 
  • Responsible for engaging, and managing the agreements with, outsourced architects, engineers and related vendors
  • Review vendor created documents for adherence to Schwab standards and project specific direction
  • Develop positive cross-functional working relationships
  • Provide guidance and expertise for selection of furniture, finishes, and artwork
  • Develop and maintain brand standards and application guidelines
• Develop departmental goals, plans and standards consistent with operational, administrative, legal and ethical requirements and objectives of the organization.
• Probe, challenge, guide and communicate effectively in order to bridge the gap between the business issues and the real estate design solution.
• Plan, organize and direct all activities related to Design staffing, including hiring, orienting, evaluating, disciplinary actions and continuing education initiatives.
• Prepare budgets and ensure compliance with allocated funding.
• Collaborate effectively with CRE Leadership, CRE functional teams, Local Leaders, and Preferred Firms to find effective solutions for retail design issues.
• Develop positive cross-functional working relationships.
• Develop and maintain brand standards and application guidelines.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable statutory, regulatory and administrative requirements relative to Retail Design, and ensure compliance.
• Work closely with direct reports on scope of projects to ensure load-balancing and successful high-quality delivery of all projects
• Maintain effective relationships with CRE internal customers and external vendors.
• Contribute to the broader management of the Corporate Real Estate team through input into and involvement in the establishment and implementation of strategies, policies, practices and procedures.
• Represent the Design department, Corporate Real Estate department and internal clients with an exceedingly high level of professionalism.

What you have: 

• Licensed Architect preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience leading and managing teams in an Architecture or Interiors firm, with an emphasis in retail, office, and corporate architecture.
• An ability to demonstrate successful projects with significant experience in space planning/interior design/architecture for commercial and multi-unit branded environments.
• Ability to translate complex project programs into efficient, compelling space plans
• Significant experience in the development of branded environments through application of brand standards and instinctive layout of brand messaging, signage, graphics, materials, etc.
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects of varying sizes and complexity simultaneously
• Experience with commercial office systems furniture
• High level of efficiency utilizing AutoCAD, experience with Revit preferred.
• Operational understanding of Sketch up, Photoshop, illustrator, and acrobat is desired.
• LEED certification is a bonus.
• Comprehension of building codes and accessibility requirements affecting building layout
• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system & Microsoft Office applications.
• Communication:  Demonstrated ability to professionally address clients, peers, and internal business partners including senior management, and outside resources/ external business partners
• Leadership:  Proven leadership skills to build and manage large and multi-faceted teams having projects of varying sizes and complexity.
• Problem solving: Ability to identify and resolve challenges in a timely manner
• Judgment:  Demonstrated ability to make timely and effective decisions using sound and appropriate judgment.
• Planning/Organizing – A proven track record of planning and organizing large teams and projects by prioritizing and planning work activities through the effective analysis of  information, the utilization of effective time management skills, and the development of realistic action plans
• Conflict Management:  Ability to manage conflict constructively and effectively.

What you’ll get:

• Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits package
• Financial Health: 401k Match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Discounts, Personalized advice, Brokerage discounts
• Work/Life Balance: Sabbatical, Paid Parental Leave, New Mothers returning to work Program, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, Time off to volunteer, Employee Matching Gifts Program
• Everyday Wellness: Health and Lifestyle Wellness Rewards, Onsite Fitness Classes, Healthy Food Choices, Wellness Champions
• Inclusion: Employee Resource Groups, Commitment to diversity, Strategic partnerships
• Not just a job, but a career, with an opportunity to do the best work of your life

Learn more about Life @ Schwab.


Schwab is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. As an equal employment opportunity employer, our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to any status that is protected by law (Please click here to see policy). Schwab is also an affirmative action employer, focused on advancing women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in the workplace. We believe diversity and inclusion are part of our success as a company and our purpose of serving every client with passion and integrity.

If you need an accommodation in the application process, please email accommodations@schwab. com or call HR Direct at 800-725-3535.