The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.
SUMMARY:
This role supports the creative and strategic development of the global brand image for Estée Lauder across all retail formats. Reporting to the Vice President of Global Store Design and Visual Merchandising, the Director leads design execution, manages key projects, and ensures consistent delivery of brand standards globally.
DESCRIPTION:
Principal Accountabilities
- Lead and develop a team of designers to execute new brand concepts, flagship projects, and key initiatives that elevate the overall brand experience
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring priorities, timelines, and deliverables are met in a fast-paced environment
- Partner with Global Marketing, Creative, and Visual Merchandising to ensure cohesive brand expression across all retail environments
- Support the VP in maintaining and executing the Global Brand vision, ensuring consistency while adapting to regional needs
- Drive clear communication and alignment with regional teams to ensure efficient workflows and strong collaboration
Project & Design Execution
- Oversee design development across all retail formats (Department Stores, Freestanding Stores, Travel Retail, Specialty-Multi) \
- Review and guide 2D layouts and 3D visualizations based on regional briefs and global alignment
- Ensure projects meet internal approval requirements, partnering closely with VP, Creative Operations, and key stakeholders
- Partner with creative operations to manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure on-time execution
- Build and lead strong partnerships with regional teams, acting as a key point of connection between global vision and local execution.
- Proactively align on priorities, provide clear design direction, and guide regions in adapting concepts to ensure consistency, relevance, and high-quality implementation across all markets.
- Develop and review design drawings, including custom fixture detailing
- Source and specify materials, furniture, and technology aligned with brand standards
- Review shop drawings, construction documents, and lighting plans
- Coordinate with external vendors on flagship or specialty design elements
- Support prototyping and testing of new design concepts
Standards & Global Alignment
- Support the development and maintenance of Global Brand Guidelines (layouts, renderings, millwork, materials)
- Ensure standards are clearly documented and scalable for regional adaptation
- Collaborate with regional design teams, affiliates, and procurement to adapt concepts through value engineering, sustainability, and local requirements
- Stay informed on global projects and identify opportunities to apply relevant learnings
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 8–10 years of design experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related design field (interior, exhibition, industrial)
- 3–5 years of project management experience
- Strong ability to translate design concepts into executable solutions
- Knowledge of materials, fabrication methods, and retail construction
- Proficiency in 2D and 3D design tools (AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max, V-Ray)
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects from concept through execution
- Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across teams
- Knowledge of retail environments and industry trends
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Pay Range:
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $120,000.00 to $208,000.00. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program as well as participation in the share incentive plan. In addition,
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results. In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time, and many others. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is Company's policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Company will endeavor to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the law to otherwise qualified employees and prospective employees with a disability and to employees and prospective employees with needs related to their religious observance or practices. Should you wish to apply for this position or any other position with the Company and you believe you require assistance to complete an application or participate in an interview, please contact USApplicantAccommodations@Estee.com.
Michigan Applicants: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for employment must notify the company in writing of the need for an accommodation within 182 days after the date the person with a disability knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed.
Philadelphia Applicants: Philadelphia's Fair Chance Hiring Law
Rhode Island Applicants: The company is subject to chapters 29-38 of title 28 of the general laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state's workers' compensation law.
