Michael Kors Store Design & Construction Manager

Overview

Michael Kors is an American luxury fashion brand within Capri Holdings, recognised for contemporary ready-to-wear, accessories and leather goods. The label operates a global retail network and emphasizes design-led merchandising, brand consistency and high standards of store presentation across international markets.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end management of retail, outlet and corporate-office construction projects across Japan and Korea, reporting to the Director of Store Development & Facility Maintenance.
• Develop, maintain and execute construction schedules; monitor milestones to ensure on-time delivery and timely punch-list completion.
• Review schematic, design development and final construction drawings to ensure cost-effective, brand-compliant build standards.
• Manage project budgets and invoice approvals, maintaining accurate project accounting and cost-to-date reporting.
• Coordinate with external consultants and vendors (architects, engineers, general contractors, furniture suppliers, renderers) to deliver projects to specification.
• Evaluate landlord–tenant criteria and lease-related construction obligations; communicate requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee construction phase quality control, health & safety compliance, and final financial closeout documentation.
• Collaborate with retail operations to ensure seamless store turnover (e.g., POS installation, security and CCTV activation).
• Foster and maintain constructive relationships with contractors, consultants, designers and internal brand teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in architecture, interior design or construction management.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in design, architectural consultancy or project management consultancy; retail construction experience preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects under aggressive timelines with strong initiative and independent judgement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Japanese and English.
• Ability and willingness to travel for work within Japan and to Korea.

Skills

Experience

At least 10 years of progressive experience in architectural design, project management or consultancy with responsibility for construction delivery; prior exposure to retail fit-out or store construction is strongly preferred.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management or a closely related discipline.

Workplace

Culture

Michael Kors operates in a creative, fast-paced retail environment that values design excellence, operational rigor and cross-functional collaboration. The Tokyo team combines global brand standards with local market execution, offering exposure to international store development and high-visibility retail projects.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.