Associate, Retail Design & Experience, New York, NY

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.  This is more than a strategic shift.  It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:

As an Associate, Retail Design & Experience, 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.

This role will support the Retail Design & Experience team, cross-functional partners, and external vendors through design development, documentation, coordination, and implementation activities across new builds, renovations, and format initiatives.

Retail Experience & Format Execution

• Support execution of retail experience and format initiatives across the physical network
• Assist with 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
• Assist with 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
• Support vendor meeting cadence, documentation, follow-ups, and decision tracking
• Assist with maintaining design quality, consistency, and completeness across projects

Cross-Functional Delivery

• Partner with Network Planning, Real Estate/Delivery, Construction, Marketing, and Operations
• Help 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

It Would Be Nice For You to Have:

• 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

What Else You Need to Know:

• This role supports projects through multiple phases, including conceptual planning, programming, engineering, and construction
• The position operates within a highly cross-functional, matrixed environment
• This role will support senior team members and cross-functional partners in the delivery of retail design and experience initiatives
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

Work Authorization & Sponsorship:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring employer sponsorship to commence employment.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it’s recognized.  You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers.  Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future.Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com) 

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next:

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.