Design Manager

Job Introduction

What is the role? As Design Manager, you will facilitate and assist in delivering world class retail environments in all [Employer hidden]’ stores through highly professional design coordination and management, creating leading edge solutions in retail and non-retail areas alike. To support the Property Team, Creative Team and Buying Team in all Strategic Planning and Design related matters to deliver best in class solutions for all stores by ensuring the effective Design Coordination of projects through the entire design, development and delivery process, overseeing the development and maintenance of digital drawing data for all [Employer hidden]’ sites. Working closely with [Employer hidden] stakeholders and brands on concept development and sign off.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage collation and production of strategic design guidelines, compartment design guidelines, project specific design guidelines and creation of temporary guidelines for brand projects ensuring alignment throughout
• Co-ordinate/produce strategic project plans – walkways, sightlines, fixture zones, signage, lightboxes, liaison and interfaces with other projects eg M&E project
• Present all design schemes to [Employer hidden] directors for approval
• Support brand briefings as required, chaired by Project Manager
• Manage the approval of brand shopfit projects through concept and detailed design stages
• Liaise with brands throughout concept, detail, and design phases through to project completion
• Ensure projects adhere to [Employer hidden]’ Masterplan and Store Guidelines
• Ensure timely and sufficient design information is passed to Project Manager’s for the delivery phase
• Work closely with the project management team to ensure design integrity is maintained at each stage of the design and delivery process
• Participate in post-project reviews and design analysis
• Manage the evolution and communication of key [Employer hidden]’ design specifications – eg cash desk and fitting room templates
• Ensure designs meet or exceed defined quality standards and compliance with requirements of legislation and/or external authorities
• Ensure internal design approvals and financial sanctions are obtained at appropriate stages
• Encourage design innovation and creativity
• Oversee and track the standards and progress in the development and maintenance of digital drawing data ([Employer hidden]’ working drawings – updated by the cad team and external consultants) for all [Employer hidden]’ sites
• Maintain communication plan for the design stage of projects
• Liaise with and inform project progress with the internal Property Department, Retail Operations Department, B & M Department, Visual Merchandise Department, as well as external brand design teams
• Encourage and promote an understanding of the [Employer hidden] brand values amongst external consultants
• Work effectively with Design Manager and Design Coordinators to maintain a coordinated team with clear focus

Key Skills & Behaviours

Key Skills: Expert understanding of the market place with a passion for innovative retail and design; Innovative and highly commercial approach; Excellent communication and presentation skills; Excellent interpersonal and relationship skills; Resilience and ability to work under pressure on many diverse projects; In depth knowledge of AUTOCAD and other design related packages; Knowledge of technical aspects of construction practice and practical site experience.

Key Behaviours: Excellent design knowledge and analysis; Tenacity and Focus; Self Motivated but Team Oriented; Diplomatic; Positive and Optimistic but Realistic; Disciplined but Flexible.