Design Manager

What you'll be doing?

The Design Manager is an integral part of the DFS Global Store Development team and is responsible for the design and design management support of DFS projects including new developments and renovations, downtown and airport locations. The responsibility of the Designer is to assist the Senior Design Manager in ensuring the DFS store development programs reflect the group’s strategic position as the leading global luxury travel retailer. 

The position includes contributing to the development of innovative and creative solutions that are in-line with the strategic business goals and that elevate the customer experience, which begins by assisting in the preparation of project briefs. Key areas of expertise include store planning, creative, and design management of DFS store design, space planning, fixture design, finishes and lighting. The Designer will actively participate in ensuring that internal and external stakeholders endeavor to provide solutions that follow LVMH’s Life in Architecture criteria in the development of sustainable store design environments. A core requirement of this position is for the Design Manager to ensure continuous coordination and effective communications between all parties for a seamless process, as well as successful and innovative designs.

The Design Manager will interact with internal groups such as Merchants, Visual Merchandisers and Operators to communicate the projects progress and to capture and manage important two-way project information.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
 

•    Support all aspects of store design efforts from exploratory studies to store opening, inclusive of sketches, 3D studies, block planning, development of design solutions and selling ceremonies.
•    Develop design criteria and support the development and update of Vendor Packages. 
•    Reinforce and contribute to the elevation of the DFS environmental aesthetics by continually speaking and advocating in support of Retail Excellence goals, including budgets and timelines.
•    Gather market intelligence regarding customer experience, retail, hospitality, and design trends.
•    Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to deliver design solutions on time and on budget, and to the expectations of the business as the leading luxury travel retailer. 
•    Promote a growth mindset to ensure maximized team and individual communications towards the accomplishment of project and departmental objectives.
•    Organize and manage DFS Design Program Documentation and Design Standards.  
•    As required, attend meetings and site visits to gather/disseminate information and execute decisions.
•    Other duties and projects as directed by the VP of Store Development.

Ideal Candidate

•    Degree in Architecture or interior Design.
•    5 to 8 years of commercial/retail design experience, preferably with experience of luxury retail environments and brands.
•    Design and creative abilities, managing vision and purpose, developing as well as managing briefs and concepts.
•    Commercial/retail design acumen.
•    Hand and 3D sketching.
•    CAD design documentation skills.
•    Redlining and commenting.
•    Presentation skills, including PowerPoint and Photoshop.
•    Customer-focused.
•    Good negotiation skills.
•    Action oriented with a drive for results.
•    Effective at team dynamics, including communications, collaboration, constructive feedback, and conflict resolution.
•    Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and able to deal with ambiguity.