Design Director – Retail Design – TOP Luxury Brand

Locri Recruitment; London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000

Job description

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Design Director – Retail Design – TOP Luxury Brand

The company is a world-leading global brand with stores worldwide. Their studio in Paris includes 100+ architects, designers, and project managers that work on all their concepts and design development of their retail stores worldwide. They have continued work that needs to be designed and delivered every year, and the brand keeps growing.

This is one of the most creative environments to be in with supporting teams, from VMs, façade team, store planning team, and arts people in-house and outsource to enable the vision of new ideas to come to life. Every one of their spaces is unique and bespoke to fit within the local and cultural contexts of every place along with today’s retail changes and demands.

About the Role

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the overall design strategy and vision for the brand’s retail spaces globally.
• Ensure that all design projects align with the brand’s vision, values, and business objectives.
• Collaborate with senior management to drive brand innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the luxury market.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, architects, and project managers, ensuring high performance.
• Foster a collaborative and creative work environment that encourages new ideas and design excellence.
• Guide your team in the creation of designs that correspond to the guidelines of the House, while not losing sight of consistency with the local economic and cultural context.

Design Execution:

• Oversee the conceptualization and design development of store designs, ensuring they reflect the brand’s luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic.
• Oversee and direct the design process from concept to design development, including budgeting, scheduling, and quality control.
• Ensure consistency in design across all retail locations while adapting to local cultures and trends.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with merchandising, façade, and store planning teams to ensure cohesive and impactful design solutions.
• Develop close collaboration with the House’s Planning teams, who oversee projects with local consulting teams.
• Liaise with external partners, including architects, contractors, and vendors, to achieve optimal design outcomes.

Senior Team Reporting and Approvals:

• Oversee the preparation of quality written presentations, which you present at Stores Committee meetings.
• Present new concepts and designs at weekly committee meetings to get approvals and secure budgets.
• Have regular meetings with the Head of architecture for actions and progress on the team and the projects.

Innovation and Trends:

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging design technologies, and competitive landscape.
• Introduce innovative design concepts that enhance the customer experience and drive brand loyalty.
• Manage and take part in the research and development of new design elements.

About You

• Experience in management and directorship roles within retail brands.
• Ideally 15+ years’ experience as an architect or Interior Designer.
• Experience in high-end luxury retail stores.
• Proven experience in concept and design stages.
• Great design eye and attention to detail with a must-do attitude.
• Ability to communicate well with internal and external teams, seniors, and the committee.
• A track record and an outstanding portfolio of luxury and high-end work.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Any other language is an advantage.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary – Up to 150K DoE.
• Strong annual bonus scheme of 30% approx. and profit shares.
• Visa can be arranged if needed.
• Relocation support on offer, including up to 2 months of temp accommodation.
• Many other benefits including strong healthcare packages and more.
• Opportunity for further career growth and extension of the contract to a permanent role after the first 12 months (it can be earlier).

This is a one-off opportunity to join one of the most well-known and creative brands in the industry, be part of a highly creative team with prospects in strong career growth within the organization.

NOTE: Please submit a CV in English along with your portfolio to be considered for this role.

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