Retail Design Director

Majid Al Futtaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Global brand exposure

Leadership development program

Job summary

Majid Al Futtaim Holding is seeking a Director of Retail Design to lead the overall design direction for its in-store experiences across brands. You will craft store concepts, drive immersive environments, and ensure consistency across markets, aligning with business growth and customer engagement.

The role requires a strong background in retail design, brand execution, and team leadership, with fluency in English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Architecture, Interior Design, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 12+ years in retail design with concept development, store design and brand execution.
• Experience leading high-performing design teams; minimum 3 years in a management role.
• Proficiency in CAD, SketchUp, 3D rendering, and visual merchandising.
• Fluent English; Arabic preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop long term store design strategy by brand for new concepts and formats.
• Lead creation and evolution of innovative retail concepts and immersive store experiences.
• Oversee implementation of new store concepts and design initiatives across markets.
• Design standardized customer journeys and brand assets for consistency.
• Define store layouts, fixtures, signage, and graphics to optimize flow.
• Act as liaison between internal stakeholders and external design partners.
• Drive talent development, training, and workforce planning.

Skills

Store design strategy

Brand concept development

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree (Architecture/Interior Design/Business/Marketing)

MBA preferred

Tools

CAD

SketchUp

3D rendering

Adobe Creative Suite

Architectural drawings

Job description

Majid Al Futtaim Holding is the leading shopping mall, retail, communities, entertainment developer and operator in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia regions. With over 43,000 people, revenues of over US$ 11 Billion, and operations in 18 countries. Some of the iconic brands we carry include Mall of the Emirates, Carrefour, All Saints, Lego, City Center, Abercrombie & Fitch, & Vox Cinemas. We believe in making Great Moments for Everyone, Every day.

JOB TITLE

Director - Retail Design | MAF Retail | Corporate Head Office

ROLE SUMMARY

The Director of Retail Design will be responsible for leading and executing the overall design direction for the retail stores, ensuring a consistent, innovative, and immersive in-store experience that resonates with customers. This role will focus on creating compelling environments that enhance customer engagement, increase satisfaction, and ultimately supporting business growth. As a key member of the Retail In-Store Design team, the Director will lead efforts in the development of new concept

ROLE PROFILE

• Develop long term store design strategy and style by brand for the creation of new concepts and formats
• Lead the creation and evolution of innovative retail concepts and immersive store experiences that enhance customer engagement and differentiate the brand.
• Support and oversee the implementation of new store concepts, brand takeovers, and design initiatives across markets, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Design standardized customer journeys and customer-centric environments that improve navigation, interaction, and overall in-store experiences.
• Develop, maintain, and govern retail design standards, style guides, toolkits, and brand assets to ensure consistency across all locations.
• Define and oversee standardized store layouts, fixtures, signage, furniture, and graphics to optimize customer flow, product visibility, and operational scalability.
• Act as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external design partners, ensuring alignment of retail design objectives and execution standards.
• Drive performance management, talent development, succession planning, training programs, workforce planning, and policy implementation to build a high-performing team.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in retail design, including concept development, store design, and brand execution.
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing design teams, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Strong proficiency in CAD, SketchUp, 3D rendering, Adobe Creative Suite, architectural drawings, construction methods, fixture development, and visual merchandising.
• Deep understanding of global retail trends, consumer behavior, competitive landscapes, and the ability to establish best practices and scalable design processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management, presentation, collaboration, and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment; fluent English required, Arabic preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

• At Majid Al Futtaim, we’re on a mission to create great moments, to spread happiness, to build, experiences that stay in our memories for a lifetime. We’re proud to say that over the past 27 years, we have built a reputation as a regional market leader in what we do. Join us!
• Work in a friendly environment, where everyone shares positive vibes and excited about our future.
• Work with over 45,000 diverse and talented colleagues, all guided by our Leadership Model.