Retail Design Manager, Central Europe

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international real estate company in Canada is seeking a Retail Design Manager to implement retail design guidelines and enhance consumer experiences across various assets. The ideal candidate will have a strong architectural background and be proficient in design tools such as SketchUp and CAD. This role offers an opportunity to lead design initiatives in a dynamic environment, contributing to innovative retail spaces.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Health insurance

Meal allowance

Commuting allowance

Qualifications

• Strong conceptual thinking and exceptional presentation skills.
• Capable of independently producing design work, including sketches and 3D models.
• Highly skilled in iPad sketching, CAD, and SketchUp.

Responsibilities

• Develop design proposals that enhance the consumer journey.
• Provide actionable design guidance to tenants.
• Create compelling visual dossiers for key tenants.
• Maintain and evolve Tenant Design Guidelines.
• Prepare regular updates on tenant design progress.
• Act as a design ambassador in leasing conversations.

Skills

Conceptual thinking

Presentation skills

Fluent in English

iPad sketching

CAD

SketchUp

Education

Qualified Architect or Interior Designer

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a talented individual to join our Retail Design Concept Studio team as Retail Design Manager. In this pivotal role, the RDM will lead the implementation of Westfield’s Retail Design Guidelines across a designated portfolio of assets, ensuring design excellence and brand consistency. As the primary point of contact within Concept Studio, the RDM will guide tenants through the shopfront validation process, preparing compelling design dossiers and tailored, asset-specific shopfront guidelines.

Leveraging a strong network of external designers, the RDM will coordinate shopfront reviews, CGIs, and concept development to support high-quality retail environments. A deep understanding of retail design, consumer behaviour, emerging trends, and commercial realities is essential, along with the ability to communicate ideas effectively in three dimensions.

The RDM will demonstrate strong personal organisation and time management, proactively managing workflow fluctuations through strategic use of freelance support. In addition, they will contribute to the growth of in-house design capabilities by undertaking select interior design tasks within the studio and fostering a culture of creative collaboration.

What you will be doing

• Asset Design Enhancements - Develop and deliver design proposals—independently or in collaboration with external freelancers—that enhance the overall consumer journey within each asset. Focus on small-scale interventions that drive visual impact and elevate the retail experience.
• Tenant Design Review & Guidance - Provide clear, actionable design guidance to tenants through the Tenant Design Guidelines and dedicated workshops with their design teams. Review tenant proposals and offer feedback via written commentary, sketches, and SketchUp visuals. Validate designs at key milestones to ensure alignment with asset standards.
• Tenant Vision Dossiers - Create compelling visual dossiers for key tenants, as requested by the leasing team. These may include hand sketches, rendered SketchUp models, or other formats that showcase the potential of a specific location. Research tenant brand aesthetics and design codes to ensure proposals reflect their identity while meeting asset expectations.
• Design Guidelines Management - Collaborate with the European RDM team to maintain and evolve Tenant Design Guidelines. Implement Consumer Journey principles across assets and support tenants in aligning their designs with these standards. Where deviations are necessary, manage exceptions thoughtfully and prepare bespoke guidelines tailored to asset-specific needs.
• Internal Design Reporting - Prepare and present regular updates to the Director of Concept Studio on tenant design progress across your portfolio. Maintain accurate tracking documentation in coordination with local Operations and Leasing teams.
• Design Advocacy & Storytelling - Act as a design ambassador in leasing conversations, confidently articulating the design vision and product definition of each asset. Inspire potential tenants by translating strategic design aspirations into tangible, brand-aligned retail expressions.

Qualifications

• Qualified Architect or Interior Designer with strong conceptual thinking and exceptional presentation skills.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in German is a valued asset.
• Highly skilled in iPad sketching, CAD, and SketchUp, with a focus on speed, model efficiency, animation, and rendering quality.
• Demonstrates a proven track record of creativity combined with a pragmatic, business-oriented approach to task organisation and execution.
• Capable of independently producing design work, including sketches and 3D models, while also effectively coordinating output from external collaborators.
• Possesses an open and collaborative mindset, confident in sharing responsibilities and presenting ideas clearly and persuasively in public settings.

Who we are

At Unibail -Rodamco-Westfield (URW), we develop and operate a portfolio of sustainable, premium, mixed-use real estate assets across Europe and the United States. Driven by our purpose to Reinvent Being Together, we are committed to accelerating urban regeneration and rethinking how we live together in cities. Today, 2,000 dedicated individuals are working together to reshape the future of real estate and shopping centers by creating innovative, engaging spaces that truly redefine community connections.

Our flagship destinations are more than just places; they\'re the heartbeat of the community. We empower our employees to make a real impact through volunteering, DEI programs, and leading ESG efforts. URW is at the forefront of experiential entertainment, constantly pushing boundaries to craft unforgettable in-person and digital experiences. By surprising and delighting our customers, we create magical moments and reinvent togetherness in every interaction.

Within our Northern Europe Region - spanning the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and the UK - we own and manage eight exceptional assets. These include Westfield Mall of the Netherlands, Stadshart Amstelveen, Westfield London, and Westfield Stratford City.

As an international company, our primary internal language is English. Therefore, we kindly ask that you submit your application and resume in English.

Why work for us

We put people\'s development and learning at the heart of what we do. We\'ll help you master your role, build your technical skills, and take advantage of top-notch management and leadership programs. From face-to-face workshops to our global online learning resources, we encourage you to make learning a part of your daily routine.

We offer a fantastic bonus scheme, and many other incentives, including company health insurance is available at a reduced tariff. We offer a one-year contract with an option to extend to permanent; You will get a meal allowance of € 2,- per day and a commuting allowance of € 0,32 cts per km, or an NS business card.

Want to know more about what it\'s like working at URW? Visit our site www.urw.com/join-us/life-at-urw

What Matters to Us

At URW, our purpose is to Reinvent Being Together, reimagining how people and communities connect, socialise, and experience dynamic moments in unique and meaningful ways.

We are proud to promote equal opportunities and embrace diversity in profiles, experiences, and skills. At URW, we believe that diversity is the cornerstone of our success, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment that respects, values, celebrates, and leverages individual differences to their fullest potential.

We evaluate each application with fairness and without discrimination based on disability, age, gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristics. Our commitment is to provide equal access to our services for everyone. If you require any adjustments for your interview, please let us know in advance, so we can support you accordingly.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy working environment, we conduct comprehensive security checks on all employees prior to their start date. These checks may include identity verification, employment history, and criminal record screening, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Join us and be part of a team that\'s making a real difference in your local communities!