Senior Design Manager

brobstongroup.com - Jobboard; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

brobstongroup.com - Jobboard seeks a design manager to oversee construction project management for retail spaces across Canada. This role involves leading design coordination, procurement, and financial reporting.

Applicants should have over 10 years of retail design experience and a degree in Interior Design or Architecture. Proficiency in AutoCAD and strong project management skills are essential, along with occasional travel within Canada (~30%).

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years retail store design experience.
• Strong comprehension of architectural and engineering drawings.
• Practical construction site experience required.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of design and construction projects.
• Local adaptation of drawings and preparation of working packages.
• Select and manage consultants, contractors, and suppliers.

Skills

Retail store design experience

AutoCAD proficiency

Project management skills

Budgeting skills

Procurement experience

Education

Degree in Interior Design or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Photoshop

InDesign

Illustrator

Excel

COUPA

Job description

Summary

Lead design coordination, construction project management, procurement, and financial reporting for new builds and renovations across fragrance and beauty, watches and fine jewelry, fashion and corporate spaces in Canada. Report to the Head of Store Planning and ensure design deliverables meet brand standards, timelines, and budgets. Coordinate with cross-functional teams, landlords, contractors, and vendors and perform site visits as required. Role requires travel within Canada (~30%).

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of design and construction projects from concept through handover, including budgeting, scheduling, and reporting.
• Local adaptation of drawings and preparation of full working drawing packages for permits, tender, and construction.
• Select, manage, and coordinate consultants, general contractors, shop fitters, suppliers, and installers; review and approve shop drawings.
• Oversee installation quality, inspect finishes and deliveries, and resolve site discrepancies to protect timeline and budget.
• Integrate operational requirements and manage AV, security, IT, lighting, and loss prevention design elements.
• Negotiate with landlords and tenant coordination teams and support legal/leasing in relation to store design and construction.
• Manage procurement activities: prepare POs in COUPA, track invoices, coordinate customs and logistics, and ensure cost control.

Requirements

• Minimum 10+ years retail store design experience on client or agency side; degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or equivalent.
• Strong comprehension of architectural and engineering drawings and practical construction site experience.
• Mandatory proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp; Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Excel are assets.
• PMP designation or LEED accreditation is an asset; experience with COUPA is an asset.
• Proven budget, procurement, and project reporting experience; ability to travel within Canada (~30%).