Manager (m/w/d) Retail Store Design

Villeroy & Boch; Köln; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Villeroy & Boch Group, including its Ideal Standard brand, seeks a senior professional to drive store fitting concepts, display development, and global project management. You will coordinate with external agencies, manage procurements, and lead cross‑border rollouts in Own Retail, Wholesale, and Shop‑in‑Shop formats.

English fluency is essential; German is a strong plus. Expect collaboration with international partners, budgeting, and a focus on quality standards across multiple markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Retail Design, Industrial Design, or a comparable discipline.
• 5+ years of proven experience in store fitting, visual merchandising, display development, or retail design—covering both brand retail environments and wholesale/partner spaces in an international setting.
• Procurement and technical know-how in supplier management, tender processes, cost calculations, and quality standards.
• Leadership experience with mentoring or steering a team; collaborative communication style.
• Fluency in English; German language skills are a strong plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office and common CAD/3D tools (PaletteCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, Rhino, Cinema 4D, InDesign, Photoshop).

Responsibilities

• Drive the conceptual and technical planning for store fittings, displays, and bespoke solutions for special brand zones and window displays; create clear briefings and coordinate external agencies and prototypes.
• Steer international store rollouts end-to-end across Own Retail, Wholesale, and Shop-in-Shop formats; coordinate with international partners and lead presentations and shop tours.
• Manage procurement and quality assurance with Central Purchasing, including supplier qualification, cost calculations, and sign-offs.
• Oversee Budget & Capex controlling; track annual budgets and project-specific allocations with cost discipline.
• Lead, coach and inspire the team through regular 1:1s and ongoing development.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

English fluency

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Interior Design/Architecture/Retail Design

Tools

PaletteCAD

Vectorworks

SketchUp

Rhino

Cinema 4D

InDesign

Photoshop

Job description

Shape & Create - And make it happen!

The Villeroy & Boch Group with its Ideal Standard brand is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the ceramics and lifestyle sector. With our innovative and stylish products from the Dining & Lifestyle and Bath & Wellness segments, we have been creating moments and rooms to feel good in since 1748. Our success is based on the passion, design expertise and innovative strength of our more than 13,000 employees in 42 countries.

Want to become part of us? #shapeandcreate

What you can expect:

• Concept & Display Development: Drive the conceptual and technical planning for store fittings, displays, and bespoke solutions for special brand zones and window displays. Create clear briefings, steer external design agencies, and coordinate prototype procurement.
• Global Project Management: Steer international store rollouts and project implementations end-to-end across Own Retail, Wholesale, and Shop-in-Shop formats —from initial planning and shop construction to pilot, flagship, and partner store openings. Coordinate with international partners and lead presentations and demo shop tours.
• Procurement & Quality Assurance: Create tender documents and technical specifications in close alignment with Central Purchasing. Qualify suppliers, calculate cost of sales, ensure product profitability, and oversee quality sign-offs.
• Budget & Capex Controlling: Manage and track annual budgets and project-specific Capex allocations, delivering accurate forecasts and cost discipline across all phases.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and inspire your team through regular 1:1s, open feedback, and our continuous development framework.

What you bring:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Retail Design, Industrial Design, or a comparable discipline.
• Relevant Experience: At least 5+ years of proven experience in store fitting, visual merchandising, display development, or retail design— covering both brand retail environments and wholesale / partner spaces —ideally within an international multi-stakeholder environment.
• Procurement & Technical Know-how: Sound experience in supplier management, tender processes, cost calculations, and technical quality standards.
• Leadership Mindset: Initial experience in leading, mentoring, or steering a team; an empowering, collaborative communication style.
• Tool & Language Skills: Business fluency in English is essential; German language skills are a strong plus. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint), in common CAD software (e.g., PaletteCAD, Vectorworks) and 3D visualization tools (e.g., SketchUp, Rhino, Cinema 4D). Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop) is an advantage.
• Flexibility: Willingness to travel internationally for store visits, dummy shop setups, and project milestones.

Think outside the box with us! #shapeandcreate