Design Manager - Space Optimisation And Store Design

Primark Stores Limited; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer is seeking a Design Manager to optimize and deliver outstanding retail environments in the UK and Europe. The role involves extensive project management, design execution, and budget management, making it pivotal in aligning store designs with brand values and sustainability practices. With opportunities to develop and lead a dynamic team, this position is ideal for a skilled professional with a strong background in architecture or design.

Benefits

27 days of leave plus bank holidays

Opportunity for early Friday finish

Subsidised cafeteria

Discounts with local partner businesses

Qualifications

• Minimum of +10 years of relevant experience in store retail design.
• Knowledge of retail design and customer trends globally.
• Strong organisational skills with a can-do attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead the visual identity of Primark stores, ensuring brand alignment.
• Manage design phase budgets and drive cost efficiency.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Project Management

Collaboration

Creativity

Education

Qualification in Architecture or Design

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe applications

Job description

Design Manager - Space Optimisation and Store Design

Because we strive to put people first.

What's a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you're making, the experiences you're having and the people you're with. You're our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.

Reporting to the Head of Planning and Design, the Design Manager will work collaboratively and partner with the Space Optimisation and Store Design team. This role is accountable for delivering Primark retail environments, which are best in class within the value fashion and lifestyle sector in the UK and European markets.

You will also be responsible for looking at how to deliver Primark's global retail environment into the market cost-consciously. Assessing sites on a case-by-case basis, utilising existing assets where appropriate to provide cost and sustainability-conscious design solutions that deliver Primark's DNA and Brand values with excellence and consistency.

What You'll Get

People are at the heart of what we do here, so it's essential that we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best. Let's talk lifestyle:

1. 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays, and if you want, you can buy five more days to enjoy
2. Your day, your way: an opportunity for a 2 pm early Friday finish and a subsidised cafeteria.
3. Primark Perks – Discounts with some local partner businesses to our offices

What You'll Do:

We want you to feel challenged and inspired. Here, you'll develop your skills across a range of responsibilities:

1. Design

• Lead the visual identity of Primark stores, ensuring alignment with brand standards and local site conditions.
• Govern design execution across Space Planning, VM, and Construction teams.
• Adapt and apply architectural standards (Guru system) for the UK and Europe.
• Ensure correct integration of 2D assets and signage.
• Align all designs with the low-cost model and market budgets.
• Review navigation and signage packs to optimise the customer journey.
• Provide design consultation and bespoke solutions for new stores and refits.
• Manage design priorities to balance quality, brand DNA, and cost.
• Support environmental enhancements and value engineering of global designs.

2. Project Management

• Develop design content for board-level business cases (PBM packs).
• Coordinate flagship and enhanced store designs with internal and external teams.
• Collaborate with procurement on prototyping and onboarding design partners.
• Assess reuse opportunities for existing store elements.

3. Budget Management

• Secure and manage design phase budgets, ensuring proactive cost control.
• Drive cost efficiency through value engineering and resource management.

4. Research

• Stay current on retail and customer trends, materials, and sustainability practices.
• Identify cost-effective, eco-friendly materials aligned with Primark Cares' values.

5. Collaboration

• Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Ensure external stakeholders align with brand guidelines and local standards.
• Collaborate closely with Space Planning, Concept Design, Construction, Feasibility, and VM teams.
• Report regularly to the Head of Planning and Design.

What you'll bring:

We want every person in our organisation to feel like they're making a key contribution. Here are some of the experiences and skills you'll need for the role:

• Qualification in Architecture or Design, with a minimum of +10 years of relevant experience in store retail design
• Detailed knowledge of retail design and customer trends globally and within the UK and European market
• Knowledge of manufacturing standards, materials and construction methods
• Knowledge of shopfitting and F+F
• Displays a passion for design with critical attention to detail
• Proficiency in Office and Adobe applications is required
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp applications is preferred
• The ability to sketch and hand-draw is an advantage
• Must have a high level of project management skills
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to troubleshoot during a project
• Strong organisational skills with a can-do attitude and excellent attention to detail

Ability to lead, work well as part of a team and work cross-functionally with other teams to ensure successful delivery of projects

Does this sound like you? Great, because we can't wait to see what you'll bring. You'll be supported by a team of equally capable people, celebrating who you are and aiding you to reach your potential. At Primark, we're excited about our future - and we're excited to develop yours.

About Primark

At Primark, people matter. They're the beating heart of our business and the reason we've grown from our first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business and over 80,000 colleagues and over 440 stores in 17 countries today. Our values run through everything we do. In essence, we're caring and always strive to put people first. We're also Dynamic, bravely pushing the boundaries to stay ahead. And finally, we succeed together.

If you need any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request, during your recruitment journey, such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, or assistive technology please contact your talent acquisition specialist.

All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including right to work, reference education and for some roles criminal, and financial checks. If you have any concerns, please reach out to our talent acquisition team to discuss

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