GURU Architectural Design Manager

Primark; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Pension

Bonus potential

27 days leave plus bank holidays

Tax Saver Tickets

Fitness centre

Subsidised cafeteria

Job summary

Primark is seeking an Architectural Standards Technical Manager in Reading, UK. This role involves managing content on the Guru platform and ensuring compliance with design standards across various projects.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Architecture or Design, with retail experience in lighting, signage, and shopfitting. The position is hybrid, offering a mix of in-office and remote work, along with competitive benefits including healthcare and 27 days of leave.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in retail architecture and shopfitting.
• High level of design skill with solid knowledge of materials.
• Self-starter with ability to manage sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for page creation in the Guru platform.
• Assist with checking and preparing content for quality control.
• Support management of shopfitting and services information.
• Collaborate with construction and design teams.

Skills

Architecture or Design Degree

Retail Design Experience

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Project Management Experience

Analytical Skills

Excellent Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Architecture or Design or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

SketchUp

Adobe Applications

Job description

Architectural Standards Technical Manager

The Guru system is Primark’s architectural, shopfitting and Fixtures & Fittings platform, providing detailed information to all internal and external stakeholders globally who are involved in the construction of new stores, refits, retrofits and franchise. It is a key tool of Primark’s expansion roadmap. This role coordinates all the architectural, shopfitting and services data held on Guru, responsible for generating all relevant information, page creation and data uploads, and hyperlinks onto the beta Guru system in line with agreed UI standards. Working closely with a 3rd‑party technical team and internal construction and new store teams to ensure all information on Guru is accurate and up to date across all channels.

What You’ll Do

• Guru Platform Development & Governance: Responsible for page creation, hyperlinking and formatting information in adherence to UI and rulebook standards, as well as acquiring, creating and managing content, testing, and maintenance of architectural, shopfit and service areas content within the Guru platform.
• Quality Control & System Representation: Assist with checking, formatting, preparing, and uploading content across the Guru platform, and contribute feedback to support continuous improvement of the system.
• Development and maintenance of Architectural Standards: Support the creation, organisation, and ongoing maintenance of Primark architectural standards, including lighting, RCPs, façades, external signage, BOH/FOH details, flooring, shopfitting, and service areas (SCO, fitting rooms, cash desks).
• Shopfitting & Services Content Management: Support the management of shopfitting and services information (wall systems, fixed equipment, tills, fitting rooms, BOH, C&C), including helping to coordinate technical drawings, 3D models, datasheets, registers, and feasibility, tender, and production documentation.
• Cross‑Functional & External Collaboration: Work collaboratively with construction, design, architects, and third‑party partners to help develop, update, and refine architectural and service details, ensuring alignment with agreed standards and ways of working.
• Training, Support & Lifecycle Management: Support stakeholder briefings and content uploads, assist with system cost approval processes alongside senior colleagues, help provide guidance to users, and contribute to version control and archiving of superseded information.

What You’ll Get

• Hybrid opportunity: 1‑2 days working from home.
• Healthcare, pension and potential bonus.
• 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays, and the option to buy 5 additional days.
• Tax Saver Tickets.
• Fitness centre.
• Subsidised cafeteria.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Architecture or Design or equivalent relevant experience in retail design with proven experience working on comparable retail systems and environments.
• Experience across retail architecture and shopfitting, including lighting, RCPs, façades, external signage, BOH/FOH standards, flooring, F&F, and services (SCO, fitting rooms, cash desks).
• High level of design skill with solid knowledge of materials and construction methods; proficient in AutoCAD and MS Office, with SketchUp and Adobe applications preferred.
• Project management experience with the ability to work under tight deadlines, reprioritise effectively, troubleshoot issues, and deliver projects end‑to‑end with a high level of accuracy.
• Analytically minded with excellent organisational skills, ability to collaborate cross‑functionally, and contribute positively within team environments.
• Self‑starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills, proven ability to manage sensitive information confidentially, and maintain high standards in a fast‑paced retail setting.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments in the recruitment journey such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, or assistive technology. If you need any of these services, 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.

REQ ID: JR-10303