Head of Retail Design

Christian Dior S.A.; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury fragrance and cosmetic brand is looking for an experienced Store Design Manager in the City of Westminster. The candidate must manage the design and build of counters while ensuring the brand's integrity. Responsibilities include overseeing the project plans, liaising with suppliers, and managing a team of Retail Designers. A minimum of 12 years in a store design role and strong creative, communication, and negotiation skills are essential. Knowledge of the cosmetic market is a plus.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 12 years in a store design role is required.
• Strong relationship builder and experience in management.
• Knowledge of the cosmetic market is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate brand image through all store openings.
• Manage the design and build of store counters.
• Liaise with central Merchandising and local suppliers.

Skills

Design and planning sense

Communication and negotiation skills

Customer Service Focus

Team player

Education

Architectural background or relevant design qualification

Tools

Autocad

Archicad

3D software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Guarantee accurate, qualitative brand image through all new store openings in UK and Ireland according to company and corporate guidelines. Contribute to the development of the Dior image in UK and Ireland through the creation, design and build of counters. Ensure the integrity of all the institutional brand requirements across the Fragrance, Make Up and Skincare.,

• Take responsibility from conception to implementation of new counter builds or refurbishments
• Produce a creative point of sale design in accordance with the merchandising charter for flagship and A store counters in order to optimize brand visibility.
• Challenge and negotiate where necessary the store terms and conditions to ensure brand image is not compromised
• Liaise with central Merchandising in Paris, the store and the suppliers to meet project deadlines and brand expectations
• Be responsible for the designs and scale models of any new counter build. These to be validated by Central Merchandising
• Provide project plans, technical specifications and designs to the international purchaser to obtain costings
• Work with local suppliers ahead of installations to ensure accurate application of designs, technical specifications and highest possible quality production. Once installations are complete, review the quality and processes giving feedback to suppliers as necessary.
• Manage 2 Retail Designers (one in charge of FS and A stores, one in charge of B and C store counters and the non-consultant division builds).

Promotions and Events

• Assist with the development of the Dior image via event and promotion sites. Work with the Promotions and Events Merchandiser to assist with conception of major design of promotional / event sites in Department Stores.
• Prepare relevant plans and 3D for the Promotions & Events Merchandiser.
• Assist the counter VM manager when needed with counter plans and soft merch coordination.

Profile

• 12 years minimum in a store design role
• Architectural background or designer with retail application
• Good relationship builder
• Experience in management
• Knowledge of the cosmetic market an asset but not essential (competitors, agents, retailers…)
• Knowledge of French language an advantage but not essential

Key Competencies

• Strong sense of Design and planning
• High levels of creativity and aesthetic sense
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to understand and defend the brand DNA
• Knowledge of distribution channels and of all aspects linked to Merchandising in this environment
• Customer Service Focused
• Ability to manage priorities for self and team.
• Result orientated
• Team player

Technical Skills

• Architectural / design specialist
• Software packages: Autocadds, Archicad, 3D software, Microsoft office packages
• Excellent working knowledge of furniture and materials for counter builds
• Knowledge of UK based suppliers
• Budget management