Head of Retail Design

Parfums Christian Dior; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury brand is seeking a Head of Retail Design in London to oversee the brand's image through new store openings and refurbishments. You will be responsible for both creative design and project oversight, requiring a minimum of 12 years of experience in store design. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and a background in architecture or design are essential. The role emphasizes teamwork and creativity while managing consultants and suppliers to achieve high-quality results.

Qualifications

• 12 years minimum in a store design role.
• Architectural background or designer with retail application.
• Good relationship builder with experience in management.
• Knowledge of the cosmetic market an asset but not essential.
• Knowledge of French language an advantage but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility from conception to implementation of new counter builds.
• Produce a creative point of sale design to optimize brand visibility.
• Liaise with central Merchandising in Paris to meet project deadlines.

Skills

Strong communication and negotiation skills

Strong sense of design and planning

High levels of creativity

Customer service focused

Ability to manage priorities

Team player

Education

Architectural background or designer with retail application

12 years minimum in a store design role

Tools

AutoCADs

Archicad

3D software

Microsoft Office packages

Job description

Position

Head of Retail Design

Department

Merchandising

Location

London

Reports To

Merchandising Director

Purpose of the Role

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

Job Responsibilities

Main responsibilities

Architecture

• 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 to optimise 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, 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 conceive 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

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• 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: AutoCADs, Archicad, 3D software, Microsoft office packages
• Excellent working knowledge of furniture and materials for counter builds
• Knowledge of UK based suppliers
• Budget management