Space Planning Manager

MBH Architects; Harrow; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Holidays

Workplace pension

£400 annual professional development 4

Hybrid schedule in London office

LinkedIn Learning and Hone classes

Hybrid work stipend

Job summary

MBH Architects in London seeks a highly organized Space Planning Manager to lead the coordination of design documents from initial space assessments through final design for global retail environments.

You will collaborate with regional teams to apply brand standards, present designs for client approvals, train junior designers, forecast revenue and staffing, and help hire by interviewing candidates, all within a fast-paced, hybrid London setting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience executing a high volume of store plans for retail spaces.
• Collaborates with store planning, creative, and merchandising teams and vendors to deliver high-quality service and drawings.
• Able to drive improvements to brand, processes, team and studio.
• Adaptable with rapid reprioritization to maintain momentum.
• Leadership experience mentoring direct reports and managing performance.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead coordination of design documents from initial space assessments through final design for global retail environments.
• Conceive design solutions adhering to regional principles while meeting client brand standards in a fast-paced environment.
• Present to the client for design approvals and new initiative rollouts.
• Facilitate strong client relationships through weekly calls and on-site presence at the London office as needed.
• Process design correspondence and workflow through a worldwide project tracking database.
• Communicate with country teams to ensure consistent worldwide design execution.
• Develop and train junior designers and job captains through onboarding, feedback, monthly touch bases, and performance reviews.
• Forecast and manage revenue and staffing projections.
• Assist with hiring through conducting candidate interviews.

Skills

Project management

People leadership

Budget management

Client collaboration

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Interior Design degree

Tools

Project management software

Design tools

Job description

We are seeking a highly organized, collaborative Space Planning Manager to join our London office. This role focuses on a global consumer technology retail client.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for candidates who require them. For adjustments, please email [e-mail].

What You’ll Do

• Manage and lead the coordination of design documents from initial space assessments through final design for global retail environments
• Conceive design solutions adhering to regional specific principles and strategies while meeting client brand standards in a fast-paced environment
• Present to the client for design approvals and new initiative rollouts
• Facilitate strong client relationships through weekly calls and on-site presence at the client office in the London as needed
• Process design correspondence and workflow through a worldwide project tracking database
• Communicate with country teams to ensure consistent worldwide design execution
• Develop and train junior designers and job captains through onboarding, continuous feedback, monthly touch bases, and performance reviews
• Forecast and manage revenue and staffing projections
• Assist with hiring through conducting candidate interviews

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field; or a track record of equivalent professional experience in spatial design
• Experience executing a high volume of store plans for retail spaces
• Expert ability to collaborate with the client’s store planning, creative, and merchandising teams as well as other vendors to deliver high-quality service and drawings
• Resourceful and self-starting with initiative to drive and make improvements to the brand, processes, team and studio
• Highly adaptable with a knack for rapid reprioritization; expert at assessing how shifts in scope affect schedules and staffing to maintain project momentum
• Experience in people leadership, with a focus on mentoring direct reports, managing performance, collaborating with other project managers, and fostering a collaborative team environment
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical requirements for non-technical stakeholders
• Advanced technical skills in Project Management software and design tools
• Strong attention to detail with an emphasis on accuracy in documentation, scheduling, and budget oversight

Benefits

• Paid Holidays, Volunteer, and Enhanced Sick Time
• Workplace pension
• £400 annual professional development allowance
• Hybrid schedule 3 days in office in downtown London
• LinkedIn Learning and Hone classes
• Hybrid work stipend, office snacks, and monthly lunches
• The company is continuing to develop its wider benefits package as it grows the London office

Data Protection & UK GDPR

By applying for this position, you consent to MBH processing your personal information for recruitment purposes in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws. Your information will be handled securely and only retained for as long as necessary. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Notice.

About MBH Architects

MBH Architects offers the best of both worlds: the resources of a top-tier firm with the supportive culture of a close-knit team. With offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Denver, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, we provide hybrid flexibility and global reach.

Our success is built on meaningful collaboration and continuous education. Through integrated services (architecture, environmental graphics, fixture and interior design), we deliver world-class projects, including multi-family housing, labs, retail experiences for iconic brands, and many more. We believe great work happens when people feel supported and inspired.

What sets us apart? A strong sense of community, dedication to sustainability and social impact, and a culture that celebrates creativity and connection—whether through design competitions or our legendary waffle-offs.

If you are passionate about your work, and strive for excellence in everything you do, MBH Architects could be the perfect fit for you.