Retail Design & Visual Merchandising Director, APAC

Charlotte Frank; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte Frank is seeking a highly creative Retail Design & VM Director to lead the APAC function, partnering with the Global Director to drive concept store design across the region and manage day-to-day VM operations.

The role requires a design-led professional who can balance creative concepts with commercial results, oversee rapid store openings in Mainland China, and collaborate with regional teams in Shanghai and Hong Kong while aligning with global strategy.

Qualifications

• Strong design language and deep understanding of Visual Merchandising.
• Ability to sketch and conceptualize is highly valued.
• Fluency in Mandarin with professional English to manage APAC and global communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual store design and daily VM operations across APAC.
• Translate design concepts into revenue-driving VM strategies.
• Hands-on rollout of concepts across cities and retail formats in China and APAC.

Skills

Design language

Visual Merchandising

Sketching & concept ideation

Team leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Our client is seeking a highly creative and commercially astute Retail Design & Visual Merchandising Director to lead the APAC function. The ideal candidate will act as a true partner to the Global Director, driving the execution of unique concept store designs across the region while managing day-to-day Visual Merchandising (VM) operations.

This is a unique opportunity for a design-led professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Unlike traditional luxury brands with rigid global guidelines, the brand empowers each store to retain its own character and unique design concept.

Key Responsibilities

Design & VM Balance: Lead both the conceptual design of new stores and the tactical execution of daily VM operations, vendor management, and ongoing store updates.

Commercial Translation: Apply a strong commercial mindset to translate creative design concepts into actionable, revenue-driving VM strategies.

Hands-on Execution: Given the frequent store openings in China, this role requires a hands‑on approach to rolling out different concept designs across various cities and retail environments.

Team Leadership & Regional Oversight

Team Management: Directly manage and mentor a cross‑regional team across two main hubs (Shanghai and Hong Kong), ensuring seamless collaboration between local market execution and broader APAC oversight.

Market Division: Oversee the team handling Mainland China VM execution, while supervising the team managing VM projects for the rest of the APAC region.

Global Collaboration: Work closely with the Global Director to ensure regional execution aligns with the overarching global strategic vision.

Market Scope & Complexity

Mainland China: Oversee a rapidly expanding network of concept stores, shop‑in‑shops, and key retail partnerships.

Rest of APAC: Manage brand representation across key markets including Hong Kong, Australia, Macau, and Southeast Asia (via distributors and partners).

Candidate Profile & Requirements

Seniority: We are targeting candidates at the Associate Director to Director level.

Skillset: Must possess a strong design language and a deep understanding of Visual Merchandising. The ability to sketch and conceptualize is highly valued.

Industry Background: A background in cosmetics or skincare is highly relevant, but not mandatory. We are open to candidates from Fashion or Jewelry, provided they can adapt to the fast-paced, detail-oriented nature of beauty VM (e.g., specific display nuances for lipsticks and foundations).

Language Skills: Fluency in Mandarin is essential. Professional English is required to manage communications across other APAC markets and with global stakeholders.

Mindset: Creative, commercially astute, adaptable, and capable of navigating a fast‑moving retail environment with frequent updates.

(Job Code: VN/85088)

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