Regional Retail Design and Visual Merchandising Senior/ Manager - Perfume Asia Pacific

BULGARI SOUTH ASIAN OPERATIONS PTE LTD; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury brand management company is seeking a Senior Manager for Retail Design and Visual Merchandising in Singapore. The role involves leading strategic design initiatives and ensuring the optimal implementation of retail environments. Candidates must have a degree in Architecture or Interior Design, a minimum of 15 years of experience, and proficiency in relevant design software. Experience in the perfume and cosmetic industry is preferred. This position demands strong communication skills and a proactive approach to brand management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years experience in a relevant field.
• Experience in the Perfume & Cosmetic industry is an advantage.
• Ability to manage budgets and monitor spending.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of retail design projects.
• Manage stakeholder communication throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure compliance with brand image and operational standards.

Skills

Proficient in Autocad

Photoshop

Illustrator

Good communication skills

Meticulous and problem-solving skills

Project management

Supplier management

Education

Degree in Architecture or Interior Design

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Purpose

The Senior Manager, Retail Design and Visual Merchandising, will play a pivotal role in shaping and elevating the brand's physical retail presence for Asia Pacific markets (domestic and TR channels). This strategic leadership position is responsible for overseeing all projects, development, and implementation of all retail environments (stores and counters), ensuring a cohesive brand image and aligning all initiatives with global brand standards and regional market needs, while optimising investments and operational efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Design & Implementation Leadership

• Lead the strategic planning, innovative design, and meticulous implementation of all retail design and visual merchandising projects, encompassing new store openings, counter installations, and some experiential podiums.
• Direct the visual merchandising strategy for all marketing launches and architectural projects related to the perfume category, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetics and commercial objectives.

Global & Regional Collaboration

• Act as the primary liaison with Regional and Headquarters teams, as well as local market stakeholders, to synchronize efforts on new store openings and adapt global Visual Merchandising guidelines for regional launches.
• Evaluate potential sites for new free-standing boutiques and counters, conducting comprehensive analyses of location, traffic patterns, and design feasibility in close consultation with local management and regional teams.

Project Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure all regions and members adhere to the Company’s Procurement Policy.
• Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among all key stakeholders throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial design concepts through all phases of construction and implementation, which includes reviewing technical drawings. Ensure projects adhere to brand business objectives, are delivered on time, within budget, and meet stringent brand quality standards.

Brand Image & Standards Guardianship

• Serve as the authoritative "Brand Image" ambassador and guardian for all activities related to Retail Design and Visual Merchandising, particularly for permanent perfume corners, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Drive the continuous evolution of Retail Design and Visual Merchandising concepts, overseeing their high‑quality deployment across all permanent perfume corners to maintain brand prestige.

Budget Management & Operational Excellence

• Respect the Capex budget for store design and visual merchandising initiatives, including rigorous review of contractor performance and authorization of invoices.
• Oversee the seamless coordination of all domestic and Travel Retail perfume counter openings, collaborating with the Regional Visual Merchandising Manager and local markets. Pay meticulous attention to the design, supplier costs, quality, and timing of special collection installations.

Counter Maintenance & Optimization

• Oversee and streamline the counter maintenance process, acting as the regional point of contact for reported issues and ensuring timely resolution.
• Upon notification of issues from Area Sales Managers (ASM), lead the process of obtaining detailed quotations from approved Contractors; facilitate ASM approval of the quotation and costs; coordinate with contractors and ASMs to schedule and execute maintenance works efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to retail operations; verify satisfactory completion of works with ASMs before authorizing final payments based on contractor‑provided pictorial reports.
• Conduct the annual bidding process for maintenance works, ensuring competitive rates and dedicated contractor support for each region.
• Effectively manage the allocated Travel Retail (TR) budget for maintenance works, ensuring optimal utilization and adherence to financial plans.

Data Management & Reporting

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive image database for all boutiques and counters, ensuring all information is current and accessible for strategic planning and analysis.

Supplier & Quality Assurance

• Lead initiatives to expand and optimize the list of approved suppliers, enhancing construction efficiency and cost‑effectiveness across key operational areas.
• Develop and implement clear, concise visual merchandising guidelines for counters and windows at points of sale, ensuring consistent execution.
• Conduct thorough site inspections to guarantee strict compliance with design specifications, lighting requirements, and local building codes.

Performance & Financial Oversight

• Verify the return on investment (ROI) for all projects, ensuring cost‑effectiveness and consistency with planned budgets.

Academic / Professional Qualifications

• Degree holder in Architecture, interior design or relevant discipline
• Minimum 15 years experience
• Experience in Perfume & Cosmetic industry is an added advantage
• Proficient in Autocad, Photoshop, Illustrator + MS Office
• Experience in project and design management, budget planning and spending monitoring, supplier management and development.
• Good communication skills
• Meticulous and problem‑solving skills
• Pro‑active, hands on, able to work independently, organized, team player
• Passion of luxury brands / luxury products / luxury sector