Visual Merchandising, Development & Engineering Manager

estee lauder travel retailing, inc.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Estée Lauder Travel Retailing, Inc. seeks a Manager of VM Development & Engineering in Singapore to lead technical development, structural engineering, and value engineering of VM tools and displays across brands.

You will collaborate with Design, IP, PM, and external manufacturers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective retail solutions. The role focuses on evaluating design intent, optimizing materials and processes, managing prototypes, and driving cost improvements while meeting safety,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in display, VM, or retail fixture industries.
• Knowledge of display construction and manufacturing processes (injection molding, vacuum forming, acrylic/metal fabrication).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience with vendors to develop innovative, sustainable, cost-effective solutions.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate design concepts for technical feasibility, manufacturability, structural integrity, and production requirements.
• Develop engineering solutions that preserve design intent while optimizing functionality and durability.
• Recommend materials, construction methods, and processes to balance quality and cost.
• Collaborate with Design, PM, IP teams for successful execution.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, CAD files, and production docs.
• Lead prototype development, testing, and validation for in-store performance.
• Ensure VM solutions comply with safety, regulatory, and retailer requirements.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Product development

Structural engineering

Cost optimization

Vendor management

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design

Tools

CAD software

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Manager, VM Development & Engineering, is responsible for the technical development, structural engineering, and value engineering of VM tools and displays across brands and markets. This role serves as the engineering lead between Design teams, IP teams, Project Management, and external manufacturing partners to ensure VM concepts are translated into high-quality, cost-effective, manufacturable, and sustainable retail solutions.

The position focuses on evaluating design intent, developing engineering solutions, optimizing materials and manufacturing processes, managing prototype development and testing, and driving continuous cost improvements through value engineering initiatives. The role is responsible for ensuring all VM displays meet quality, durability, safety, regulatory, and aesthetic requirements while maintaining alignment with brand objectives and project timelines.

This position reports to the Director of Corporate VM Project Management &Engineering, and is based in the Singapore Hub.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

VM Engineering & Product Development

• Evaluate design concepts and renderings to assess technical feasibility, manufacturability, structural integrity, and production requirements.
• Develop engineering solutions that preserve design intent while optimizing functionality, durability, assembly, and installation.
• Recommend appropriate materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes to achieve quality and cost objectives.
• Collaborate with Design, Project Management, and IP teams throughout the development process to ensure successful execution.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, CAD files, technical specifications, and production documentation.

Structural Engineering & Technical Validation

• Assess structural performance and mechanical functionality of VM tools and displays.
• Lead prototype development, testing, and validation activities to ensure product durability and in-store performance.
• Review testing protocols and results to confirm compliance with quality, safety, and performance requirements.
• Identify and resolve engineering risks, manufacturing challenges, and technical issues throughout the development lifecycle.
• Ensure all VM solutions comply with applicable safety regulations, environmental standards, and retailer requirements including lighting.

Value Engineering & Cost Optimization

• Drive value engineering initiatives to improve product performance while reducing manufacturing and material costs.
• Evaluate alternative materials, construction methods, and production processes to achieve cost-saving opportunities.
• Partner with IP and suppliers to identify efficiencies in tooling, production, packaging, and logistics.
• Track and document cost-saving initiatives and engineering improvements across projects.
• Balance cost targets with quality, aesthetics, sustainability, and brand standards.

Vendor Engineering Management

• Work closely with manufacturing partners to review design intent, engineering proposals, and production methodologies.
• Evaluate and challenge vendor recommendations to ensure optimal technical and commercial outcomes.
• Review, provide feedback on, and approve vendor engineering submissions, prototypes, and pre-production samples.
• Monitor vendor development timelines and engineering deliverables to ensure project milestones are achieved.
• Support vendor qualification, capability assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality& Production Readiness

• Ensure display structures, graphic components, packaging, and assembly methods meet required quality standards.
• Conduct engineering reviews during prototype, pilot, and production stages to ensure readiness for manufacturing.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality or production issues.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure successful production launches and implementation.
• Maintain engineering standards, best practices, and technical documentation across VM projects.

KEY COMPETENCIES

5+years of experience in the display, VM, or retail fixture industry, preferably in prestige cosmetics.

Strong knowledge of display construction and manufacturing processes, including injection molding, vacuum forming, acrylic and metal fabrication, decoration processes, and LED lighting.

Abilityto read and interpret technical/engineering drawings.

Experience working with vendors to develop innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions.

Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.

Abilityto manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing business needs.

Collaborative team player with strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

Sketching skills are a plus.

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field preferred.