Store Design Development Manager

The Store Design Development Manager is responsible for leading the design development and technical governance of all retail store projects. This role ensures that every store design complies with the company's brand identity, operational requirements, technical standards, and construction quality. The Store Design Development Manager acts as the company's design authority by reviewing, verifying, and approving all design documentation submitted by appointed interior designers and consultants before construction.

The Store Design Development Manager is responsible for leading the design

development and technical governance of all retail store projects, while providing day to-day leadership, coaching and direction to the Store Design team.

Working closely with the Senior Store Design Manager, this role is responsible for translating the department's design direction and standards into consistent execution across all projects. This role is also expected to develop the capabilities of the team, raise design and technical standards, promote accountability and guide team members towards delivering high-quality work independently and consistently.

Key Responsibilities

Design Governance & Technical Review

Review, verify, and acknowledge all design drawings, specifications, and

technical documents submitted by appointed interior designers, architects, and

consultants.

Ensure all drawings are complete, coordinated, buildable, and compliant with

company standards before issuance for construction.

Identify design inconsistencies, technical conflicts, and operational issues, and

provide clear direction for revisions.

Approve design packages at each project milestone prior to implementation.

Design Standards & Guidelines

Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the company's Store Design

Guidelines, detailing design standards, material specifications, fixture

requirements, lighting standards, signage, accessibility, and brand elements.

Establish standard drawing templates, detailing requirements, and documentation procedures for all appointed design consultants.

Ensure all interior designers consistently adhere to the company's design

manual and brand standards across all store formats.

Conduct regular reviews and update design standards based on operational

feedback, new concepts, and industry best practices.

Design Management

Lead concept development, space planning, and design coordination for new

stores, renovations, relocations, and refurbishments.

Coordinate closely with Operations, Visual Merchandising, Leasing,

Procurement, Facilities, and Project Management teams to ensure design

solutions meet both commercial and operational objectives.

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to appointed consultants throughout

the design process.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance and direction to the Store Design team,

working alongside the Senior Store Design Manager to achieve departmental

objectives.

Set clear expectations, priorities and quality standards for team members and

ensure accountability for agreed deliverables and timelines.

Coach and mentor team members to strengthen their design thinking, technical

knowledge, problem-solving skills and project ownership.

Regularly review team members work and provide constructive feedback to

improve design quality, technical accuracy and overall capability.

Build a collaborative, accountable and high-performing team culture that

encourages knowledge sharing, continuous learning and design excellence.

Project Support

Conduct design review meetings with consultants and stakeholders.

Perform site inspections during construction to ensure works are executed

according to approved drawings and specifications.

Review and approve material samples, mock-ups, shop drawings, and design

changes before implementation.

Resolve technical design issues arising during construction and recommend

practical solutions.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure all store designs comply with local building regulations, fire safety

requirements, accessibility standards, landlord requirements, and company

policies.

Establish quality assurance procedures for design documentation and

completed stores.

Monitor design quality across all projects and implement corrective actions

where necessary.

Key Competencies

Strong knowledge of retail store planning, interior architecture, and construction

detailing.

Excellent ability to review and interpret architectural, interior design, MEP, and

shop drawings.

Strong understanding of retail operational requirements and customer journey.

Ability to develop and enforce design standards and technical guidelines.

Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

High attention to detail with strong technical judgment.