At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global store design and visual merchandising for a renowned brand.
- Company: Join Clarks, a heritage brand known for innovative shoemaking since 1825.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a dynamic team and travel for exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a global business with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail design and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Street, Somerset
The Role:
Own the physical expression of the brand across every global store environment. The role sets and cascades global store design, visual merchandising and retail POS direction, develops new concepts and fixtures from sketch through to signed-off production, and partners with regional retail, marketing, properties and procurement teams to land consistent, commercially effective executions in every market.
Key responsibilities:
- Global Store Design and Concept development
- Design new global store formats, fixtures and concepts, including collection and non-footwear requirement
- Produce fixture technical drawings, prototypes and final sign-off for global roll-out
- Develop global store concept principles and landlord pitch decks
- Deliver 2D floor plans for all new stores, relocations and refits, plus 3D renders for landlord requests
- Build store fixture order lists and support global procurement on materials and cost reviews
- Manage a team of 3 Global Store Designers based in Kuala Lumpur
- Create global VM principles documents across all concepts and seasons
- Set and cascade VM direction to regional retail and VM leads
- Build product lists and flow documents using HQ samples
- Support regional new store VM planning, openings and store visits
- Run HQ mock shop window, in-store and showroom set-ups for stakeholder review
- Management of UK based Global Retail and VM Manager
- Global Retail Marketing
- Lead the creation of global seasonal retail marketing guidelines across all brand tiers
- Management of Global retail graphic designer and freelancers
- Cascade POS direction to regional retail and marketing leads
- Support all regions pre-season and in-season planning
- Review regional executions and feed back on brand consistency
- Support new store POS planning, events and pop-up design
What you’ll bring:
- Brand guardian: rigorous about consistency of execution across every market
- Highly organised: able to run multiple seasonal and project workstreams in parallel
- Collaborative and diplomatic: across regions, functions and external partners
- Hands-on and practical: comfortable in mock shops and stores as well as in design software
- Willing to travel: to Street HQ for mock shop set ups/presentations and seasonal kick off meetings
- Substantial experience in retail store design, brand environments or visual merchandising within a global or multi-market retailer
- Proven record of taking store concepts and fixtures from initial design through prototyping to full roll-out
- Experience setting seasonal VM and POS direction and cascading it to regional teams
- Track record of working with overseas manufacturing and procurement partners, including cost and material sign-off
- Line management experience with a small design team
- Strong understanding of 2D and 3D design: floor plans, renders, technical fixture drawings
- Confident in building Global brand guidelines and pitch documents
- Commercial understanding of how store layout and VM drive conversion and sell-through
- Working knowledge of retail construction, materials, lighting and fixture manufacture
- Excellent presentation skills, including presenting concepts to senior stakeholders
What We Offer:
- Flexible/hybrid working options
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative culture
At Clarks, you’ll be part of a brand with heritage, craftsmanship, and style at its core. We offer great training, career progression, and the chance to make your mark in a global business.
About Clarks:
Clarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825 when brothers James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts. At the time, it was ground-breaking: a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what the brand does now. In the Clarks archive, more than 22,000 pairs of shoes have sparked revolutions and defined generations. From the original Clarks Desert Boot, first designed by Nathan Clark and launched in 1950, to the iconic Wallabee, each design has an instantly recognisable signature that makes it unmistakably Clarks.
Disclaimer: This document describes the general nature and level of work only. It is not designed to cover an exhaustive list of all skills, activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other activities, duties, and responsibilities may be added at any time. This description may be changed at the company’s discretion at any time, with or without notice.
Senior Global Store Design and VM Manager employer: Clarks Outlet
Clarks is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in retail. Located in the heart of Kingston upon Thames, our team enjoys flexible working hours, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to be part of a historic brand that values passion and customer service. Join us this season and experience the excitement of working with a company that truly cares about its employees and their development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Global Store Design and VM Manager
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Clarks Outlet who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Global Store Design and VM Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Clarks Outlet!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Clarks Outlet. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarks Outlet
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Clarks Outlet.
