Assistant Retail Designer in Bury

The Creative & Development Assistant Retail Designer role is central to JD Sports’ continued global growth. Sitting within the Store Development team as a function of the wider Property Department, this position is key in shaping the physical retail experience through high-impact, brand-led store environments.

The role demands great design standards and a creative approach to developing store concepts that align with JD’s store grading framework and associated brands under the JD umbrella. Strong communication skills are key, with an open collaborative attitude and some experience in designing and delivering retail spaces ideally within the sports or fashion sector. From concept development to final implementation, innovative thinking, precision, and a deep understanding of how to translate JD Sports’ brand DNA into dynamic, customer-focused retail spaces are essential.

We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards and expectations required of JD as a Global Powerhouse, to continue leading in the Sports Fashion Retail arena by driving a future-focused Retail Design strategy that prioritises immersive customer experiences, elevated brand storytelling, and agile store formats tailored to evolving consumer behaviours and global market dynamics and trends.

• Support design projects within agreed territory, taking projects from brief through to completion, working collaboratively with team support and independently.
• Attend strategy and briefing meetings to obtain design briefs and general direction of projects, ensuring information is understood and interpreted in execution.
• Work cross-functionally with key project stakeholders from within the JD Group including the wider Property team, Retail, Marketing, Multi-channel, IT, security, etc.
• Coordinate meetings to present store designs and obtain approval/feedback.
• Attend site meetings; discuss the design with the project delivery team, check surveys and record site information.
• Set up drawings in AutoCAD using landlord or survey information.
• Space plan merchandise layouts using a design brief and option targets.
• Production of detailed plans, shop fronts, sections, and elevations for proposed store designs.
• Produce relevant details required for the development of design schemes including store architecture, furniture, and fittings, to support costing and design communication to third parties including shopfitters and general contractors.
• Production of 3D Visuals when required to support design development and communication.
• Liaise with external professional agencies such as structural engineers, planning departments, or consultants to obtain statutory approvals.
• Partner with the signage and graphics team to work collaboratively to deliver projects.
• Be current and aware of consumer trends to shape and inspire innovative retail design concepts that resonate with JD’s global audience and reflect the dynamic energy of JD.
• Be responsible for collating as-built information when a store has completed and update information for future use by our Property team colleagues.

• Some experience in a creative role with a leading design agency or in-house design team.
• Proven experience at all stages of the design process, from conception through to implementation.
• Ability to communicate and influence at all levels.
• Design creatively to set budgets.
• Interpret briefs accurately with the ability to plan work streams and set deadlines.
• Strong verbal and visual presentation skills.
• Self-motivated and driven.
• Ability to spot any potential design issues and raise this with the team.
• Strong retail awareness and knowledge of retail trends and brands.
• Strong understanding of construction or shop fitting coupled with a good understanding of building regulations.
• Be prepared to travel throughout the UK holding a full driving licence.

• Expert knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Proficient in the use of Adobe Creative Cloud suite.
• Experience of Revit is desirable.
• Expert in visual rendering and 3D modelling using SketchUp / Podium.
• Experience and knowledge using AI in presentation work.
• Ability to use all Microsoft Office programs.
• Open to design management tools to support reporting of project progress.
• An interest in the use and specification of sustainable materials and construction methods.
• An understanding of the JD brand and knowledge of our retail stores and our competitors.

• Degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Interior Design or other relevant qualification.
• Practical experience within the design/architecture sector is required.