Head of Store Planning in City of London

THE JESSICA McCORMACK BRAND

Renowned diamond jeweller Jessica McCormack designs exceptional jewellery for the modern woman, creating heirlooms for future generations. Artfully blending modernity and timelessness, her mission is to create jewellery that generations of women will wear and adore. Since launching in 2008, the brand has become known for effortlessly melding the traditional and the contemporary, combining Georgian techniques and expert craftsmanship with modern-day design influences, eschewing trends for a unique, heirloom-inspired aesthetic. Conscious of the demands placed on today’s modern woman, Jessica designs each piece to stand out, but also to work effortlessly within a client’s lifestyle and existing wardrobe.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

This role leads the planning and delivery of new Jessica McCormack stores and major refurbishments around the world, taking the creative vision set by Jessica McCormack and the Global Head of VM & Store Design and turning it into technically resolved, beautifully executed retail spaces. Sitting at the centre of every project, this person is the key link between our internal teams and the architects, designers, project managers, contractors, makers and specialist suppliers we work with — managing each store from design development, through construction, installation and snagging, right through to handover.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design & Technical Planning
  • Develop and review floor plans, layouts, elevations, CAD drawings and technical documentation.
  • Undertake site surveys, ensuring accurate measurements and specifications for fixtures and architectural requirements.
  • Review technical drawings and resolve design, construction and operational issues as they arise.
  • Ensure every project stays true to the Jessica McCormack aesthetic while meeting local regulations and operational needs.
• Project & Programme Management
  • Brief and coordinate architects, contractors, fixture makers, artisans and specialist suppliers.
  • Own project programmes, budgets and timelines across design, procurement, construction and opening.
  • Coordinate internal teams, external consultants and international project managers, keeping actions and deadlines on track.
  • Chair regular project meetings alongside the Global Head of VM & Store Design.
  • Produce and maintain executive steering packs covering progress, budget, risks, decisions and key milestones.
  • Manage quotations, costs, variations, purchase orders and supplier negotiations.
• Site Delivery & Compliance
  • Attend site visits, installations and handovers internationally, overseeing snagging through to completion.
  • Work with architects and local project teams to ensure landlord, accessibility, building and local compliance requirements are met.
• Sourcing, Materials & Fixtures
  • Source and specify materials, finishes, furniture, antiques, artwork and specialist items in keeping with the Jessica McCormack aesthetic.
  • Manage samples, prototypes and approvals across furniture, fixtures, joinery, fabrics, flooring, wallpaper, paint and specialist finishes.
  • Coordinate bespoke fabrication, upholstery, restoration and fixture production.
  • Build and maintain a strong network of specialist suppliers, makers and artisans.
• Logistics & Asset Management
  • Manage inventories and the reuse, relocation or resale of furniture and store-design assets.
  • Coordinate international shipping, customs, deliveries and installation of furniture, fixtures, artwork and VM equipment.
• Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Support
  • Partner with Operations on store requirements including security, safes, back-of-house and other operational equipment.
  • Own the aftercare of completed projects, gathering feedback from teams and addressing any post-build issues.
  • Act as the Store Planning contact for external partners and department stores, including Harrods.
  • Support refurbishments and upgrades across the existing store portfolio.
  • Support the wider VM & Store Design team with pop-ups, windows, press days, events and key brand installations when needed.
  • Provide technical, sourcing and logistical support to help bring creative projects to life.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A background in architecture, interior architecture, retail/interior design or a related discipline.
• Proven track record delivering premium or luxury retail projects, from design development through to construction and handover.
• Advanced AutoCAD skills with strong technical drawing and spatial planning ability; SketchUp, Revit and Adobe Creative Suite are a plus.
• Solid understanding of construction, materials, finishes, joinery, furniture and bespoke fixture manufacture.
• Experience managing architects, contractors, suppliers, budgets and complex project programmes.
• International store-opening experience.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Highly organised and commercially minded, with the confidence to communicate well with senior stakeholders.
• Strong aesthetic judgement and a genuine interest in architecture, vintage furniture, art and craftsmanship.
• Collaborative, resourceful and solutions-focused, with a keen eye for detail.