At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects from concept to delivery in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join Sigma, a top 10% fast-growing company transforming commercial spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in retail design while collaborating with creative minds.
- Qualifications: Degree in Design or related field and experience in design management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Associate Design Manager. Sigma are experts at transforming commercial space. With over 20 years experience operating in the fast-paced and dynamic retail sector, Sigma provide a true end-to-end service; from store construction and consolidation to fixture procurement, projects, and mechanical & electrical installation. Gondola Pro, Sigma's dedicated design house, specialises in delivering innovative, practical, and commercially driven design solutions for leading retail and commercial clients.
Ranked in the top 10% of the 2019 Sunday Times International FastTrack 200 awards, we have been acknowledged as being one of Britain's fastest growing private companies. It's our people that make us who we are, and we are proud to have some of the most experienced, knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated individuals within our industry, at every level in our business. Sigma is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
Outline of role
Working across the UK and Ireland, the Associate Design Manager will support the delivery of high-quality, innovative design solutions through Gondola Pro, Sigma's in-house design function. This role will involve overseeing design projects from concept through to delivery, ensuring alignment with client requirements, brand standards, operational feasibility, and commercial objectives. You will collaborate closely with internal teams, clients, and external partners to ensure seamless integration of design into live projects. The role will primarily support projects across the south of the UK (south of Birmingham), with regular client engagement (including London), alongside monthly travel to head office in Castleford.
Main responsibilities
- Support the management and delivery of design projects from initial concept through to final implementation.
- Collaborate with clients to understand requirements, translate briefs, and develop creative and practical design solutions.
- Coordinate with internal project, commercial, and delivery teams to ensure design feasibility and alignment with programme and budget.
- Oversee and contribute to the production of design drawings, visualisations, and technical documentation.
- Review design outputs for quality, consistency, and compliance with client and regulatory standards.
- Manage stakeholder relationships, including clients, consultants, and suppliers.
- Support value engineering and continuous improvement of design solutions.
- Ensure designs are aligned with construction methodologies, M&E requirements, and operational constraints.
- Contribute to innovation within Gondola Pro, including new concepts, materials, and technologies.
- Assist in mentoring and supporting junior designers within the team.
Knowledge and skills required
- Experience within retail design, commercial fit-out, or a similar fast-paced environment.
- Strong understanding of design processes from concept to delivery.
- Ability to interpret client briefs and translate them into practical design solutions.
- Good knowledge of construction methods, materials, and integration with M&E services.
- Strong organisational and project coordination skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to build and maintain effective client and stakeholder relationships.
- Creative thinker with strong attention to detail and commercial awareness.
- Proficient in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar).
- Proactive, adaptable, and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Qualifications required
- Essential: Degree or equivalent qualification in Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field (or relevant experience).
- Proven experience within a design or design management role.
- Strong working knowledge of industry-standard design tools.
- Desirable: Membership of a relevant professional body.
- Experience within retail or multi-site rollouts.
- Knowledge of sustainability and environmentally conscious design.
- Experience working alongside construction or M&E delivery teams.
Benefits: 25 days holiday plus
Associate Design Manager in London employer: Sigma Retail Solutions Limited
At Sigma, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the retail fit-out sector, offering our Project Engineers a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including 25 days of holiday, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional development, all while ensuring a supportive and inclusive culture. Our strategic location in the south of the UK allows for exciting project diversity and regular engagement with our dedicated team, making Sigma an exceptional place to advance your career.
Contact Details:
Sigma Retail Solutions Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Design Manager in London
✨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!
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✨Learn the Software Inside Out
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✨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 Associate Design Manager in London
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 Sigma Retail Solutions Limited!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Sigma Retail Solutions Limited. 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 Sigma Retail Solutions Limited
✨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 Sigma Retail Solutions Limited.
