At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects and manage teams to create exceptional retail environments.
- Company: Join Selfridges, a renowned retail brand known for its unique shopping experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for creativity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes the future of retail design and influences customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Seeking experienced designers with strong leadership skills and a passion for innovation.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with top industry professionals.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
To drive and deliver world class environments in all Selfridges’ stores through innovative strategic planning and highly professional design management, creating outstanding and innovative environments and experiences. To manage internal communication both internally, and with external consultants while keeping key stakeholders up to date. The Senior Design Manager will be a role model and ambassador for living the Selfridges values which will help in the management and development of their team. The Senior Design Manager will lead and drive change to continue to evolve Selfridges unique retail environments.
Scope: To support the Property Design Director, the Selfridges Executive team and the business in general in all Strategic Planning and Design related matters to deliver best in class solutions for all stores by:
- Informing, developing and implementing the Strategic Masterplans and the associated Design Guidelines.
- Ensuring the effective Design Management of all projects through the entire design, development and delivery process.
- Managing project requests from B&M taking them through feasibility studies where appropriate.
- Overseeing the development and maintenance of digital drawing data for all Selfridges’ sites.
- Effectively managing the internal and external design teams.
- Overseeing and being responsible for the design delivery of categories dependent on scale, and managing team workflow and allocation.
- Managing and leading the Design Managers and Coordinators, through motivating, inspiring and mentoring the team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Design Planning Work with the Lead Design Manager and Design Planning teams to aid in developing and delivering strategic retail Masterplan briefs and feasibilities for all stores. Lead presentations up to Exec level to drive decision making and support in unlocking change for future projects. Produce planning and delivery sequence and timeline. Assist in producing high level budget cost to support capital planning. Monitor competitors, and carry out industry research. Manage collation and production of strategic design guidelines, compartment design guidelines, project specific design guidelines and creation of temporary guidelines for refresh projects ensuring alignment throughout. Manage projects up to complex flagship brands with full strip out and build. Manage relevant design team members, with strong leadership and ownership skills.
- Design Management Lead for a number of high profile category projects, managing directly key category projects, with allocated projects delegated to design team. Run and lead a Masterplan scale project with full project team, and multiple business stakeholders. Coordinate production of retail briefs for all projects and ensure alignment with proposed plans. Lead brand design briefings as required, chaired by Project Manager. Manage the approval of brand shopfit projects through concept and detailed design stages, including managing business feedback and approval, presentation of proposals to the Board for approval, and ensuring projects adhere to Selfridges’ Masterplan and Store Guidelines. Ensure timely and sufficient design information is passed to Project Managers for the delivery phase. Work closely with the project management team to ensure design integrity is maintained at each stage of the design and delivery process. Participate in post-project reviews and design analysis. Manage creative consultants to ensure design solutions are developed in line with agreed cost parameters and project programmes. Ensure designs meet or exceed defined quality standards and compliance with requirements of legislation and/or external authorities. Ensure internal design approvals and financial sanctions are obtained at appropriate stages. Encourage design innovation and creativity.
- Project Requests and Feasibility First point of contact for B&M on all new project requests. Carry out design feasibility studies with support from the delivery team (when appropriate). Manage the planning and feasibility process for upcoming strategic projects, taking them to business approval, producing planning layouts, budget cost and draft timeline (with support from the delivery team). Support shortlisting of architects for strategic projects (with Head/Lead Design, creative team) and provide supporting information for the briefing.
- Leadership & Management Ability to lead design direction to drive and influence decision making. Work with the Lead Design Manager and Head of Design to manage, develop and coordinate the internal design team and their day to day workload. Monitor the performance and progress of the design team. Create and effectively lead internal and external consultant teams. Manage change and potential conflict. Establish a communication plan for the design stage of projects. Demonstrate ability to manage and lead multiple stakeholders across a range of business functions. Encourage and promote an understanding of the Selfridges brand values amongst external consultants. Demonstrate senior leadership behaviours within the design team, and across the business.
A bit about you Strategic design vision and planning. Strong and flexible design skillset with excellent project planning. Expert understanding of the retail and design landscape. Innovative, forward thinking, but with highly commercial approach – able to develop and implement new ideas in cost effective ways. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Excellent leadership, interpersonal and relationship skills. Coaching style of management and the ability to motivate others. Strong negotiator and influencer. Resilience and ability to work under pressure on many diverse projects. In depth knowledge of CAD and other design related packages.
Key Behaviours: Experienced designer with passion for retail and innovation. Self-motivated leader. Ability to inspire and manage a team. Ability to manage and solve complex challenges.
Senior Design Manager employer: TN United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
TN United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Selfridges' brand values and design philosophy. Understanding their unique approach to retail environments will help you align your vision with theirs during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the retail design industry, especially those who have experience with high-profile projects. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into current trends.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated others to achieve project goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest design technologies and tools, particularly CAD software. Being proficient in these areas will demonstrate your commitment to innovation and efficiency in design management.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in design management and strategic planning. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage complex projects, as outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for retail and innovation. Discuss how your strategic vision aligns with Selfridges' values and how you can contribute to their unique retail environments. Be sure to mention any leadership experiences that showcase your ability to inspire and manage a team.
Showcase Your Design Skills: If applicable, include a portfolio or examples of past projects that demonstrate your design skills and innovative thinking. Highlight any experience with CAD and other design-related software, as this is crucial for the role.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your leadership style, project management experience, and how you handle challenges. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led and the outcomes, as well as how you align with Selfridges' brand values.
How to prepare for a job interview at TN United Kingdom
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to discuss your strategic design vision and how it aligns with the company's goals. Be ready to share examples of past projects where you successfully implemented innovative design solutions that drove change.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading design teams and managing multiple stakeholders. Share specific instances where you motivated your team or resolved conflicts, showcasing your coaching style of management.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Since excellent communication is key for this role, prepare to present your thoughts on design concepts and project plans as if you were addressing the executive team.
✨Research and Prepare
Familiarise yourself with Selfridges' brand values and recent projects. Understanding their design guidelines and market position will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your commitment to the company’s vision.