Design Manager (all genders) – Luxury Retail at LIGANOVA GmbH

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (all genders) – Luxury Retail

Company: LIGANOVA GmbH

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-07

Experience Level: Mid-level to Senior (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Spearhead the translation of creative briefs into impactful, sustainable retail campaigns within the luxury sector, ensuring seamless execution from concept to installation.
Drive the technical implementation of high-aesthetic window campaigns, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with prototyping, production, and client-facing teams.
Define and manage production processes, including material selection, technical drawing creation, and budget adherence, to deliver exceptional retail experiences.
Oversee quality assurance across production and installation phases, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to brand standards for luxury retail clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong blend of creative vision and technical execution within the demanding luxury retail environment. The emphasis on sustainability and client presentation highlights a strategic operational component beyond pure design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Collaborate with Project Management to translate creative briefing documents into actionable, sustainable retail campaign plans for the luxury sector.
Manage the technical realization of window campaigns, ensuring high aesthetic standards while coordinating with prototyping, production, and client stakeholders.
Define production processes, select materials, and create detailed technical drawings and production documents, strictly adhering to budget and timeline constraints.
Implement and oversee Quality Gates throughout the production and set-up phases, providing hands-on guidance for production and pre-assembly.
Develop and deliver compelling customer presentations for prototyping, visual merchandising, and pre-assembly stages, effectively communicating design intent and technical feasibility.
Conduct on-site location assessments and manage the installation of window displays, evaluating technical feasibility and maintaining close client communication.
Champion sustainability initiatives within campaign design and production processes, aligning with LIGANOVA's Green Mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on role involving detailed production planning, client-facing presentations, and on-site management, demanding a proactive and detail-oriented approach to operations within a creative context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a technical or design-related field.

Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in 3D design, ideally with a focus on prototyping and production within the retail or luxury goods sector.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in at least one 3D design and one visualization software.
Strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel).
Experience in interpreting and translating creative briefs, with a keen eye for technical specifications, composition, color, materials, and surface finishes.
Demonstrated ability to define and manage production processes, including material selection and technical documentation.
Excellent communication and presentation skills in both English and German.
Proven ability to work independently, responsibly, and with a high degree of detail and design consciousness.
Interest in innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Preferred Skills:
Experience with prototyping and production workflows in a retail or luxury environment.
Familiarity with visual merchandising principles and their technical implementation.
Understanding of sustainability practices in design and manufacturing.
Project management experience, particularly in coordinating cross-functional teams and external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both 3D design and visualization software, alongside strong Adobe and MS Office skills, points to a need for versatile technical capabilities. The emphasis on translating creative briefs into technical specifications is crucial for this role's operational success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing 3D design projects, with a focus on technical execution and material considerations relevant to retail displays.
Include case studies illustrating the process of translating creative concepts into tangible prototypes and production-ready designs for window campaigns or similar retail installations.
Highlight projects that involved material selection, technical drawing, and adherence to specific production processes and budgets.
Showcase examples of client presentations or visual concepts that effectively communicated design intent and feasibility. Process Documentation:
Evidence of documenting design and production processes, including workflow diagrams, material specifications, and quality control checkpoints.
Examples of creating technical drawings and production-ready documentation for manufacturing.
Demonstrate experience in defining and managing production timelines and coordinating with manufacturing or prototyping teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to provide a portfolio that not only displays creative talent but also substantiates their ability to manage the technical and operational aspects of design implementation, particularly within a production and client-facing context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 2-5 years of experience in Stuttgart, Germany, a competitive salary range is estimated between €50,000 - €70,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized nature of luxury retail, technical design skills, and the responsibilities associated with production management and client interaction. Benefits:
Inclusive Culture: A workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusion, fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.
Sustainability Focus: Opportunities to contribute to and be part of innovative sustainability initiatives, including Green Transformation projects.
International Networking: Access to a global network through LIGANOVA's offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam, encouraging cross-unit collaboration and exchange.
Professional Development: Opportunities for growth and learning within a dynamic international company, with a focus on personal and professional development ("Create the best version of yourself").
Creative Environment: Work in a stimulating environment focused on luxury retail and innovative design solutions.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility based on project needs and on-site installation schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on average compensation data for similar roles in Stuttgart, considering the luxury retail sector's premium and the specific technical and managerial skills required. Benefits emphasize company culture, sustainability, and international exposure, aligning with modern employee expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Retail / Retail Experience Design. LIGANOVA operates at the intersection of luxury brands and immersive retail experiences, focusing on creating sophisticated window campaigns and brand activations that enhance customer engagement and brand perception in the high-end market.

Company Size: LIGANOVA has grown to multiple international offices, suggesting a medium-to-large organization with established operational structures, yet maintaining a dynamic and collaborative team environment.

Founded: While the founding year isn't explicitly stated, the company's growth across multiple international locations indicates a well-established presence in the market, likely built on a solid foundation of expertise in retail design and execution.

Team Structure:

The role is part of a team that likely includes Project Managers, Prototyping specialists, Production coordinators, and potentially Visual Merchandising teams.
Reporting is likely to a senior management figure within the Design or Operations department, with close collaboration across functional areas.
Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring seamless integration with creative, technical, and client management teams. Methodology:
Data-Driven Design: While creativity is paramount, the role emphasizes technical feasibility, budget adherence, and quality control, suggesting a data-informed approach to design execution.
Process Optimization: Defining and refining production processes, material selection, and workflow management are core to ensuring efficiency and quality in delivering complex retail campaigns.
Client-Centric Execution: The role involves direct client interaction, presentation, and on-site management, highlighting a methodology focused on client satisfaction and successful project delivery.

Company Website: http://liganova.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on luxury retail and "Green Transformation" positions it as a forward-thinking agency. The international presence suggests a robust operational framework designed to manage complex, multi-location projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring a solid foundation in 3D design and prototyping, coupled with the operational acumen to manage production processes, budgets, and client interactions. It bridges the gap between pure design and project/production management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Design, Creative Director, or Operations Manager, working closely with Project Managers and collaborating with production teams, prototypers, and client account managers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager directly influences the tangible representation of luxury brands in the retail space. Their operational efficiency in translating creative briefs into executed campaigns directly impacts brand perception, customer experience, and ultimately, sales performance. Successful campaign execution contributes significantly to client retention and the company's reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative retail experiences.

Growth Opportunities:

Senior Design Management: Progression to a Senior Design Manager or Creative Lead role, overseeing larger projects or a team of designers.
Operations Specialization: Transition into a more specialized operations role, such as Production Manager or Project Director, focusing on process optimization and large-scale project execution.
Client Relationship Management: Develop expertise in client-facing roles, leveraging design and technical knowledge to manage key accounts and strategic brand partnerships.
Sustainability Expertise: Deepen knowledge in sustainable design and manufacturing, potentially leading sustainability initiatives within the company or for specific client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within design management or a pivot into operations, leveraging the unique combination of creative and technical skills developed. The emphasis on client presentations and on-site management prepares individuals for roles with significant stakeholder interaction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Stuttgart, indicating a traditional office environment that fosters in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct interaction with colleagues and potentially clients.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in Stuttgart, Germany, with potential for travel to client sites for installations and assessments. LIGANOVA also has offices in Berlin and Amsterdam, suggesting opportunities for cross-office collaboration and networking.

Workspace Context:

The workspace likely supports a collaborative environment where designers, project managers, and production specialists work closely together, facilitating rapid iteration and problem-solving.
Access to relevant design software, visualization tools, and potentially prototyping facilities or studios would be expected.
Opportunities for direct interaction with team members will be crucial for effective workflow management, brainstorming, and ensuring cohesive campaign execution.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week). However, the nature of retail campaign installations may require flexibility, including potential work during non-standard hours or weekends during critical installation periods, balanced with compensatory time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and the practical, hands-on nature of the role, particularly for managing installations and maintaining direct communication lines with production and client teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess your qualifications, design experience, and technical proficiency in 3D design and relevant software. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate a strong understanding of luxury retail aesthetics and production processes.
Technical/Creative Interview: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, material choices, and how you translate creative briefs into technical realities. Be prepared to articulate your problem-solving approach for common challenges in retail display production.
On-site/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with the hiring manager (Lhea) and potentially other team members. This interview will focus on your communication skills, ability to collaborate cross-functionally, understanding of production workflows, and alignment with LIGANOVA's culture, including their emphasis on sustainability and innovation. You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio.
Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit within the company's vision and operational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best represent your experience in 3D design, technical execution, material application, and retail campaign development, especially those with a luxury or high-aesthetic focus.
Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the creative brief, your design process, technical challenges overcome, material choices, production considerations, and the final outcome. Include technical drawings or production documentation examples.
Highlight Operations: Emphasize your understanding of production workflows, budget management, quality control, and client presentations. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced production time by X%," "met budget targets for Y campaign").
Sustainability Integration: If applicable, showcase projects that incorporated sustainable materials or processes, aligning with LIGANOVA's Green Mindset.
Presentation Readiness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, explaining your contributions clearly and concisely, and answering questions about your technical skills and operational decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

Be ready for potential case studies or design challenges that require you to outline a process for developing a window campaign concept, considering technical feasibility, material sourcing, and budget constraints.
Practice articulating your design rationale and operational approach under timed conditions.
Familiarize yourself with current trends in luxury retail design and sustainability in the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both creative capability and operational execution. A strong portfolio that details the "how" and "why" behind design decisions, particularly concerning production and client needs, will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

3D Design Software: Proficiency in at least one industry-standard 3D modeling software (e.g., Rhino, SolidWorks, Blender, 3ds Max) is essential for creating detailed designs and technical models.
Visualization Software: Experience with rendering engines or visualization tools to create realistic mock-ups and client presentations (e.g., V-Ray, Keyshot, Lumion).
Adobe Creative Suite: Strong skills in Photoshop and Illustrator for graphic elements, mock-ups, and preparing assets. InDesign for presentations.
MS Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint for client presentations and Excel for budget tracking, material lists, and production planning.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not explicitly stated as a primary focus, understanding how design choices impact visual merchandising and potentially sales performance may require familiarity with basic reporting or dashboarding tools used by clients or internal teams. CRM & Automation:
Experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) or CRM systems used for client communication and project tracking would be beneficial for workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical stack points to a need for robust 3D modeling and visualization capabilities, complemented by strong presentation and documentation tools. The emphasis is on creating technically sound and visually compelling designs for production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, aesthetically refined retail campaigns that meet and exceed client expectations in the luxury sector.
Innovation & Sustainability: A drive to explore new design approaches and materials, with a strong focus on environmentally conscious practices and contributing to Green Transformation initiatives.
Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open communication and teamwork across disciplines (design, project management, production) to ensure seamless project flow and problem-solving.
Detail-Oriented Approach: A meticulous focus on detail in design, technical specifications, and production processes, crucial for maintaining luxury brand integrity.
Client Partnership: Building strong relationships with clients through effective communication, understanding their needs, and delivering impactful retail experiences.

Collaboration Style:

Interdisciplinary Synergy: Encouraging a collaborative environment where designers, project managers, and production teams work in close alignment, sharing expertise and feedback throughout the project lifecycle.
Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture that tackles challenges head-on, with teams collectively identifying and resolving issues related to design, production, or installation.
Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where best practices, technical insights, and innovative ideas are shared freely, contributing to continuous improvement in campaign design and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of high-end creative standards, operational rigor, and a modern emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity. Collaboration is key to navigating the complex process of luxury retail campaign creation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Creativity with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating high-concept luxury designs into technically feasible, producible, and budget-adherent window campaigns.
Managing Complex Production Cycles: Overseeing intricate production processes, material sourcing, and quality control for demanding luxury clients, often with tight deadlines.
On-site Installation Coordination: Ensuring smooth and precise installation of elaborate window displays in diverse retail environments, requiring adaptability and on-the-spot problem-solving.
Client Communication: Effectively presenting complex technical designs and managing client expectations for high-profile luxury brands.
Integrating Sustainability: Proactively incorporating and championing sustainable practices throughout the design and production lifecycle, balancing environmental goals with aesthetic and performance requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Design & Production Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge 3D design, visualization, and production methodologies relevant to retail installations.
Luxury Market Insights: Gaining deep understanding of the luxury retail landscape, brand aesthetics, and consumer expectations.
Sustainability in Retail: Developing expertise in green transformation initiatives and sustainable material sourcing within the design and production context.
Cross-Functional Skill Development: Enhancing project management, client presentation, and stakeholder management skills through daily interaction and project involvement.
International Exposure: Networking and collaborating with colleagues across LIGANOVA's international offices, broadening perspectives and learning diverse approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex operational challenges in a high-stakes creative industry, fostering significant professional growth in both design execution and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a time you had to translate a complex creative brief into a technically feasible design for production. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, material choices, and problem-solving).
"How do you ensure quality and brand consistency when managing the production of high-end retail displays, especially when working with external suppliers?" (Highlight your quality gate process, attention to detail, and communication strategies).
"Walk me through your process for creating technical drawings and production documentation. What information is critical, and why?" (Demonstrate your understanding of production-ready specifications).
"How do you approach client presentations for design concepts, particularly when dealing with luxury brands? What elements are crucial for success?" (Focus on storytelling, visual communication, and addressing client needs). Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about LIGANOVA's focus on sustainability and the 'Green Mindset' initiative?" (Research their sustainability efforts and articulate your alignment).
"How do you see your design skills contributing to the success of luxury retail campaigns?" (Connect your technical and creative abilities to client outcomes).
"Describe your experience working in cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective collaboration between design, production, and project management?" (Provide examples of successful teamwork and communication). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the design process, technical challenges, material decisions, production steps, and the final result.
Highlight Operational Aspects: Explicitly discuss how you managed budgets, timelines, quality control, and client communication within your projects. Use technical drawings or production documentation as supporting evidence.
Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., "delivered on time and within budget," "received positive client feedback on installation quality").
Showcase Software Proficiency: Be ready to briefly explain or demonstrate your use of key 3D, visualization, and Adobe Creative Suite tools within your project examples.
Engage and Discuss: Treat your portfolio presentation as a dialogue, inviting questions and being prepared to elaborate on any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic understanding of the design lifecycle, from creative concept to operational execution, with a strong emphasis on technical proficiency, client management, and a commitment to quality and sustainability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your 3D design skills, technical execution, experience with production processes, and understanding of luxury retail aesthetics. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your ability to translate creative briefs into tangible, producible designs.
Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in 3D design, prototyping, production management, technical drawing, and client presentations. Use keywords from the job description such as "luxury retail," "window campaigns," "technical implementation," and "sustainability." Quantify achievements where possible.
Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, technical decisions, and operational management for each project. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and collaborate with teams.
Research LIGANOVA: Familiarize yourself with LIGANOVA's work, their focus on luxury retail, their "Green Mindset" initiative, and their international presence. Understand their approach to design and sustainability to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Design Manager (all genders) – Luxury Retail