Design Manager (all genders) – Luxury Retail

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: LIGANOVA I Karriere

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Festanstellung (Permanent)

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Retail / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: September 07, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end execution of luxury retail campaigns, from creative briefing to final installation, ensuring seamless integration of design and production.

• Drive the technical production of high-aesthetic window campaigns, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with prototyping, production, and client teams.

• Manage production processes, including material selection, technical drawing creation, and budget adherence, to deliver innovative and sustainable retail experiences.

• Act as a key quality gatekeeper, ensuring production excellence and client satisfaction through compelling presentations and on-site supervision.

• Contribute to LIGANOVA's reputation as a leading agency in brand and retail marketing by delivering cutting-edge, visually stunning, and sustainable retail solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the luxury retail sector, demanding a high degree of aesthetic precision, attention to detail, and an understanding of premium brand presentation. The emphasis on sustainability and innovation suggests a forward-thinking approach to retail marketing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Campaign Transition & Execution: Spearhead the transition of creative briefing documents into tangible, high-impact retail campaigns for the luxury sector, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and aesthetic standards.

• Technical Production Management: Lead the technical implementation of window campaigns, collaborating closely with prototyping, production, and client-facing teams to achieve demanding aesthetic requirements.

• Process Definition & Optimization: Define and optimize production processes in conjunction with internal production teams, overseeing material selection, creating detailed technical drawings, and developing comprehensive production documentation.

• Budget & Timeline Adherence: Ensure all production activities remain within allocated budgets and adhere to project timelines, proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks.

• Quality Assurance & Client Presentations: Conduct rigorous quality gates throughout the production and setup phases, provide hands-on guidance during production, and develop and deliver persuasive client presentations for prototyping, visual merchandising, and pre-assembly stages.

• On-Site Supervision & Client Liaison: Visit retail locations to assess technical feasibility, supervise window installations, and maintain close communication with clients to ensure successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative oversight and technical project management, crucial for translating high-level design concepts into executable retail experiences. The focus on "Quality Gates" and "client presentations" indicates a need for strong process management and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in a technical or design-related field is required. Experience:

• Minimum of 2-3 years of progressive experience in 3D design, with a strong preference for experience in prototyping and production environments.

• Proven track record in managing complex creative projects from concept to completion within the retail or luxury goods sector. Required Skills:

• 3D Design & Visualization: Proficiency in at least one 3D design software and one visualization program.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite applications.

• MS Office Proficiency: Advanced skills in PowerPoint for presentations and Excel for data management and budgeting.

• Creative Brief Interpretation: Demonstrated ability to interpret and translate creative briefs into detailed technical specifications, considering composition, color palettes, materials, finishes, and feasibility.

• Technical Drawing & Documentation: Ability to create precise technical drawings and comprehensive production documentation.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and German, with the ability to articulate technical and design concepts clearly.

• Client Presentation: Experience in developing and delivering compelling presentations to clients and stakeholders.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project management principles, including planning, execution, and monitoring.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with sustainability initiatives and materials in design and production.

• Familiarity with visual merchandising principles and execution.

• Knowledge of material selection and properties relevant to luxury retail displays.

• Experience in supervising on-site installations and managing vendor relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both 3D design and visualization software, alongside Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office, indicates a need for a versatile candidate. The emphasis on interpreting creative briefs technically and the demand for dual-language proficiency (English and German) are key differentiators for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in 3D Design & Production: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your involvement in the end-to-end process of creating 3D designs for retail campaigns, including technical specifications, material choices, and production challenges overcome.

• Technical Documentation Examples: Include samples of technical drawings, production briefs, or any documentation created to guide manufacturing and assembly processes for retail displays or campaigns.

• Visual Merchandising & Installation Projects: Present examples of projects where you contributed to the visual merchandising aspect or supervised the installation of retail displays or window campaigns, highlighting the final aesthetic outcome and any on-site challenges managed.

• Sustainability Integration: If applicable, highlight projects that incorporated sustainable materials or processes, demonstrating your commitment to eco-friendly design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you define and optimize workflows for translating creative concepts into production-ready designs, including your approach to interdisciplinary team collaboration.

• Quality Control & Gate Management: Demonstrate your understanding of quality control checkpoints throughout the design and production lifecycle, with examples of how you ensure adherence to high standards.

• Client Presentation & Feedback Integration: Provide examples of how you structure client presentations and incorporate feedback to refine designs and production plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on transitioning creative briefs to production, the portfolio should strongly emphasize the candidate's ability to bridge the gap between design intent and technical execution. Demonstrating a structured approach to process management and quality assurance will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 2-5 years of experience in Stuttgart, Germany, within the luxury retail sector, the estimated annual salary range is between €50,000 and €65,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Stuttgart, the specialized nature of luxury retail design, and the required technical proficiencies. Benefits:

• Inclusion & Diversity Culture: A workplace that actively celebrates and promotes diversity and inclusion, fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Involvement in and contribution to innovative sustainability efforts within the company and for clients, including a "Green Board" and "Green Campaign Cycle" initiatives.

• International Networking: Opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues across LIGANOVA's offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam, fostering a global perspective and cross-cultural exchange.

• Professional Development: A culture that encourages personal growth and self-improvement, aligned with the company's mission to "Create the best version of yourself."

• Employee Well-being: A focus on creating a supportive work environment that values individual uniqueness and potential.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in Germany, adjusted for the luxury sector and the specific location. The listed benefits are derived from the "WHAT TO EXPECT" section and are tailored to appeal to professionals valuing a progressive and inclusive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Brand & Retail Marketing Agency. LIGANOVA operates at the intersection of brand storytelling, physical retail experiences, and digital integration, catering to influential global companies and brands for three decades.

Company Size: LIGANOVA has grown its HQ in Stuttgart and has established full branches in Berlin and Amsterdam, indicating a mid-sized to large agency structure with a significant international footprint. This size allows for both established processes and a degree of agility.

Founded: Founded three decades ago, LIGANOVA possesses a long-standing history and deep expertise in the brand and retail marketing landscape, suggesting stability, established client relationships, and a wealth of industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: While not explicitly detailed, the role of Design Manager implies a position within a broader creative or project management team. Collaboration is emphasized across "Prototyping, Production, and the client's contact persons," suggesting a cross-functional team environment.

• Reporting: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Design, Creative Director, or a Project Management Lead, with direct collaboration with Project Management.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates constant interaction with Project Management, Prototyping teams, Production departments, Visual Merchandising teams, and directly with clients.

Methodology:

• "Next" Thinking: LIGANOVA emphasizes a forward-looking approach, focusing on future-proof and sustainable innovations that capture the current zeitgeist.

• Seamless Integration: A core methodology is the seamless connection of human interaction, brands, and products across both physical and digital spaces.

• Sustainability Focus: The company actively promotes sustainability through initiatives like the "Green Board" and "Green Campaign Cycle," integrating eco-friendly solutions into client strategies.

Company Website: https://www.liganova.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: LIGANOVA's positioning as a long-standing leader in luxury brand and retail marketing, coupled with its emphasis on innovation and sustainability, creates a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment. The collaborative structure suggests a project-based approach where different disciplines converge to deliver high-quality retail experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role sits at an intermediate to senior level within the creative operations spectrum. It requires a solid foundation in 3D design and production principles, coupled with the ability to manage projects, client relationships, and quality control. It's a role that bridges creative vision with practical execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report into a senior creative lead or a project management hierarchy. The role demands significant autonomy in managing specific campaign elements and production processes, while also requiring close collaboration with various internal departments and external clients.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful execution of luxury retail campaigns, which are critical for brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales. By ensuring high aesthetic standards, efficient production, and on-time delivery, this role directly contributes to client satisfaction and LIGANOVA's reputation for excellence in the luxury market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Luxury Retail: Deepen expertise in the unique demands and trends of luxury brand marketing and retail design, becoming a go-to specialist within the agency.

• Leadership in Production & Project Management: Progress into roles with broader project oversight, team leadership, or senior production management, potentially managing larger-scale campaigns or multiple projects concurrently.

• Sustainability Design Expertise: Develop a niche in sustainable retail design, leveraging LIGANOVA's "Green Mindset" to lead innovative eco-friendly projects and strategies.

• International Exposure: Gain further international experience through collaboration on global campaigns and potential involvement with the Amsterdam and Berlin offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the specialized field of luxury retail marketing. The emphasis on sustainability and international collaboration provides avenues for expanding skill sets and career impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description implies a dynamic agency environment with offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam. The "Internationality" section suggests a collaborative and interconnected workspace where teams across locations regularly exchange ideas.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in Stuttgart, Germany, at Herdweg 59, 70174. This location serves as the headquarters.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The emphasis on interdisciplinary exchange and international networking suggests a workspace designed to foster collaboration, idea sharing, and team cohesion.

• Tool Accessibility: While specific tools are detailed in a separate section, the workspace likely provides the necessary technology and resources for 3D design, visualization, and project management.

• Client-Facing Interaction: The role involves direct client interaction, including site visits and presentations, indicating a need for professionals who are comfortable in both office and external environments.

Work Schedule:

• The role is designated as "Festanstellung" (permanent employment) with an implied standard full-time work schedule of approximately 40 hours per week. While specific flexibility is not detailed, agency environments often require adaptability to meet project deadlines, which may involve occasional extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by a blend of collaborative office-based work and client-facing responsibilities, including on-site installations. The international presence suggests a global perspective within daily operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess your qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with Lhea, Team Leader People, to gauge your overall fit, motivation, and understanding of the role and company culture.

• Technical/Creative Interview: This stage will likely involve a deeper dive into your 3D design skills, production process knowledge, and ability to translate creative briefs. You may be asked to walk through specific portfolio projects.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues from Project Management, Production, or Prototyping teams to assess your collaborative style and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the LIGANOVA team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your experience in 3D design for retail, technical production, and campaign execution, ideally within the luxury sector.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the creative brief, your design process, the technical challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented (including material selection and production methods), and the final outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., client satisfaction, budget adherence, aesthetic impact).

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples of technical drawings, 3D renders, and any production documentation that illustrate your proficiency.

• Address Sustainability: If you have relevant projects, highlight your approach to sustainable design and production.

• Prepare a Walkthrough: Be ready to present your portfolio, either digitally or in person, and speak confidently about each project's details and your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential questions about how you would approach specific scenarios, such as:

  • Translating a vague creative brief into actionable technical requirements.
  • Managing a production delay or budget overrun.
  • Collaborating with a difficult client or internal team member.
  • Proposing sustainable alternatives for a design element.

• Research LIGANOVA's recent campaigns and client work to understand their aesthetic and strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, focusing on both creative/technical capabilities and collaborative fit. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates process and impact will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Design Software: Proficiency in at least one industry-standard 3D modeling and visualization program (e.g., Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, Rhino, Blender).

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, image editing, and presentation preparation (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, potentially After Effects for motion graphics).

• MS Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For creating compelling client presentations and internal reports.
  • Excel: For budget tracking, material specification lists, and data analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for this role, experience with data analysis tools or dashboards may be beneficial for tracking campaign performance or production efficiency, especially if LIGANOVA integrates performance metrics into their campaign reporting. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) and project management/automation tools (like Asana, Monday.com, Jira) function within a larger agency workflow could be advantageous for seamless collaboration and project tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around 3D design, visualization, and standard office productivity software. Familiarity with project management tools and a general understanding of how data informs campaign success would be beneficial additions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on pushing creative boundaries and developing innovative solutions for brand and retail marketing.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: A commitment to environmental consciousness and integrating sustainable practices into design and production processes.

• Collaboration & Interdisciplinarity: Fostering a culture where different teams and departments work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Detail-Orientation & Quality: A dedication to high standards of execution, precision, and aesthetic quality, particularly crucial in the luxury sector.

• Client Focus: A drive to understand and meet client needs, building strong relationships and delivering exceptional results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working closely with Project Management, Prototyping, Production, and client teams. Open communication and a willingness to share knowledge are key.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Expect a culture where processes are continuously reviewed and optimized. Constructive feedback is likely encouraged to improve workflow efficiency and project outcomes.

• Shared Mission: A unifying company mission, "Create the best version of yourself," suggests an environment that supports individual growth and collective achievement.

📝 Enhancement Note: LIGANOVA's culture appears to value innovation, sustainability, and collaborative problem-solving. Professionals who thrive in dynamic, cross-functional environments and are committed to high-quality, impactful work will likely find this a strong cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Creative and Technical Gaps: The primary challenge lies in effectively translating high-level creative concepts into technically feasible and budget-conscious production plans, especially within the demanding luxury sector.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the aesthetic demands of luxury brands with the practicalities of production, timelines, and budgets requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Ensuring Sustainability Integration: Implementing sustainable practices consistently across all projects, from material selection to production methods, can present logistical and cost challenges.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: The fast-paced nature of retail marketing requires continuous learning and adaptation to new design trends, technologies, and consumer expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Luxury Retail Design: Gain in-depth knowledge of the luxury market, its consumers, and best practices in brand presentation.

• Advanced Production Techniques: Learn about cutting-edge prototyping and production methods relevant to retail displays and campaigns.

• Sustainability in Design: Develop expertise in eco-friendly materials and production processes, becoming a leader in sustainable retail marketing.

• Client Relationship Management: Enhance skills in client communication, presentation, and strategic partnership building.

• Project Management Skills: Further develop project management capabilities through hands-on experience with complex, multi-faceted campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional development in a specialized and high-impact area of marketing. Overcoming the inherent challenges will lead to substantial skill acquisition and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex creative brief into a detailed production plan. What were the key considerations and challenges?" (Focus on your process, technical documentation, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure high aesthetic quality while adhering to budget and timeline constraints in a luxury retail context?" (Highlight your understanding of trade-offs, prioritization, and efficiency.)

• "Walk us through a project where you collaborated with prototyping or production teams. How did you manage interdisciplinary communication and ensure alignment?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LIGANOVA's work in luxury brand and retail marketing, particularly our focus on sustainability?" (Research recent campaigns and values.)

• "How do you see your design approach contributing to LIGANOVA's 'next' thinking philosophy?" (Connect your innovative ideas with the company's forward-looking approach.)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative agency environment." (Showcase your adaptability and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the objective, your role, the creative brief, the design and production process, the challenges, the solutions, and the final results.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to explain the technical aspects of your designs, the software used, and the production methods employed.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., client satisfaction, successful installation, budget adherence). For luxury, focus on aesthetic impact and brand alignment.

• Address Sustainability: If applicable, clearly articulate the sustainable choices made and their impact.

• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, clear, and concise. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design decisions and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the luxury retail landscape, a robust technical and design skillset, and excellent collaborative and communication abilities. Your portfolio is your primary tool to showcase these competencies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the LIGANOVA jobs portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your 3D design, technical production, and retail campaign execution skills, especially those within the luxury sector.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Design Manager," "Luxury Retail," "3D Design," "Prototyping," "Production Management," "Technical Drawings," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Client Presentations," and "Sustainability." Quantify achievements with specific numbers or percentages where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your process for translating creative briefs into technical specifications, managing production, and presenting to clients. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio for each potential interview question.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research LIGANOVA's website, recent projects, client list, and company values. Understand their approach to innovation, sustainability, and luxury brand marketing to articulate your alignment with their culture and mission.

⚠️ 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.