Design Manager (all genders) – Luxury Retail at LIGANOVA I Karriere

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: LIGANOVA I Karriere

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Festanstellung (Permanent Employment)

Category: Retail Operations / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-07

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Oversee the technical execution and production of high-aesthetic retail campaigns within the luxury sector.
Manage the transition from creative briefs to tangible retail experiences, ensuring brand integrity and visual excellence.
Drive process definition for prototyping, production, and assembly, focusing on efficiency and quality.
Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including production, prototyping, and client stakeholders, to ensure seamless project delivery.
Ensure adherence to budget and timeline constraints while maintaining a high standard of design and craftsmanship.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Retail Operations and GTM Operations due to its focus on translating creative strategies into physical retail execution, managing production pipelines, and ensuring successful campaign launches. The emphasis on luxury sector campaigns and client presentations highlights its GTM (Go-To-Market) operational aspects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Campaign Transition & Execution: Translate creative briefing documents into sustainable retail campaigns for the luxury sector, ensuring technical feasibility and aesthetic integrity.
Window Campaign Development: Lead the technical implementation of window campaigns, maintaining a high standard of aesthetics and brand representation.
Production Process Management: Define and manage production processes in collaboration with internal production teams, including material selection, technical drawing creation, and production documentation.
Budget & Timeline Adherence: Ensure all production and assembly activities remain within allocated budgets and meet strict timeline requirements.
Quality Assurance: Oversee Quality Gates during production and set-up phases, providing on-site guidance and supervision to ensure flawless execution.
Client Presentations: Develop and deliver compelling client presentations for prototyping, visual merchandising, and pre-assembly stages, effectively communicating design concepts and technical specifications.
Site Assessment & Installation Supervision: Conduct location assessments to evaluate technical possibilities and supervise on-site installations of window displays and retail setups.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Maintain close, interdisciplinary communication with prototyping, production, visual merchandising, and client-facing teams.
Sustainability Integration: Champion and integrate sustainability principles into campaign design and production processes, aligning with the company's "Green Mindset" initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative project management and operational execution. The emphasis on "technical implementation," "production process," "budget and time adherence," and "quality gates" clearly places this role within the operations domain, specifically focused on the tangible delivery of GTM initiatives in a retail context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

A degree in a technical or design-related field is required. Experience:
Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in 3D Design, with a strong preference for experience in prototyping and production environments.
Proven track record in managing creative briefs, translating them into technical specifications, and understanding compositional elements, materials, finishes, and feasibility. Required Skills:
3D Design & Visualization: Proficiency in at least one 3D design software and one visualization program.
Creative Suite Proficiency: Strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite.
Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in PowerPoint for presentations and Excel for budget and timeline management.
Technical Drawing & Documentation: Ability to create detailed technical drawings and production documentation.
Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project management principles for coordinating tasks, timelines, and resources.
Client Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and German.
Detail Orientation: A high degree of attention to detail and a refined sense of design.
On-site Installation Experience: Willingness and ability to travel to locations and supervise installations.

Preferred Skills:

Experience specifically within the luxury retail sector.
Familiarity with sustainability principles and their application in design and production.
Knowledge of material selection processes for high-end retail environments.
Experience in visual merchandising concepts and execution.
Understanding of prototyping methodologies and their integration into production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 2-3 years aligns with a mid-level position. The emphasis on technical skills (3D design, technical drawing, Adobe Suite) and operational competencies (project management, budget adherence, production process) is critical for success in this role, bridging creative output with operational delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

3D Design & Visualization Showcase: Present projects demonstrating proficiency in 3D modeling, rendering, and visualization software, highlighting technical accuracy and aesthetic quality.
Technical Documentation Examples: Include samples of technical drawings, production plans, or material specifications created for past projects.
Campaign Execution Case Studies: Showcase projects where creative briefs were successfully translated into physical retail campaigns, detailing the process from concept to installation.
Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Highlight instances where technical challenges or budget/timeline constraints were effectively managed during the design and production phases.
Sustainability Integration Examples: If applicable, present projects that incorporated sustainable materials or processes, demonstrating an understanding of environmental considerations.

Process Documentation:

Workflow Design: Evidence of designing or optimizing workflows for design-to-production transitions, focusing on efficiency and clarity.
Material Selection Rationale: Documented processes for selecting and evaluating materials based on aesthetic, technical, budgetary, and sustainability criteria.
Quality Control Protocols: Examples of quality assurance steps implemented during production and pre-assembly phases.
Client Briefing Interpretation: Demonstrations of how creative or technical briefs were analyzed and translated into actionable design and production plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role focused on retail campaigns, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrate the ability to manage complex production processes, adhere to operational constraints (budget, timeline), and effectively communicate technical details to both internal teams and clients. This aligns with the operational demands of GTM execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 2-5 years of experience in Stuttgart, Germany, within the luxury retail sector, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between €50,000 - €65,000 annually. This estimation considers the cost of living in Stuttgart, the specialized nature of luxury retail, and the required technical and project management skills. Benefits:
Diversity & Inclusion: A company culture that actively promotes inclusion and celebrates uniqueness.
Sustainability Initiatives: Participation in "Green Mindset" programs and contributing to sustainability efforts within the company and for clients.
International Networking: Opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues across LIGANOVA's offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam.
Professional Development: Encouragement and support for continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Creative Environment: Working in a dynamic agency setting focused on innovative brand and retail marketing.
Direct Client Interaction: Engaging with influential global companies and brands.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with the expectation of flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, on-site installations, and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general German salary data for similar roles and locations, adjusted for the luxury retail industry. Benefits are derived directly from the "WHAT TO EXPECT" section of the job description, tailored to highlight aspects appealing to operations professionals, such as structured development and cross-functional collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Brand & Retail Marketing, Luxury Sector

Company Size: LIGANOVA has grown its offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam into full branches, suggesting a medium-to-large agency size with a significant international presence. This implies a structured yet agile operational framework.

Founded: Established for three decades, indicating a mature company with deep industry experience and established processes, yet still focused on "next" thinking and innovation.

Team Structure:

Cross-functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes close, interdisciplinary exchange with Project Management, Prototyping, Production, Visual Merchandising, and client-facing teams, suggesting a matrixed or project-based team structure designed for agility.
Decentralized Units: Offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam operate as "full dependances," allowing for both centralized strategy and localized execution, fostering international networking.
Lean Structures: The mention of "fernab von starren Teamstrukturen" (far from rigid team structures) points towards a more fluid, collaborative, and potentially agile operational model.

Methodology:

"Next" Thinking: A forward-looking approach to brand and retail marketing, anticipating future trends and innovations.
Sustainability Focus: Strong emphasis on sustainability, with initiatives like the "Green Board" and "Green Campaign Cycle," integrated into client solutions and internal operations.
Seamless Integration: Focus on seamlessly connecting human, brand, and product interactions across physical and digital spaces.
Data-Informed Creativity: While not explicitly stated, the nature of retail marketing and client presentations implies a data-informed approach to creative strategy and campaign performance.

Company Website: liganova.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. For operations professionals, this suggests an environment that values process optimization, adaptability, and a proactive approach to implementing new strategies and technologies, particularly in the context of GTM execution and retail operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Design Manager. It requires independent responsibility for key aspects of campaign execution, from technical translation to on-site supervision, indicating a significant level of autonomy and accountability within the operations pipeline.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, the role reports to Project Management for creative briefing alignment and collaborates closely with Production and Prototyping teams. The Team Leader People (Lhea) is the contact for application, suggesting a reporting line within a design or project management department, with strong ties to operational delivery teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by ensuring that creative visions are translated into tangible, high-impact retail experiences. Successful execution directly influences brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales performance within the luxury sector. The focus on sustainable and innovative campaigns also positions the role to drive brand differentiation and market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization in Luxury Retail Operations: Deepen expertise in the unique operational demands and aesthetic standards of the luxury retail market.
Process Optimization Leadership: Take on more responsibility for defining and refining the end-to-end process for retail campaign development and execution, potentially leading to a Senior Design Manager or Operations Lead role.
Sustainability Project Management: Grow into a role focused on leading sustainability initiatives within retail marketing operations, leveraging the company's "Green Mindset."
Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Develop leadership skills by managing interdisciplinary project teams and client relationships.
International Project Exposure: Gain experience working on campaigns for global brands across different LIGANOVA international locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how this role contributes to operational efficiency and GTM success, offering clear paths for specialization within luxury retail operations, process improvement, and leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is based in Stuttgart, Germany, at a physical office location (Herdweg 59). The description mentions international offices in Berlin and Amsterdam, suggesting a professional, modern office environment conducive to creative and collaborative work.

Office Location(s):

Primary: Stuttgart, Germany (Herdweg 59, 70174)
Other: Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Hub: The Stuttgart office serves as a primary location for team collaboration, interdisciplinary exchange, and client presentations.
Tools & Technology: Access to necessary 3D design, visualization, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office tools is implied for the role's execution.
Team Interaction: The role requires close interaction with Project Management, Production, Prototyping, and client-facing teams, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.
Hands-on Involvement: The role involves site visits and on-site installation supervision, indicating a blend of office-based design work and fieldwork.

Work Schedule:

While standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, the role necessitates flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, on-site installation requirements, and client meeting schedules, typical of operations and GTM roles requiring timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described as collaborative and international, with a strong emphasis on hands-on execution and client interaction, aligning with the demands of operational roles in a creative agency setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of application and portfolio to assess technical skills, relevant experience, and cultural fit.
Technical/Design Assessment: Potential for a technical test or in-depth discussion about past 3D design projects, focusing on technical execution, material knowledge, and problem-solving capabilities.
Case Study Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical scenario demonstrating their ability to translate a creative brief into a production-ready retail campaign, highlighting process, challenges, and solutions.
Behavioral & Cultural Interview: Discussion to evaluate communication skills (English/German), teamwork, approach to sustainability, and alignment with LIGANOVA's values of innovation and collaboration.
Final Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders, potentially including department leads or senior management, to discuss role fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight Operational Execution: Beyond aesthetics, showcase your ability to manage projects from concept to completion, including technical details, material choices, and production considerations.
Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate success – e.g., adherence to budget/timeline, efficiency improvements, client satisfaction.
Showcase Problem-Solving: Include examples of how you overcame technical challenges, navigated production constraints, or adapted designs based on feasibility.
Emphasize Collaboration: Briefly describe your role within team projects and how you collaborated with different departments (production, prototyping, etc.).
Tailor to Luxury & Sustainability: Ensure your portfolio reflects an understanding of luxury aesthetics and, where applicable, your approach to sustainable design and production.

Challenge Preparation:

Brief Interpretation: Be ready to analyze a creative brief and outline your approach to its technical execution and production planning.
Technical Feasibility: Prepare to discuss the practicalities of implementing designs, including material limitations, construction methods, and potential on-site challenges.
Client Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design rationale, technical solutions, and project plan clearly and persuasively.
Sustainability Integration: Be prepared to discuss how sustainability can be integrated into retail campaign design and production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review emphasize the practical, operational aspects of the Design Manager role, requiring candidates to demonstrate not only creative talent but also robust project management and execution skills within the context of retail campaigns.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

3D Design Software: Proficiency in at least one industry-standard 3D modeling and design program (e.g., Rhino, SolidWorks, SketchUp, Blender – specific tool preference may vary).
3D Visualization Software: Experience with rendering engines or visualization tools to create realistic representations of designs (e.g., V-Ray, Keyshot, Lumion).
Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, image editing, and presentation creation. Key applications likely include Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Microsoft Office Suite:
- PowerPoint: Crucial for creating and delivering client presentations and internal reports.
- Excel: Necessary for budget tracking, timeline management, and data analysis related to production.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not explicitly listed as primary tools, the role involves managing budgets and timelines, suggesting a need for basic data tracking and reporting capabilities, likely within Excel or project management software. CRM & Automation:
Not directly mentioned as a requirement for this specific role, but an understanding of how design and production integrate into broader GTM workflows and client management systems might be beneficial. Project Management Tools:
Experience with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, Jira) could be advantageous for tracking tasks, deadlines, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core design and visualization tools, alongside essential office productivity software for project and presentation management, reflecting the operational demands of translating creative concepts into executable retail campaigns.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A commitment to staying ahead of trends ("think 'next'") and implementing innovative solutions in brand and retail marketing.
Sustainability: A core value reflected in the "Green Mindset" initiative, driving environmentally conscious practices in design, production, and client solutions.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on interdisciplinary exchange and working "far from rigid team structures," promoting a fluid and cooperative environment.
Detail-Orientation & Craftsmanship: A high standard for design execution and quality, particularly crucial in the luxury sector.
Inclusivity & Diversity: A culture that celebrates uniqueness and promotes equal opportunity ("Come as you are!").

Collaboration Style:

Interdisciplinary: Close and frequent interaction with diverse teams (Project Management, Production, Prototyping, Visual Merchandising) is fundamental.
Client-Centric: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs through effective communication and presentations.
Agile & Fluid: The company culture encourages flexibility and adaptability over strict hierarchical structures, fostering a dynamic problem-solving approach.
Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities for regular exchange across international units promote learning and best practice dissemination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture values a blend of creative innovation and operational rigor, with a strong ethical compass regarding sustainability and diversity. This environment is suitable for operations professionals who can thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced setting and contribute to impactful GTM initiatives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Bridging Creative Vision and Technical Execution: Effectively translating highly aesthetic and conceptual creative briefs into technically feasible, producible, and budget-conscious retail campaigns.
Managing Luxury Sector Demands: Meeting the exceptionally high standards for quality, detail, and brand representation required in the luxury retail market.
Sustainability Integration: Successfully embedding sustainable practices into production processes and material selection without compromising design integrity or increasing costs significantly.
On-Site Installation Complexities: Navigating the logistical and technical challenges of on-site installations in diverse retail environments, often under time pressure.
Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across multiple departments and with external clients to avoid misinterpretations or delays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Deep Dive into Luxury Retail Operations: Gain specialized knowledge of the unique operational workflows, supply chains, and client expectations within the luxury sector.
Advanced Sustainability Practices: Develop expertise in implementing cutting-edge sustainability solutions for retail marketing and production.
Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex retail campaign projects and potentially leading small teams or specific project streams.
Client Presentation & Negotiation: Hone skills in client communication, stakeholder management, and presenting complex technical and design solutions.
International Exposure: Work on projects with global brands and gain insights into international retail marketing strategies and operational nuances.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the core operational demands of the role, particularly the intersection of creativity, technical execution, and client delivery in a specialized market. Growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and career progression within operations and GTM functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Creative Brief to Execution: "Describe your process for taking a creative brief for a luxury retail campaign and translating it into actionable technical specifications and production plans." (Focus on your operational workflow, decision-making criteria, and risk mitigation.)
Budget & Timeline Management: "How do you ensure a complex retail campaign stays within budget and meets strict deadlines, especially when dealing with custom fabrication and on-site installations?" (Highlight your experience with planning, tracking, and problem-solving.)
Sustainability Integration: "How would you approach integrating sustainability into the design and production of a luxury window display campaign, considering both aesthetic impact and environmental responsibility?" (Showcase your understanding of sustainable materials and processes.)

Company & Culture Questions:

LIGANOVA's Approach: "What excites you about LIGANOVA's 'next' thinking and focus on sustainability in brand and retail marketing?" (Demonstrate research into the company's values and mission.)
Collaboration Style: "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with production or prototyping teams to bring a complex design to life. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Illustrate your teamwork and communication skills.)
Luxury Sector Understanding: "What do you believe are the key operational considerations for successful retail campaigns in the luxury sector compared to other retail segments?" (Showcase your industry-specific knowledge.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the challenges, your solutions (emphasizing operational steps), and the outcome.
Highlight Technical Details: Don't shy away from explaining the technical aspects of your designs, material choices, and production methods.
Quantify Results: Use data where possible (e.g., budget adherence, timeline accuracy, client feedback).
Showcase Process Flow: Visually or verbally explain your workflow from concept to installation, demonstrating your grasp of the entire operational pipeline.
Address Sustainability: If applicable, clearly articulate the sustainability aspects of your projects and their impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to probe the candidate's operational capabilities, strategic thinking, and fit within LIGANOVA's specific cultural and industry context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the LIGANOVA careers page.
Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your ability to translate creative briefs into technically sound, budget-conscious, and aesthetically superior retail campaigns. Prioritize examples that showcase your experience with prototyping, production processes, and on-site installations.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "3D Design," "Retail Campaigns," "Production Management," "Technical Drawing," "Project Management," "Sustainability," and "Luxury Sector." Quantify achievements wherever possible, focusing on operational successes.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical problem-solving skills, and experience managing projects from concept to completion. Be ready to discuss your approach to client presentations and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Company Research: Thoroughly research LIGANOVA's work, particularly their luxury retail campaigns and sustainability initiatives. Understand their "next" thinking philosophy and prepare to discuss how your skills and values align with their 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.

Design Manager (all genders) – Luxury Retail