Design Manager, Greater China

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Greater China

Company: Vuori, Inc

Location: Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Design & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-23

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with 3-5 years of team leadership)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Owns the end-to-end execution of global retail design standards across the China market, ensuring brand vision is translated into physical spaces.

• Leads and directs local design teams, including architects and CAD/Revit drafters, to deliver high-quality construction documents.

• Manages external consultants, vendors, and design-build partners throughout all project phases, ensuring adherence to brand standards and budgets.

• Collaborates extensively with cross-functional internal teams such as Real Estate, Construction, Retail Operations, Visual Merchandising, Marketing, and Tech to ensure cohesive project delivery.

• Acts as the primary design interface between Global HQ and local execution teams, facilitating clear communication and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical bridge between global brand strategy and local market execution for retail environments. The emphasis on "end-to-end execution" and "local site, materials, and regulatory challenges" highlights the need for a candidate with strong project management skills and deep knowledge of the Chinese construction landscape, while also possessing the ability to translate global design intent accurately.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with VP, Brand Environment to develop initial test fit floor plans, facade designs, and signage concepts for the Chinese market.

• Create compelling presentation materials, including plans, renderings, sketches, and material samples, for senior management review.

• Lead and direct the local Greater China (GC) in-house design team, assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and ensuring output aligns with Global brand standards.

• Review and approve all local drawing sets (schematic, design development, construction documents) produced by the GC team.

• Conduct thorough site assessments post-space acquisition and lead landlord design coordination calls to gather essential technical and regulatory data.

• Identify and propose solutions for potential design-site conflicts to the Global team to prevent project delays.

• Source and qualify regional design, architecture, and design-build partners to support Greater China projects.

• Manage external Architects of Record (AOR) and design teams across all project phases, including Due Diligence, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction Administration.

• Coordinate with permit expeditors and the AOR to ensure timely regulatory approvals.

• Manage and forecast project schedules, providing weekly progress updates to the Development team.

• Conduct regular site inspections and serve as the final design authority on-site, resolving RFIs and ensuring construction progress.

• Own the overall project master schedule for the GC design team, setting and enforcing milestone deadlines.

• Ensure the delivery of precise "As-Built" drawings at project close-out, documenting local substitutions or adjustments.

• Provide transparent weekly progress reports, photo-documentation, and risk registers to Global stakeholders, proactively flagging and mitigating potential issues.

• Ensure the final built store accurately reflects the Global team's design intent, documenting and securing approval for any deviations.

• Travel within Greater China and occasionally to Asia markets as required (~20% travel).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on project execution, with a significant emphasis on local market nuances. The requirement to "own the overall project master schedule" and act as "final design authority on-site" indicates a high degree of autonomy and accountability for project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Architectural Engineering, or Construction Management.

Experience: Minimum of 8+ years of experience in retail store design, project architecture, or design management. At least 3-5 years of experience managing or leading a design team (internal or external). Proven track record of working with multinational retail brands and managing design-build contractors. Experience with premium or lifestyle retail is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit (for reviewing, redlining, and approving drawings).

• Proficiency in SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Bluebeam for mark-ups and quality control.

• Deep, practical knowledge of Chinese building codes, fire safety regulations, and municipal permitting processes.

• Strong understanding of local construction methodologies, material supply chains, and cost structures in China.

• Fluent in Mandarin and English (written and spoken) for seamless communication between local teams and Global HQ.

• Proven ability to guide and direct a team without micromanaging, setting clear expectations and holding individuals accountable.

• Confidence to make on-site design decisions that keep projects moving while protecting brand integrity.

• Understanding of how design decisions impact budgets, timelines, and store profitability.

• Capability to manage contractor and consultant relationships with authority and respect.

• Experience in retail store design or project architecture.

• Experience managing or leading a design team. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with premium or lifestyle retail brands.

• Experience managing design-build contractors.

• Familiarity with project management software beyond basic CAD tools.

• Knowledge of sustainability practices in retail design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific software like AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Bluebeam, alongside regulatory knowledge of Chinese building codes, is crucial for operations professionals to highlight on their resumes and in interviews. The requirement for fluency in both Mandarin and English is a significant differentiator for candidates targeting this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of end-to-end retail project lifecycle management, from concept development to final construction administration.

• Case studies showcasing successful adaptation of global design standards to local Chinese market conditions, including regulatory compliance and material sourcing.

• Examples of detailed construction document sets (plans, elevations, sections, details) that were reviewed and approved.

• Evidence of managing and leading internal or external design teams, illustrating delegation and quality control processes.

• Documentation of budget management, including cost estimations, value engineering, and contract negotiation with consultants and vendors.

• Proof of site assessment reports and landlord coordination processes. Process Documentation:

• Workflow examples for design concept presentation and approval cycles.

• Process documentation for reviewing and redlining architectural drawings from external consultants.

• Methodologies for conducting site assessments and gathering critical technical and regulatory information.

• Protocols for managing design-build contractors and ensuring adherence to quality and schedule.

• Communication protocols for reporting project status, risks, and mitigation plans to global stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on execution and quality assurance, the portfolio should not just showcase aesthetic design but also the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, navigate regulatory landscapes, and deliver projects on time and within budget. The emphasis on "end-to-end" and "local adaptations" is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific range is not provided, a Design Manager role with 8+ years of experience, team leadership responsibilities, and deep expertise in a specific region like Greater China, especially in a competitive market like Shanghai, would typically command a competitive salary. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Shanghai, a salary range of ¥350,000 - ¥600,000 CNY annually (approximately $48,000 - $83,000 USD, subject to exchange rates) is a reasonable estimate. This estimate considers the required experience, leadership scope, specialized market knowledge (Chinese building codes, Mandarin fluency), and the company's likely positioning as a growing lifestyle brand.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Employee discounts on Vuori products.

• Support for visa sponsorship and relocation assistance may be available.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility to accommodate multi-time zone collaboration, which may involve occasional early morning or late evening calls, especially when coordinating with global headquarters. Travel within Greater China and Asia markets (~20% time) will also be a component of the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on publicly available data for Design Manager roles in Shanghai, factoring in the specified experience level, leadership duties, and the unique requirements of managing retail design in China. Benefits are standard for full-time roles at international companies, with a focus on aspects relevant to international hires.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Athletic Apparel / Lifestyle Retail. Vuori is positioned in a rapidly growing market that blends fitness, fashion, and lifestyle, drawing inspiration from the active coastal California lifestyle. This sector demands innovation, quality, and a strong brand identity.

Company Size: Vuori is a growing company, likely scaling its international presence. This implies an environment that is dynamic, fast-paced, and offers opportunities for individuals to make a significant impact as the company expands. The "high energy fast paced retail environment" mentioned in the description suggests a culture that values proactivity and agility.

Founded: The company was founded with a vision to redefine athletic apparel, integrating fitness with everyday life. This founding principle likely underpins a culture that values well-being, creativity, and purpose.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will report dually to the VP, Brand Environment (likely based at global HQ) and the Greater China GM. This dual reporting structure indicates a need for strong communication and alignment across global and regional leadership.

• The role involves leading an in-house GC design team (architects, CAD/Revit drafters, MEP engineers), requiring direct management and leadership capabilities.

• Close collaboration is expected with various internal departments including Real Estate, Construction, Retail Operations, Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Tech, and Finance, highlighting a matrixed and highly collaborative operational environment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Adaptation: Balancing global design standards with local site conditions, regulatory requirements, and commercial realities requires a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Agile Project Execution: The fast-paced retail environment and the need for timely store openings necessitate agile project management methodologies to navigate challenges and meet deadlines.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Success hinges on effective collaboration and communication across diverse teams to ensure all aspects of store development are aligned and integrated.

Company Website: [Vuori Inc. Website URL - Placeholder, as it was not provided in the input]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as having "high energy" and being "fast-paced," reflecting a growth-oriented, dynamic organization. The dual reporting structure is a key organizational detail for understanding the role's reporting lines and strategic alignment needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, overseeing a critical function for the brand's expansion into a key international market. It requires a blend of technical design expertise, project management rigor, and leadership capabilities. The role is focused on execution and ensuring brand consistency in a complex operational environment.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to two key leaders: the VP, Brand Environment (likely overseeing global design standards and strategy) and the Greater China GM (responsible for regional business performance). This structure ensures both global brand integrity and local market relevance are maintained.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the brand's physical presence and customer experience in Greater China. Successful execution of store designs directly influences brand perception, customer engagement, sales performance, and operational efficiency of the retail spaces. The role is pivotal in translating the brand's vision into tangible, high-performing retail environments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Regional Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a broader Head of Design or Director of Retail Development for Asia, overseeing more markets or larger-scale projects as Vuori expands its footprint.

• Strategic Design Input: Opportunity to contribute to the evolution of global design standards based on learnings from the Greater China market, influencing future retail concepts.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Experience gained in managing complex projects and cross-functional teams can open doors to leadership roles in broader retail operations, construction management, or international expansion teams.

• Mentorship and Team Development: Opportunity to build and mentor a high-performing design team, developing local talent and shaping the future of design talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key driver of international growth, offering significant opportunities for career advancement within a scaling company. The dual reporting structure itself presents a growth opportunity in managing complex stakeholder relationships.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Onsite in Shanghai, China. This indicates a physical presence in a key commercial hub, facilitating direct oversight of local operations and team management.

Office Location(s): The provided address is in Jing'an District, Shanghai, a prime business and commercial area known for its accessibility and concentration of multinational companies. This location is strategic for business operations and talent acquisition.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Shanghai office likely serves as a central point for the Greater China team, fostering collaboration among departments like Real Estate, Construction, Retail Operations, and Marketing.

• Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with necessary design software (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.) and communication tools to support both local and global team interactions. Access to project management and documentation systems will be essential.

• Team Interaction: Regular in-person interaction with the local design team and cross-functional partners is expected, enabling direct feedback, problem-solving, and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard office hours. However, due to the need for multi-time zone collaboration with global teams, flexibility is required. This may involve occasional early morning or late evening meetings. The ~20% travel requirement within Greater China and Asia markets means the schedule will also involve periods of travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "Onsite" work environment in a prime Shanghai location highlights the hands-on nature of the role and the importance of local presence for effective team leadership and project oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly regarding retail design, project management, and Chinese market expertise.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the VP, Brand Environment or Greater China GM to delve into your experience, leadership style, and understanding of global brand standards versus local execution. Expect questions about your approach to team management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Real Estate, Construction, Retail Operations, and potentially members of the local design team. These interviews will assess your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of operational impacts.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, highlighting your role, design decisions, challenges faced, how you navigated local regulations, managed budgets, and led teams. Expect detailed questions on your proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and your knowledge of Chinese building codes.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final round with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Local Expertise: Prioritize projects executed in China or similar international markets, demonstrating your understanding of local codes, construction methods, and material sourcing.

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples where you managed or led design teams, illustrating your delegation, mentorship, and quality assurance processes.

• Detail Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the design process, challenges encountered (e.g., landlord negotiations, regulatory hurdles, budget constraints), and how you effectively resolved them. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects. This could include on-time delivery, adherence to budget, positive feedback from stakeholders, or impact on store performance.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow within AutoCAD, Revit, and other relevant software, and how you use them for review, redlining, and approval.

• Tailor to Vuori: Research Vuori's current retail aesthetic and brand positioning. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their brand vision and how you would translate that vision into their Greater China stores.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Case Study: You might be asked to present a hypothetical scenario or a past project as a case study, focusing on how you would approach a specific design challenge in the Chinese market, considering budget, timeline, and brand standards.

• Regulatory Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a common regulatory issue or landlord dispute.

• Team Management Scenario: Prepare to answer questions about how you motivate a team, resolve conflicts, or delegate tasks effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess both technical design skills and operational management capabilities, with a strong emphasis on practical application in the Chinese market. The portfolio review is a critical component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Expert proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit is essential for reviewing, redlining, and approving architectural drawings. This includes understanding their use in creating schematic designs, design development documents, and construction documents.

• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Proficiency in SketchUp for conceptual design and 3D modeling.

• Presentation & Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating compelling presentation materials, mood boards, and concept visuals.

• Document Review & Collaboration: Bluebeam Revu for efficient mark-up, redlining, and quality control of PDF documents.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar) for tracking project timelines, task delegation, and progress reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for this role, the ability to interpret and utilize data from site assessments, landlord feedback, and construction reports is crucial.

• Experience with tools that facilitate clear reporting to global stakeholders (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, or specialized reporting dashboards). CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but an understanding of how store design impacts retail operations and customer experience (which CRM systems track) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with systems that manage vendor contracts and project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Bluebeam indicates a strong requirement for proficiency in these design and documentation tools. The ability to review and approve drawings produced by others is a key function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Quality: Upholding global brand standards with uncompromising quality, ensuring every store reflects the intended brand experience.

• Efficiency & Pragmatism: Navigating local site conditions, regulations, and commercial realities with practical, efficient solutions that deliver projects on time and within budget.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering strong working relationships across global and local teams, ensuring clear, transparent, and timely communication.

• Proactivity & Problem-Solving: Identifying potential issues early and developing pre-vetted solutions to avoid project delays and maintain momentum.

• Adaptability & Growth: Embracing a dynamic environment, adapting to evolving trends in retail design and market conditions, and contributing to the company's expansion.

Collaboration Style:

• Global-Local Bridge: Acting as a conduit for information and design intent between global headquarters and the local Chinese execution teams, translating feedback effectively.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely with diverse departments (Real Estate, Construction, Retail Ops, VM, Marketing) to ensure holistic project alignment and integrated execution.

• Consultant & Vendor Partnership: Managing external partners with authority and respect, fostering productive relationships to achieve project goals.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing site data, regulatory information, and commercial feedback to inform design decisions and resolve conflicts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a balance between global brand consistency and local market adaptation, highlighting the importance of both detail-orientation and strategic problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Deeply understanding and complying with China's intricate building codes, fire safety regulations, and permitting processes to avoid delays and ensure legal compliance.

• Balancing Global Standards with Local Realities: Adapting global design concepts to suit local site conditions, material availability, construction methods, and cultural nuances without compromising brand integrity.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and communicating with a diverse group of internal teams, external consultants, landlords, and vendors across different time zones and cultural backgrounds.

• Driving Team Performance: Leading and motivating an in-house design team to meet demanding deadlines and high-quality standards, potentially across different skill sets (architecture, MEP, CAD).

• Budget and Schedule Management: Ensuring projects are delivered within allocated budgets and strict timelines, often facing unforeseen challenges in construction and permitting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepened Market Expertise: Gaining unparalleled insight into the Chinese retail real estate and construction landscape.

• Global Design Influence: Contributing to the evolution of Vuori's global retail design prototypes and standards based on learnings from the Greater China market.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing leadership skills by managing an international team and navigating complex cross-functional and cross-cultural dynamics.

• Strategic Project Management: Developing advanced skills in managing large-scale international retail expansion projects from conception to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the critical need for a candidate with strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and a deep understanding of the Chinese operational environment. The growth opportunities focus on expanding influence and expertise within a growing global brand.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a global retail design concept into a localized plan for the Chinese market, considering regulatory and site-specific constraints." (Focus on your systematic approach, risk mitigation, and communication strategy).

• "How would you manage a situation where a landlord is unwilling to approve design elements crucial to our brand identity? What steps would you take?" (Demonstrate negotiation, problem-solving, and knowledge of local landlord/tenant dynamics).

• "Walk me through a time you had to resolve a significant design-site conflict during construction in China. What was the issue, how did you address it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method response focusing on your on-site decision-making authority and impact).

• "How do you ensure your team consistently meets deadlines and quality standards for architectural drawings, especially when facing external pressures?" (Discuss your leadership style, delegation methods, and quality assurance processes). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Vuori's brand and its current retail presence? How do you see your role contributing to our expansion in Greater China?" (Research their brand values, aesthetic, and expansion strategy).

• "How do you balance the need for global brand consistency with the practicalities of local execution in diverse markets?" (Articulate your understanding of brand integrity and pragmatic adaptation).

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. How do you maintain focus and drive results?" (Connect your work style to Vuori's described culture). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by region, clearly labeling each project. For each case study, use a consistent structure: Project Overview, Your Role, Key Challenges (especially local/regulatory), Design Solutions, Process & Tools Used (mentioning AutoCAD/Revit), Outcome & Impact (quantify if possible).

• Highlight Local Adaptations: Dedicate specific slides or sections to how you've adapted global standards to local Chinese conditions, showcasing your understanding of building codes, materials, and permitting.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include projects where you led teams or managed consultants, explaining your leadership approach and how you ensured quality and accountability.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific design details, architectural drawings, and your proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit, showing how you use these tools for review and approval.

• Conciseness: Aim for clarity and impact. Focus on your most relevant and successful projects. Be ready to discuss any project in detail but prioritize the most illustrative examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical design acumen, robust project management skills, strong leadership, and a deep, practical understanding of the Chinese market's unique operational and regulatory landscape.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your experience in retail store design, particularly in China or similar international markets. Emphasize projects where you managed design execution from concept to completion, navigated local regulations, and led teams. Clearly articulate your role and the outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8+ years of experience in retail design, your 3-5 years of team leadership, your expertise with AutoCAD, Revit, and other design software, your knowledge of Chinese building codes, and your fluency in Mandarin and English. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, quantifiable achievements, and your strategic approach to solving design and operational challenges in the Chinese market. Be ready to discuss specific technical aspects and leadership scenarios.

• Research Vuori: Thoroughly research Vuori's brand, its current retail aesthetic, and its expansion goals in Greater China. Understand their company culture and values to articulate your alignment 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.

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