Design Manager (w/m/d)* // befristet für 2 Jahre

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (w/m/d)* (Temporary for 2 years)

Company: Engel & Völkers

Location: HafenCity, Hamburg, Germany

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Design & Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (50% in HQ required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee architectural planning processes and project management for shop and office designs, ensuring alignment with international and regional specifications and CI-Design guidelines.

• Develop and optimize existing workflows in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and design consistency.

• Support regional and local Design Managers by providing essential detailed specifications for all shop and office furnishings and elements.

• Manage the material library and design studio at the Headquarter, serving as a crucial physical resource for license partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges design strategy with operational execution, requiring a blend of creative vision and project management rigor. The "Design Manager" title, combined with responsibilities for planning processes, project management, and workflow development, positions this as a critical GTM-adjacent operations role focused on physical brand representation and operational consistency across retail and office environments. The temporary nature for two years suggests a project-focused initiative or a strategic expansion of the design operations function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural planning and project management for shop and office designs, ensuring adherence to international and regional regulations, and the company's CI-Design guidelines.

• Develop and refine existing workflows for design implementation and project execution in continuous dialogue with stakeholders to drive efficiency and process improvement.

• Provide detailed specifications and essential design information to regional and local Design Managers for all shop and office interior elements.

• Create compelling concepts and draft plans, meticulously reviewing proposed design adaptations while rigorously tracking timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

• Collaborate with the broader Design Team on the ongoing enhancement and optimization of the company's signature shop design aesthetic.

• Maintain and manage the corporate material library and the Headquarter's design studio, offering license partners a vital physical point of reference for their interior selections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management within a design context, including workflow development, stakeholder collaboration, and meticulous tracking of project constraints (time, cost, quality). This aligns with core Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles of ensuring consistent execution and optimizing business processes for tangible outputs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed university degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field, OR a relevant vocational training qualification. Experience:

• A minimum of two years of professional experience in sectors such as Retail, Hospitality, or High-End Office Design.

• Proven experience in project management, with a track record of successfully delivering design-related projects.

• Experience in working with construction documents and understanding technical specifications. Required Skills:

• Proficient in CAD drawing software, specifically AutoCAD or VectorWorks.

• Strong command of Adobe Photoshop for design conceptualization and presentation.

• Demonstrated ability to create and deliver impactful presentations.

• Excellent project management skills, with a structured and self-directed approach to meeting project objectives.

• Fluent communication skills in both German and English. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within CI-Design guidelines and maintaining brand consistency across diverse physical spaces.

• Familiarity with material libraries and design studio management.

• Understanding of international and regional design regulations and building codes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for CAD and Adobe Photoshop proficiency, coupled with project management experience in retail/hospitality/office design, is critical for this role. The emphasis on CI-Design guidelines and international/regional specifications points to a need for operational rigor in maintaining brand standards across a global footprint, a key aspect of GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two distinct projects demonstrating successful architectural planning and project management for retail or office spaces.

• Include examples of design concepts, draft plans, and final renderings, illustrating the progression from ideation to execution.

• Provide documentation of how project timelines, costs, and quality standards were managed and met.

• Highlight instances of workflow development or optimization within a design or project management context. Process Documentation:

• Present a case study detailing the management of a complex shop or office design project from conception to completion.

• Illustrate how you ensured adherence to CI-Design guidelines and any relevant regional/international regulations.

• Demonstrate your approach to stakeholder communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

• Show evidence of managing material libraries or design studios, including organization and accessibility for partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role, not just to showcase design aesthetics but to demonstrate robust project management capabilities, process adherence, and the ability to manage complex operational aspects of design execution. This mirrors the need for a process-oriented portfolio in traditional operations roles, focusing on efficiency, standardization, and successful project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €50,000 - €63,000 per year (Gross Annual Salary)

Benefits:

• Time Off: 30 days of annual vacation, plus additional time off for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

• Work Model: Hybrid work model with a requirement for 50% presence at the Hamburg HQ per month.

• Learning & Development: Access to a "Learning Flatrate" at the in-house Academy, offering continuous professional development opportunities.

• Retirement: Company pension scheme (betriebliche Altersvorsorge).

• Health & Wellness:

  • Monthly subsidies for sports memberships (e.g., Urban Sports Club).
  • Access to a Work-Life Portal.
  • JobRad (company bicycle leasing program).
  • Deutschlandticket (nationwide public transport pass).
  • Pluxee card (flexible benefits card).
  • Massage services offered at the Headquarter.
  • Annual Health Week.
  • Weekly "Juice Day" with freshly squeezed juices.
  • 24/7 Kiosk.
  • Influenza vaccinations.

• Community & Events:

  • Monthly Afterwork events.
  • Barista Bar with a wide selection of drinks and snacks.
  • Various e-learning formats and individual development opportunities.
  • Company events and celebrations.
  • Incentivized employee referral program.
  • Other corporate benefits.

• Headquarter Amenities:

  • Free parking and e-charging stations in the underground garage. Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided directly, and the benefits package is extensive, reflecting a focus on employee well-being, development, and work-life balance, which are attractive to operations professionals seeking structured environments with good support systems. The hybrid model with specific office days is a key consideration for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Services (Premium Segment)

Company Size: Over 16,600 employees globally across more than 1,000 locations.

Founded: Over 45 years ago.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Concept & Design Team" at the Hamburg Headquarter.

• This team collaborates closely with regional and local Design Managers, license partners, and potentially other departments involved in shop and office development.

• The structure implies a hub-and-spoke model where the HQ team sets standards and provides support, while local teams execute. Methodology:

• Focus on developing and optimizing architectural planning processes and project management for physical brand spaces.

• Emphasis on maintaining a consistent and iconic shop design that reflects the Engel & Völkers brand (CI-Design guidelines).

• Data-driven approach to design adaptations, considering timelines, costs, and quality standards.

• Collaborative development and continuous improvement of design concepts and workflows.

Company Website: https://www.engelvoelkers.com/de/de/unternehmen/karriere

📝 Enhancement Note: Engel & Völkers operates in the premium real estate sector, suggesting a company culture that values exclusivity, quality, and a strong brand identity. The size and global reach mean that operational consistency and adherence to brand standards are paramount, making this Design Manager role crucial for maintaining that premium image across all physical touchpoints.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Management / Senior Specialist. This role requires independent responsibility for planning processes and project management, indicating a level beyond entry-level.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a lead within the Concept & Design Team at the Hamburg Headquarter. This team likely works closely with various operational and business development units across the company.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the brand's physical presence and customer experience by ensuring that all shop and office designs are executed efficiently, on-brand, and to high-quality standards. This operational excellence in design contributes to the overall GTM strategy by reinforcing brand perception and providing consistent environments for sales activities and client interactions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in retail, hospitality, or high-end office design operations and project management within a premium brand context.

• Leadership: Potential to take on more complex projects or lead design initiatives as the company evolves, especially given the global scale.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunity to collaborate with marketing, sales, and licensing departments, understanding broader GTM strategies and how design operations supports them.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to further optimize design workflows, material management, and project execution processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While titled "Design Manager," the responsibilities strongly lean into operational project management and process optimization within a design framework. This offers a unique growth path for operations professionals interested in the physical manifestation of brand strategy. The temporary nature might also serve as a trial period for longer-term opportunities or specific project leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a requirement for 50% presence in the Hamburg Headquarter. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The role is based in HafenCity, Hamburg, Germany, a contemporary business district. The company has over 1,000 locations globally, but this specific role is tied to the HQ.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and team structure encourage interaction with colleagues in the Concept & Design Team and other departments.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD, VectorWorks, Adobe Photoshop) and potentially project management tools. The Headquarter also features amenities like a Barista Bar and a Design Studio.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with internal teams and external license partners, fostering communication and relationship-building skills.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with the hybrid model offering some flexibility in managing time between home and the office, while ensuring consistent HQ presence for core operational and collaborative tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a defined office presence is crucial for operations roles that require collaboration, access to physical resources (like the design studio), and face-to-face stakeholder engagement. The HafenCity location in Hamburg is a modern business hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, with a focus on relevant experience in design, project management, and technical skills.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant projects and demonstrating their approach to design, planning, and project execution. This is a critical stage to assess practical skills and operational thinking.

• Skills Assessment: Potential technical tests (e.g., CAD software, presentation creation) or case studies focusing on problem-solving within design project management.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the hiring manager and potentially other team members or stakeholders to assess cultural fit, communication style, and ability to collaborate.

• Final Interview: Discussion of overall fit, career aspirations, and final alignment with the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Curate your portfolio to highlight at least two strong examples of shop or office design projects where you managed planning processes and project execution.

• Process Demonstration: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the processes you followed (planning, workflow, stakeholder management), and the solutions implemented.

• Metrics & Impact: Quantify results where possible – e.g., projects completed on time/budget, efficiency improvements achieved through workflow optimization, or adherence to CI standards.

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency in AutoCAD/VectorWorks and Adobe Photoshop, and how you leverage these tools for planning and presentation.

• CI/Brand Alignment: Showcase examples that demonstrate your understanding of brand consistency and how you applied CI-Design guidelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical design project scenarios and ask how you would approach them, focusing on your planning, problem-solving, and stakeholder management strategies.

• Process Optimization: Be ready to discuss how you would identify inefficiencies in current design workflows and propose improvements.

• Budget & Timeline Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed project budgets and timelines effectively.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating how you would communicate complex design plans and project updates to diverse stakeholders, including those less familiar with design terminology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and project-based challenges underscores the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should focus on demonstrating not just design creativity but also robust operational project management skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD or VectorWorks (required proficiency).

• Design & Graphics Software: Adobe Photoshop (required proficiency).

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar for creating and delivering presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, expect to use tools for tracking project timelines, budgets, and potentially performance metrics related to design implementation. This could include standard project management software or internal reporting systems. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design-focused role, but an understanding of how design impacts customer-facing operations (e.g., retail shops) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified design and CAD software is non-negotiable. For operations professionals, understanding how these tools integrate into broader project management and GTM workflows is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Competence & Exclusivity: Reflecting Engel & Völkers' core values, this role demands high levels of expertise in design and project management, contributing to the premium brand experience.

• Passion: A genuine interest in real estate, design, and creating exceptional physical spaces.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within the Concept & Design Team and with various internal and external stakeholders.

• Efficiency & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality designs on time and within budget, optimizing processes for consistent execution.

• Innovation: Contributing to the continuous development and optimization of the company's iconic shop design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with regional and local managers, potentially marketing, and licensing partners to ensure design alignment and successful implementation.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to collaboration, focusing on clear communication, defined responsibilities, and systematic project execution.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to enhance designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values (Competence, Exclusivity, Passion) will likely permeate the team's approach. For operations candidates, demonstrating a structured, collaborative, and quality-focused work style will be essential.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Regional Needs: Ensuring that global CI-Design guidelines are effectively implemented across diverse regional contexts and partner requirements.

• Managing Multiple Projects Simultaneously: Juggling various shop and office design projects with different timelines, budgets, and stakeholders.

• Adhering to Strict Timelines and Budgets: Delivering high-quality design outcomes within defined operational constraints.

• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with interior design trends while maintaining the established Engel & Völkers aesthetic.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of premium real estate design and branding.

• Project Management Acumen: Enhancing skills in managing complex, international projects.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Learning about the broader GTM strategy and how physical space design contributes to it.

• Process Optimization: Opportunities to propose and implement improvements to design and project management workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to apply operational rigor to creative processes, facing challenges that require both strategic thinking and meticulous execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing architectural planning from initial concept through to final execution, including how you handle stakeholder alignment and potential roadblocks."

• "How would you ensure that a new shop design adheres to Engel & Völkers' CI-Design guidelines while also accommodating specific regional requirements?"

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a design project with a tight budget and deadline. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Engel & Völkers and our brand's premium positioning?"

• "How do you see your role contributing to our company's overall success and brand image?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you approach collaboration with colleagues and external partners." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, narrate the journey – the client's needs, your design vision, the operational challenges, and the successful resolution.

• Process Focus: Clearly explain the planning, workflow, and project management steps you took.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals and concise descriptions. Highlight your CAD and Photoshop skills through the examples.

• Impact Demonstration: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., efficiency gains, budget adherence).

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience in a structured, process-oriented manner, linking your design skills to operational effectiveness and brand consistency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects that showcase your experience in architectural planning, project management for retail/office spaces, and adherence to design guidelines. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your CAD and Adobe Photoshop skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Design Manager," "Architectural Planning," "Project Management," "Retail Design," "CI-Design Guidelines," "AutoCAD," "VectorWorks," and "Adobe Photoshop." Emphasize achievements related to workflow optimization and stakeholder collaboration.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your process-driven approach to design management. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on how you manage timelines, budgets, quality, and stakeholders. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Engel & Völkers' brand, their premium positioning in the real estate market, and their global presence. Understand their core values (Competence, Exclusivity, Passion) and how they translate into their physical spaces.

⚠️ 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.

---