Retail Design Manager at Mirvac Limited

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Design Manager

Company: Mirvac Limited

Location: Sydney, AU-NSW

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Design & Management

Date Posted: 2025-06-11T00:00:00

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-6+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Lead the design and technical execution of unique and dynamic tenancy spaces within Mirvac's retail portfolio, focusing on enhancing customer and visitor experiences through innovative retail design.
Drive increased foot traffic and sales performance by ensuring high-quality tenancy design and fit-outs that align with strategic leasing plans and asset design guidelines.
Manage the end-to-end design approval process, collaborating closely with leasing teams, operators, and internal stakeholders to overcome challenges and deliver premium retail environments.
Proactively monitor tenancy fit-out progress, conduct site reviews, and utilize data-driven insights to pre-empt design issues, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to approved designs and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a blend of creative design expertise, technical understanding of retail fit-outs, and strong project/stakeholder management within the commercial property sector. While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities lean heavily towards managing the design and delivery process of retail tenancies rather than pure conceptual design, requiring a strong grasp of retail operations and commercial realities.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Ensure the customer and visitor experience is central to all design decisions and outcomes within retail tenancy spaces.
Contribute to the strategic objectives of each asset's plan by implementing design strategies that add value and adhere to Tenancy Design Guidelines.
Build and maintain strong relationships with operators, internal Mirvac teams, community groups, and authorities to facilitate smooth project execution.
Collaborate with the leasing team to identify and resolve design-related roadblocks for prospective tenancies, providing upfront solutions and managing design expectations.
Manage the design approval process efficiently, ensuring compliance with Mirvac standards and procedures to deliver a premium fit-out experience for operators.
Negotiate design outcomes effectively within the framework of lease agreements and Tenancy Design Guidelines, ensuring consistency and quality across all fit-outs.
Ensure operators understand their design and documentation obligations under the lease and that no trade commences without final inspection and sign-off.
Maintain accurate data and project milestones in Salesforce, providing regular updates to key stakeholders on project progress.
Utilize Salesforce data proactively to inform decisions, anticipate potential design issues, and participate in strategic conversations about prospective operators.
Conduct regular and thorough site reviews of tenancies during the fit-out process, maintaining a presence at the asset to resolve issues promptly.
Work with the Development team on new projects to raise potential tenancy and design issues during planning and throughout the development lifecycle.
Drive continuous improvement in Retail Design procedures and reporting, contributing to the annual update of the Retail Design & Fitout Guide.
Proactively engage with industry bodies, stay abreast of emerging retail concepts and trends, and apply relevant insights to inform design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on project management, negotiation, and stakeholder communication within a structured retail property environment. The role requires a practical, commercially-aware design professional who can navigate complex processes and relationships to achieve desired outcomes for both the asset and the tenants.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., Architecture, Interior Design, Retail Design, Project Management, or a related field with a design focus).

Experience: 3-6 years of demonstrated experience in design and/or the retail industry, specifically involving managing design processes, working with design documentation, and negotiating design outcomes, preferably within a high-volume environment.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in managing design approval processes and ensuring adherence to design guidelines within a retail or commercial context.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with design documentation, including interpreting plans, specifications, and technical details.
Strong negotiation and influencing skills to achieve desired design outcomes while balancing commercial requirements and lease obligations.
High level of IT proficiency, including advanced use of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, documentation, and presentations.
Demonstrated ability to convey design ideas visually, potentially using sketching, digital tools, or presentations.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving design and fit-out issues.
Strong relationship management skills with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders (operators, internal teams, contractors).
Ability to manage conflicting priorities and work effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

Experience using CRM systems like Salesforce for project tracking and data management.
Familiarity with relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) for reviewing or generating design concepts/documentation.
Understanding of retail operations, merchandising principles, and how design impacts customer flow and sales performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize practical experience in design management within a commercial or retail setting, strong negotiation abilities, and proficiency in standard office software. While design tools are not explicitly listed as required, the ability to work with and potentially convey ideas visually suggests some level of comfort with design-related software or sketching is beneficial. The preferred skills highlight areas that would significantly enhance performance in this specific role within Mirvac's operational context.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials: While a traditional creative portfolio showcasing conceptual design work may not be the primary focus, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their experience through a portfolio or case studies that illustrate:

Examples of managed retail or commercial fit-out projects, highlighting the project scope, your role, challenges faced, and successful outcomes.
Documentation showcasing your ability to work with and interpret technical design drawings, specifications, and construction documents.
Examples of how you have successfully negotiated design outcomes or resolved design-related conflicts with stakeholders.
Visual representations (photos, diagrams) of completed projects where you managed the design execution, focusing on the quality of the final build and adherence to design intent.

Process Documentation: Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing the design approval and fit-out process, including:

Your methodology for reviewing and providing feedback on tenancy design submissions.
How you ensure compliance with design guidelines and technical standards.
Your process for collaborating with leasing, project management, and construction teams during the fit-out phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this specific role, the "portfolio" is less about demonstrating creative design prowess and more about showcasing practical experience in managing the design execution and fit-out process for retail spaces. The focus should be on project management skills, ability to work with technical documentation, negotiation success, and ensuring quality delivery within a commercial context. Case studies should emphasize process management, problem-solving, and stakeholder collaboration in a real-world retail environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry data for Retail Design Manager roles in Sydney, Australia with 3-6+ years of experience in the property/retail sector, the estimated salary range is typically between AUD $90,000 and $130,000 per annum, excluding superannuation. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Research sources include Glassdoor, Seek, and Hays Salary Guide for relevant design and property management roles in Sydney.

Benefits:

Discounts across health, wellness, lifestyle, motor vehicle, travel, and technology providers, offering tangible savings and enhancing employee well-being.
Opportunities for leadership and professional development through programs like "Mirvac Masters," supporting continuous learning and career advancement within the organization.
Working within a diverse workforce, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment with colleagues from various backgrounds.
Participation in company initiatives focused on sustainability, innovation, and creating shared value, aligning personal values with organizational goals.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, generally 40 hours per week, though flexibility may be required based on project deadlines, site visits, and meetings with stakeholders who may have varying schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the Sydney market, considering the experience level and the nature of the property/retail industry. The actual salary offered may differ. The benefits listed are based on the provided text and represent tangible perks offered by Mirvac.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Real Estate, specifically focusing on the development and management of Office, Retail, Industrial, Residential, and Build to Rent assets. Mirvac is a leading Australian property group with a significant portfolio of retail assets.

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees globally, indicating a large, established organization with structured teams and processes.

Founded: 1972, with over 50 years of experience in the property industry, suggesting a stable and reputable company with a long-standing presence.

Team Structure:

The Retail Design Manager role sits within the Retail portfolio team, collaborating closely with leasing, asset management, development, and potentially construction teams.
The role involves working with both internal Mirvac teams and external stakeholders, including retail operators, contractors, and design consultants.
Collaboration spans across national teams to implement retail divisional initiatives and contribute to the overall retail strategy.

Methodology:

The company emphasizes creating and curating better experiences, suggesting a focus on user-centered approaches in property development and management.
Sustainability, innovation, and shared value are key focuses, likely influencing design considerations and project execution.
The role involves working within established procedures and guidelines (e.g., Tenancy Design Guidelines, Retail Design & Fitout Guide) while also driving improvements and efficiency.

Company Website: http://www.mirvac.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Mirvac's focus on "creating and curating better experiences" and commitment to sustainability and innovation suggests a design culture that values both aesthetic quality and functional performance within their built environments. The large company size and established history imply a structured approach to design management, where processes and guidelines are important. The role operates within a cross-functional environment, requiring strong collaboration skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level, requiring demonstrated experience (3-6+ years) in design management within a retail or commercial property context. The responsibilities involve a significant degree of autonomy in managing design processes and negotiating outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The specific reporting structure is not explicitly mentioned, but the role involves collaborating with various internal teams (leasing, asset management, development) and national retail teams, suggesting reporting to a Head of Retail Design, Asset Manager, or similar senior role within the retail portfolio division.

Design Impact: The role has a direct impact on the quality and success of retail tenancies, influencing customer experience, operator trading performance, and the overall value and appeal of Mirvac's retail assets. Design decisions managed by this role contribute to the strategic objectives of each asset.

Growth Opportunities:

Potential for advancement to more senior design management roles overseeing larger or multiple assets, or leading national design initiatives.
Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable retail design, innovative retail concepts, or complex fit-out management.
Growth into leadership positions within the broader asset management or development teams, leveraging design and project management experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the experience requirements and responsibilities, the role is clearly defined within the property development and management career path, specifically focusing on retail assets. Growth would likely involve managing more complex projects, leading teams, or moving into strategic planning roles within the retail or broader property division.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: This role is primarily based on-site, likely involving a mix of office work at Mirvac's headquarters (200 George St, Sydney) and frequent site visits to various retail assets within the portfolio. The work environment is within the corporate structure of a large property group.

Office Location(s): The primary location is 200 George St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia. Site visits will be required across Mirvac's retail portfolio assets.

Design Workspace Context:

The office environment at 200 George St is likely a professional corporate setting typical of a large property firm, with standard office amenities.
Site visits to retail assets will involve being on-site during tenancy fit-outs, potentially in active construction or operational retail environments.
Collaboration spaces for meetings with internal teams, operators, and consultants will be available both in the office and potentially on-site.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site role. The schedule will involve a standard work week but may require flexibility for site visits, urgent issues during fit-outs, and meetings that may occur outside typical office hours depending on stakeholder availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a blend of corporate office and active retail development/fit-out sites. Candidates should be comfortable working in both settings and managing the logistical requirements of frequent travel to different asset locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process: The interview process will likely involve several stages, focusing on evaluating your experience in retail design management, technical understanding, negotiation skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Potential stages may include:

Initial screening call with HR to discuss your background and fit for the role's requirements.
Interview(s) with the hiring manager and relevant team members (e.g., from Leasing, Asset Management) to assess your technical skills, experience with design processes, and stakeholder management abilities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past projects.
A potential case study or practical exercise related to managing a retail tenancy design scenario, assessing your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Prepare to articulate your process and rationale.
Interview(s) with senior leaders to assess your strategic thinking, ability to contribute to asset plans, and overall cultural alignment with Mirvac's values.

Portfolio Review Tips: When presenting your experience (via a portfolio or case studies), focus on:

Clearly outlining the scope and objectives of the retail fit-out projects you managed.
Highlighting your specific role and responsibilities in the design management and approval process.
Showcasing your ability to work with technical documentation and ensure design intent was maintained during construction.
Providing specific examples of how you successfully negotiated design changes or resolved issues with stakeholders.
Presenting visual documentation (photos, before/after) that demonstrates the quality of the final fit-out and its alignment with design goals.

Challenge Preparation: If a case study or challenge is part of the process, it will likely focus on a scenario involving conflicting design requirements, budget constraints, or timeline pressures within a retail fit-out context. Prepare to:

Clearly articulate your proposed solution and the steps you would take to implement it.
Explain your rationale, considering both design principles and commercial realities.
Demonstrate your ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and communicate effectively under pressure.

ATS Keywords: Retail Design, Tenancy Design, Fit-out Management, Design Approval, Design Guidelines, Retail Planning, Asset Management, Leasing Collaboration, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Negotiation, Design Documentation, Site Reviews, Salesforce, Problem Solving, Communication, Commercial Property, Real Estate, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (mention if proficient), User Experience, Customer Experience, Strategic Planning, Renovation, Redevelopment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for this role will heavily weigh practical experience in managing retail design and fit-out processes. Candidates should tailor their application and interview responses to highlight their project management skills, ability to work with technical documentation, negotiation expertise, and experience in a commercial property or retail environment. The "portfolio" should function as a collection of project case studies demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools: While the role focuses on managing the design process rather than creating designs from scratch, familiarity with tools used in retail design and documentation is essential for reviewing and understanding submissions. This may include:

AutoCAD: For reviewing floor plans, layouts, and technical drawings provided by tenants and consultants. Proficiency in interpreting complex architectural and design plans is key.
SketchUp or similar 3D modeling software: Potentially used for reviewing proposed designs or visualizing space layouts.
Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop): Useful for reviewing design presentations, material boards, and visual concepts submitted by tenants or designers.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Salesforce: Explicitly mentioned as a tool for data accuracy, project milestone setting, updating, and reviewing throughout the pre-lease deal workflow. Experience with CRM systems for project tracking is highly beneficial.
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Essential for communication, reporting, documentation, presentations, and data management. High-level proficiency is required.

Research & Testing:

While not explicitly mentioned, staying across emerging concepts and trends implies engaging with industry resources, market research reports, and potentially tools used for analyzing retail performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is centered around tools for managing projects, reviewing design documentation, and general office productivity. While deep expertise in creative design software might not be mandatory, the ability to effectively use tools for reviewing and understanding technical drawings and design presentations is crucial. Proficiency in Salesforce is a specific requirement mentioned in the job description.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values: Mirvac's overarching values of being visionaries, bold, embracing innovation and diversity, and leading with optimism likely extend to the design function. Specific design values within the retail team would likely include:

Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on creating spaces that enhance the experience for customers and visitors, directly impacting design decisions and priorities.
Quality and Excellence: Commitment to delivering premium tenancy designs and fit-outs that reflect Mirvac's reputation for quality.
Innovation: Openness to exploring emerging concepts and trends in retail design to create unique and dynamic spaces.
Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

The role requires proactive engagement and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including leasing teams, operators, contractors, and potentially development teams.
A collaborative approach to problem-solving and negotiation is essential to manage design expectations and resolve roadblocks.
Working collaboratively with national teams suggests a need for strong communication and coordination across different locations and departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values and the collaborative nature of the role suggest a team culture that values proactive communication, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes that benefit both tenants and the broader asset. Candidates should be team players who can navigate complex relationships effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing Design Aspirations with Commercial Realities: Negotiating design outcomes that meet both the operator's vision and the asset's design guidelines, while adhering to budget and timeline constraints.
Managing High Volume and Conflicting Priorities: Juggling multiple tenancy fit-out projects simultaneously, each with its own set of challenges and deadlines.
Ensuring Consistency Across a Diverse Portfolio: Maintaining design quality and adherence to guidelines across various retail assets with different characteristics and target demographics.
Staying Ahead of Retail Trends: Continuously learning about emerging concepts and trends in retail design and integrating them appropriately into tenancy strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to gain deep experience in the commercial property sector, specifically within retail asset management and development.
Development of advanced negotiation, stakeholder management, and project management skills in a complex environment.
Exposure to strategic asset planning and the role of design in driving commercial outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are primarily related to managing complexity, balancing competing demands, and applying design principles within a commercially driven environment. The growth opportunities lie in becoming a highly skilled professional in retail design management within the property industry, with potential paths towards leadership or strategic roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions: Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing the design and fit-out process for retail tenancies. Example questions may include:

"Describe a challenging retail fit-out project you managed. What were the key design issues, how did you resolve them, and what was the outcome?" Prepare specific case studies from your experience.
"How do you ensure that tenancy designs adhere to established design guidelines while also meeting the operator's brand requirements?" Discuss your review process and negotiation strategies.
"Walk me through your typical process for managing the design approval and handoff to construction for a retail tenancy." Detail your steps from initial submission to final sign-off.

Company Culture Questions: Demonstrate your understanding of Mirvac's business and values, particularly in the retail sector. Example questions may include:

"What excites you about working for Mirvac and specifically within our retail portfolio?" Research recent Mirvac retail projects and their strategic approach.
"How do you approach collaboration with different teams, such as leasing and asset management, to achieve successful project outcomes?" Provide examples of cross-functional teamwork.
"Mirvac values innovation. How do you stay current with emerging trends in retail design and potentially integrate them into tenancy strategies?" Discuss industry engagement and continuous learning.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: If asked to discuss your experience or present case studies, focus on the process and outcomes rather than just the final aesthetic. Structure your presentation/discussion around:

The project context and your specific role.
The design challenges and objectives.
Your approach to managing the design approval and fit-out process.
How you collaborated with stakeholders and resolved issues.
The final outcome and its success metrics (e.g., timely opening, quality of fit-out, positive operator feedback).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing practical experience in retail design management, problem-solving, negotiation, and collaboration within a commercial property context. Candidates should have well-prepared examples and case studies that demonstrate their ability to navigate the complexities of retail fit-out projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your specific experience in retail design management, managing fit-outs, working with design documentation, and negotiating outcomes in a commercial environment. Use relevant ATS keywords.
Prepare case studies or a portfolio specifically showcasing your experience in managing retail or commercial fit-out projects, focusing on process, problem-solving, and stakeholder collaboration.
Research Mirvac's retail portfolio, recent projects, and company values to demonstrate your interest and understanding during the interview process.

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

Retail Design Manager