Freelance Design Manager (all genders)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Design Manager Company: LIGANOVA GmbH Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-03T10:32:44.854 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: Remote OK (within Netherlands)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a freelance Design Manager based in the Netherlands, focusing on supporting international retail projects.
• Key responsibilities include managing the end-to-end development of window and in-store retail campaigns, from conceptualization through to final implementation.
• The role requires strong 3D spatial design capabilities, bringing retail concepts to life through renderings while considering practical execution and material suitability within budget.
• Technical planning, including CAD drawings, detailed planning, and production data sets, is a crucial aspect of this freelance opportunity, requiring close coordination with project management and other design managers.
• This position offers a flexible, project-based engagement within a dynamic international retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities clearly place this role within a GTM Operations or Design Operations context, emphasizing the execution and technical planning of retail marketing campaigns. The freelance nature suggests a need for self-management and ability to integrate into existing project teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and development of window and in-store retail campaigns for diverse clients, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and project objectives.
• Translate creative briefs into tangible 3D spatial designs, generating high-quality renderings using specified software to visualize campaign execution.
• Propose and select appropriate materials for designs, balancing aesthetic requirements, durability, and budgetary constraints for retail environments.
• Execute technical planning, producing detailed CAD drawings, production sheets, and comprehensive production data sets.
• Collaborate closely with project managers and fellow design managers to ensure seamless integration of design elements with project timelines and execution plans.
• Ensure designs are production-ready by creating accurate production sheets and data sets for manufacturing and installation partners.
• Bring retail campaigns to life by visualizing them in 3D, with a strong consideration for the practicalities of execution and material sourcing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of creative conceptualization and rigorous technical execution. For a freelance role, demonstrating proficiency in managing multiple project phases independently will be key. Emphasis on "bringing retail campaigns to life" suggests a need for strong visualization and problem-solving skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A background in Industrial Design, Product Design, or Interior Architecture is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience is expected, either in a freelance capacity or within a permanent role.
• Prior experience within the retail marketing sector is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D spatial design and visualization techniques.
• Expertise in creating detailed renderings to communicate design concepts effectively.
• Strong technical planning capabilities, including the creation of CAD drawings and production sheets.
• Demonstrated ability to propose and select suitable materials for retail applications, considering design intent and budget.
• Excellent English communication skills for effective collaboration with international teams.
• Proven experience working collaboratively with project managers and other design professionals.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling software, specifically Rhino.
• Experience with rendering software, specifically Enscape and Keyshot.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in managing the development of retail campaigns (window displays, in-store setups).
• Familiarity with production processes and constraints within the retail display industry.
• Understanding of international retail market trends and consumer engagement strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a freelance capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific software (Rhino, Enscape, Keyshot) is critical and should be a primary focus for candidates. The emphasis on retail marketing experience suggests an understanding of consumer behavior and brand presentation in physical spaces.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct retail campaign projects (window displays, in-store installations, pop-up shops) demonstrating end-to-end development from concept to execution.
• Include examples of 3D spatial designs and high-quality renderings that effectively visualize retail environments and campaign narratives.
• Present technical documentation such as CAD drawings, production sheets, and material specifications for at least one project, highlighting attention to detail and production readiness.
• Demonstrate the ability to work within budget constraints by including examples where material selection and design execution were influenced by cost-effectiveness.
• Highlight projects that showcase collaboration with project managers or cross-functional teams, illustrating communication and integration skills.

Process Documentation:

• For each project presented, provide a brief overview of the design process followed, including conceptualization, 3D modeling, rendering, technical planning, and production handover.
• Include documentation of material research and selection rationale, explaining the choices made based on design, budget, and durability for retail settings.
• If applicable, include examples of how feedback was incorporated from project managers or client stakeholders into the design iterations.
• Detail any specific workflows or methodologies used for technical planning and production data generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is paramount for this freelance role. Candidates should curate their submissions to specifically highlight retail campaign experience, 3D visualization skills, and technical planning capabilities. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the production lifecycle within a retail context is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a freelance (CONTRACTOR) position, compensation will be project-based and negotiated directly with LIGANOVA GmbH. Based on industry standards for Design Managers with 3-5 years of experience, particularly those with specialized 3D design and retail campaign expertise in the Netherlands, hourly rates can range from €45 to €75. This estimate considers the required software proficiency and the international scope of LIGANOVA's projects.

Benefits:

• As a freelance contractor, standard employee benefits are not typically provided.
• Project-based work offers flexibility in scheduling and the opportunity to work on diverse international retail projects.
• Potential for ongoing freelance engagements based on performance and project availability.
• Direct collaboration with a dynamic international team and exposure to innovative retail campaign development.

Working Hours:

• This is a freelance position, so working hours are flexible and project-dependent. Candidates are expected to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and collaborate with the team during their available hours. A typical full-time equivalent would be around 40 hours per week, but this can vary based on project scope and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to negotiate their freelance rates. Researching current market rates for freelance 3D designers and design managers in the Netherlands, particularly those with retail experience, is recommended. The flexibility of freelance work is a key benefit to highlight.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• LIGANOVA GmbH operates within the experiential marketing and retail design industry, specializing in creating immersive brand experiences for international clients. Their focus on retail campaigns implies a fast-paced environment driven by client needs and market trends.

Company Size:

• Information on exact company size is not provided, but the mention of multiple offices (Stuttgart, Berlin, Amsterdam) suggests a medium to large-sized organization with a significant international footprint. This size can offer opportunities for diverse project exposure and cross-office collaboration.

Founded:

• Specific founding date is not provided, but the company operates internationally with established offices, indicating a mature business presence.

Team Structure:

• The role requires collaboration with a team of project managers and other design managers. This suggests a structured project-based team environment where design professionals work alongside project leads to deliver client campaigns.
• The Amsterdam office is mentioned as a fully operating branch, implying a local team structure that the freelance Design Manager will integrate into.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected, working with project management and potentially other creative or technical departments depending on project needs.

Methodology:

• LIGANOVA's work in retail campaigns likely involves a structured design process from concept generation, 3D visualization, technical planning, material sourcing, to production oversight.
• The emphasis on "bringing retail campaigns to life" and "creating the best version of yourself" suggests a culture that values innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• "Green Mindset" and "Green Campaign Cycle" initiatives indicate a commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious design solutions.

Company Website:

• http://liganova.com

📝 Enhancement Note: LIGANOVA's focus on international retail and sustainability provides key context for the type of projects and design philosophy expected. Candidates should align their approach with these values, particularly the "Green Mindset" aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as a mid-level freelance Design Manager. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and a minimum of 3-5 years of experience, with an expectation of independent project contribution and technical proficiency. The role involves managing specific phases of retail campaign development.

Reporting Structure:

• As a freelancer, you will likely report to a Team Leader (like Lhea, the Team Leader People mentioned) or a specific Project Manager within LIGANOVA's Amsterdam office for project-specific direction and oversight. Your work will be integrated into project teams managed by project managers.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful conceptualization and execution of retail marketing campaigns. Effective design management contributes to client satisfaction, brand perception, and ultimately, the success of the retail activations, influencing customer engagement and potential sales outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• For freelance professionals, growth typically involves expanding the scope of projects, taking on more complex or larger-scale retail campaigns, and building a long-term relationship with LIGANOVA for consistent project flow.
• Opportunities may arise to specialize in specific types of retail activations or to contribute to the development of more sustainable design solutions within the company's "Green Mindset" initiatives.
• Depending on performance and availability, there could be opportunities for more strategic involvement in campaign planning or concept development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: For freelancers, "growth" often means securing more consistent and higher-value projects. Highlighting successful project delivery and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be key to fostering a long-term freelance relationship with LIGANOVA.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The company has offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam, suggesting a professional office environment. However, as a freelance Design Manager, the work arrangement is "Remote OK," implying that the primary workspace will be remote.

Office Location(s):

• Amsterdam, Netherlands is specified as a location where collaboration will occur, suggesting the existence of a physical office there, even if the role is remote.

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature of the role means the workspace will be the candidate's own professional setup.
• Collaboration will primarily occur digitally through virtual meetings, project management tools, and communication platforms.
• The Amsterdam team context implies opportunities for virtual team interaction and integration into the company's broader network.
• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be the responsibility of the freelance candidate.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is flexible, aligning with freelance project-based engagements. Candidates are expected to manage their time to meet project deadlines and coordinate with the team, particularly during core business hours for effective communication. The role requires responsiveness and availability for project-related discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is remote, understanding the existence of the Amsterdam office and the need for collaboration with that team is important. Candidates should be prepared for virtual team dynamics and effective remote communication strategies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Contact: Likely involves an initial screening call or email exchange with Lhea (Team Leader People) to discuss availability and project experience.
• Portfolio Review: A critical step where candidates will present their portfolio, focusing on retail campaign projects, 3D visualization skills, and technical execution capabilities.
• Skills Assessment: Potential for a technical assessment or a discussion focused on proficiency with Rhino, Enscape, and Keyshot, possibly through a small design challenge or case study.
• Team/Project Manager Interview: An interview with a project manager or design lead to assess fit with the team, understanding of retail design processes, and ability to collaborate effectively in a project setting.
• Offer: Based on portfolio, skills, and interview performance, a freelance contract offer will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Retail: Select projects that specifically emphasize window and in-store retail campaigns. Highlight the context, client objectives, and your role in bringing the concept to life.
• Showcase 3D & Renderings: Visually demonstrate strong 3D modeling and rendering skills. Include a variety of angles, material finishes, and lighting to convey the spatial design effectively.
• Highlight Technical Planning: Include examples of CAD drawings or production sheets. Explain your process for ensuring designs are production-ready and within budget.
• Tell the Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your approach, the tools used, and the outcome. Focus on how your work met client needs and contributed to the campaign's success.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If your work led to specific results (e.g., improved customer engagement, successful product launch visualization), try to quantify it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for translating a brief into a 3D design.
• Practice articulating your material selection rationale and budget considerations.
• Familiarize yourself with current trends in retail design and sustainability.
• Prepare to discuss your experience with Rhino, Enscape, and Keyshot in the context of specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for evaluation. Candidates should ensure it is highly tailored to the requirements of this specific freelance role, demonstrating not just design skill but also an understanding of retail execution and project management needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling: Rhino (required)
• Rendering: Enscape (required), Keyshot (required)
• Technical Planning: CAD software (implied for CAD drawings)
• Collaboration: Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com - not specified but common), Communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams - not specified but common)

Analytics & Reporting:

• Not directly specified for this design role, but understanding project timelines and resource allocation might involve some form of project tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but familiarity with client management tools could be beneficial for communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Rhino, Enscape, and Keyshot is non-negotiable. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their mastery of these tools and how they are applied in a professional design context, particularly for retail environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Diversity & Inclusion: "Come as you are!" LIGANOVA values uniqueness and celebrates diversity, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Sustainability: A "Green Mindset" is promoted, with initiatives like the "Green Campaign Cycle" to encourage sustainable practices in design and client support.
• Creativity & Innovation: The mission "Create the best version of yourself" and the focus on bringing campaigns to life suggest a culture that encourages creative problem-solving and pushing boundaries.
• Collaboration: Working within international teams and across offices highlights the importance of teamwork and shared knowledge.
• Excellence: The pursuit of "best version of yourself" implies a commitment to high-quality output and continuous self-improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaborative within project teams, working alongside project managers and other designers.
• Emphasis on cross-functional interaction and communication to ensure successful campaign implementation.
• Expectation of proactive communication and idea sharing to drive innovative solutions.
• The international nature suggests a need for adaptable communication styles to bridge cultural and geographical differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should reflect on how their personal values and collaboration style align with LIGANOVA's emphasis on diversity, sustainability, and creative excellence. Demonstrating an ability to work effectively in a remote, international team is crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and maintaining strong communication with a remote team and international stakeholders requires proactive engagement and excellent digital communication skills.
• Balancing Creativity and Execution: Translating creative concepts into technically feasible and budget-conscious retail designs can be challenging, requiring a blend of artistic vision and practical execution.
• International Project Dynamics: Adapting to different client needs, market trends, and potentially varying production standards across international projects.
• Freelance Project Management: Self-management, time tracking, invoicing, and ensuring consistent project flow are inherent challenges of freelance work.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to a wide range of international retail clients and campaign types offers continuous learning in diverse market contexts.
• Opportunities to engage with LIGANOVA's sustainability initiatives and develop expertise in green design solutions for retail.
• Networking with professionals across different offices (Stuttgart, Berlin, Amsterdam) can broaden professional connections and market insights.
• Developing stronger project management and client communication skills through consistent freelance engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they overcome the challenges of remote work and freelance project management. Highlighting a proactive approach to learning and adapting to new project demands will be beneficial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a retail campaign from concept to implementation, focusing on your 3D design and technical planning contributions."
  • Preparation: Map out your typical workflow, emphasizing the use of Rhino, Enscape, and Keyshot. Detail how you ensure designs are production-ready and how you collaborate with project managers on technical aspects.
• "How do you approach material selection for retail displays, considering both aesthetic goals and budget constraints?"
  • Preparation: Prepare examples from your portfolio where you made key material decisions. Discuss your research process and how you balance client needs with practical considerations.
• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration when working remotely with a distributed team?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your preferred communication tools and strategies. Provide examples of successful remote collaborations and how you manage stakeholder expectations.
• "Can you walk us through a project where you had to adapt your design based on technical limitations or production feedback?"
  • Preparation: Select a project where you demonstrated problem-solving skills and flexibility. Focus on the challenge, your solution, and the impact on the final outcome.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LIGANOVA's focus on international retail and its 'Green Mindset'?"
  • Preparation: Research LIGANOVA's recent projects and sustainability initiatives. Connect your own interests and values to their company ethos.
• "How do you see your freelance design management skills contributing to our international retail campaigns?"
  • Preparation: Align your core competencies with the role's requirements and LIGANOVA's business objectives.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronological order. For each project, provide a brief overview, your specific role, the key challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome.
• Visuals: Ensure high-quality images and renderings are prominent. Use clear, concise text to explain your contributions.
• Technical Detail: For at least one project, be prepared to show or discuss the technical planning aspects (CAD, production sheets) in detail.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; focus on the most relevant projects and key takeaways. Be ready to answer questions about any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate your technical skills and understanding of the retail design lifecycle. The interview will likely assess both your creative capabilities and your ability to function effectively as a freelance contributor within their project teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your experience in retail campaign design (window displays, in-store setups). Ensure it includes strong 3D spatial designs, high-quality renderings, and examples of technical planning (CAD drawings, production sheets). Tailor the selection to highlight projects showcasing your ability to work within budget constraints and collaborate effectively.
• Resume/Profile Optimization: Update your resume or professional profile to emphasize your 3-5+ years of experience in industrial design, product design, or interior architecture, with a specific focus on retail marketing. Clearly list your proficiency in Rhino, Enscape, and Keyshot. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with LIGANOVA GmbH's work, particularly their international retail projects and any publicly available information regarding their sustainability initiatives and company culture. Understand their approach to creating immersive brand experiences.
• Interview Readiness: Prepare to discuss your design process, technical skills, and freelance work management. Be ready to articulate how your values align with LIGANOVA's culture, especially regarding diversity and sustainability. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.