Junior Design Manager (all genders) - Retail Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Design Manager (all genders) - Retail Design

Company: LIGANOVA GmbH

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Retail Design Operations / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2025-08-11

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between creative vision and tangible retail campaign execution, focusing on the technical development and realization of design concepts.

• As a Junior Design Manager, you will be instrumental in the end-to-end project lifecycle for Point of Sale (POS) initiatives, from initial ideation to on-site installation support.

• You will act as a key liaison, fostering collaboration between creative teams, project management, sourcing, prototyping, and production departments to ensure seamless campaign delivery.

• The position requires a strong understanding of design principles, technical development, and a hands-on approach to managing design projects within the retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Design Manager," the responsibilities described lean towards a Design Operations or Project Coordinator role within the retail design space, focusing on the technical and production aspects of campaigns rather than pure creative direction. The emphasis on bridging concepts to technical development and production support suggests a need for someone who can manage the operational flow of design projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the technical development and transformation of creative concepts into sustainable, global retail campaigns.

• Assist in managing Point of Sale (POS) projects throughout their lifecycle, from initial concept and creation to visualization, construction, and technical drawing development.

• Oversee and facilitate the realization phase of retail design projects, ensuring adherence to technical specifications and production timelines.

• Maintain close, interdisciplinary communication with project teams, sourcing, prototyping, and production departments to ensure alignment and timely execution.

• Provide hands-on support for on-site installations and project implementations as required.

• Contribute to the development of technical documentation and specifications for retail campaign elements.

• Assist in the evaluation of prototypes and initial production runs to ensure quality and design fidelity.

• Coordinate with external suppliers and manufacturers to ensure timely delivery of materials and finished goods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management and technical communication skills within a design context, focusing on the operational execution of retail campaigns rather than pure creative design. The emphasis on "technical development," "construction," "technical drawings," and "realization support" points to a role that ensures designs are production-ready and successfully implemented.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in 3D design, with a preference for experience that includes prototyping and production support.

• Demonstrated experience in managing or contributing to the realization of design projects, particularly within a retail or POS environment.

Required Skills:

• CAD Software Proficiency: Strong knowledge and practical experience in at least one of the following CAD software packages: Rhinoceros or SolidWorks.

• 3D Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding of 3D design principles and their application in product development and visualization.

• Technical Drawing: Ability to create and interpret technical drawings and construction plans.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both German and English, enabling effective collaboration with diverse teams.

• Structured & Hands-on Approach: Ability to work methodically, manage tasks efficiently, and engage directly in project execution.

• Design Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for design, innovation, and emerging technological trends in the industry.

• Prototyping & Production Awareness: Basic understanding of prototyping processes and production methodologies relevant to retail design elements.

Preferred Skills:

• Rendering Software: Familiarity with rendering programs such as Keyshot for visual presentations.

• Retail Design Experience: Prior experience in retail design, POS displays, or campaign implementation.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with project management software for tracking timelines and deliverables.

• Sustainability Focus: Understanding of sustainable design principles and their application in production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical design software proficiency (Rhinoceros/SolidWorks) and practical, hands-on project management within a design realization context. The dual language requirement (German and English) is critical for effective communication in an international retail environment. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests the company is looking for a candidate with foundational knowledge and a strong willingness to learn and grow within the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Design Showcase: Include examples of 3D models and technical drawings created using Rhinoceros or SolidWorks, demonstrating an understanding of construction and production feasibility.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Showcase projects that illustrate your involvement from concept development through to realization, highlighting your role in managing technical aspects and production coordination.

• Prototyping/Production Examples: If available, present examples of prototypes you have worked on or contributed to, detailing the materials used and the production process.

• Visualizations & Renderings: Include high-quality renderings (ideally from Keyshot or similar) that demonstrate your ability to present design concepts effectively and realistically.

• Process Improvement Contributions: Highlight instances where you identified and implemented process improvements or efficiencies in design workflows or project execution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of how to document and optimize design workflows, from initial concept briefing to final production handover.

• Technical Specification Development: Present examples of how you would create or contribute to detailed technical specifications for retail campaign components.

• Cross-functional Process Integration: Show how you can integrate design processes with other departments like sourcing, production, and installation, ensuring smooth handoffs and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to translate creative ideas into technically sound and executable designs for retail environments. Emphasis should be placed on the practical, production-oriented aspects of design, supported by technical documentation and examples of process management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Diverse and Inclusive Culture: Opportunity to work in an environment that celebrates uniqueness and fosters diversity, aligning with the company's "Come as you are!" philosophy.

• Sustainability Focus: Involvement in a company with a "Green Mindset," contributing to and being inspired by initiatives for greater sustainability in office operations and client solutions.

• International Networking: Access to a global network of offices (Stuttgart, Berlin, Amsterdam), promoting cross-unit connectivity and collaboration beyond rigid team structures.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to learn and grow within the dynamic field of retail design and campaign management.

• Creative Environment: Work alongside passionate individuals in a company dedicated to creating impactful retail experiences.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for project-driven flexibility as is common in the retail design and campaign execution industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general German market data for junior roles in design and project coordination, adjusted for the specific location (Stuttgart) and industry. The benefits highlight the company's unique culture and focus on sustainability and international collaboration, which are key differentiators for attracting talent in this field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Experiential Marketing & Retail Design. LIGANOVA GmbH specializes in creating immersive brand experiences across physical and digital touchpoints, focusing on retail environments, trade shows, and events. They aim to translate brand identities into engaging physical spaces and campaigns.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, LIGANOVA's mention of HQ in Stuttgart and growing offices in Berlin and Amsterdam suggests a medium-sized, rapidly expanding company within its niche. This size often implies a dynamic, less bureaucratic environment with opportunities for direct impact.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's described growth and international presence suggest it is an established entity within the experiential marketing sector.

Team Structure:

• Ciras Team: The role is within the "Ciras Team," implying a specific department or project group focused on certain aspects of retail campaigns or client work.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The role requires close interaction with various internal teams, including Project Management, Sourcing, Prototyping, and Production, indicating a collaborative, cross-functional operational structure.

• Reporting: While not specified, a Junior Design Manager would typically report to a Design Manager, Project Lead, or Head of Design within their team.

Methodology:

• Concept to Realization: LIGANOVA's core methodology involves taking creative concepts and developing them through technical design, prototyping, and production into tangible, impactful retail experiences.

• Sustainability Integration: The company actively promotes and integrates sustainability into its solutions and internal practices, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to design and business operations.

• Global Campaign Development: The focus on "sustainable, global Retail Kampagnen" suggests a systematic approach to briefing, design development, and production management that can be scaled internationally.

Company Website: https://www.liganova.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding LIGANOVA's focus on experiential marketing and retail design is crucial. This isn't a typical product design role; it's about bringing brand narratives to life in physical retail spaces. The "Ciras Team" might be client-facing or focused on a particular service offering. The company's emphasis on sustainability and international presence suggests a modern, forward-thinking operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Junior" level position, indicating an entry-level to early-career role within the design operations and project management spectrum. It's designed for individuals with foundational design education and some initial practical exposure, looking to build expertise in project execution and technical development for retail campaigns.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Design Manager will likely report to a Design Manager or a Senior Project Manager who oversees retail campaign development. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in managing complex projects and technical specifications.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the successful execution of retail campaigns, which are critical for brand visibility, customer engagement, and sales within the retail environment. Efficiently translating creative concepts into reality contributes to brand consistency, project profitability, and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Retail Design Operations: Develop expertise in the end-to-end process of creating and implementing retail campaigns, from technical design to on-site execution.

• Project Management Acumen: Gain experience in managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communication for complex design projects.

• Technical Design Proficiency: Deepen skills in CAD software (Rhinoceros, SolidWorks) and understanding of materials, prototyping, and production techniques.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Progress to managing larger projects, leading smaller teams, or specializing in specific areas like sourcing, production liaison, or on-site management.

• Client Interaction: As experience grows, there may be opportunities for increased client interaction and involvement in the strategic planning of retail campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly within the operations side of design agencies or retail brand departments, focusing on the practical implementation of creative strategies. Career progression would likely involve moving into more senior project management roles, technical design leadership, or specialized roles within the experiential marketing lifecycle.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from a physical office location in Stuttgart, Germany, indicating a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at Herdweg 59, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany. This location in Stuttgart provides access to a major economic hub in Germany.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Stuttgart office likely serves as a central point for creative and operational teams, fostering an environment where cross-functional collaboration is encouraged for project success.

• Design & Technical Resources: Expect access to necessary design software, potentially 3D modeling tools, and a supportive environment for technical development and visualization.

• Team Interaction: The role necessitates constant interaction with design, project management, sourcing, and production teams, suggesting a dynamic and communicative workspace.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. While on-site, the nature of retail campaign execution might occasionally require flexibility for project deadlines or on-site installation support, though this is not explicitly stated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is important for collaboration and hands-on involvement in the design and production process. The Stuttgart location places the employee within a significant German business center, offering good connectivity and potential for professional networking.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a call with HR or a People Team member to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and understanding of the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Team Leader People (Lhea) or the direct manager to delve deeper into experience, skills, and motivation.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A session dedicated to reviewing the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, technical skills (CAD software), and problem-solving approaches related to retail design execution. This may involve a practical design challenge or case study.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Potential interviews with members of the project teams (sourcing, production) to assess collaboration and interdisciplinary communication skills.

• Final Interview: Might involve a senior leader or a more comprehensive discussion about long-term fit and potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Clearly showcase your skills in Rhinoceros or SolidWorks through well-documented 3D models and technical drawings.

• Demonstrate Project Lifecycle Involvement: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, focusing on the transition from creative concept to technical realization and production.

• Showcase Hands-on Experience: Include examples of prototyping, material selection, or production challenges you've navigated.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, quantify the impact of your work, e.g., efficiency gains in a process, successful delivery of a complex component.

• Explain Your Design Process: Be prepared to walk through your thought process for specific projects, explaining your technical decisions and problem-solving strategies.

• Address Sustainability: If any projects involved sustainable design considerations, highlight these.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Focus: Be prepared for a potential case study or design challenge that requires you to outline a process for developing a retail campaign element from a brief, focusing on technical considerations, material selection, and production feasibility.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common challenges in design execution, such as production delays, technical limitations, or conflicting stakeholder requirements.

• Communication Scenarios: Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's practical design skills, technical software proficiency, and ability to manage the operational aspects of bringing retail campaigns to life. A strong, relevant portfolio is essential for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Mandatory proficiency in Rhinoceros or SolidWorks for 3D modeling, design development, and technical drawing creation.

• Rendering Programs: Keyshot is preferred for creating high-quality visualizations and presentations of design concepts.

• Project Management Software: Likely use of tools for task management, timeline tracking, and team coordination (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar).

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams for day-to-day communication and interdisciplinary exchange.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned as a core requirement for this design-focused role, but familiarity with CRM systems for client project tracking could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical stack is heavily oriented towards design and visualization tools, with a strong emphasis on CAD software. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is also key for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Create the best version of yourself: Encourages personal and professional growth, learning, and self-improvement within the company.

• Diversity & Inclusion: A core value celebrating uniqueness and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

• Sustainability (Green Mindset): Commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions in both office operations and client-facing projects.

• Collaboration & Community: Emphasis on interconnectedness across different offices and teams, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

• Passion for Design & Innovation: A drive to create impactful, cutting-edge brand experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary & Cross-functional: Strong emphasis on working closely with diverse teams (creative, technical, sourcing, production) to achieve project goals.

• Open Communication: Encourages clear, direct, and respectful communication across all levels and departments.

• Hands-on & Proactive: A culture that values initiative, problem-solving, and active participation in all stages of project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be modern, inclusive, and forward-thinking, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and sustainability. Candidates should align with these values, demonstrating a proactive and team-oriented approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Creative Vision with Technical Feasibility: The primary challenge lies in effectively translating abstract creative concepts into concrete, technically viable, and producible retail campaign elements.

• Managing Project Timelines & Budgets: Ensuring that design projects are delivered on time and within budget, especially in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Cross-functional Communication Complexity: Coordinating effectively between various departments (creative, sourcing, production, installation) to ensure seamless execution and avoid miscommunications.

• Adapting to Evolving Retail Trends: Staying current with new materials, technologies, and design trends in the dynamic retail and experiential marketing sectors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Potential for company-sponsored training in advanced CAD software, project management methodologies, or specific retail design techniques.

• On-the-Job Learning: Gaining practical experience by working on diverse, international retail campaigns under the guidance of experienced professionals.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn about materials, production processes, and installation techniques through hands-on involvement and collaboration with specialized teams.

• Mentorship: Access to mentorship from senior team members within the design and operations departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant learning curve in the specialized field of retail design operations. The challenges are inherent to the industry, but they also present clear opportunities for skill development and career advancement within LIGANOVA.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Process: "Describe your process for developing the technical drawings and specifications for a complex retail display from a creative brief." (Focus on detail, software used, consideration for materials and production).

• Collaboration & Problem-Solving: "How would you handle a situation where a chosen material for a retail campaign element is found to be unsuitable during the prototyping phase? Who would you involve and what steps would you take?" (Assess communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management).

• Design Execution: "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you managed the transition from concept to realization. What were the key technical considerations, and how did you ensure successful execution?" (Focus on project ownership, technical decision-making, and outcome).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with Values: "Our company values diversity and sustainability. How do these values resonate with you, and how do you see them influencing your work in design operations?" (Assess cultural fit and understanding of company ethos).

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal collaborative working relationship with creative teams, production managers, and sourcing specialists." (Evaluate communication style and team player attitude).

• Industry Passion: "What trends in retail design or experiential marketing are you most excited about, and how do you stay informed?" (Gauge passion and industry awareness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronological order. For each project, have a clear "story": the brief, your role, the process, the challenges, and the outcome.

• Technical Depth: For relevant projects, be ready to share specific technical details, CAD files (if appropriate and allowed), and explain the rationale behind your design and production choices.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your contributions. For example, "Reduced production lead time by X% by optimizing technical drawings," or "Ensured 100% on-time delivery of campaign components by coordinating closely with production."

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, highlighting the most relevant aspects for this Junior Design Manager role. Focus on projects that showcase your technical design, prototyping, and production liaison skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design creativity but also practical, operational skills in managing the technical development and realization of retail campaigns. Technical proficiency in CAD and strong communication abilities will be key areas of focus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the LIGANOVA careers page.

• Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experience with 3D design, CAD software (Rhinoceros/SolidWorks), prototyping, production support, and project coordination. Use keywords from the job description to ensure it’s ATS-friendly.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your technical design skills, project execution capabilities, and understanding of the retail campaign lifecycle. Ensure clear documentation of your process, technical drawings, and any production-related aspects.

• Prepare Your "Why": Be ready to articulate why you are interested in LIGANOVA, this specific role, and how your skills in design operations and technical development align with the company's mission and culture.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio with a focus on your technical contributions and problem-solving approaches, anticipating questions about your CAD proficiency and production experience.

⚠️ 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.