Retail Store Design Manager (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Store Design Manager (m/w/d)

Company: LUMAS Art Editions GmbH

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time (also open to Part-time)

Category: Retail Design & Visual Merchandising

Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creative and conceptual development of the LUMAS brand within the retail and visual merchandising space, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence across all physical locations.

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of store openings and closings, both domestically and internationally, from initial concept to final handover.

• Oversee the comprehensive visual merchandising strategy for LUMAS galleries, collaborating closely with Retail, Graphic Design, and Marketing teams to align with brand objectives.

• Manage the creation and rollout of visual merchandising campaigns, seasonal promotions, and point-of-sale (POS) initiatives to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.

• Develop and refine visual merchandising guidelines, roll-out concepts, and best-practice standards to ensure consistency and excellence across the global gallery network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Manager" level, indicated by the "5-10 years" experience range and the breadth of responsibilities, which include strategic planning, budget control, and international project management. The focus on "creative, conceptual planning" and "continuous development" suggests a strategic contributor rather than purely an executor.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creative and conceptual planning, as well as the ongoing evolution of the LUMAS brand within the Retail & Visual Merchandising sectors.

• Manage the holistic planning and execution of national and international store openings and closings, encompassing the entire process from concept development through to final handover.

• Oversee the planning and support of new and existing store locations, adhering to HOAI (German Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers) phases 1-9, for both domestic and international projects.

• Take ownership of the visual merchandising strategy for all LUMAS galleries, working in close collaboration with Retail, Graphics, and Marketing departments.

• Plan and implement visual merchandising campaigns, seasonal promotions, and special point-of-sale (POS) initiatives.

• Develop and continuously improve visual merchandising guidelines, roll-out concepts, and establish best-practice standards for all galleries.

• Conceptually develop store furnishings and design/implement custom furniture and built-in elements.

• Plan and coordinate the fit-out and renovation of new franchise locations internationally.

• Conduct site evaluations and feasibility analyses for retail locations, both domestically and internationally.

• Prepare, manage, and monitor cost plans, as well as investment and budget analyses.

• Plan and execute maintenance and optimization measures for existing retail locations.

• Manage national and international trade show planning and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "LPH 1–9 HOAI" and "national & international" in the responsibilities signifies a deep dive into architectural design and project management for physical spaces. This goes beyond typical VM roles and requires detailed construction planning and budget oversight, aligning with a Store Design Manager.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Several years of hands-on experience in conceptual, interior, and concept planning within the retail environment is essential.

Required Skills:

• Strong aesthetic sensibility, with a keen understanding of spatial impact and brand staging, ideally with a connection to the art and photography industry.

• Highly structured, detail-oriented work approach, coupled with a strong ability for reliable construction and concept development.

• Excellent communication skills, initiative, and conceptual strength.

• Ability to travel frequently and adapt quickly to diverse local conditions.

• Proficiency in common CAD programs.

Preferred Skills:

• Proven experience in managing international retail projects and understanding of global retail design trends.

• Familiarity with art and photography market dynamics to inform design choices.

• Experience with budget management and cost control for construction and design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "mehrjährige Erfahrung in der Entwurfs-, Einrichtungs- und Konzeptplanung im Retail-Umfeld" and specific mention of CAD programs, coupled with the degree in Interior Architecture or Architecture, clearly defines this as a design-focused role, distinct from a pure Visual Merchandiser. The "m/w/d" (male/female/diverse) designation is standard in German job postings.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing successful retail design projects, demonstrating conceptual thinking, spatial planning, and aesthetic execution.

• Include case studies of store openings or renovations, highlighting contributions from concept development through to final implementation.

• Showcase experience with visual merchandising strategies, POS campaign development, and the creation of VM guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to project management, including project timelines, budget tracking, and stakeholder communication.

• Provide examples of how you have developed and implemented best-practice standards or guidelines for retail environments.

• Illustrate experience in conducting site analyses and feasibility studies for new retail locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on design planning, retail openings, and visual merchandising, a strong portfolio is critical. It should not only present finished projects but also the candidate's process, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to translate brand strategy into physical retail experiences.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: €55,000 - €75,000 annually (gross), depending on experience and qualifications.

• Research Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Retail Store Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in Berlin, Germany. Factors considered include the scope of responsibilities (international projects, HOAI phases, budget management), the company's industry (art retail), and the cost of living in Berlin. Salary data from platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and specialized German job boards were consulted.

Benefits:

• Numerous career and development opportunities with diverse training programs.

• Short decision-making paths and significant creative freedom within an owner-managed company.

• A stable, sustainable business model, free from venture capital or private equity influence.

• 28 days of annual leave, plus an additional day off for your birthday.

• Hybrid working model, with the option to work from a beautiful Berlin office in Charlottenburg.

• Workation options available.

• High-quality products that inspire customers, partners, and employees daily.

• Attractive employee discounts.

• Talented and motivated international colleagues.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility in how and where work is performed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits list is extensive and aligns well with a company that values employee well-being and professional growth. The "inhabergeführtes Unternehmen" (owner-managed company) aspect often implies a more stable and less volatile work environment compared to VC-backed startups. The salary range is an estimation based on typical German market rates for such a role in Berlin.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Art Retail / Kunsteditionen. LUMAS operates in a unique intersection of art, retail, and e-commerce, democratizing access to art through curated editions.

Company Size: LUMAS Art Editions GmbH is part of a growing international company. While exact numbers aren't provided, the mention of "250 artists" and "over 300,000 art lovers" suggests a significant operational scale. The company has a global presence with multiple galleries.

Founded: LUMAS was founded with the mission to democratize the art market, making art accessible to a broader audience. This foundational principle likely shapes its customer-centric and accessible culture.

Team Structure:

• The Retail Store Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Retail Operations or Design team.

• Close collaboration with Retail Management, Graphics, Marketing, and potentially international franchise partners is expected.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to understand its customer base and market trends, as indicated by its large community of art lovers.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, especially concerning store openings, VM execution, and international rollouts.

• Automation and efficiency practices are implied through the need for standardized guidelines and efficient project management.

Company Website: https://www.lumas.com/ (derived from company domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: LUMAS's mission to "democratize art" suggests a culture that values accessibility, passion for art, and customer engagement. The company's growth from its founding principle to a global leader implies a dynamic yet stable operational environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position. It requires significant experience in retail design and project management, with responsibilities extending to strategic planning, budget control, and international coordination. It signifies a progression from a junior designer role into a leadership capacity for physical retail spaces.

Reporting Structure: The Store Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Retail Operations, Head of Retail, or potentially a Director of Store Development. They will collaborate closely with various departments, including Marketing, Graphics, and Retail teams, and manage external partners (e.g., contractors, agencies) for store projects.

Operations Impact: The Store Design Manager has a direct impact on LUMAS's brand perception, customer experience, and sales performance. Effective store design and visual merchandising enhance brand visibility, attract customers, and create an environment conducive to art appreciation and purchase, thereby directly contributing to revenue growth and market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in international retail design, sustainable store development, or advanced visual merchandising strategies.

• Leadership: Potentially move into a Head of Retail Design or Director of Store Development role, overseeing larger teams and more significant international projects.

• Cross-functional: Transition into broader retail operations, brand management, or marketing roles by leveraging design and project management skills.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through workshops, industry conferences, and training programs offered by LUMAS, focusing on areas like advanced CAD, project management software, and retail trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized field of retail design and operations. The international scope and requirement for managing multiple facets of store development provide a robust foundation for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a "beautiful Berliner Büro" in Charlottenburg, suggesting a well-appointed and potentially inspiring workspace. The hybrid work model indicates a modern approach to work-life balance.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at Ernst-Reuter-Platz 2, 10587 Berlin, Germany, situated in the Charlottenburg district. This is a central and well-connected area in Berlin.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model fosters an environment where employees can leverage the benefits of office collaboration and the flexibility of remote work.

• The office is likely equipped with the necessary design tools and technology to support creative and planning tasks.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is around 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility, balancing in-office days for collaboration with remote days for focused work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "beautiful Berliner Büro" and "Workation options" highlight a company culture that values employee experience and offers modern work flexibility, which is attractive to design professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and relevant experience.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager or HR, focusing on your background, motivation for LUMAS, and understanding of the role. Expect questions about your experience with retail design, VM, and international projects.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A key stage where you will present your portfolio, detailing specific projects, your design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work. This might involve a specific case study related to LUMAS's brand or a hypothetical challenge.

• Team/Department Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues or heads of related departments (e.g., Retail, Marketing) to assess cultural fit and collaborative capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic fit, long-term vision, and alignment with company objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in retail design, concept development, store openings, and visual merchandising. Prioritize projects that align with LUMAS's brand aesthetic and mission.

• Showcase Process: For each project, detail your design process, including initial concept, research, space planning, material selection, budget considerations, and problem-solving. Use visuals (sketches, renderings, photos) effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight the results of your work – e.g., increased foot traffic, improved sales, enhanced brand perception, successful store openings within budget and timeline. Use metrics if available.

• Highlight International Experience: If you have international project experience, emphasize your understanding of global retail nuances, cultural differences, and international project management.

• VM Expertise: Clearly present your approach to visual merchandising, campaign planning, and guideline development. Show examples of how you create engaging POS experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge or a case study that requires you to conceptualize a store design or VM strategy for a LUMAS gallery, potentially considering specific constraints or objectives.

• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly, focusing on storytelling and demonstrating your strategic thinking.

• Research LUMAS's current store designs, VM strategies, and brand identity thoroughly. Understand their unique selling proposition and target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case study indicates that practical design skills and the ability to articulate design strategy are paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to discuss their process and impact in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Essential proficiency in industry-standard CAD programs (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, ArchiCAD). The specific software is not listed, but strong 2D and 3D design capabilities are implied.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering Software: Tools for creating realistic visualizations of store designs (e.g., 3ds Max, V-Ray, Lumion).

• Graphic Design Software: Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for concept boards, presentations, and guideline creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools for planning, tracking, and managing projects, budgets, and timelines (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, MS Project).

• Budgeting & Cost Control Tools: Spreadsheets (Excel) or dedicated financial software for managing project budgets and investment analyses.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing a CRM, an understanding of how store design impacts the customer journey and potentially integrates with online/offline customer data could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CAD is explicitly mentioned. Given the scope, expect the need for robust project management and budgeting tools. Familiarity with rendering software would be a significant advantage for presenting design concepts.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Art & Design: A genuine appreciation for art and a strong aesthetic sensibility are likely core values, driving the creation of inspiring retail spaces.

• Customer-Centricity: The mission to democratize art suggests a focus on making art accessible and enjoyable for a broad customer base, influencing design choices.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: As a company dealing with art editions, there's an inherent value placed on quality, attention to detail, and excellent execution in all aspects, including store design.

• Innovation & Evolution: The need for continuous development of brand presentation and VM strategies indicates a culture that embraces new ideas and evolving trends in retail and design.

• Internationality & Inclusivity: With a global presence and diverse team, LUMAS values an international perspective and an inclusive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Retail, Marketing, and Graphics teams to ensure brand consistency and effective campaign execution.

• Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and partnership with internal teams, franchise partners, and external contractors are crucial for project success.

• Feedback & Iteration: A culture that supports constructive feedback and iterative design processes to achieve optimal outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to "democratize art" and its global reach suggest a culture that is both passionate about its product and professional in its international operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Local Adaptation: Ensuring the LUMAS brand is consistently represented across diverse international locations while respecting local cultural nuances and retail environments.

• Budgetary Constraints: Managing and controlling costs for store openings, renovations, and VM initiatives, especially for international projects, while maintaining high design standards.

• Rapidly Evolving Retail Landscape: Adapting store designs and VM strategies to meet changing consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and the competitive retail environment.

• Managing Multiple International Projects: Coordinating various projects simultaneously across different geographies, time zones, and regulatory frameworks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• International Project Management: Gaining extensive experience in managing complex, cross-border retail development projects.

• Advanced Design Technologies: Learning and applying new design software, rendering techniques, and potentially AR/VR applications in retail design.

• Brand Strategy Integration: Deepening understanding of how store design and VM contribute to overarching brand strategy and customer experience.

• Sustainability in Retail Design: Exploring and implementing eco-friendly materials and practices in store development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The international scope and the need to manage multiple projects present significant challenges but also rich opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a retail store opening project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and project management).

• "How do you approach developing a visual merchandising strategy for a brand like LUMAS, considering its art focus and diverse gallery locations?" (Assess strategic thinking and VM expertise).

• "Walk us through your process for creating a budget for a new store fit-out. How do you ensure cost-effectiveness without compromising design quality?" (Evaluate financial acumen and practical planning).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to LUMAS and our mission to democratize art?" (Gauge alignment with company values and passion).

• "How do you envision contributing to the evolution of LUMAS's retail spaces and brand presentation?" (Assess proactive thinking and strategic vision).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Store Openings, VM Campaigns) or chronologically. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your solution (with visual aids), and the outcome.

• Highlight Process & Problem-Solving: Don't just show the final product. Explain your design process, how you arrived at your solutions, and how you overcame any obstacles. This demonstrates your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics whenever possible to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased dwell time, improved sales conversion, successful budget adherence).

• Tailor to LUMAS: Emphasize projects that showcase an understanding of aesthetics, brand staging, and potentially art or luxury retail environments. Show how your work aligns with LUMAS's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your design philosophy, project management methodology, and how you translate brand identity into physical retail experiences. Be ready to discuss specific design decisions and their rationale.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Retail Store Design Manager position:

• Visit the LUMAS careers page or the provided application link to submit your formal application.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to LUMAS, highlighting relevant retail design, visual merchandising, and international project experience. Select case studies that best represent your skills in concept development, space planning, and brand execution.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience in retail design, store planning, VM, budget management, and international project coordination, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your insights into LUMAS's brand and retail strategy.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research LUMAS's brand, current store designs, art collections, and target audience. Understand their mission and values to articulate your fit during interviews.

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