Senior Design Director, Visual Merchandising & Store Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Director, Visual Merchandising & Store Design

Company: Hourglass Cosmetics

Location: West Hollywood, California (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Design / Visual Merchandising

Date Posted: 2026-02-13

Experience Level: 12+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Requires 60% in-office presence)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a global 3D design team responsible for developing innovative and impactful brand architectural and visual merchandising concepts across diverse retail formats.

• Drive the strategic evolution of Hourglass's physical brand presence worldwide, ensuring a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic that aligns with brand values and global expansion goals.

• Oversee the end-to-end design process, from conceptualization and 3D rendering to final shop drawings and execution, while managing budgets and external vendor relationships.

• Champion process improvements and the development of scalable design standards to enhance efficiency, accelerate speed-to-market, and maintain global brand consistency.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, regional partners, and the Director of Brand Event Design to ensure a unified brand experience across all customer touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Director, implying significant leadership responsibilities, strategic input, and a focus on team development and process optimization. The emphasis on "global expansion" and "brand architectural" concepts indicates a high level of strategic influence and requires a candidate with a proven track record in large-scale retail design initiatives. The hybrid nature and in-office requirement suggest a need for strong on-site leadership and collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the Global 3D Visual Merchandising & Store Design (VM/SD) team, including direct reports located at Global HQ and regional offices.

• Collaborate with the SVP Global Brand Image, VM & SD to shape global design strategies and advance strategic visual merchandising initiatives.

• Oversee the development of conceptual designs and ensure their seamless integration with architectural concepts and visual merchandising strategies.

• Define and drive future design and merchandising initiatives that support the brand's evolving needs and global growth objectives.

• Create high-quality 3D renderings of architectural designs and visual merchandising proposals for internal review and stakeholder approval, iterating designs to meet project objectives and budget constraints.

• Manage and approve design projects executed locally by regions and external partners, ensuring adherence to brand standards from preliminary submission to final execution.

• Effectively present and communicate complex design elements and solutions to regional partners and external vendors, fostering shared understanding and alignment.

• Evaluate the success and impact of implemented store designs and new merchandising displays through performance analysis and feedback mechanisms.

• Drive the creation and enforcement of scalable design guidelines and global brand standards to ensure consistency across all retail environments.

• Review project briefs to ensure clarity on retailer guidelines, commercial objectives, and budget parameters, proactively identifying potential risks.

• Lead weekly project status reporting, communicating project risks and mitigation strategies to stakeholders.

• Manage and adhere to global project budgets, working with regional partners and vendors to implement value engineering solutions when necessary.

• Review vendor technical drawings, construction documents, and manage the prototype approval process for final production sign-off, including redlining technical drawings and DD sets.

• Collaborate with global VM/SD colleagues to drive process improvements, implement best practices, and standardize regional operations.

• Partner with the 2D Director VM/SD to optimize visual selection and asset delivery processes for new store-in-store (SIS) doors, improving workflow efficiency.

• Ensure clear communication of product display requirements for new store openings and secondary projects to support timely and accurate execution.

• Assess internal design team capacity against workload, proactively building and maintaining a network of external design partners to supplement resources when needed.

• Collaborate with the Director of Brand Event Design to identify and leverage synergies between global event experiences and permanent retail environments for a cohesive brand expression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership, strategic planning, project management, and team development. Emphasis is placed on process improvement, standardization, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical for a global role in a growing luxury brand. The need to "redline technical drawings" and manage "vendor technical drawings" points to a requirement for a strong understanding of construction documentation and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Director level in this domain.

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in architectural Store Design and Visual Merchandising.

• Significant experience within the beauty industry is a strong plus.

• Proven track record of leading design development, review, approval, and execution processes involving internal and external stakeholders and industry trades.

• Demonstrated experience in managing substantial project budgets and developing effective value-engineered solutions.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Ability to translate brand vision into compelling physical retail experiences.

• 3D Design & Rendering: Proficiency in 3D rendering programs (e.g., 3D Studio Max, Rhino, Sketchup) to create compelling visualizations.

• Visual Merchandising Expertise: Deep understanding of visual merchandising principles and their integration into store design.

• Project & Budget Management: Proven ability to manage complex projects from concept to completion within defined budgets.

• Technical Drawing Proficiency: Familiarity with and ability to redline vendor technical drawings, DD sets, fixture contractor millwork drawings, and construction documents.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skill in working effectively with diverse teams, including marketing, operations, and regional partners.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Experience in leading, developing, and motivating design teams.

• Process Improvement: Ability to identify and implement efficiencies in design workflows and project execution.

• Software Proficiency:

  • 3D Rendering: 3D Studio Max, Rhino, or similar.
  • 3D Modeling: Sketchup.
  • Graphic Design/Image Editing: Photoshop.
  • Presentation Software: PowerPoint.
  • Productivity Tools: Microsoft Excel, Smartsheet.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with luxury or prestige beauty brands.

• Familiarity with global retail market nuances and retailer-specific guidelines.

• Experience in brand event design and its integration with permanent retail environments.

• Knowledge of sustainable design practices in retail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 12+ years, coupled with the "Senior Director" title and leadership responsibilities, suggests a need for a candidate who has not only executed projects but also strategically guided design evolution and managed teams. The specific software requirements are critical and should be a key focus for applicants.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Conceptual Design Examples: Showcase a range of conceptual designs for retail spaces, demonstrating creative thinking and brand interpretation.

• Visual Merchandising Integration: Projects that clearly illustrate how visual merchandising strategies are integrated into architectural store designs.

• 3D Renderings & Visualizations: High-quality 3D renderings and visualizations that effectively communicate design intent and aesthetic.

• Technical Drawing Samples: Examples of reviewed or redlined technical drawings, DD sets, or construction documents to demonstrate understanding of execution details.

• Project Scope & Budget: For selected projects, provide context on project scope, budget constraints, and any value engineering solutions implemented.

• Case Studies of Process Improvement: Demonstrate instances where you identified and implemented process improvements within a design team or project lifecycle.

• Team Leadership Examples: If possible, include examples of how you have mentored or developed design talent.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of documented design workflows, from brief to execution, highlighting efficiency gains.

• Brand Standard Development: Evidence of contributions to or development of design guidelines and brand standards.

• Cross-Functional Process Integration: Case studies showing how design processes were integrated with other departments (e.g., operations, marketing) to improve outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a portfolio should go beyond just showcasing visuals. It needs to demonstrate strategic thinking, process management, leadership, and an understanding of execution and budget realities. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the "why" and "how" behind their design decisions and process improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $155,000 - $165,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Eligibility for the company's discretionary bonus plan, based on personal performance and company results.

• Comprehensive benefits package (details not specified, but typically include health, dental, vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc., common for full-time roles in the beauty industry).

• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized luxury beauty brand.

• Professional development and growth opportunities within a dynamic, expanding organization.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The role is hybrid, requiring at least 60% of working time to be spent in the Corporate Office in West Hollywood, California.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, which is helpful for candidates. The bonus eligibility is a key component of total compensation. The hybrid work requirement with a significant in-office expectation is critical for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Beauty (Cosmetics)

Company Size: Part of Unilever Prestige division (indicates a large, established parent company infrastructure with a focus on premium brands). Hourglass itself is globally available in 32 markets and over 4,600 doors.

Founded: 2004

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Director will lead the Global 3D VM/SD Design team, which includes multiple direct reports.

• This team operates within the broader Global Brand Image, Visual Merchandising & Store Design department, reporting to the SVP of that division.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creativity is paramount, the role emphasizes evaluating the success of designs and iterating based on performance, suggesting a data-informed approach.

• Process Optimization: A strong focus on driving process improvements, achieving best practices, and standardization across regions to enhance efficiency and speed to market.

• Collaborative Development: Emphasis on working closely with cross-functional teams, external vendors, and regional partners to ensure alignment and successful execution.

• Brand Aesthetic Integrity: Maintaining and evolving the high-performance, innovative, and luxurious Hourglass aesthetic across all physical touchpoints.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Hourglass is positioned as an innovative, vegan, and cruelty-free luxury beauty brand, recognized for its high-performance products. Being part of Unilever Prestige provides a strong corporate backing. The culture likely values creativity, innovation, and a commitment to ethical practices, combined with a drive for global growth and brand excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Director level within the Brand Image and Design function. This is a leadership role with significant strategic and operational responsibility, overseeing a global team and influencing the physical brand experience worldwide.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the SVP Global Brand Image, Visual Merchandising & Store Design. Manages a team of direct reports within the Global 3D VM/SD Design department.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the brand's physical presence, customer experience, and ultimately, sales. By shaping the in-store environment and visual merchandising, the Director influences brand perception, product discovery, and purchase decisions. Strategic design and efficient execution directly contribute to the brand's global expansion and commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into higher leadership roles within the Brand Image or broader Global Marketing/Retail divisions, potentially overseeing larger teams or broader scopes.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term physical retail strategy and architectural direction of a rapidly growing global brand.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop deeper understanding and relationships across various business functions through extensive collaboration.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Further hone leadership skills by building and developing a high-performing global design team.

• Industry Visibility: As a leader in a prominent beauty brand, opportunities may arise for industry engagement or speaking engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step into senior leadership. Growth potential is tied to strategic impact, team development, and the continued expansion of the Hourglass brand. The candidate will be instrumental in defining the future of Hourglass's retail footprint.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid role, requiring significant in-office presence (at least 60%) at the Corporate Office in West Hollywood, California. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed for team interaction and project work.

Office Location(s): West Hollywood, California, United States. This location is known for its creative industries and offers a vibrant professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment likely fosters collaboration, with spaces for team meetings, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to essential design software and technology (as listed in qualifications) will be integral to the workspace.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model and direct reporting structure imply frequent interaction with the design team, the SVP, and other cross-functional colleagues.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with the expectation of at least 60% in-office presence. Flexibility may be offered within the hybrid framework, but the core requirement is consistent office engagement for team leadership and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a hybrid model with a strong in-office component highlights the importance of in-person collaboration, team leadership, and direct engagement with the physical workspace and colleagues for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the role requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the SVP Global Brand Image, VM & SD to assess strategic thinking, leadership approach, and alignment with brand vision.

• Team & Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key team members and stakeholders from related departments (e.g., Brand Event Design, Operations) to evaluate collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio review or a case study demonstrating their approach to a specific design challenge, process improvement, or team leadership scenario.

• Final Interview: Potential final discussions with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate experience in luxury retail, store design, visual merchandising, 3D rendering, and team leadership.

• Highlight Process & Strategy: For each project, explain the strategic objectives, design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and resulting impact (including budget adherence and efficiency gains).

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples or discuss your approach to mentoring, managing, and developing design teams.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Clearly show your proficiency in required software and your ability to interpret and redline technical drawings.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics where possible to illustrate the success of your designs or process improvements (e.g., cost savings, speed-to-market improvements, sales lift associated with store design).

• Tailor to Hourglass: Research Hourglass's current retail presence and brand aesthetic, and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their specific needs and future vision.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: If a design challenge is presented, focus on a structured approach: understanding the brief, ideation, conceptualization, and presentation of a solution that balances creativity with brand/budget constraints.

• Process Improvement Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would analyze an existing process, identify bottlenecks, and propose solutions for efficiency and standardization, drawing from past experiences.

• Leadership/Management Questions: Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you motivate teams, manage performance, and develop talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio and the ability to articulate design strategy, process, and leadership are critical. Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience in the context of luxury retail and global brand expansion. The interview process is likely to be multi-faceted, assessing both creative and managerial capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling & Rendering:

  • 3D Studio Max: For advanced 3D modeling and rendering, crucial for creating high-fidelity visualizations.
  • Rhino: Another powerful 3D modeling tool, often used for complex forms and architectural design.
  • Sketchup: Essential for conceptual 3D modeling, quick iterations, and architectural visualization.

• Graphic Design & Image Editing:

  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, creating mood boards, refining renderings, and preparing visual assets.

• Productivity & Project Management:

  • Microsoft Excel: For budget tracking, data analysis, and project planning.
  • Smartsheet: A work management and automation platform, likely used for project tracking, task management, and workflow coordination.
  • PowerPoint: For creating presentations, design reviews, and communicating concepts to stakeholders.

• Collaboration & Communication:

  • Standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design integrates with the overall customer journey and retail operations is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specific 3D modeling and rendering software, alongside project management tools like Smartsheet, is a non-negotiable technical requirement. Candidates must be able to demonstrate practical application of these tools in their portfolio and interviews.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value, driving the development of unique and forward-thinking retail experiences.

• Problem-Solving: A passion for tackling complex design challenges and finding innovative solutions.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align design concepts with overarching brand and business goals.

• Agility & Adaptability: Flexibility to pivot and adapt to changing priorities and market needs.

• Attention to Detail & Thoroughness: A commitment to precision and accuracy in all design aspects and documentation.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering strong relationships and working effectively across departments and with external partners.

• Passion for Beauty: A genuine interest in the beauty industry and a drive to contribute to a leading brand.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Brand Event Design, 2D VM/SD, marketing, operations, and regional teams to ensure a unified brand voice and efficient execution.

• Partnership-Oriented: Working closely with external vendors, consultants, and regional partners to achieve project goals, emphasizing clear communication and shared understanding.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture of developing talent within the design team and sharing best practices to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed "You'll Love This Job If" points directly translate into the expected values and cultural fit. Candidates should demonstrate these attributes in their application and interviews. The emphasis is on a creative, strategic, and collaborative individual who thrives in a dynamic environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Consistency with Local Nuances: Ensuring brand standards are maintained across diverse international markets while respecting local retailer guidelines and cultural preferences.

• Managing Multiple High-Profile Projects: Overseeing a pipeline of design projects for global expansion, each with unique requirements, timelines, and stakeholders.

• Driving Process Improvement: Shifting established workflows and gaining buy-in for new processes and standards across a global team and network of partners.

• Budgetary Constraints: Effectively value engineering designs without compromising brand aesthetic or quality.

• Talent Development & Retention: Leading and motivating a diverse, global design team and ensuring continuous skill development.

• Rapidly Evolving Retail Landscape: Adapting design strategies to new retail formats, e-commerce integration, and changing consumer behaviors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Gaining experience in high-level strategic planning and brand positioning.

• Global Operations Exposure: Deepening understanding of international retail operations and market dynamics.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Enhancing leadership capabilities through managing and growing a global team.

• Industry Trend Immersion: Staying at the forefront of retail design, visual merchandising, and beauty industry trends.

• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Leading complex projects that require deep collaboration across multiple business units.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in leading a global design function for a growing luxury brand, but these challenges are directly tied to substantial growth and development opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a global design strategy for a luxury beauty brand. How do you ensure brand consistency while allowing for regional adaptation?"

• "Walk us through a complex store design project you led from concept to execution. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome in terms of budget, timeline, and brand impact?"

• "How do you foster innovation and creativity within a design team, especially when adhering to strict brand standards and budgets?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Hourglass Cosmetics, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our brand values and mission?"

• "How would you approach building and mentoring a global 3D design team, considering different regions and reporting structures?"

• "How do you stay informed about emerging trends in luxury retail design and visual merchandising, and how would you incorporate them into Hourglass's physical expression?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key project, follow a clear story: Objective -> Strategy -> Design Process -> Challenges -> Solutions -> Results (Quantifiable where possible).

• Emphasize Leadership & Process: Clearly articulate your role in leading the project, managing the team, and driving process improvements.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of specific software and your ability to interpret technical drawings.

• Focus on Brand Alignment: Connect your design decisions directly to the Hourglass brand identity and luxury positioning.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, budget management, stakeholder communication, and team leadership. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific hypothetical scenarios relevant to Hourglass's growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creative vision but also strategic thinking, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of the retail design execution process, all within the context of the luxury beauty market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the Hourglass Cosmetics careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant experience in luxury retail design, visual merchandising, 3D rendering, and team leadership. Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to manage global brands, drive process improvements, and work within budget constraints, using specific examples of your contributions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 12+ years of experience, specific software proficiencies (especially 3D rendering and technical drawing review), leadership accomplishments, and any beauty industry experience. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership style, and strategic approach. Prepare detailed examples of your work and your ability to manage complex projects, teams, and budgets, focusing on how you would contribute to Hourglass's global expansion and brand vision.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Hourglass Cosmetics, its brand ethos, product lines, and current retail presence. Understand their commitment to vegan and cruelty-free practices and their position in the luxury beauty market. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their future growth.

⚠️ 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.