Sr. Design Manager, Visual Merchandising & Store Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Design Manager, Visual Merchandising & Store Design Company: Hourglass Cosmetics Location: London, UK (Hybrid) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Retail Design Operations / Visual Merchandising Date Posted: 2025-07-24T22:03:03 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and execution of in-store architectural concepts and visual merchandising strategies for a luxury beauty brand, ensuring global brand consistency and aesthetic integrity.
• Manage the end-to-end design development process for new store openings and secondary retail formats, from initial concept and 3D renderings to final installation and post-occupancy reviews.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including global design, marketing, and retail operations, to align store designs with commercial goals, product display requirements, and customer journey enhancements.
• Oversee local vendor relationships, including technical drawing reviews, material specifications, and fabrication management, to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for translating Hourglass Cosmetics' luxury brand identity into physical retail spaces. The "Sr." designation suggests significant autonomy and responsibility for managing complex projects and influencing design direction. The hybrid nature indicates a need for strong self-management and effective remote collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop architectural plans and 3D renderings for new store openings and secondary retail formats, adhering to global brand standards and luxury aesthetic guidelines.
• Collaborate with the global design team to refine and implement strategic store design initiatives and visual merchandising concepts across diverse retail environments.
• Analyze project briefs, clarify critical information with cross-functional teams, and ensure alignment between commercial objectives and brand design principles.
• Manage the retailer design submission and approval process, incorporating feedback and presenting solutions that maintain brand integrity while meeting external requirements.
• Lead the development and execution of local projects, including redlining technical drawings, reviewing vendor documentation, and managing the prototype approval process for final production.
• Oversee the physical prototype and material specification process, obtaining executive review and approval for fabrication.
• Work closely with the VM/SD Operations team to maintain project timelines, manage budgets, and identify cost-saving measures without compromising design quality.
• Ensure clear communication of product display and artwork requirements for new store openings and ongoing merchandising updates.
• Conduct site visits to flagship stores, assess adherence to brand design and merchandising standards, and submit regular photo reports to global headquarters.
• Contribute to the evolution of standard fixture details, material specifications, and visual merchandising concepts for luxury point-of-sale (POS) displays and freestanding store (FSS) environments.
• Support secondary merchandising initiatives, pop-up shops, and special events as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design, technical execution, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. The expectation to "redline technical drawings" and manage "fabrication and architectural detailing" points to a need for strong technical acumen in addition to design sensibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related design field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in architectural store design and/or visual merchandising, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in the beauty industry or with prestige/luxury brands. Proven experience managing the end-to-end design development, review, approval, and execution process with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

Required Skills:

• Architectural Design & Retail Planning: Proven ability to design and develop architectural plans for retail environments, including store layouts, fixture designs, and spatial planning.
• Visual Merchandising Strategy: Experience in developing and implementing visual merchandising concepts that enhance brand presentation and customer experience.
• Project Management: Demonstrated experience in managing multiple design projects simultaneously, from concept to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• 3D Rendering Proficiency: Expertise in 3D rendering software (e.g., V-Ray, Keyshot, Enscape) to create high-quality visualizations for design review.
• Technical Drawing & Redlining: Familiarity with and capability to redline vendor technical drawings, construction documents, fixture millwork drawings, and detailed design sets.
• Budget Management & Value Engineering: Proven experience designing within planned budgets and developing value-engineered solutions to optimize costs without sacrificing design integrity.
• Software Proficiency: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel), SketchUp, Photoshop, and Smartsheet.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities for presenting complex design concepts, collaborating with stakeholders, and managing vendor relationships.
• Attention to Detail & Organization: Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all design documentation and project execution.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Proactive problem-solver with an ability to implement creative, "out-of-the-box" solutions and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the beauty industry or with luxury retail brands.
• Familiarity with retail design standards and best practices in the luxury sector.
• Experience with international market design adaptations and local regulations.
• Knowledge of materials, finishes, and fabrication methods common in high-end retail environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software like SketchUp, Photoshop, Smartsheet, and 3D rendering programs, along with technical drawing capabilities, highlights the operational and technical demands of this design role. The "5-10 Years" experience level suggests a need for demonstrated project ownership and a solid understanding of the retail design lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of successfully executed retail store design projects, with a focus on luxury brands.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the design development process, from initial concept sketches and mood boards to detailed architectural drawings and final installation photos.
• Include examples of visual merchandising strategies implemented within architectural frameworks, highlighting how product placement and display enhance the brand narrative.
• Showcase experience in managing projects from brief analysis through to final sign-off, including examples of problem-solving and value engineering applied to design challenges.
• Present 3D renderings and visualizations that effectively communicate design intent and spatial quality.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of project timelines, budget tracking, and vendor management documentation.
• Demonstrate experience in creating and managing technical drawings, construction documents, and material specifications.
• Provide case studies that detail the process of collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve design approvals and project execution.
• Highlight experience in conducting site visits, post-install reviews, and maintaining brand standards through regular reporting and feedback mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to visually communicate not just design aesthetics but also the candidate's ability to manage the entire project lifecycle, demonstrating technical proficiency, project management skills, and a deep understanding of retail operations and brand execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated salary for a Sr. Design Manager in London, UK, with 5-10 years of experience in the luxury retail/beauty sector, typically falls within the range of £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in London, considering the hybrid work arrangement and the specialized nature of luxury brand design management.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits (details not specified, but typical for a company of this caliber).
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in the dynamic beauty industry.
• Employee discount on Hourglass Cosmetics products.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between home and office-based work.
• Contribution to a growing and innovative luxury beauty brand.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for a flexible balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific benefits are not detailed in the raw input, a company like Hourglass Cosmetics, part of Unilever Prestige, would likely offer a robust benefits package including health insurance, pension contributions, and potential performance-based bonuses. The salary range is an estimation based on market data for similar roles in London.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Beauty/Cosmetics. Hourglass Cosmetics is a vegan and cruelty-free brand known for high-performance products and innovation, recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, and Time Magazine. Company Size: Part of Unilever Prestige division since 2017, indicating a significant global presence and resources, though the specific size of the Hourglass brand team is not detailed. Founded: 2004. This suggests a mature brand with established luxury positioning and a history of innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role will be part of a global design team, working closely with regional partners and external vendors, implying a collaborative and international work environment.
• The Sr. Design Manager will likely report to a Global Design Director or Head of Retail Design, with direct management of projects and collaboration with a VM/SD Operations team.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving teams such as Marketing, Retail Operations, Merchandising, and potentially Product Development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on "commercial goals" and "customer journey" suggests that design decisions will be informed by market analysis, sales performance, and customer feedback.
• Global Standards with Local Adaptation: The role requires balancing adherence to global design guidelines with the need to adapt and execute designs within specific local market requirements and vendor capabilities.
• Process Optimization: A core aspect will be managing and refining the design and execution process to ensure efficiency, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in vendor management and technical documentation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's commitment to being vegan and cruelty-free, coupled with its luxury positioning, suggests a culture that values innovation, quality, and ethical practices. The role's focus on global standards implies a need for strong process adherence and communication across different regions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a senior-level role within the Design and Visual Merchandising function, indicating a high degree of responsibility, autonomy, and expertise. It sits above junior or mid-level designers and managers.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Design Manager will likely report to a Global Head of Design or a similar senior leadership position within the design or retail operations hierarchy. They will collaborate extensively with various global and regional teams.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the brand's physical presence and customer experience, influencing sales performance, brand perception, and market penetration through the creation of compelling and functional retail environments. Effective store design and visual merchandising are critical drivers of customer engagement and conversion in the luxury beauty sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Global Design Director or Head of VM/Store Design role, with increased strategic oversight and team management responsibilities.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in luxury retail design, sustainable design practices, or international market adaptations.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Potential to transition into broader retail operations, brand marketing, or project management roles within Hourglass Cosmetics or Unilever Prestige.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning through exposure to new design trends, materials, technologies, and market dynamics within the global beauty industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." title and the hybrid nature of the role suggest that candidates will be expected to be largely self-directed and capable of driving projects forward with minimal supervision, offering significant opportunities for career progression within a globally recognized brand.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, meaning a blend of remote work and focused time at a physical office location in London. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): London, UK. Specific office address not provided, but being in London offers access to a vibrant hub for design, retail, and business.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely foster collaboration, with opportunities to connect with global design teams, regional partners, and potentially other creative professionals.
• Access to necessary design software and digital collaboration tools will be essential for both remote and in-office work.
• The environment is expected to be fast-paced and dynamic, reflecting the nature of the beauty industry and the brand's growth.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. This allows for planning and execution of design tasks, vendor calls, and team meetings, with flexibility in how the week is structured between home and office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in London implies a professional, collaborative office space designed to facilitate creative work and team interaction, balanced with the autonomy and flexibility of remote work. Candidates should be comfortable with digital collaboration tools and managing their workflow across different locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience, design aesthetic, and technical skills.
• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior member of the design team to discuss your background, project experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities. Expect questions about your design process, problem-solving approach, and experience with luxury brands.
• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of relevant projects from their portfolio, detailing their role, design decisions, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. This may involve a specific case study focusing on a retail design or VM project.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., Retail Operations, Marketing) to assess collaboration skills and understanding of business objectives.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Retail) for final assessment of fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your skills in architectural store design, visual merchandising, and project management for luxury retail.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your specific role and contributions, the design process, any challenges encountered, how you applied creativity and problem-solving, and the final outcome (including any metrics if available).
• Highlight Technical Skills: Include examples of your 3D renderings, technical drawings (even if redlined), and material specifications to showcase your technical proficiency.
• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your designs contributed to brand elevation, customer experience, and commercial goals.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. Be prepared to speak confidently about each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge or case study that might involve analyzing a retail space, proposing VM solutions, or developing a concept for a new store element.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your ability to think critically and creatively under pressure.
• Understand Hourglass Cosmetics' brand identity, aesthetic, and current market positioning to tailor your responses and design ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and potential design challenge underscores the visual and technical nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to not only discuss their past work but also demonstrate their design thinking and problem-solving capabilities in a practical context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Design & Modeling: SketchUp, and at least one advanced 3D rendering program such as V-Ray, Keyshot, or Enscape. These are essential for creating realistic visualizations and communicating design concepts.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Smartsheet is specifically mentioned, indicating its importance for project tracking, task management, and team coordination. Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint for presentations, Excel for data and budget management) is also crucial.
• Graphic Design Software: Photoshop is required, likely for image editing, mood boards, and potentially basic graphic elements for presentations or store graphics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, proficiency with presentation software (PowerPoint) will be key for reporting on store performance, design execution, and site visit findings to global HQ.
• Excel will be used for budget tracking and potentially basic data analysis related to project costs and timelines.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this design role, but familiarity with project management tools like Smartsheet suggests an appreciation for workflow efficiency and organized data management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified software stack (SketchUp, Photoshop, 3D rendering, Smartsheet) is critical. Candidates must demonstrate strong proficiency in these tools as they are fundamental to the daily execution of job duties.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Problem Solving: A core value, encouraging innovative solutions to design challenges and a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles.
• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing change, pivoting easily to meet evolving project needs and deadlines, and maintaining flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication & Collaboration: Valuing strong interpersonal skills, effective leadership at all levels, and the ability to nurture relationships across diverse teams.
• Organization & Thoroughness: A commitment to meticulous detail, precise information, and the implementation of robust organizational systems.
• Planning & Execution: A focus on strategic planning, establishing clear milestones, and a drive to execute plans effectively to achieve end goals.
• Passion for Detail: A deep appreciation for precision, accuracy, and the nuances that define luxury brand presentation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with global design, operations, marketing, and retail teams, requiring strong communication and consensus-building skills.
• Vendor Partnership: Building and managing effective relationships with external vendors (designers, fabricators, contractors) is essential for successful project execution.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively presenting ideas, gathering feedback, and securing approvals from global headquarters and other key stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the team's collective knowledge by sharing insights, best practices, and learnings from project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly states its values: Creative, Agile, Communicator, Organized, Detail-Oriented, Planner, and thrives in a Fast-Paced environment. These are direct indicators of the desired candidate profile and the operational ethos of the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Standards with Local Execution: Ensuring that designs consistently reflect the Hourglass luxury aesthetic while adapting to diverse regional requirements, vendor capabilities, and market nuances.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively communicating and aligning with various internal teams (global HQ, regional partners) and external vendors to achieve project consensus and timely delivery.
• Budget and Timeline Constraints: Delivering high-quality, luxury retail experiences within defined project budgets and tight deadlines, potentially requiring value engineering.
• Maintaining Brand Integrity: Upholding the Hourglass brand's premium image through meticulous attention to detail in design, materials, and execution across all retail touchpoints.
• Adapting to Evolving Retail Landscapes: Staying abreast of industry trends, new materials, and innovative design approaches to continuously elevate the brand's physical presence.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Global Design Strategy: Gaining insights into the strategic direction of a luxury beauty brand's global retail footprint.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Developing skills in working effectively with international teams and understanding diverse market needs.
• Advanced Design & Technical Skills: Opportunities to refine expertise in 3D rendering, architectural detailing, and material specification within a high-end context.
• Project Management Excellence: Enhancing project management capabilities through the execution of complex, multi-faceted retail design projects.
• Industry Trends & Innovation: Staying current with the latest in luxury retail design, visual merchandising, and consumer experience trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a global, luxury brand operating in a dynamic retail environment. The growth opportunities are strong, particularly for those looking to advance within the luxury design and retail operations space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a new retail store from initial brief to final installation. How do you ensure brand consistency?" (Be ready to discuss concept development, stakeholder alignment, technical documentation, vendor management, and execution oversight.)
• Problem Solving: "Describe a time you faced a significant challenge in a retail design project, such as a budget constraint or an unexpected technical issue. How did you solve it, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your creative problem-solving and adaptability.)
• Brand Alignment: "How would you approach translating the Hourglass luxury aesthetic and vegan/cruelty-free ethos into a physical retail space?" (Show you understand the brand's core values and target audience.)
• Vendor Management: "What is your approach to managing relationships with external vendors, from technical drawings to final fabrication and installation?" (Focus on communication, quality control, and timeline adherence.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Hourglass Brand: "What excites you about the Hourglass brand, and how do you see your role contributing to its physical expression?" (Research their products, mission, and recent campaigns.)
• Hybrid Work: "How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity in a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss your communication strategies, time management, and tools you use.)
• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal collaboration style with a global design team and cross-functional partners." (Emphasize proactivity, clear communication, and a solutions-oriented approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project, with each project including: brief/objective, your specific role/contributions, design concept/ideation, key design elements (renderings, drawings), challenges/solutions, and final outcome/impact.
• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presented projects clearly demonstrate your proficiency in architectural design, visual merchandising, 3D rendering, technical drawing review, and project management.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention any measurable outcomes related to your designs, such as increased foot traffic, improved customer engagement, or successful budget adherence.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, technical specifications, and project management decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design talent but also their project management rigor, technical acumen, and ability to work effectively within a global, luxury brand context. Understanding the Hourglass brand identity will be crucial for demonstrating cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided career link on the Hourglass Cosmetics website.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best showcase your experience in luxury retail design, visual merchandising, and architectural execution, with a focus on beauty or high-end consumer goods.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 5+ years of relevant experience, specific software proficiencies (SketchUp, Photoshop, 3D rendering, Smartsheet), project management accomplishments, and any luxury brand experience. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with technical drawings and vendor management. Be ready to present 3-5 key projects from your portfolio, explaining your role and impact.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Hourglass Cosmetics, understanding its brand ethos, product lines, and recent marketing initiatives to better align your responses with their values and aesthetic.

⚠️ 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.