Junior Design Manager (all genders) - Retail Design

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: LIGANOVA GmbH

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Design / GTM Operations Support

Date Posted: August 27, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the technical development and implementation of creative concepts for global retail campaigns, ensuring seamless transition from creative ideation to tangible execution.

• Manages the technical realization of pop-up stores and window campaigns, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with prototyping, production, and client-facing teams.

• Responsible for material selection, creation of technical drawings, and development of production documentation, all while meticulously adhering to budget and timeline constraints.

• Provides hands-on support during installations and build-ups, contributing to the successful on-site execution of retail design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Junior Design Manager," has significant operational components, particularly in the technical development, production documentation, and on-site execution phases of retail campaigns. It bridges the gap between creative concept and practical implementation, requiring a strong understanding of project management, material science, and manufacturing processes within a retail context. The role is classified under GTM Operations Support due to its direct impact on Go-To-Market execution in the retail space.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in translating creative retail campaign concepts into technically feasible and sustainable global retail experiences, focusing on pop-ups and window displays.

• Collaborate closely with prototyping teams to test and refine design elements, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

• Generate detailed technical drawings, 3D models, and production-ready documentation for manufacturing and installation.

• Conduct material research and selection, prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and budget compliance.

• Coordinate with production partners to ensure quality control and timely delivery of campaign assets.

• Support the logistics and on-site management of installations and build-ups at retail locations.

• Maintain accurate project documentation, including budgets, timelines, and technical specifications.

• Communicate project status, challenges, and resolutions effectively to internal teams and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative application and operational execution. The emphasis on "technical development," "production documentation," and "budget/time constraints" indicates a need for strong project management and process-oriented thinking, crucial for GTM campaign success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Interior Design, or a related field with a strong emphasis on prototyping, execution planning, and production. Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in 3D design, with a focus on retail environments, pop-ups, or similar project-based design implementations.

• Demonstrated understanding of the design-to-production lifecycle within a commercial or retail context. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in at least one CAD software program (Rhino, SolidWorks, or Sketch-Up strongly preferred).

• Strong understanding of 3D design principles and their application in physical spaces.

• Excellent technical drawing and documentation creation skills.

• Structured, hands-on approach to problem-solving and project execution.

• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both German and English.

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with material selection for retail displays and installations.

• Familiarity with prototyping processes and techniques.

• Passion for design innovation, technological trends, and sustainability in retail.

• Understanding of budget management and timeline adherence in project execution.

• Experience in supporting on-site installations and build-ups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific CAD software proficiency and a degree with a focus on production indicates a need for candidates who can bridge the conceptual and practical aspects of design. The "hands-on" and "independent" requirements point towards a role that demands initiative and execution capability from day one.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate projects showcasing the transition from creative concept to technical execution, highlighting problem-solving in the development phase.

• Include examples of technical drawings, 3D renderings, or production documentation for physical products or installations.

• Showcase projects where material selection and budget considerations were integral to the design process.

• Present case studies detailing the execution phase, including any on-site installation or build-up experience, emphasizing process and outcome. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented design processes, from initial ideation through to production hand-off.

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow design for retail campaigns, including stages of concept development, technical detailing, prototyping, and production.

• Showcase any experience in creating or adhering to process checklists for installation or build-up phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role with operational responsibilities, the portfolio should emphasize the candidate's ability to follow and document processes, manage technical details, and contribute to the execution of projects, rather than solely focusing on conceptual design. Demonstrating an understanding of project lifecycles and documentation is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the junior experience level (0-2 years), location in Berlin, Germany, and the nature of the role, a competitive salary range is estimated between €38,000 - €48,000 annually. This estimate is based on current market data for junior design and project support roles in the German retail design sector, considering the specified responsibilities and required skills. Benefits:

• Diversity & Inclusion: A culture that celebrates uniqueness and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can be their best selves.

• Sustainability Focus: Opportunities to contribute to and learn about innovative sustainability solutions within the retail industry through initiatives like the Green Board and Green Campaign Cycle.

• International Networking: Access to a global network of professionals across LIGANOVA's offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam, encouraging cross-unit collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Professional Development: Support for continuous learning and skill enhancement, particularly in design, technology, and sustainability.

• Creative Environment: Work within a dynamic and innovative team that values creativity and pushing boundaries.

• Fixed-Term Contract: The position is initially for one year, providing a structured period for gaining valuable experience.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with potential flexibility often associated with project-based work in creative industries. Adherence to project timelines may require focused effort during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for Berlin, Germany, for a junior role with 0-2 years of experience in a specialized design field. The benefits are derived from the company description and reflect common offerings in forward-thinking creative agencies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Experiential Marketing & Retail Design. LIGANOVA GmbH specializes in creating immersive brand experiences and innovative retail environments, working with global clients to translate brand stories into physical spaces and campaigns. The company operates at the intersection of creative ideation, technical execution, and strategic marketing within the competitive retail landscape.

Company Size: LIGANOVA GmbH is part of a growing international organization, with offices in Berlin, Stuttgart, and Amsterdam. While specific employee numbers for the Berlin office aren't detailed, the company's scale suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to diverse projects. The "internationality" aspect implies a moderate to large organization with established processes and a global reach.

Founded: The founding date of LIGANOVA GmbH is not explicitly stated in the provided text, but its presence across multiple international locations suggests a company with a solid history and established market presence. The emphasis on innovation and sustainability indicates a forward-looking approach, likely evolving over several years.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to "Britta's Team," led by "Lhea, Team Leader People," suggesting a structured reporting line within the People/HR department for general inquiries, but the operational design work will be within a dedicated design or project management team.

• Expect close collaboration with cross-functional teams including Prototyping, Production, and client-facing account managers.

• The "internationality" aspect implies potential collaboration with colleagues across different LIGANOVA offices, necessitating clear communication and coordination protocols. Methodology:

• Creative-to-Technical Transition: A core methodology involves taking creative concepts and developing them into technically viable, producible, and globally deployable retail campaigns.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Emphasis on close, ongoing communication between design, prototyping, production, and client teams to ensure alignment and efficiency.

• Sustainability Integration: A proactive approach to incorporating sustainable practices and materials into design solutions, aligning with client needs and industry trends.

• Hands-on Execution: A practical, "get-it-done" attitude is valued, with team members expected to contribute actively to installations and build-ups.

Company Website: http://liganova.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes creativity, innovation, sustainability, and a hands-on, collaborative approach. The "internationality" suggests a global mindset and a need for cross-cultural communication skills. The role's operational aspect is integrated into their Go-To-Market strategy for retail clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior-level position, suitable for individuals with foundational design education and limited professional experience (0-2 years). The role is designed for learning and development within the specialized field of retail campaign execution. It offers a pathway to gain practical experience in project management, technical design, and production coordination.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Design Manager will report into a specific design or project team, likely led by a Senior Design Manager or Project Lead. While the contact person for application is the People Team Leader, the day-to-day reporting for project work will be within the operational design department.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the Go-To-Market (GTM) success of retail campaigns. By ensuring that creative concepts are technically sound, producible within budget and timeline, and flawlessly installed, the Junior Design Manager contributes significantly to the client's brand presentation and sales objectives. Effective execution of retail campaigns is critical for driving customer engagement and brand perception in physical retail spaces.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in technical design for retail, prototyping, material science, and production management within the experiential marketing sector.

• Project Management: Gain experience managing project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications, potentially leading to roles like Design Project Manager or Senior Designer.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learn from and collaborate with various departments (Prototyping, Production, Client Services), broadening understanding of the end-to-end campaign lifecycle.

• Sustainability Expertise: Deepen knowledge and practical application of sustainable design principles in a commercial context.

• International Experience: Potential to work on global campaigns and collaborate with international teams, enhancing cross-cultural competency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes practical application and learning by doing. For a junior role, the focus is on building core competencies in technical design, project execution, and operational efficiency within the retail marketing context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Berlin, Germany, within a LIGANOVA office. This is an on-site position, implying a physical workspace designed for collaboration and project execution. The description mentions "offices... grown into complete branches," suggesting established physical locations.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. Specific address details are not provided but would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The culture emphasizes "Diversity & People," "Internationality," and close collaboration across teams. Expect a dynamic workspace where interaction with designers, project managers, and potentially production specialists is encouraged.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary CAD software (Rhino, SolidWorks, or Sketch-Up) and potentially prototyping facilities or resources.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular exchange with colleagues, both within the Berlin office and potentially with other LIGANOVA branches, fostering a sense of community and shared mission.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard schedule is expected, the nature of project-based work in retail design and campaign execution may necessitate flexibility and focused effort to meet deadlines for installations and launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is explicit. The workspace is expected to be conducive to collaborative design and project management, with access to relevant software and resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of CVs and portfolios to assess alignment with educational background, experience, and required technical skills (CAD proficiency).

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on projects that demonstrate their ability to translate concepts into technical designs and manage production aspects. Be prepared to discuss your role, process, and challenges.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a practical exercise or technical questions related to CAD software, material properties, or production processes.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to assess structured thinking, hands-on approach, communication skills (German/English), passion for design, and alignment with LIGANOVA's values (diversity, sustainability, innovation).

• Team/Manager Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager or team lead to discuss role specifics and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Execution: Emphasize projects where you took a design from concept to a more developed technical stage, including drawings, material choices, and production considerations.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process, especially for projects involving physical build-ups or installations. Detail how you approached technical challenges.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): For any past projects, mention budget constraints, timeline achievements, or material efficiency improvements.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Include examples of work created using Rhino, SolidWorks, or Sketch-Up.

• Address Sustainability: If applicable, highlight any projects or design choices that incorporated sustainable practices.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to explain your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and how you collaborated with others.

Challenge Preparation:

• Conceptual to Technical Brief: You might receive a brief to develop a preliminary technical concept for a retail display or pop-up based on given constraints (budget, materials, brand identity).

• Technical Drawing Exercise: A task to create basic technical drawings or a 3D model based on a simple brief.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Present a common challenge in retail design execution (e.g., a material shortage, a tight deadline) and ask how you would approach it. Focus on structured thinking and practical solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely focus on assessing practical design and execution skills, alongside cultural fit. A strong portfolio that demonstrates technical capability and process understanding is crucial for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency is essential.

  • Rhino: Widely used for complex surface modeling, ideal for creative product and architectural design.
  • SolidWorks: Strong in parametric modeling, often used for mechanical design and detailed engineering drawings.
  • Sketch-Up: Known for its ease of use in architectural and interior design visualization.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering Software: While not explicitly listed, skills in software that complement CAD (e.g., Keyshot, V-Ray for rendering) would be beneficial for visualizing concepts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar for task management, timeline tracking, and team collaboration is likely beneficial.

• Documentation Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace for creating technical documentation, reports, and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design projects integrate with client management systems or project pipelines may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in CAD software. Additional skills in project management tools and standard office productivity suites will support the operational aspects of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to creating visually appealing, innovative, and impactful retail experiences.

• Sustainability: A genuine focus on developing environmentally conscious design solutions and promoting green practices within the industry.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering a supportive team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and open communication is encouraged.

• Hands-on Execution: A proactive, results-oriented approach where team members are willing to contribute actively to project realization, including installations.

• Detail-Oriented: A high standard for precision and quality in all aspects of design and execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: Seamless collaboration between creative conceptualizers, technical designers, prototypers, and production teams is fundamental.

• Client-Focused: Maintaining strong communication and alignment with client stakeholders to ensure project success and satisfaction.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing insights and best practices across teams and international offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture strongly emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a practical, execution-oriented mindset, with a significant underlying commitment to sustainability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Creative & Technical Gaps: Effectively translating abstract creative visions into concrete, producible designs within technical and budgetary limitations.

• Global Campaign Consistency: Ensuring that retail campaign elements are consistently executed across different markets while adapting to local nuances.

• Sustainability Implementation: Integrating sustainable materials and practices effectively without compromising design integrity or budget.

• Fast-Paced Project Cycles: Managing multiple projects with varying deadlines common in the retail and experiential marketing sectors.

• On-Site Installation Logistics: Navigating the complexities of physical installations, including site constraints, build teams, and quality control.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in specific CAD software and exploring new design technologies relevant to retail.

• Project Management Acumen: Developing skills in planning, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder management for complex retail campaigns.

• Material Science & Sustainability: Gaining practical knowledge of materials, their properties, sourcing, and environmental impact in design.

• Experiential Design Principles: Learning best practices in creating engaging and impactful physical brand experiences.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Developing communication and project management skills for international projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle real-world challenges in bringing large-scale retail campaigns to life, fostering growth in both technical design and operational project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to translate a creative concept into detailed technical specifications. What was your process, and what challenges did you face?" (Focus on your role in technical development and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure that design decisions align with budget and timeline constraints in a project?" (Highlight your understanding of operational efficiency and resource management.)

• "Walk us through your experience using [mention a CAD software like Rhino, SolidWorks, or Sketch-Up]. What types of projects have you used it for?" (Be ready to discuss specific features and applications.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with sourcing sustainable materials for a retail display. What would be your approach?" (Demonstrate research skills and understanding of sustainability criteria.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LIGANOVA's work in retail design and sustainability?" (Show genuine interest and research into their projects and values.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with other teams (e.g., production, prototyping) to achieve a project goal." (Emphasize communication, teamwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration.)

• "How do you approach managing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously?" (Highlight organizational skills and prioritization techniques.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing the design-to-production journey.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the brief, your role, the challenges, your solutions (especially technical and operational ones), and the outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality renderings, technical drawings, and photos of executed projects. Clearly label your contributions.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your process, especially how you handled technical development, material selection, and documentation.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most relevant work efficiently, focusing on projects that align with the role's requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative thinking, technical capability, and operational awareness, with specific examples from your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your resume highlights your relevant educational background (Industrial Design, Product Design, etc.), any experience in 3D design or prototyping, and your proficiency in CAD software. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select projects that best showcase your ability to develop concepts technically, create production documentation, and demonstrate hands-on execution. Prioritize examples that show your process and problem-solving skills.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review common CAD software functionalities and basic principles of retail design execution and material sourcing.

• Research LIGANOVA: Understand their client base, recent projects, and their emphasis on sustainability and innovation. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company culture.

⚠️ 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.

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