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, Temporary (initially one year)

Category: Retail Design Operations

Date Posted: August 27, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on bridging the gap between creative retail campaign concepts and their technical execution for global campaigns.

• It involves the technical development and implementation of pop-up and window campaigns, requiring close collaboration with prototyping, production, and client-facing teams.

• The position emphasizes material selection, creation of technical drawings, and production documentation while adhering to budget and timeline constraints.

• This is a hands-on role supporting installations and build-ups, contributing to the tangible realization of retail design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Design Manager," the responsibilities lean towards a Design Operations or Project Execution role within a retail design context. The "manager" aspect seems to refer to managing the execution of specific design projects rather than people. The temporary nature and junior level suggest a focus on learning and contributing to established processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Manage the technical implementation of pop-up and window campaigns, ensuring seamless integration with creative vision.

• Collaborate closely with prototyping, production, and client-facing teams to ensure project feasibility and timely delivery.

• Oversee material selection, ensuring alignment with design intent, budget, and sustainability goals.

• Create detailed technical drawings and comprehensive production documentation for manufacturing and assembly.

• Ensure all design and production activities adhere strictly to defined budget parameters and project timelines.

• Provide hands-on support during installations and build-ups at retail locations.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design and production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational focus on project execution, technical detailing, and cross-functional coordination within the retail design lifecycle. This requires a blend of creative understanding and practical, process-driven execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Interior Design, or a closely related field is required.

• Emphasis on coursework or experience related to prototyping, execution planning, and production is highly valued. Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in 3D design or a related technical design field.

• Prior experience in a retail design or campaign execution environment is a plus. 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 retail environments.

• Ability to create detailed technical drawings and production-ready documentation.

• Excellent communication skills in both German and English, essential for interdisciplinary collaboration and client interaction.

• A structured, hands-on approach to problem-solving and task execution.

• Demonstrated passion for design, innovation, and emerging technological trends.

• High attention to detail and a commitment to craftsmanship.

• Proactive and responsible work ethic with a strong sense of ownership.

• Interest and understanding of sustainability principles in design and production. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with project management methodologies.

• Familiarity with material sourcing and selection for retail applications.

• Exposure to installation and build-up processes for retail spaces.

• Understanding of budget management and cost control in design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific CAD software and the combination of creative/technical skills suggest a role that requires immediate practical application rather than extensive theoretical knowledge. The bilingual requirement is critical for a company with international operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 projects demonstrating the transition from creative concept to technical execution in 3D design.

• Include examples of technical drawings, production documentation, or detailed 3D models that were used for manufacturing or prototyping.

• Highlight projects where material selection and sustainability considerations were integral to the design process.

• Demonstrate an understanding of budget and timeline constraints within project examples.

• Projects involving pop-up installations, retail displays, or window campaigns are highly relevant. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for creating technical documentation.

• Ability to articulate the workflow for translating design briefs into actionable production plans.

• Examples of how they have managed project scope, materials, and timelines in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly requested, a portfolio is crucial for a design role. For this "Design Manager" position, it should emphasize the operational aspects of design execution, technical detailing, and project delivery, rather than purely conceptual or aesthetic portfolios.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Junior Design Managers in Berlin, Germany, with 0-2 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is €35,000 - €45,000. This range accounts for the temporary nature of the contract and the specific skill set required. Benefits:

• Inclusion Culture: A commitment to fostering a welcoming and diverse work environment where all individuals are valued.

• Diversity Initiatives: Active promotion and celebration of diversity, recognizing it as a source of creative potential.

• Sustainability Focus: Engagement with innovative solutions and a "Green Board" to drive sustainability in the workplace and for clients.

• International Networking: Opportunities for connection and exchange with colleagues across LIGANOVA's offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam, moving beyond rigid team structures.

• Professional Development: Exposure to global retail campaigns and hands-on experience in technical design execution.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week. The role is on-site in Berlin, requiring consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical junior-level design roles in Berlin, Germany, considering the specified experience level and the temporary contract. Benefits are derived from the "What to Expect" section, highlighting company culture and values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail Design, Experiential Marketing, Brand Experience. LIGANOVA GmbH specializes in creating physical brand experiences for international clients, often involving pop-up stores, retail installations, and campaign rollouts. The company operates at the intersection of design, technology, and marketing to deliver impactful brand presence.

Company Size: LIGANOVA GmbH likely falls into the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) category, with a growing international presence. This size typically allows for more direct interaction with leadership and cross-functional teams, fostering a dynamic and adaptable work environment.

Founded: Founded in 2005, LIGANOVA has over two decades of experience in developing and implementing innovative brand experiences. This history suggests a company with established processes, a strong understanding of the market, and a capacity for sustained growth and adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Design Manager will be part of "Brittas Team," indicating a specific functional or project-based team.

• The team likely comprises individuals with diverse specializations within retail design, such as creative concept development, technical design, production management, and project coordination.

• Reporting is expected to be to a Team Leader or Senior Manager within the design or project management function.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving close interaction with Prototyping, Production, and Client Management departments. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, companies in this sector often leverage market data and client insights to inform design decisions.

• Agile Project Management: Given the fast-paced nature of retail campaigns and pop-ups, agile or iterative project management approaches are likely employed to ensure flexibility and responsiveness.

• Sustainability Integration: A core methodology is the proactive integration of sustainable practices into design and production processes, as highlighted in the "Green Mindset" section.

• Collaborative Workflow: Emphasis on interdisciplinary exchange and open communication to ensure seamless project execution from concept to final installation.

Company Website: liganova.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from its industry, founding date, and stated values. The "Internationality" aspect suggests a need for clear communication and standardized processes across different locations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Junior" level, indicating an entry point into design operations or project execution within the retail design sector. It's suitable for individuals with a foundational design education and minimal professional experience, focusing on learning and contributing to established workflows. The responsibilities involve executing defined tasks under supervision, rather than strategic planning or independent decision-making.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Design Manager will report to "Brittas Team," likely led by a Team Leader or Senior Manager. This structure implies regular guidance, feedback, and oversight, which is typical for junior roles. Collaboration will extend to cross-functional teams such as Prototyping and Production.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is primarily in the successful technical realization and execution of retail campaigns. By ensuring that creative concepts are translated accurately into buildable designs, adhering to technical specifications, budgets, and timelines, the Junior Design Manager directly contributes to the quality and efficiency of LIGANOVA's project delivery. This operational excellence is crucial for client satisfaction and the company's reputation in delivering impactful brand experiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific CAD software (Rhino, SolidWorks, Sketch-Up) and technical drawing for retail applications.

• Project Management Acumen: Gaining practical experience in managing project components, from material selection to production documentation, within defined constraints.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Learning the intricacies of prototyping, production, and client management through close collaboration, fostering a holistic understanding of the retail design lifecycle.

• Sustainability Practices: Developing hands-on knowledge of sustainable design and production methods within a corporate framework.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to roles such as Design Manager, Project Coordinator, or Technical Designer with demonstrated performance and continued development within LIGANOVA.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are inferred based on the junior level and the operational nature of the role, focusing on skill acquisition and practical experience within the retail design industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Berlin, Germany. LIGANOVA emphasizes a culture that is inclusive and fosters collaboration, suggesting an office environment designed to encourage interaction and teamwork. While not explicitly detailed, modern design agencies often feature open-plan areas, collaborative zones, and dedicated project spaces.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Berlin, Germany, at Potsdamerstr. 77-79, 10785 Berlin. This central location in Berlin offers good accessibility for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture promotes "Come as you are!" and celebrates diversity, suggesting an open and communicative workspace where ideas are shared freely.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to necessary CAD software (Rhino, SolidWorks, Sketch-Up), production documentation tools, and potentially project management software will be provided to support the technical execution of designs.

• Team Interaction: The role involves significant interaction with "Brittas Team" and other departments (Prototyping, Production), indicating a dynamic workspace with frequent collaborative activities.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time, on-site position. The working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week, with a standard Monday-Friday schedule typical for office-based roles. The temporary nature of the contract (initially one year) means the focus is on fulfilling the role's duties effectively within this timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are inferred from the "What to Expect" section and general knowledge of design agency office settings, emphasizing collaboration and the provision of necessary tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, focusing on your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the Junior Design Manager role, particularly the technical and operational aspects of your design experience.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): This stage will likely involve discussions about your background, design philosophy, technical skills (especially CAD proficiency), and understanding of retail design processes. Expect questions about your experience with prototyping, production documentation, and your approach to working within budget and time constraints.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explaining your role, the technical challenges you faced, your solutions, and the final outcomes. Emphasis will be on your ability to translate concepts into executable designs.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: You may meet with members of "Brittas Team" or representatives from Prototyping/Production to assess your collaborative abilities and how you integrate with different functional areas. Cultural fit and communication style will be evaluated.

• Final Interview (if applicable): A potential final discussion to confirm fit and answer any remaining questions before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Execution: Focus on projects where you demonstrated strong technical drawing skills, created detailed production documents, or managed the transition from concept to prototype.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your workflow for each project, especially how you handled material selection, technical problem-solving, and adherence to project constraints (budget, timeline).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or specific examples to illustrate the success of your contributions, such as efficiency gains in documentation, cost savings through material choice, or successful installation outcomes.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Include examples that clearly showcase your skills in Rhino, SolidWorks, or Sketch-Up.

• Address Sustainability: If applicable, highlight projects where sustainability was a key consideration and explain your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential scenario-based questions asking how you would approach a specific technical challenge in retail campaign execution.

• Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving, focusing on structured, hands-on solutions.

• Prepare to discuss your understanding of sustainability in retail design and how it can be practically implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is structured based on typical junior-level design roles, with a strong emphasis on technical execution and operational aspects relevant to LIGANOVA's business.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency is mandatory in at least one of the following:

  • Rhino: Widely used for complex 3D modeling, especially in design and architecture.
  • SolidWorks: A powerful 3D mechanical CAD software, often used for detailed engineering and product design.
  • Sketch-Up: Known for its ease of use in 3D modeling, particularly for architectural and interior design visualization.

• 2D Design Software: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign) is often beneficial for creating production documents and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design choices impact campaign performance or production efficiency might be discussed. Basic analytical thinking for problem-solving is expected. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core responsibilities of this role, as it's focused on design execution rather than sales or marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The essential tools are explicitly listed in the requirements. The "Primary Tools" section focuses on the CAD software, which is critical for this role's technical execution responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Hands-on & Practical: A strong emphasis on a practical, "get-it-done" attitude, evident in the requirement for hands-on support during installations and the focus on technical execution.

• Detail-Oriented: A high demand for precision and meticulousness in technical drawings, production documents, and material selection, reflecting a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

• Innovative & Sustainable: A forward-thinking approach that embraces new design and technological trends while prioritizing environmental responsibility ("Green Mindset").

• Collaborative & Inclusive: A culture that values open communication, interdisciplinary exchange, and celebrating individual uniqueness ("Diversity & People").

• Responsible & Autonomous: Expectation of individuals taking ownership of their tasks and responsibilities, acting independently and reliably.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Exchange: Proactive and close collaboration with prototyping, production, and client-facing teams is fundamental to the role's success.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas, feedback, and challenges are shared transparently across teams and departments.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with different specialized units to ensure the cohesive development and execution of retail campaigns.

• Teamwork for Installation: A willingness to contribute directly to installation and build-up processes, demonstrating a team-oriented approach to project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from the company's stated culture points and the described responsibilities, highlighting a dynamic and collaborative operational environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Creative and Technical Gaps: Translating abstract creative concepts into concrete, technically feasible designs and production plans can be challenging.

• Balancing Constraints: Effectively managing project requirements within strict budget and timeline limitations while maintaining design integrity and quality.

• Material Sourcing & Sustainability: Identifying and sourcing appropriate materials that meet design, technical, budget, and sustainability criteria can be complex.

• Cross-functional Coordination: Ensuring smooth communication and alignment between creative, technical, prototyping, and production teams, especially in a fast-paced environment.

• On-site Installation Support: Providing effective support during on-site installations, which can involve unforeseen issues and require quick problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Proficiency Enhancement: Deepening skills in advanced CAD software and technical illustration for retail applications.

• Retail Campaign Lifecycle Mastery: Gaining comprehensive experience in all phases of retail campaign development, from concept translation to on-site execution.

• Sustainability in Practice: Learning to integrate green practices into design and production processes, contributing to the company's sustainability goals.

• Industry Exposure: Working on diverse projects for international clients, offering broad exposure to different brand identities and retail environments.

• Team Collaboration Skills: Developing strong communication and coordination skills by working closely with various specialized teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the role's responsibilities and common issues in design operations. Growth opportunities are framed around skill development and practical experience within the company's operational context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Translation: "Describe a time you had to translate a creative concept into a technical drawing or production plan. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on your process, software used, and attention to detail).

• Constraint Management: "Imagine you are working on a pop-up campaign with a tight budget and deadline. How would you approach material selection and production documentation to ensure both quality and cost-effectiveness?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and understanding of trade-offs).

• Collaboration Scenarios: "How would you handle a situation where the production team identifies a technical feasibility issue with a design you've documented? What steps would you take?" (Emphasize your communication, problem-solving approach, and willingness to find solutions collaboratively).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LIGANOVA's approach to retail design and sustainability?" (Show you've researched their "Green Mindset" and client work).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to an inclusive and diverse team environment?" (Relate your personal values to their "Diversity & People" culture).

• "What does 'hands-on' mean to you in a design role, and how do you approach it?" (Connect to their emphasis on practical execution and installation support). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each project presented, clearly explain your role, the initial brief, your design process, the technical challenges, how you used CAD software, and the final outcome.

• Showcase Technical Documents: Include clear examples of technical drawings, production sheets, or 3D models that demonstrate your proficiency and attention to detail.

• Quantify Results: If possible, mention any impact your work had, such as successful installations, adherence to budget, or efficiency in documentation.

• Explain Material Choices: Be ready to discuss why specific materials were chosen for a project, considering aesthetics, functionality, budget, and sustainability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on anticipating questions related to technical skills, operational processes, and cultural fit, aligning with the role's requirements and LIGANOVA's stated values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on personio.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your technical design skills, experience with CAD software (Rhino, SolidWorks, Sketch-Up), and ability to create production-ready documentation. Highlight any experience with retail campaigns, pop-ups, or installations.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your educational background in design, any relevant internships or projects, and lists specific technical skills and software proficiencies. Use keywords from the job description such as "retail design," "3D design," "technical drawing," and "production documentation."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially the transition from concept to technical execution. Be ready to discuss your experience with budget and timeline management, as well as your approach to interdisciplinary collaboration. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively, focusing on the operational aspects of your design work.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review LIGANOVA's website (liganova.com) and social media to understand their recent projects, client base, and company culture, particularly their emphasis on sustainability and international reach. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and values align with their mission.

⚠️ 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.