Retail Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Design Manager

Company: JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Design & Operations Management

Date Posted: September 02, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design development and execution of retail projects, ensuring alignment with brand identity and commercial objectives.

• Translate client brand requirements and strategic goals into compelling, functional, and deliverable retail environments within a Design & Build framework.

• Oversee projects from initial concept and storytelling through to technical coordination and on-site delivery, managing a diverse portfolio of retail brands.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including project management, commercial, technical, procurement, and construction to ensure seamless design implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Retail Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required knowledge/experience indicate a significant overlap with operations management, specifically in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of design projects within budget and timeline constraints. The emphasis on "Design & Build" and collaboration with construction and commercial teams highlights the operational aspects of bringing designs to life. This role is ideal for professionals who can bridge the gap between creative design vision and practical operational execution in the retail space.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end design process for retail projects, from initial creative concept and storytelling to detailed technical design and construction documentation.

• Ensure all retail designs meet stringent brand standards, operational requirements, project timelines, and budgetary constraints.

• Act as the primary liaison between clients, the Retail team, and the wider Tétris business (JLL's design and build arm) to manage design approvals and secure sign-offs.

• Drive design coordination efforts, ensuring comprehensive design development and construction information is produced accurately and efficiently.

• Conduct regular site visits to collaborate with construction teams, resolve design issues in real-time, and maintain design intent throughout the delivery phase.

• Translate customer experience strategies, spatial planning needs, and merchandising requirements into effective retail layouts and fixture designs.

• Integrate UK Building Regulations, relevant standards, and statutory requirements into design solutions for all retail environments.

• Review and approve prototypes, samples, mock-ups, shop drawings, and other technical submissions to ensure quality and adherence to design specifications.

• Manage multiple retail design projects concurrently, effectively prioritizing workload and meeting critical deadlines within a fast-paced Design & Build environment.

• Proactively identify potential design challenges and develop practical, commercially viable solutions that align with project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to project delivery, typical of operations roles that require meticulous planning, execution, and problem-solving. The need to manage budgets, programs, and coordinate with multiple external and internal stakeholders points towards strong operational project management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field is typically expected, though equivalent practical experience may be considered. Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience delivering retail interior design projects, preferably within a design consultancy, Design & Build contractor, or similar client-side environment.

• Proven track record of managing projects from creative concept through design development and successful construction delivery.

• Experience working with diverse retail brands and adapting design solutions to unique client requirements and brand identities. Required Skills:

• Retail Interior Design Expertise: Deep understanding of customer experience, brand environments, spatial planning, and store design principles.

• Design & Build Acumen: Thorough knowledge of the Design & Build delivery model and the interplay between design, cost, program, and construction.

• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in industry-standard design software, specifically Revit and AutoCAD, for creating detailed design documentation.

• Project & Stakeholder Management: Strong ability to coordinate with project managers, technical teams, commercial departments, contractors, suppliers, and specialist consultants, while confidently managing client relationships and design approvals.

• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of project budgets and programmes, with a keen awareness of the commercial implications of design decisions.

• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving design issues, with the ability to develop practical, commercially viable solutions and adapt to changing client requirements in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and manage stakeholder expectations effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of retail fixtures, joinery, finishes, materials, lighting, and specialist retail elements.

• Understanding of UK Building Regulations and relevant statutory requirements impacting retail environments.

• Experience with procurement, manufacturing, and construction processes and their impact on design solutions.

• Familiarity with design coordination and the production of comprehensive technical information.

• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing workload effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Revit and AutoCAD, coupled with the understanding of "Design & Build" and technical coordination, positions this role firmly within the operational execution of design projects. The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a need for demonstrated success in managing complex projects and client relationships, aligning with mid-to-senior level operations professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive retail design projects that demonstrate end-to-end delivery from concept to completion.

• Include examples of how you translated client brand guidelines and commercial objectives into tangible retail spaces.

• Provide evidence of your ability to manage design development, technical coordination, and construction documentation.

• Highlight projects where you successfully collaborated with project management, commercial, and construction teams.

• Demonstrate your proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD through detailed technical drawings, plans, and renderings. Process Documentation:

• Present case studies that detail your process for concept development and storytelling for retail environments.

• Illustrate your workflow for design coordination, including how you managed technical information and resolved design issues during construction.

• Include examples of how you managed project budgets and timelines, highlighting any efficiency improvements or cost savings achieved through your design process.

• Showcase your approach to client management, including how you secured design approvals and managed stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Retail Design Manager" role with strong operational components, a portfolio demonstrating process, not just aesthetics, is crucial. This includes showing how designs were executed efficiently and effectively within constraints, akin to operations project management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Retail Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in London, UK, the estimated annual salary range is £55,000 - £75,000. This range accounts for the complexity of the role, the Design & Build environment, and the specific responsibilities in a major metropolitan area like London. Factors such as specific experience, portfolio strength, and interview performance may influence the final offer. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holiday allowance.

• Pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Access to JLL's extensive network and resources within the commercial real estate sector.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for well-being support. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, JLL often promotes a flexible working culture where possible, though the demands of on-site project delivery may require adaptability and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research of similar roles in London, UK, considering the experience level and industry. Benefits are standard for large, reputable firms like JLL.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services, Investment Management, and Property Management. JLL operates globally, providing a wide spectrum of services to clients. The Tétris brand specifically focuses on Design & Build solutions.

Company Size: JLL is a large, global corporation with over 100,000 employees worldwide, operating in more than 80 countries. This scale offers significant opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Jones Lang LaSalle was founded in 1783, with its modern iteration formed through mergers and acquisitions over many years, reflecting a long history of expertise in the real estate sector. Tétris was acquired by JLL in 2013, integrating its specialized Design & Build capabilities.

Team Structure:

• The Retail Design Manager will report to the Tétris Retail Technical Design Manager, indicating a clear reporting hierarchy within the Tétris division.

• They will be part of the Retail team, collaborating closely with project managers, commercial specialists, technical designers, and construction teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of the Design & Build model, requiring strong partnerships with procurement, site operations, and client-facing teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Delivery: While the role is design-focused, JLL's broader ethos emphasizes data analysis to inform decisions, optimize processes, and measure outcomes. This applies to understanding client needs, market trends, and project performance.

• Agile Project Management: The Design & Build environment often necessitates agile approaches to project planning and execution, allowing for flexibility and rapid response to client feedback and site conditions.

• Client-Centric Solutions: A core methodology involves deeply understanding client brand identity, commercial goals, and operational needs to deliver bespoke and effective retail environments.

Company Website: https://www.jll.com/ (Corporate) and https://www.jll.com/en/locations/europe/united-kingdom/london (London specific)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding JLL's global scale and Tétris's specialized Design & Build focus is crucial. The team structure highlights a collaborative, operational environment where design is intrinsically linked to execution and project management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-to-senior level, requiring a blend of specialized design expertise and practical project execution skills. It's a crucial link between conceptual design and tangible results, demanding strong operational oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Retail Design Manager reports to the Tétris Retail Technical Design Manager, indicating a structured path for design leadership and technical guidance within the Tétris framework. This also implies a degree of autonomy in managing individual projects.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on client satisfaction, brand perception, and the operational efficiency of retail spaces. Successful design delivery by this manager contributes to JLL's reputation for delivering high-quality, functional, and commercially successful retail environments, directly influencing revenue and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Leadership: Progression to a Senior Retail Design Manager, Technical Design Manager, or Head of Retail Design roles, leading larger teams and more complex projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific retail sectors (e.g., luxury, F&B, tech retail) or in specialized areas like sustainable design or experiential retail.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into broader project management, client relationship management, or business development roles within JLL or Tétris, leveraging design and operational experience.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or transfer to JLL offices in other regions, given JLL's global presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes both deepening design expertise and expanding into operational leadership within the real estate and construction sectors, aligning well with career aspirations for operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in London, GBR. This implies working within JLL's corporate office space, which is typically modern, professional, and designed to foster collaboration.

Office Location(s): The specific mention of "London, GBR" and "1 Broadgate" suggests a prime city location, likely with excellent transport links and access to business amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace where close interaction with project managers, technical teams, and commercial staff is encouraged. This fosters efficient problem-solving and design coordination.

• Technology-Rich: Access to JLL's standard IT infrastructure, design software licenses (Revit, AutoCAD), and communication tools will be provided.

• Client-Facing Opportunities: The role may involve client meetings held at JLL offices or at client sites, requiring professional presentation and communication.

Work Schedule: Primarily Monday to Friday, standard business hours. However, the nature of Design & Build projects often requires flexibility to accommodate site visits, client meetings, and critical project deadlines, potentially involving some weekend or evening work during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major city like London points to a professional, collaborative office setting with a focus on project execution and client interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team reviews applications and resumes for essential qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on your experience in retail design, Design & Build environments, client management, and technical skills (Revit, AutoCAD). Be prepared to discuss your approach to project delivery and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage where you'll present selected projects from your portfolio. Focus on demonstrating your design process, problem-solving skills, operational execution, and ability to manage projects from concept to completion.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Meet with potential colleagues from project management, technical, or commercial teams to assess your collaboration style and fit within the Tétris/JLL culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your end-to-end retail design management capabilities, highlighting both creative vision and operational execution.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, key challenges, solutions implemented, and the tangible outcomes (e.g., budget adherence, timeline management, client satisfaction).

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Include examples of detailed drawings, plans, and renderings created in Revit and AutoCAD.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase instances where you effectively worked with project managers, contractors, and clients to achieve project goals.

• **Quantify