Retail Store Design Manager (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Retail Store Design Manager (m/w/d)

Company: LUMAS Art Editions GmbH

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time (Festanstellung)

Category: Retail Design & Visual Merchandising Management

Date Posted: July 13, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creative and conceptual development for LUMAS's retail presence, focusing on brand consistency and innovative visual merchandising strategies.

• Manage the end-to-end process for store openings, closings, and renovations, both domestically and internationally, ensuring brand integrity and operational efficiency.

• Develop and execute the visual merchandising strategy across all LUMAS galleries, collaborating closely with retail, graphic design, and marketing teams to create compelling point-of-sale experiences.

• Drive the evolution of retail store design, including furniture and custom installations, to enhance customer engagement and reinforce the LUMAS brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a blend of creative design expertise and project management acumen, with a strong emphasis on retail environments and brand representation, particularly within the art and design sector. The hybrid work model suggests a need for self-discipline and effective remote collaboration tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creative and conceptual planning for the LUMAS brand within the retail and visual merchandising sectors, ensuring continuous evolution and alignment with brand objectives.

• Oversee the holistic planning and execution of store openings and closings, managing all phases from conceptualization to final handover for national and international locations.

• Manage the complete lifecycle of new and existing store locations, from initial design concepts through to final acceptance, adhering to relevant planning phases (e.g., LPH 1-9 HOAI for German standards) for both domestic and international sites.

• Define and implement the overarching visual merchandising strategy for all LUMAS galleries, working in close partnership with retail operations, graphic design, and marketing departments to ensure cohesive brand storytelling.

• Plan and execute visual merchandising campaigns, seasonal promotions, and special in-store formats to drive customer engagement and sales at the point of sale (POS).

• Develop and refine comprehensive visual merchandising guidelines, roll-out concepts, and best practice standards for all gallery locations to ensure consistent brand presentation.

• Conceive and develop innovative store furnishings and custom-built installations, overseeing their design and implementation to optimize retail space and customer experience.

• Plan and coordinate the renovation and expansion of new international franchise locations, ensuring compliance with brand standards and local regulations.

• Conduct thorough site evaluations and feasibility analyses for potential and existing retail locations, both domestically and internationally, to inform strategic decisions.

• Develop, manage, and control cost plans, investment proposals, and budget analyses to ensure financial viability and ROI for all design and VM projects.

• Plan and implement maintenance and optimization initiatives for existing retail locations to ensure high standards of presentation and functionality.

• Manage national and international trade show planning and organization, ensuring impactful brand representation and networking opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a senior-level role with significant autonomy and impact on the physical retail presence of LUMAS globally. The inclusion of LPH 1-9 HOAI suggests a need for strong knowledge of German construction and architectural planning regulations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Completed degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a comparable field of study. Experience:

• Several years of progressive experience in design planning, interior design, and concept development specifically within the retail environment.

• Demonstrated experience in visual merchandising, POS communication, or retail campaign planning is highly advantageous. Required Skills:

• Exceptional aesthetic sensibility and a strong understanding of spatial dynamics and brand staging, ideally with a connection to the art and photography industry.

• Highly structured, detail-oriented work approach with a proven ability for reliable construction and concept development.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, capable of effectively conveying design concepts to diverse stakeholders.

• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong capacity for conceptual thinking and problem-solving.

• Adaptable and eager to travel, with the ability to quickly understand and integrate into diverse local contexts and requirements.

• Proficiency in common CAD software for design and planning.

• Professional fluency in both English and German (minimum C1 level) for effective international communication. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with international retail roll-outs and franchise model management.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools for tracking budgets and timelines.

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and materials in retail environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "several years of experience" and the breadth of responsibilities suggest this role is suited for a candidate with a solid track record in retail design, capable of independent work and international project management. Proficiency in CAD is a non-negotiable technical skill.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing diverse retail design projects, highlighting conceptualization, design development, and final execution.

• Include case studies that illustrate successful visual merchandising strategies and their impact on customer engagement and sales performance.

• Present examples of store opening or renovation projects, detailing the planning process, challenges overcome, and final outcomes.

• Showcase experience in developing and implementing brand guidelines or VM standards across multiple locations. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to conceptualizing and developing retail design projects, from initial client brief to detailed technical drawings.

• Provide examples of how you manage project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communication throughout the design lifecycle.

• Illustrate your process for creating and implementing visual merchandising plans, including seasonal campaigns and POS materials.

• Explain your methodology for site analysis, feasibility studies, and the integration of local requirements into international design concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that specifically highlights retail design and visual merchandising projects, with a focus on quantifiable results and process transparency. The ability to demonstrate international project experience and budget management will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Retail Store Design Manager with 2-5 years of experience in Berlin, Germany, the estimated salary range is €50,000 - €70,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Berlin, the responsibilities outlined, and the specific requirements of the role within the art and design retail sector. Benefits:

• Numerous career and development opportunities with diverse training programs.

• 28 days of paid vacation per year.

• An additional day off for your birthday.

• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between home and office.

• Workation options to combine work with travel.

• Attractive employee discounts on LUMAS art editions.

• A talented and motivated international team.

• An international and appreciative work environment. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their salary expectations based on their experience and the specific value they bring to LUMAS. The benefits package emphasizes professional growth and work-life balance, which are attractive for mid-level professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Art Retail / Kunsteditionen (Art Editions)

Company Size: 50-200 employees (Based on typical company profiles for this type of business, though exact data not provided). This size suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for direct impact and less bureaucracy than larger corporations.

Founded: LUMAS was founded in 2004. This history indicates a stable, established business with a proven model, not reliant on venture capital or private equity, offering job security.

Team Structure:

• The Retail Store Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Retail Operations or Marketing department.

• Reporting directly to a Head of Retail, Director of Operations, or a similar senior management position.

• Close collaboration is expected with teams in Retail Management, Graphic Design, Marketing, and potentially International Development or Franchise Management. Methodology:

• LUMAS emphasizes democratizing art, suggesting a culture that values accessibility, creativity, and customer education.

• The company's growth and international presence indicate a structured approach to expansion, likely involving data-informed decisions for site selection and design implementation.

• The focus on visual merchandising and brand staging points to a methodology that prioritizes aesthetic quality and a strong brand narrative in all customer touchpoints.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: LUMAS operates in a unique niche, bridging the gap between fine art and accessible editions. The company culture likely values creativity, a passion for art, and a collaborative, international outlook. The "no venture capital" aspect suggests a focus on sustainable growth and long-term vision.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and design domain. It requires significant autonomy and responsibility for strategic design initiatives and their execution across a global network.

Reporting Structure: The position reports to a senior leader, likely overseeing retail operations, marketing, or a similar strategic function. This provides visibility to higher-level decision-making.

Operations Impact: The Retail Store Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on LUMAS's brand perception, customer experience, and ultimately, sales performance. Their work shapes the physical manifestation of the brand and influences customer purchasing decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in international retail design, visual merchandising strategy, or sustainable retail practices.

• Leadership: Potential to lead a growing design team or take on broader responsibilities in global retail strategy and development as the company expands.

• Skill Development: Access to diverse training programs allows for continuous learning in areas like advanced CAD, project management certifications, or trend forecasting in retail design.

📝 Enhancement Note: LUMAS's emphasis on "many career and development opportunities" suggests a commitment to internal growth. For this role, growth could mean increasing scope of international projects, leading larger-scale renovations, or moving into a more strategic role overseeing the entire retail footprint.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with a primary base in a "beautiful Berlin office directly in Charlottenburg." This suggests a modern, well-equipped office environment conducive to creative work and collaboration.

Office Location(s): Ernst-Reuter-Platz 2, 10587 Berlin. This is a central and well-connected location in Charlottenburg, offering good accessibility via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model supports a balance between focused, individual work (potentially at home) and collaborative, in-person sessions at the Berlin office.

• Expect access to necessary design tools and technology within the office, and potentially support for home office setups.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues from various departments (Retail, Marketing, Graphic Design) are likely, fostering cross-functional understanding and idea exchange.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time schedule, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature provides flexibility in how and where some of this time is spent, allowing for better integration of personal and professional commitments, crucial for managing complex design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Charlottenburg location is a desirable area in Berlin, suggesting a pleasant working environment. The hybrid model is a key feature, indicating a trust-based work culture that values output over constant physical presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess your qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements. Be prepared to highlight relevant retail design and VM projects.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (e.g., Head of Retail/Operations) to discuss your experience, motivations, and understanding of LUMAS's brand. Expect questions about your approach to design challenges and previous project successes.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, focusing on 1-2 key retail projects that demonstrate your skills in concept development, execution, and problem-solving. This could involve a hypothetical scenario or a deep dive into a past project.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members (e.g., graphic design, marketing) to assess cultural fit and collaboration style.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or HR, focusing on overall fit, career aspirations, and final compensation discussions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to specifically showcase retail design, interior architecture, and visual merchandising projects.

• For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your conceptual approach, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., impact on foot traffic, sales, brand perception).

• Use high-quality visuals (renderings, photos of completed projects) and concise descriptions.

• Be ready to discuss your role in each project, especially if it was a collaborative effort.

• Tailor your portfolio to LUMAS's brand aesthetic and target market. Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a potential design challenge or a case study related to optimizing a LUMAS gallery space or developing a new VM concept for a specific campaign.

• Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and how you would measure success.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would balance creative vision with budget constraints and international implementation challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case studies suggests that practical design skills and the ability to demonstrate past success are paramount. Candidates should be ready to "show, not just tell" their capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD programs (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, ArchiCAD) is essential for creating detailed architectural plans, 3D models, and technical drawings.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering Software: Tools like 3ds Max, V-Ray, or Lumion may be used for visualizing concepts and presenting design ideas to stakeholders.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are likely required for creating mood boards, graphic assets for VM, presentations, and guideline documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytical role, understanding how to interpret retail performance data (foot traffic, sales per square foot, conversion rates) will be beneficial for informing design decisions. Familiarity with basic reporting tools or dashboards might be an advantage. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how retail CRM systems might influence store layout or customer journey mapping could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Technical proficiency in design software is a core requirement. Candidates should be prepared to detail their experience with specific CAD and rendering tools and how they leverage them in their design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push boundaries in art presentation and retail experience.

• Customer Centricity: Focusing on creating engaging and inspiring environments for art lovers.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing the LUMAS brand identity across all touchpoints.

• Efficiency & Precision: Delivering well-planned, cost-effective, and high-quality design solutions.

• International Mindset: Embracing diversity and adapting designs to global contexts.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where design ideas are shared and refined across departments (Retail, Marketing, Graphics).

• A culture that encourages open communication and constructive feedback to ensure design solutions are practical and effective.

• Emphasis on teamwork to achieve unified brand experiences, especially for international roll-outs and campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: LUMAS's stated values and culture suggest an environment that is both creative and results-oriented, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and a shared passion for art.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Consistency with Local Adaptation: Ensuring brand uniformity across diverse international markets while respecting local cultural nuances, regulations, and material availability.

• Budget Management: Delivering high-quality, innovative designs within strict budgetary constraints for store openings, renovations, and VM campaigns.

• Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Adapting to evolving retail trends and seasonal demands, requiring agility in design and implementation.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively managing expectations and requirements from various departments (Retail, Marketing, Sales) to achieve cohesive project outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to workshops and courses in advanced design software, sustainable architecture, or retail trend forecasting.

• International Exposure: Gaining hands-on experience with diverse international markets, regulations, and construction practices.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to contribute to the long-term strategic vision for LUMAS's retail footprint and brand experience.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior leadership within the company and grow into more strategic or leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional development, particularly in international retail design and project management. The challenges are typical for a growing global brand and provide excellent learning experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a retail store concept from initial brief to final design. How do you ensure brand alignment and customer engagement?" (Focus on your methodology, key decision points, and how you incorporate brand values.)

• "Walk us through a challenging retail design project you managed internationally. What were the key obstacles, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and project management skills.)

• "How would you approach developing a visual merchandising strategy for LUMAS galleries to enhance the customer journey and drive sales of art editions?" (Demonstrate understanding of VM principles, brand storytelling, and POS optimization.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to LUMAS, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our mission to democratize art?" (Show genuine interest in the company and its mission.)

• "How do you foster collaboration with cross-functional teams like marketing and retail operations to achieve design goals?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional partnerships.)

• "How do you measure the success of your retail design and visual merchandising initiatives?" (Discuss key performance indicators relevant to retail design, such as foot traffic, dwell time, sales conversion, and brand perception.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 projects that best represent your retail design and VM expertise, ideally with international components.

• For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the design process, key challenges and solutions, and the final results. Use compelling visuals.

• Be prepared to discuss the budget considerations and timeline management for your presented projects.

• Practice your presentation to ensure it is concise, engaging, and within any time limits provided.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your creative process, problem-solving abilities, and your understanding of how design impacts business objectives in a retail context. A strong portfolio presentation is critical for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Retail Store Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the LUMAS jobs portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your most relevant retail design, interior architecture, and visual merchandising projects, with a focus on international experience and quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Retail Design," "Visual Merchandising," "Store Openings," "CAD," "International," and "Concept Development." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, challenges, and successes using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples for potential interview questions related to strategy, collaboration, and brand alignment.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research LUMAS's brand, mission, current gallery presence, and recent campaigns. Understand their unique position in the art market and how your design skills can contribute to their continued growth and brand storytelling.

⚠️ 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.