(Senior) Design Manager (all genders)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: (Senior) Design Manager (all genders)

Company: LIGANOVA GmbH

Location: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Job Type: Permanent employee

Category: Design Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-05-29T13:25:34

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Bridging the gap between creative vision and technical feasibility for high-end retail projects, ensuring creative concepts are translated into executable designs.

• Driving the end-to-end design process for retail campaigns and window installations, from initial concept to final on-site execution.

• Managing the creation of technical documentation, including high-quality renders and precise CAD drawings, within defined budgets and timelines.

• Overseeing material selection, defining scalable construction standards, and ensuring quality control throughout the production and prototyping phases.

• Collaborating closely with Project Management, Production teams, and clients to ensure seamless project delivery and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role that blends design expertise with project management and technical production oversight. This is crucial for candidates to understand as it requires a blend of creative problem-solving and rigorous execution. The "operations" aspect comes from the systematic management of the design-to-production lifecycle, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to project constraints.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate creative briefs and concepts into detailed technical drawings, CAD models (Rhino), and high-quality renders (KeyShot/Enscape) for retail campaigns and window installations.

• Develop production-ready documentation, ensuring all technical specifications, material choices, and construction standards are clearly defined and feasible within project timelines and budgets.

• Drive material selection processes, with a focus on wood, metal, and sustainable options, establishing scalable and cost-effective construction standards.

• Act as the primary quality control point for production sheets and prototypes, providing technical guidance and feedback to external production partners and internal prototyping teams.

• Facilitate close collaboration and communication between Design, Project Management, Production, and client stakeholders to ensure alignment and smooth project progression.

• Conduct on-site visits across Europe to assess technical possibilities, oversee installations of window displays, and manage in-store activations.

• Proactively explore and integrate AI solutions into the design process to enhance efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to technical design execution and production oversight, rather than purely strategic design leadership. The emphasis on "production-ready documents," "material selection," "quality control for production sheets and prototypes," and "technical guidance to production partners" underscores the operational execution required.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Rhino for 3D modeling and technical drawing.

• Expertise in KeyShot or Enscape for high-quality rendering.

• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite for design and presentation.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite for documentation and communication.

• Deep knowledge of materials (wood, metal, sustainable options) and manufacturing methods.

• Proven ability to create precise technical drawings and production-ready documents.

• Experience in quality control for production sheets and prototypes.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of German, Dutch, or French.

• Familiarity with AI solutions in the design process.

• Experience with project management methodologies.

• Understanding of budget and timeline management in a project context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "5+ years of professional experience" and specific software expertise ("expert in Rhino and KeyShot/Enscape") positions this role as a senior individual contributor or team lead. The requirement for deep knowledge of materials and manufacturing methods is critical for bridging design and production.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex projects demonstrating the full design lifecycle from concept to execution for retail campaigns or window installations.

• Include high-quality renders and precise technical drawings (CAD/Rhino) that clearly illustrate design intent and manufacturing feasibility.

• Highlight specific examples of material selection, detailing the rationale behind choices, including sustainable options.

• Demonstrate experience with prototyping and quality control, with visual evidence of prototypes or production sheets.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of production-ready documents, technical specifications, and construction standards you have developed.

• Include case studies that illustrate your approach to quality control and technical guidance for production partners.

• Showcase your workflow for translating creative briefs into technical designs, emphasizing problem-solving and feasibility assessments.

• If possible, include examples of how you've integrated new technologies or materials into a design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this nature, a portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond aesthetics to prove technical competence, production understanding, and project execution capabilities. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects in a production-oriented environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Inclusion and Diversity Culture: A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where uniqueness is celebrated and promoted.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Engagement with innovative solutions and a "Green Board" to drive sustainability in the workplace and client projects.

• International Networking: Opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues across LIGANOVA's offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Amsterdam, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

• Professional Development: Potential for growth within a growing international company.

• On-site Collaboration: Direct engagement with a talented team in a vibrant Amsterdam office.

Working Hours:

• The role is based on a standard full-time employment contract, typically involving approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, LIGANOVA values a supportive work environment, and specific arrangements regarding flexibility within the on-site context may be discussed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation provided is based on general market data for similar roles in Amsterdam, considering the specified experience level and industry. Actual compensation will be determined by LIGANOVA GmbH. The benefits highlight the company's emphasis on culture, sustainability, and international collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: High-end retail experiences, visual merchandising, and brand activations. LIGANOVA specializes in translating brand visions into tangible, impactful physical spaces and installations for luxury and premium brands. This requires a deep understanding of brand aesthetics, material innovation, and production excellence.

Company Size: LIGANOVA operates with multiple international offices (HQ in Stuttgart, plus Berlin and Amsterdam branches), suggesting a medium-to-large enterprise structure with established processes but maintaining a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. This size allows for significant project scope while retaining agility.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided, the company's established presence across multiple key European cities indicates a history of growth and successful project delivery in the competitive luxury retail sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely comprises specialists in various design disciplines, including industrial design, graphic design, and spatial design.

• The Senior Design Manager will report into a Head of Design or a similar leadership role within the Amsterdam or European operations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Using client briefs, brand guidelines, and market insights to inform design decisions.

• Process Optimization: Developing and refining workflows from conceptualization to final installation to ensure efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Material Innovation: Continuously exploring new materials and sustainable options that meet aesthetic and functional requirements.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Fostering strong communication and collaboration between creative, technical, and project management functions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: LIGANOVA's focus on high-end retail and brand experiences implies a culture that values precision, aesthetic excellence, and strong client relationships. The "Green Mindset" and "Diversity & People" aspects suggest a modern, forward-thinking company culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, indicating a significant level of autonomy and responsibility. It requires not only design expertise but also the ability to manage complex technical projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute to process improvements. The scope involves managing projects from inception to completion, including on-site execution across Europe.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Design, Head of Operations, or a similar senior leadership position within the Amsterdam office or the broader European structure. This reporting line will offer exposure to senior management and strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the client's brand perception and retail success. By ensuring technical feasibility, high-quality execution, and adherence to project constraints, the Design Manager contributes significantly to the successful delivery of brand experiences, ultimately influencing client satisfaction and LIGANOVA's reputation in the luxury retail market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a lead design role, managing larger teams or specific client accounts.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable materials, advanced fabrication techniques, or emerging retail technologies.

• International Exposure: Further involvement in projects across different European markets, enhancing global project management skills.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to the refinement of LIGANOVA's design-to-production workflows and operational strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the broad responsibilities suggest opportunities for career progression into leadership roles or specialized technical expert positions within LIGANOVA's expanding international operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as an "on-site" position in Amsterdam. This indicates a physical office environment designed for collaborative work, likely featuring design studios, meeting rooms, and potentially prototyping or sample areas.

Office Location(s): Keizersgracht 477D, 1017 DL Amsterdam, Netherlands. This central Amsterdam location suggests a professional and accessible workspace, likely integrated into the city's business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration means the workspace is designed to facilitate interaction between Design, Project Management, and Production teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Rhino, KeyShot, Adobe Suite) and potentially physical resources for material exploration and prototyping.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions, fostering a dynamic creative and technical exchange.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, aligning with standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While on-site, the company culture may offer some flexibility in daily scheduling, but consistent presence is expected for effective collaboration and project oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a prime Amsterdam location suggests a highly professional and integrated work environment, emphasizing collaboration and access to resources necessary for detailed design and project management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess technical skills, experience alignment, and overall fit.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your proficiency with Rhino, KeyShot/Enscape, CAD, material knowledge, and prototyping experience. Expect questions about specific projects and technical challenges you've overcome.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present selected projects from your portfolio. Focus on demonstrating your design process, technical problem-solving, material selection rationale, and production oversight. Be prepared to discuss budget and timeline management.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with potential team members and hiring managers to assess your collaborative style, problem-solving approach, and alignment with LIGANOVA's values (diversity, sustainability, internationality).

• On-Site Visit/Final Interview: Potentially a visit to the Amsterdam office to experience the environment and meet key stakeholders, followed by a final discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Technical Depth: Prioritize projects that clearly display your technical drawing skills, CAD proficiency, and understanding of manufacturing processes.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: For each project, articulate the challenges faced (technical, material, budget, time) and how you devised and implemented solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or specific outcomes to demonstrate the success of your designs and execution (e.g., project completion within budget, successful installation despite complex site conditions).

• Explain Material Choices: Detail your reasoning for selecting specific materials, including sustainability aspects and production feasibility.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure renders are high-quality and technical drawings are precise and easy to interpret.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case studies or design challenges that require you to translate a creative brief into a technical concept or propose solutions for a given retail scenario.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client or production team.

• Familiarize yourself with LIGANOVA's recent projects and their brand aesthetic to tailor your examples and responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both creative and technical capabilities, as well as the candidate's ability to manage projects from concept to on-site implementation. A strong, technically focused portfolio is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling & Technical Drawing: Rhino (Expert proficiency required).

• Rendering: KeyShot or Enscape (Expert proficiency required).

• Design & Graphics: Adobe Creative Suite (Strong command).

• Productivity: Microsoft Office Suite (Proficient).

• Emerging Technologies: Openness to AI solutions in the design process.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified for this role, but familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) or CRM systems used for client communication and project tracking could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Rhino and KeyShot/Enscape signifies a need for highly specialized 3D design and visualization skills critical for high-end retail projects. The mention of AI solutions points to a forward-thinking approach to design technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound designs and flawless execution in the high-end retail space.

• Innovation & Sustainability: Driving creative solutions with a focus on material innovation and environmental responsibility, as evidenced by the "Green Mindset" initiative.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and inclusive team environment where ideas are shared freely and unique perspectives are valued, as per "Diversity & People."

• Pragmatism & Solution-Orientation: A hands-on, problem-solving approach to challenges, staying calm under pressure and finding practical solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with Project Management, Production, and Client teams to ensure cohesive project delivery.

• Technical Guidance: Providing clear, constructive technical feedback and support to production partners and internal teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue and active listening to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned.

• On-Site Teamwork: Participating actively in on-site installations, working collaboratively with local teams and clients to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: LIGANOVA's values emphasize a blend of creative excellence, technical rigor, and a collaborative, inclusive culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and collaboration style align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating ambitious creative concepts into feasible, budget-conscious, and producible designs for high-end retail.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Coordinating effectively with clients, internal teams, and external production partners across different geographies and disciplines.

• On-Site Execution Complexity: Overseeing installations across Europe, which may involve logistical challenges, differing site conditions, and time-sensitive requirements.

• Material and Production Innovation: Staying abreast of new materials and manufacturing techniques while ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Deepening expertise in Rhino, rendering software, and potentially exploring parametric design or generative design tools.

• Sustainability in Design: Expanding knowledge of eco-friendly materials and sustainable production practices relevant to the retail sector.

• International Project Management: Gaining experience managing complex projects in various European markets, understanding local regulations and logistics.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to the development of LIGANOVA's design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing complex, high-stakes retail projects. Growth opportunities are tied to expanding technical skills, project scope, and leadership within an international context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a highly conceptual creative brief into a technically viable design for a retail installation. What were the key challenges and your approach to solving them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and technical feasibility).

• "How do you ensure quality control when working with external production partners? Can you provide an example of a situation where your technical guidance was crucial?" (Highlight attention to detail, communication, and quality assurance).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LIGANOVA's focus on high-end retail experiences and sustainability?" (Show research and alignment with company values).

• "How do you contribute to a diverse and inclusive team environment?" (Reflect on personal values and collaborative approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the brief, your role, the challenges, your process (concept, technical development, material selection, production oversight), and the outcome.

• Emphasize Technical Drawings: Dedicate time to explaining your CAD drawings, demonstrating precision and understanding of manufacturing requirements.

• Showcase Material Insights: Discuss the rationale behind material choices, including any innovative or sustainable options explored.

• Detail Production & Quality Control: Explain your involvement in prototyping, quality checks, and how you guided production partners.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific technical aspects, software usage, and problem-solving scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the design-to-production lifecycle, technical proficiency, and the ability to manage complex projects within a high-end retail context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this (Senior) Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the LIGANOVA careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects that demonstrate your expertise in 3D design, technical drawing (CAD/Rhino), rendering (KeyShot/Enscape), material selection, and production oversight for retail campaigns or window installations. Include at least one project that highlights your experience with sustainable materials or innovative production methods.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of relevant experience, specific software proficiencies (Rhino, KeyShot, Adobe Suite), and accomplishments in technical production and project management within the design field. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical problem-solving skills, and experience with project management and quality control. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to collaboration, innovation, and handling pressure. Be ready to present your portfolio with confidence and clarity.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with LIGANOVA's portfolio of work, their approach to sustainability, and their company culture. Understand their position in the high-end retail market and how your skills can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.