(Senior) Design Manager (all genders)

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: LIGANOVA I Karriere

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Job Type: Permanent employee

Category: Design Management / Retail Design Operations

Date Posted: May 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role bridges the critical gap between creative vision and technical execution for high-end retail projects, focusing on strategic design implementation and operational feasibility.

• Responsibilities include translating creative briefs into tangible retail campaigns, window installations, and in-store activations with a strong emphasis on technical drawing and production readiness.

• It requires deep expertise in material selection, definition of scalable construction standards, and quality control throughout the prototyping and production phases.

• The position involves close collaboration with Project Management, Production teams, and clients to ensure seamless workflow and successful on-site installations across Europe.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Manager," has significant operational responsibilities akin to a GTM or Retail Operations role, focusing on the execution, production, and logistical aspects of design projects. The emphasis on technical feasibility, production standards, and on-site installation management positions it within an operational framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate creative briefings into detailed retail campaigns, window installations, and in-store activations, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and client objectives.

• Develop high-quality 3D renders, precise technical drawings (CAD/Rhino), and production-ready documents, adhering to budget constraints and project timelines.

• Drive material selection processes, prioritizing wood, metal, and sustainable options, while defining feasible and scalable construction standards for mass production.

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

• Foster close collaboration with Project Management, Production departments, and clients to ensure a fluid and efficient workflow from initial design concepts through to final on-site set-up.

• Conduct on-site visits to assess technical possibilities and oversee the installation of window displays and in-store activations across various European locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on the operational execution of design projects, including technical documentation, production oversight, and on-site logistics, which are core to retail operations and GTM execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree in Product/Industrial Design, Architecture, Engineering, Theatre/Stage Construction, or a related technical design field.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in 3D design, retail design, or exhibition design, with a proven track record in prototyping and technical production.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in 3D modeling software, specifically Rhino.

• Proficiency in rendering software such as KeyShot or Enscape.

• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Microsoft Office Suite.

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

• Experience in creating precise technical drawings (CAD) and production-ready documents.

• Proven ability in prototyping and quality control for production.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with AI solutions in the design process.

• Knowledge of German, Dutch, or French language.

• Experience with theatre/stage construction or complex exhibition builds.

• Project management skills related to design implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills and practical production knowledge, crucial for an operational role that ensures creative designs are manufacturable and installable within defined parameters.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse retail or exhibition projects that demonstrate your ability to translate creative briefs into technical realities.

• Include examples of high-quality 3D renders and detailed technical drawings (CAD/Rhino files are a plus) for at least two projects.

• Present case studies that clearly outline your process for material selection, construction standard definition, and problem-solving during prototyping or production.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of your workflow for developing production-ready documents, detailing the steps from concept