Store Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Store Design Manager

Company: TJX Companies

Location: Mascot, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Store Design & Development

Date Posted: 06 May 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end store design workflow, ensuring seamless project progression from conceptualization through to construction completion within a fast-paced retail environment.

• Lead and coordinate a dedicated internal team and external consultants, fostering a high-performance culture focused on achieving project milestones and compliance.

• Manage critical design documentation, including tender and construction drawings, with a strong emphasis on adherence to the Building Code of Australia, PCA requirements, and Fire Engineering standards.

• Drive the overall design documentation information flow with all key external vendors and consultants, ensuring timely and accurate development of tender documents for optimal project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Property Team, indicating a focus on the physical retail footprint and its strategic development. The emphasis on "working in the grey" and "balancing priorities" suggests a need for adaptability and strong problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment, typical of the retail sector's rapid project cycles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and manage the complete store design workflow, meticulously tracking and ensuring all project milestones are met within compressed timelines.

• Lead, mentor, and coordinate a small internal team of designers, alongside external consultants, to achieve project objectives and maintain high-quality design output.

• Manage the creation and review of tender, preliminary design, and construction drawings, ensuring strict compliance with the relevant Federal Enterprise Regulations (FER), Building Code of Australia (BCA), and PCA (Property Council of Australia) requirements.

• Oversee the comprehensive flow of design documentation information, ensuring clear and efficient communication with all key external vendors and consultants involved in the tender document preparation process.

• Drive the drawing sign-off process, collaborating closely with Property, Retail Design, Construction departments, and other critical internal business stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely approvals.

• Champion and manage the PCA authority review and approval process, including the meticulous preparation of documentation, handling updates, and managing resubmissions to ensure compliance and project continuity.

• Maintain and manage a Key Dates Planner, proactively keeping the business informed and aligned to ensure all project phases stay on track and on schedule.

• Serve as a central point of contact and key stakeholder across the organization, fostering strong partnerships with Store Operations, Marketing, IT, Loss Prevention, and external vendors to ensure integrated project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, project management, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on "end-to-end design workflow" and "managing design documentation information flow" indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and robust process management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree or diploma in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field is generally expected for a Managerial role of this nature.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in an in-house retail design environment or a comparable role managing complex design projects. Proven track record in managing multiple design and documentation streams concurrently is essential.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in an in-house retail design or similar end-to-end project management environment.

• Proven ability to manage multiple design and documentation streams simultaneously, effectively prioritizing and executing tasks.

• Strong, practical knowledge of PCA processes, Fire Engineering principles, the Building Code of Australia (BCA), and all relevant compliance requirements.

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience working with AutoCAD, Revit, or other 2D/3D design software; proficiency in Revit software is a mandatory requirement.

• Emerging people leadership capability, with a demonstrated confidence in guiding and directing designers and consultants.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with international retail design standards and best practices.

• Familiarity with project management software beyond basic planning tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, MS Project).

• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and their application in retail environments.

• Experience in the off-price retail sector, understanding its unique operational and design considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in Revit, alongside AutoCAD, and specific knowledge of Australian building codes and PCA processes, strongly suggests this role is deeply technical and requires localized expertise. The "emerging people leadership" aspect indicates a candidate who can grow into a more formal leadership role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing end-to-end management of retail store design projects, from initial concept to final construction documentation.

• Include case studies that clearly illustrate your ability to manage multiple design streams simultaneously and deliver projects against compressed timelines.

• Highlight examples of your work in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, such as the Building Code of Australia and PCA standards, with clear documentation of approvals.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of your process for managing design workflow, including how you track milestones, dependencies, and potential bottlenecks.

• Illustrate your methods for coordinating internal teams and external consultants, ensuring clear communication and accountability throughout the design lifecycle.

• Demonstrate your approach to managing the tender and construction drawing sign-off process, including stakeholder engagement and feedback incorporation.

• Showcase how you approach regulatory review processes, such as PCA authority submissions, including documentation management and resubmission strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, the nature of the role demands demonstrable experience. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their project management methodologies, design process documentation, and how they've managed compliance and stakeholder engagement in previous roles during interviews.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Store Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Sydney/New South Wales, Australia, the estimated salary range is AUD $100,000 - $140,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in Sydney, the responsibilities of managing a team and complex projects, and TJX's status as a large, international retail organization.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A strong base salary reflecting the experience and responsibilities of the role.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Typically includes health insurance, dental, and vision coverage, with potential for additional employee assistance programs.

• Opportunities for Growth and Development: Access to professional development programs, training, and potential for career advancement within TJX Australia and globally.

• Recognition Programs: Formal and informal recognition for contributions to project success and team achievements.

• Employee Discount: Potential for an employee discount on TJX brands.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 38-40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines and critical stakeholder interactions. Flexibility may be offered based on individual needs and business requirements, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on data from Australian job boards (e.g., Seek, Indeed Australia), industry salary surveys for retail management and design roles, and general cost-of-living data for Sydney. The specific package will be determined by the candidate's experience and qualifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: TJX Australia operates within the competitive retail sector, specifically as a leading off-price retailer. This industry context implies a focus on value, speed-to-market, and efficient operational processes to deliver competitive pricing to consumers.

Company Size: TJX Companies is a Fortune 100 company, indicating a large, established, and globally recognized organization. TJX Australia, as a subsidiary, benefits from this scale while maintaining a local operational focus. This means access to significant resources and established corporate structures, but also the need to navigate internal processes.

Founded: TJX Companies was founded in 1956, with TJX Australia operating under the TK Maxx brand. This long history suggests a stable company with a proven business model and a deep understanding of the retail market.

Team Structure:

• The Store Design Manager will be part of the Property Team, which likely includes other property development, facilities management, and construction professionals.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a Head of Property, Director of Retail Development, or a similar senior role within the Australian operations.

Methodology:

• Data analysis will likely inform design decisions, especially regarding store layout, customer flow, and product placement effectiveness, though the primary focus here is on design execution.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be crucial for managing the end-to-end design process efficiently, ensuring adherence to schedules and budgets.

• Automation and efficiency practices within design documentation and approval processes will be key to managing the volume of work and maintaining competitive project delivery times.

Company Website: https://www.tjx.com/ and https://jobs.tjx.com/global/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's off-price model suggests a culture that values efficiency, resourcefulness, and a pragmatic approach to design and project execution. The global nature of TJX means that while local Australian regulations are paramount, there may be global design standards or best practices to consider.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a management position, overseeing a critical function within the Property Team. It requires a blend of technical expertise in store design and regulatory compliance, coupled with leadership and project management skills. It sits at an intermediate to senior management level within the operations and property development function.

Reporting Structure: The Store Design Manager will report into a senior leader within the Property or Retail Development function. They will, in turn, lead a small team of internal designers and manage external consultants, requiring strong delegation and team management skills.

Operations Impact: The Store Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on the company's physical presence and brand representation. Effective store design enhances customer experience, drives foot traffic, optimizes product display, and ultimately contributes to sales performance and brand perception. Efficient project management in this area also directly impacts capital expenditure and return on investment for new store openings and renovations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Management: Potential to advance to roles such as Head of Store Design, Director of Retail Development, or Senior Manager of Property Operations, overseeing larger teams and broader strategic initiatives.

• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like sustainable retail design, advanced architectural software, or international retail compliance.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Exposure to various business units can lead to opportunities in broader retail operations, project management, or even merchandising strategy roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established retail organization. The combination of technical and leadership responsibilities provides a strong foundation for future growth in operations and property management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based at TJX Australia's Home Office in Mascot, NSW. The environment is expected to be a professional corporate office setting.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at Level 5, 189 O'Riordan Street, Mascot, NSW 2020, Australia. Mascot is a well-connected commercial hub in Sydney, offering accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with team members, designers, consultants, and internal stakeholders from various departments.

• Access to standard office technology, design software (Revit, AutoCAD), and potentially project management tools will be provided.

• Opportunities for team interaction will be abundant, fostering a culture of shared problem-solving and collective achievement within the Property Team and across the organization.

Work Schedule: The role adheres to standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While the core hours are fixed, the fast-paced nature of retail project management may necessitate flexibility to meet critical deadlines and respond to urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, site visits (though not explicitly mentioned, typical for this role), and direct team management. The Mascot location provides a central base for operations within the Sydney metropolitan area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and potentially a brief phone screening to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager or a senior member of the Property Team. This stage will focus on your experience in retail design, project management, technical skills (Revit, AutoCAD, BCA/PCA knowledge), and leadership approach. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: This may involve a dedicated session to review your portfolio (or discuss specific case studies if a formal portfolio isn't possible). You'll be expected to articulate your design process, problem-solving strategies, and how you've managed complex projects.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader (e.g., Director of Retail Development). This stage assesses cultural fit, strategic thinking, and your overall alignment with TJX's values and business objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 of your most relevant and impactful retail design projects, ideally showcasing end-to-end management.

• Focus on Process: For each project, detail the design brief, your role, the challenges faced, your problem-solving approach, the design solutions implemented, and the final outcome (e.g., project completion, compliance achieved, impact on store performance).

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Clearly demonstrate your skills in Revit and AutoCAD, showing complex drawing sets, 3D models, and how they informed construction.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics related to project timelines, budget adherence, regulatory approvals, or any efficiency gains achieved through your design process.

• Tailor to TJX: Emphasize any experience with similar retail environments, off-price models, or Australian regulatory frameworks.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for scenario-based questions related to managing conflicting priorities, dealing with difficult stakeholders, or resolving technical design challenges under pressure.

• Prepare to discuss how you would manage the design workflow for a new store opening in a tight timeframe, incorporating regulatory requirements.

• Practice articulating your leadership style and how you would motivate and guide a design team and external consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on both technical acumen and leadership potential. A strong portfolio or well-prepared case studies are critical for demonstrating practical experience and problem-solving capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Mandatory proficiency for architectural design, modeling, and documentation. Expected to be used for creating detailed 3D models, construction drawings, and potentially for clash detection.

• AutoCAD: Required for 2D drafting and design, often used for detailed plans, elevations, and specific technical drawings.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for general productivity, including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking (e.g., Key Dates Planner), and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, tools for tracking project progress, managing documentation versions, and reporting on key dates will be utilized. This could include project management software or internal reporting systems.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly stated as a primary tool for this role, but understanding how store design integrates with broader retail operations and potentially CRM data (e.g., customer flow analysis) could be advantageous.

• Any tools used for workflow automation within the design or approval process would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools in detail, including specific project applications and how they leverage them for efficient design and documentation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Reflecting the off-price model, TJX likely values a culture that maximizes resources and achieves results efficiently. This means a pragmatic approach to design and project execution, focusing on value and impact.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The emphasis on cross-functional partnerships and leading internal/external teams highlights the importance of strong collaboration skills. Success will depend on working effectively with diverse groups.

• Agility & Adaptability: The "working in the grey" and "compressed project schedules" indicate a need for a flexible and adaptable mindset, comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking ownership of the end-to-end design workflow and driving processes to completion is a key expectation.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Essential for managing information flow between design teams, consultants, and internal stakeholders. Regular updates and clear articulation of needs and challenges will be crucial.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires actively engaging with departments like Store Operations, Marketing, and IT to ensure designs meet operational needs, brand standards, and technological requirements.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to foster continuous improvement and optimize outcomes.

• Shared Goal Orientation: Focusing on collective success for store openings and renovations, ensuring all parties are aligned towards common objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: TJX's culture likely embraces a practical, results-oriented approach, valuing individuals who can collaborate effectively and adapt to the dynamic pace of the retail industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Juggling numerous design projects with varying deadlines and stakeholder requirements simultaneously.

• Navigating Regulatory Complexities: Ensuring strict adherence to the Building Code of Australia, PCA requirements, and Fire Engineering standards across all designs.

• Managing External Consultants: Effectively directing and motivating external design partners to meet project objectives, quality standards, and timelines.

• Adapting to Evolving Retail Trends: Keeping store designs relevant and appealing in a rapidly changing retail landscape while maintaining brand consistency.

• Driving Change and Adoption: Influencing stakeholders and implementing new design approaches or technologies within established processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Deepening expertise in Revit and exploring other advanced architectural or visualization tools.

• Regulatory Updates & Compliance: Staying abreast of changes in building codes, safety regulations, and planning requirements through professional development.

• Leadership Skills Development: Opportunities to enhance people management, negotiation, and strategic planning skills through internal programs or external courses.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gaining insights into different facets of the retail business, such as operations, marketing, or merchandising, to inform design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges in project and stakeholder management, but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth in both technical and leadership capacities within a major retail organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing the end-to-end design workflow for a new retail store from concept to construction. What are the key milestones and how do you ensure they are met?" (Focus on process, project management, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with regulations like the Building Code of Australia and PCA requirements when managing design documentation? Can you provide an example of a challenge you faced and how you resolved it?" (Focus on technical knowledge, problem-solving, and regulatory expertise.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about TJX Australia and our off-price retail model? How do you think this influences our store design approach?" (Demonstrate research on the company's business model and its implications.)

• "How do you approach working with diverse internal stakeholders (e.g., Store Operations, Marketing, IT) to ensure their needs are met in your designs?" (Focus on collaboration, communication, and understanding business needs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the challenges, your solutions (design choices and process), and the results.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Use visuals from your Revit/AutoCAD work to illustrate your design capabilities and attention to detail. Explain how these tools aided your process.

• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, present data on project timelines, budget adherence, or any measurable improvements resulting from your designs.

• Emphasize Process: Detail your workflow for managing documentation, approvals, and stakeholder communication, as this is a key responsibility.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle design compromises, and how you measure the success of a store design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to showcase not only their design skills but also their project management acumen, regulatory knowledge, and ability to lead teams and collaborate effectively within a fast-paced retail environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Store Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the TJX Companies careers portal via the provided job URL.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience in retail design, project management, and regulatory compliance (BCA, PCA). Ensure keywords like "Revit," "AutoCAD," "Store Design," "Project Management," and "Stakeholder Management" are prominently featured. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio/Case Studies: Select 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end design workflow management, technical proficiency (Revit/AutoCAD), and successful navigation of regulatory requirements. Be ready to walk through these in detail.

• Research TJX Australia: Understand their brand (TK Maxx), their off-price model, and their market position in Australia. Consider how this might influence design decisions.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions focusing on leadership, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and your technical expertise in store design and compliance.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding salary ranges and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization.