VM Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: VM Design Manager

Company: Richemont (Delvaux)

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Visual Merchandising / Retail Design Operations

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute innovative visual merchandising strategies that align with Richemont's luxury brand identity, specifically for the Delvaux Maison.

• Drive creative concept development for global events, retail activations, and window displays, ensuring artistic vision and brand DNA are consistently represented.

• Manage the end-to-end process of visual merchandising initiatives, from initial concept and 3D design to technical planning and supplier coordination.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration with various regional and HQ teams to ensure seamless implementation of VM guidelines and maintain brand consistency across all client touchpoints.

• Proactively build a portfolio of actionable ideas to enhance reactivity and minimize urgent development cycles, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the luxury goods sector, specifically for Delvaux, a historical fine leather goods house. The focus is on translating brand heritage and "Architecte du cuir" positioning into compelling visual experiences. While not a traditional revenue or sales operations role, it heavily influences customer perception and desirability, directly impacting sales through visual appeal and retail experience optimization. The emphasis on process, planning, and cross-functional alignment aligns with operational excellence principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic definition of visual merchandising (VM) plans in alignment with Delvaux's core brand identity and heritage.

• Design and develop robust creative concepts for events and retail activations, including mood boards, scenographies, and overarching artistic directions that embody the "Architecte du cuir" positioning.

• Conceive and create innovative, differentiating window display designs, integrating artistic inspirations and potential collaborations to enhance product desirability and brand allure.

• Produce detailed 3D files, technical plans, and presentations for external suppliers, and effectively brief and oversee the development of hoarding and graphic assets required for activations.

• Collaborate closely with production teams to ensure the practical feasibility of creative concepts and their accurate translation into tangible execution.

• Proactively propose new concepts and cultivate a comprehensive portfolio of actionable ideas to support future projects, improve operational responsiveness, and reduce the need for last-minute developments.

• Liaise with various regional and HQ teams to prepare and disseminate clear Visual Merchandising (VM) Guidelines, ensuring consistent brand messaging and alignment across all markets.

• Oversee the consistent and appealing presentation of Delvaux products across all client-facing touchpoints, including Point of Sale (POS), showrooms, and pop-up stores.

• Define and manage a coherent VM calendar, ensuring synchronization with broader communication and commercial planning cycles.

• Strictly adhere to and manage project timelines, ensuring all VM initiatives are delivered on schedule.

• Provide creative and technical management for store openings, events, pop-up installations, exhibitions, and other in-door/out-door activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on strategic planning, creative execution, and operational project management. Key operations-oriented tasks include calendar synchronization, strict timeline adherence, supplier management, and cross-functional alignment, all critical for successful GTM execution through physical retail experiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Visual Merchandising, Architecture, Art History, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this caliber. A Master's degree or specialized certifications in luxury brand management or visual design would be advantageous.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience within the retail and luxury sector.

• At least 5 years of dedicated experience in a visual identity or visual merchandising management position.

• Proven track record of successfully managing international projects from concept to execution. Required Skills:

• Visual Merchandising Strategy: Ability to define and implement overarching VM strategies aligned with brand positioning.

• Creative Concept Development: Strong artistic vision and ability to translate brand DNA into compelling visual narratives and mood boards.

• Project Management: Exceptional organizational and planning skills to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.

• Luxury Retail Acumen: Deep understanding of the luxury market, customer expectations, and brand presentation within high-end retail environments.

• Scenography & Spatial Design: Proficiency in designing engaging physical spaces and installations that enhance product visibility and customer experience.

• 3D Design & Technical Drawing: Competence in producing 3D files and technical plans for production and supplier briefs.

• Brand Identity Management: Ability to meticulously maintain and elevate a luxury brand's image and DNA across all visual touchpoints.

• Retail Marketing Integration: Understanding of how VM contributes to broader retail marketing campaigns and commercial objectives.

• Event Planning & Execution: Experience in conceptualizing and managing the visual aspects of events and activations.

• Artistic Direction: Capacity to guide creative output and ensure aesthetic coherence and high quality.

Preferred Skills:

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams (e.g., marketing, commercial, production, regional offices).

• Supplier Management: Experience in briefing, managing, and evaluating external production partners.

• Budget Management: Skill in managing project budgets and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

• Proficiency in Design Software: Advanced skills in relevant 3D modeling, CAD, or graphic design software (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite).

• Team Leadership/Management: Experience in leading direct reports or managing transversal project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (10+ years, with 5+ in a specialized role) indicates a senior-level position requiring strategic input and proven execution capabilities. The emphasis on luxury retail, brand identity, and creative vision points towards a role that requires not just technical design skills but also a deep understanding of brand storytelling and customer engagement in a high-end context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Merchandising Case Studies: Showcase examples of end-to-end VM projects, from initial concept ideation and mood boards to final execution and impact assessment.

• Event & Activation Designs: Present detailed concepts for retail activations and events, including spatial layouts, material specifications, and key visual elements.

• Window Display Concepts: Highlight innovative window display designs, demonstrating creative problem-solving, artistic inspiration, and product integration.

• Technical Deliverables: Include samples of 3D renderings, technical drawings, or production-ready plans that illustrate precision and attention to detail.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Demonstrate how you have maintained and elevated brand identity across various visual touchpoints and markets.

• Process Documentation Examples: Showcase any process documentation or VM guidelines you have developed, demonstrating clarity and comprehensive communication.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of creating structured workflows for VM project management, from brief to execution, with a focus on efficiency and clear roles.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how you have managed the implementation of VM concepts, potentially including processes for ensuring consistency across multiple locations or leveraging technology for planning.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Although not explicitly stated, demonstrating an understanding of how to measure the impact of VM initiatives (e.g., foot traffic, sales uplift in featured areas) would be highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating a blend of creative vision and rigorous operational execution is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their projects, explaining the strategic rationale, creative process, technical considerations, and the outcomes achieved. The ability to articulate how they managed timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (10+ years, with 5+ in a specialized role), the seniority of the position within a luxury brand like Delvaux (Richemont), and the location in Brussels, Belgium, the estimated annual salary range for a VM Design Manager would typically fall between €75,000 and €100,000 gross per year. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for senior design and retail management roles in Western Europe, considering the specialized nature of luxury VM and the responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.

• Pension Scheme: Contribution towards retirement savings.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave allowance, public holidays, and potential for additional days based on tenure.

• Employee Discount: Significant discounts on Delvaux and other Richemont brand products.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and attendance at industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends in visual merchandising and luxury retail.

• Travel Opportunities: Potential for international travel for global project oversight and collaboration.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for discretionary bonuses based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment in Belgium. However, given the nature of event planning and project deadlines, there may be an expectation for flexibility, with occasional longer hours required during peak periods, store openings, or event installations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on general market data for senior roles in luxury retail design and management in Western Europe and specifically Belgium. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for senior positions in multinational luxury groups.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Goods, Fashion, Leather Goods. Richemont is a global luxury group that owns some of the world's foremost companies in the jewellery and watchmaking sectors, as well as luxury goods and accessories. Delvaux, as part of Richemont, upholds the highest standards of craftsmanship, exclusivity, and heritage.

Company Size: Richemont is a large, publicly traded multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. Delvaux, while a historic brand, operates within this substantial group, benefiting from its resources while maintaining its distinct identity. The VM Design Manager role likely sits within a dedicated team at the Delvaux HQ, with potential for interaction with various Richemont divisions.

Founded: Delvaux was founded in Brussels in 1829, predating the establishment of the Kingdom of Belgium itself. This long history signifies a deep-rooted heritage of craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to timeless luxury.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The VM Design Manager reports to the Head of Retail Marketing & Events.

This suggests a team structure focused on driving commercial success through strategic marketing and impactful retail experiences.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with various teams, including:

  • Commercial Teams: To align VM with sales objectives and product launches.
  • Marketing & Communications: To ensure consistent brand messaging and campaign integration.
  • Production & Operations: To ensure feasibility and quality of execution.
  • Regional Retail Teams: To disseminate guidelines and ensure consistent implementation globally.
  • Creative/Design Teams: For concept development and brand aesthetic alignment.

• Methodology: The approach is likely to be a blend of creative ideation and rigorous operational execution.

  • Data-driven Insights: While creativity is paramount, VM strategies should ideally be informed by retail performance data, customer feedback, and market trends.
  • Process Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on structured project management, calendar synchronization, and proactive planning to ensure efficiency and minimize urgent tasks.
  • Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging technology for design, planning, and communication (e.g., 3D modeling, project management tools) to streamline processes.

Company Website: https://www.richemont.com/ and https://delvaux.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for Delvaux within the Richemont group means operating in a high-stakes luxury environment where precision, quality, and brand integrity are paramount. The culture is likely to be sophisticated, detail-oriented, and focused on long-term brand value rather than short-term trends.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, likely categorized as a Manager or Senior Manager within the Visual Merchandising and Retail Marketing function. It requires significant autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to lead complex projects and influence stakeholders across different departments and geographies.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Head of Retail Marketing & Events. This position is likely part of a broader marketing or commercial operations umbrella within Delvaux. The reporting structure implies direct involvement in shaping the brand's physical presence and customer experience.

Operations Impact: The VM Design Manager's impact is critical to the customer journey and brand perception. By creating compelling visual narratives and immersive retail environments, this role directly influences:

• Customer Engagement: Attracting customers into stores and encouraging longer dwell times.

• Brand Desirability: Enhancing the perceived value and exclusivity of Delvaux products.

• Sales Performance: Driving product discovery and purchase decisions through effective visual merchandising.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified and premium experience across all global retail touchpoints.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance to Head of Visual Merchandising, Head of Retail Marketing, or similar leadership roles within Delvaux or other Richemont Maisons.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in luxury retail design, event staging, or sustainable VM practices.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader retail operations, brand management, or project management roles within Richemont.

• Global Exposure: Managing projects and collaborating with teams across various international markets, broadening global business acumen.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to the development of the VM function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career growth within the luxury sector, particularly for individuals passionate about bridging creative vision with operational excellence. The emphasis on international scope and direct impact on brand perception makes it a high-visibility position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a corporate office environment within Brussels, likely housing the headquarters or a significant regional office for Delvaux. This setting facilitates collaboration with HQ teams and strategic planning.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at Bd Louis Schmidt 7 in Brussels, Belgium. This location is accessible within the city, likely with good public transport links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is designed to foster teamwork and cross-functional interaction, essential for aligning VM strategies with marketing, commercial, and production teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to design software, project management tools, and potentially VR/AR tools for design visualization. The workspace will support the creation of technical plans and presentations.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports (if any), peers in marketing and commercial, and senior leadership. Opportunities for creative brainstorming sessions and project reviews.

Work Schedule: The primary work schedule is full-time, typically Monday to Friday. However, the dynamic nature of retail activations, store openings, and events may necessitate flexibility, with potential for weekend work or extended hours during critical project phases. This flexibility is often balanced with compensatory time off or an understanding of work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, hands-on involvement in design reviews, and direct interaction with teams responsible for the physical execution of VM strategies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on CV and portfolio relevance to luxury VM and project management.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/HR): Discussion of experience, motivation, and initial fit with the role and company culture.

• Creative/Technical Assessment: This may involve a case study presentation or a review of a detailed portfolio showcasing past projects. Candidates will be expected to articulate their design process, technical skills, and strategic thinking.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from marketing, commercial, and production teams to assess collaboration skills and cross-functional alignment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Retail Marketing & Events, or a Director) to discuss strategic vision and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best represent your skills in luxury VM, creative concept development, and operational execution.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the creative process, the technical challenges, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., impact on foot traffic, sales, brand perception).

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Emphasize how your designs are rooted in brand identity and heritage, particularly for luxury brands. For Delvaux, connect your work to their "Architecte du cuir" positioning.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples of 3D renderings, technical drawings, or mood boards that demonstrate your design capabilities and attention to detail.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your project management methodology, how you collaborate with teams and suppliers, and how you ensure timely and high-quality execution.

• Be Prepared for VM Guidelines: Have examples of VM guidelines you've created or worked with, demonstrating your understanding of clear communication for global deployment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Focus: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to develop a VM concept for a new product launch, a seasonal campaign, or a store opening. Focus on creativity, feasibility, brand alignment, and operational planning.

• Strategic Thinking: Articulate how your VM strategy supports broader commercial and marketing objectives.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate potential challenges (e.g., budget constraints, production delays, regional differences) and outline your mitigation strategies.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively, using visual aids effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both creative talent and practical operational capabilities. A strong portfolio that balances artistic vision with demonstrable project management skills and an understanding of the luxury retail environment will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Design Software: Proficiency in tools like SketchUp, Rhino, 3ds Max, or similar for creating 3D models of displays and store layouts.

• CAD Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar for producing technical drawings and plans for production.

• Graphic Design Software: Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating mood boards, presentations, and graphic assets.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or MS Project for planning, tracking, and collaborating on projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Presentation Software: Expertise in PowerPoint or Keynote for creating compelling visual presentations for stakeholders.

• Data Analysis Tools (Basic): Ability to interpret sales data, foot traffic reports, or customer feedback to inform VM strategies and demonstrate impact.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) Systems: May be used for managing product information and visual assets, though direct interaction might be limited.

• Internal Communication Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for daily team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements aren't listed, proficiency in industry-standard design and project management software is a given for a VM Design Manager. The ability to leverage technology for efficient design, planning, and communication is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A deep commitment to the highest standards of quality, precision, and execution, mirroring Delvaux's heritage of fine leather craftsmanship.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding the exclusivity, elegance, and heritage of the Delvaux brand in every visual output.

• Innovation & Creativity: Continuously seeking new and inspiring ways to present products and create engaging customer experiences within the luxury context.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Agility & Responsiveness: Maintaining the ability to adapt to market changes and respond proactively to new opportunities or challenges in the retail landscape.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with marketing, commercial, production, and regional teams to ensure VM strategies are aligned and effectively implemented.

• Process-Oriented: Valuing structured workflows, clear communication protocols, and detailed planning to ensure efficiency and consistency.

• Feedback Exchange: Encouraging open dialogue and constructive feedback to refine creative concepts and improve execution processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing best practices, market insights, and creative inspirations across teams to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Delvaux, influenced by Richemont, will likely be sophisticated, professional, and highly focused on brand values and quality. Candidates should demonstrate an appreciation for heritage, an eye for detail, and a collaborative spirit suited to a high-end luxury environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Feasibility: Developing innovative concepts that are also practical, cost-effective, and executable within production constraints and timelines.

• Maintaining Global Consistency: Ensuring brand aesthetic and VM standards are consistently applied across diverse international markets with varying retail spaces and local nuances.

• Rapidly Evolving Retail Landscape: Adapting VM strategies to incorporate digital integration, sustainability initiatives, and changing consumer behaviors in luxury retail.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively aligning the vision and needs of various internal departments (marketing, sales, product development) and external partners (suppliers, agencies).

• Measuring ROI: Quantifying the direct impact of visual merchandising on sales and brand perception in a way that satisfies business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Access to training on cutting-edge 3D modeling, VR/AR visualization, or sustainable design practices in VM.

• Luxury Brand Management: Opportunities to deepen understanding of luxury market dynamics, consumer psychology, and brand strategy.

• International Project Management: Gaining extensive experience in managing complex, global projects with diverse cultural considerations.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Developing leadership skills through managing teams and projects, with potential for formal mentorship programs.

• Industry Exposure: Attending major trade shows, design conferences, and retail innovation forums to stay ahead of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of art, commerce, and operations within the exclusive world of luxury. Success will hinge on adaptability, strategic foresight, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a VM concept that significantly enhanced product desirability or sales for a luxury brand. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on your strategic thinking, creative process, and ability to quantify impact.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across visual merchandising initiatives in multiple international markets, considering cultural differences and local retail constraints?" (Prepare to discuss your approach to guideline development, communication, and quality control.)

• "Walk us through your process for managing a complex VM project from concept to execution, including how you collaborate with production teams and suppliers." (Highlight your project management methodology, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to the Delvaux brand, and how do you see your vision aligning with our heritage and the 'Architecte du cuir' positioning?" (Research Delvaux's history, current collections, and brand philosophy thoroughly.)

• "How would you approach fostering collaboration between VM, marketing, and commercial teams to ensure cohesive retail experiences?" (Emphasize your communication style, stakeholder management, and understanding of cross-functional dependencies.)

• "How do you stay current with emerging trends in luxury retail, design, and visual merchandising, and how would you integrate these into Delvaux's strategy?" (Showcase your industry awareness and proactive learning approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your creative solution, the technical execution, and the outcome. Use a consistent format.

• Visual Excellence: Ensure your portfolio is visually stunning, reflecting the high standards of the luxury industry. Use high-quality images, renderings, and clear layouts.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data (sales uplift, foot traffic increase, social media engagement) to demonstrate the business impact of your VM work.

• Highlight Process: Be prepared to explain your design process, software proficiency, and how you manage project timelines and budgets.

• Tailor to Delvaux: Select projects that resonate with the Delvaux brand aesthetic and the specific requirements of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the luxury market, a refined creative vision, robust project management skills, and the ability to translate brand strategy into tangible, impactful retail experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this VM Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Richemont careers portal via the provided URL.

• Curate a compelling portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects in luxury retail VM, focusing on creative concept development, technical execution, and demonstrated impact. Ensure it highlights your ability to maintain brand integrity.

• Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of experience in retail/luxury, including at least 5 years in visual identity management, and highlight key skills like project management, creative direction, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Prepare a concise narrative for your portfolio and resume that articulates your understanding of the Delvaux brand and how your skills align with the role's requirements, particularly the "Architecte du cuir" positioning.

• Research Delvaux and Richemont thoroughly to understand their brand heritage, current market position, and values, preparing specific examples of how you can contribute to their continued 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.