Logo of Huzzle

Home

Matches

Explore

Manage

Find 55,000+ jobs, internships & events from 6,000+ top companies on Huzzle using AI

Senior Design Manager

image

Selfridges

27d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Design
  • London
  • 2d left

AI generated summary

  • You need strong design vision, project planning, retail knowledge, communication skills, coaching ability, resilience, CAD expertise, and innovative problem-solving for diverse projects.
  • You will manage design projects, develop strategic guidelines, oversee design teams, ensure quality compliance, lead presentations, and coordinate with stakeholders to maintain design integrity.

Requirements

  • Strategic design vision and planning
  • Strong and flexible design skillset with excellent project planning
  • Expert understanding of the retail and design landscape
  • Innovative, forward thinking, but with highly commercial approach – able to develop and implement new ideas in cost effective ways
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Excellent leadership, interpersonal and relationship skills
  • Coaching style of management and the ability to motivate others
  • Strong negotiator and influencer
  • Resilience and ability to work under pressure on many diverse projects
  • In depth knowledge of CAD and other design related packages
  • Experienced designer with passion for retail and innovation
  • Self-motivated leader
  • Ability to inspire and manage a team
  • Ability to manage and solve complex challenges
  • Excellent decision maker often under time pressure
  • Excellent presentation skills

Responsibilities

  • Informing, developing and implementing the Strategic Masterplans and the associated Design Guidelines
  • Ensuring the effective Design Management of all projects through the entire design, development and delivery process
  • Managing project requests from B&M taking them through feasibility studies where appropriate
  • Overseeing the development and maintenance of digital drawing data for all Selfridges’ sites
  • Effectively managing the internal and external design teams
  • Oversee and responsibility for the design delivery of categories dependant on scale, and manage team workflow and allocation
  • Manage and lead the Design Managers and Coordinators, through motivating, inspiring and mentoring the team
  • Work with the Lead Design Manager and Design Planning teams to aid in developing and delivering strategic retail Masterplan briefs and feasibilities for all stores
  • Lead presentations up to Exec level to drive decision making and support in unlocking change for future projects
  • Produce planning and delivery sequence and timeline
  • Assist in producing high level budget cost to support capital planning
  • Monitor competitors, and carry out industry research
  • Manage collation and production of strategic design guidelines, compartment design guidelines, project specific design guidelines and creation of temporary guidelines for refresh projects ensuring alignment throughout
  • Manage projects up to complex flagship brands with full strip out and build
  • Manage relevant design team members, with strong leadership and ownership skills
  • Lead for a number of high profile category projects, managing directly key category projects, with allocated projects delegated to design team
  • Run and lead a Masterplan scale project with full project team, and multiple business stakeholders
  • Coordinate production of retail briefs for all projects and ensure alignment with proposed plans
  • Lead brand design briefings as required, chaired by Project Manager
  • Manage the approval of brand shopfit projects through concept and detailed design stages
  • Manage business feedback and approval
  • Presentation of proposals to the Board for approval
  • Ensure projects adhere to Selfridges’ Masterplan and Store Guidelines
  • Ensure timely and sufficient design information is passed to Project Manager’s for the delivery phase
  • Work closely with the project management team to ensure design integrity is maintained at each stage of the design and delivery process
  • Participate in post-project reviews and design analysis
  • Manage creative consultants to ensure design solutions are developed in line with agreed cost parameters and project programmes
  • Ensure designs meet or exceed defined quality standards and compliance with requirements of legislation and/or external authorities
  • Ensure internal design approvals and financial sanctions are obtained at appropriate stages
  • Encourage design innovation and creativity
  • First point of contact for B&M on all new project requests
  • Carry out design feasibility studies with support from the delivery team (when appropriate)
  • Manage the planning and feasibility process for upcoming strategic projects, taking them to business approval, producing planning layouts, budget cost and draft timeline (with support from the delivery team)
  • Support shortlisting of architects for strategic projects (with Head/Lead Design, creative team) and provide supporting information for the briefing
  • Ability to lead design direction to drive and influence decision making
  • Work with the Lead Design Manager and Head of Design to manage, develop and coordinate the internal design team and their day to day workload
  • Monitor the performance and progress of the design team
  • Create and effectively lead internal and external consultant teams
  • Manage change and potential conflict
  • Establish a communication plan for the design stage of projects
  • Demonstrate ability to manage and lead multiple stakeholders across a range of business functions
  • Encourage and promote an understanding of the Selfridges brand values amongst external consultants
  • Demonstrates senior leadership behaviours within the design team, and across the business

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Senior Design Manager at Selfridges?

The primary responsibility is to drive and deliver world-class environments across all Selfridges' stores through innovative strategic planning and design management.

Who will the Senior Design Manager report to?

The Senior Design Manager will support the Property Design Director and collaborate closely with the Selfridges Executive team and other business stakeholders.

What qualifications or skills are required for this role?

Candidates should possess a strong and flexible design skillset, excellent project planning abilities, and an expert understanding of the retail and design landscape. Strong leadership and communication skills are also essential.

Is there a specific educational requirement for the Senior Design Manager position?

While the job description does not specify educational requirements, relevant qualifications in design, architecture, or a related field are typically preferred.

What kind of experience is expected for applicants?

Applicants should have extensive experience in strategic design management, particularly within the retail sector, as well as a strong background in leading design teams and managing complex projects.

Are there opportunities for team management in this role?

Yes, the Senior Design Manager will manage and lead a team of Design Managers and Coordinators, focusing on motivating, inspiring, and mentoring them.

What is the location of the job?

The position is based in London, United Kingdom.

When is the closing date for applications?

The closing date for applications is March 19, 2025.

What kind of projects will the Senior Design Manager oversee?

The Senior Design Manager will oversee a variety of projects, including high-profile category projects and complex flagship brand initiatives, ensuring they adhere to strategic design guidelines.

What qualities are essential for success in this role?

Essential qualities include resilience, the ability to work under pressure, strong negotiation and influence skills, and a coaching style of management to motivate others.

Are there benefits associated with the position?

Yes, the position offers a competitive salary plus benefits.

What role does the Senior Design Manager play in strategic planning?

The Senior Design Manager will assist in developing and delivering strategic retail Masterplan briefs and feasibility studies for all stores, leading presentations to drive decision-making.

image

Selfridges

A Top 10 Most Loved Workplace in the UK for 2022 By Newsweek International

Retail & Consumer Goods
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1909
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Selfridges is a high-end department store chain in the UK, known for offering a wide range of luxury products, including fashion, beauty, homeware, and gourmet food. Their ultimate mission is to provide an extraordinary shopping experience that delights and inspires customers. The purpose of Selfridges is to curate an exceptional selection of high-quality and exclusive products, combined with innovative retail experiences and outstanding customer service. They aim to be a leader in the retail industry by continuously evolving, embracing sustainability, and creating a destination where customers can discover the latest trends and enjoy a unique and immersive shopping environment.

OpportunitiesView all