Manager, Architecture (Retail Design)

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are looking for an architect with strong retail design fundamentals to own the design of our stores from site survey to as-built handover. You will set the design intent for new stores and renovations, plan capex and BoQ before design begins, and make sure every store is buildable, compliant and true to our brand standards.

This is a hands-on manager role. You will lead one team member, manage external consultants, and work closely with internal stakeholders to turn business needs into spaces that perform.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Space planning and design

• Analyse site survey reports and plan space capacity for new and renovated stores, balancing area against revenue contribution.
• Prepare schematic and design development plans that reflect retail strategy and brand standards.
• Translate requirements from the Head of Retail and Site Managers into clear, workable design concepts.
• Keep design standards and concepts consistent across all architectural and fixture details.
• Contribute to developing and updating design standards guidelines and prototype sets.

Capex, BoQ and cost control

• Plan store capex before design starts and keep designs within the approved budget.
• Prepare and review Bills of Quantities (BoQ) for design packs.
• Research materials and details with vendors, weighing cost, durability, maintenance and procurement needs.

Documentation and design pack ownership

• Own the full design pack from site survey through construction documents to as-built handover.
• Maintain current working drawings during construction and update them for field changes.
• Communicate any post-sign-off revisions to the Head of Projects and relevant stakeholders.
• Develop project templates and manage drawing files and version control.

Authorities, codes and compliance

• Lead code research, permit applications and authority approvals at project kick-off.
• Advise the team on accessibility, building codes, fire and life safety, and construction concerns.

Consultants and site suppor t

• Manage consultants including MEP engineers, permit expeditors and architects.
• Resolve complex site issues with contractors and the projects team.
• Track project status and deadlines against the construction schedule.

People and stakeholders

• Lead, coach and develop one direct report.
• Build strong working relationships with Retail, Projects, Procurement and Facilities teams.
• Take on special projects assigned by the Head of Projects.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Interior Architecture.
• 7+ years of architecture or interior design experience, including at least 4 years in retail store design and build.
• Proven delivery of new stores and renovations from survey to handover.
• Hands-on experience with capex planning and BoQ preparation.
• Experience managing permits and authority approvals for retail stores in malls, high streets and standalone sites.
• Working knowledge of MEP and basic structural concepts (a strong advantage).
• Prior experience leading or mentoring a junior team member is preferred.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND TOOLS:

Required/Mandatory:

• AutoCAD
• SketchUp (3D)
• Excel (capex, BoQ, tracking)
• Accessibility and building codes

Preferred:

• Revit / BIM
• Adobe Creative Suite
• MEP coordination

Competencies

• Strong spatial and visual thinking: understands customer flow, proportion, and the form and function of fixtures.
• Commercial mindset: designs with cost, sales contribution and operations in mind.
• Decisive problem solver on construction materials and methods.
• Strong planning and time management across several projects of different sizes at once.
• Clear verbal and visual communicator with stakeholders at every level.
• Self-starter who works well independently and in a team, and stays composed in a fast-paced environment.

Target candidate profiles

• Retail design architects at multi-brand retail groups and franchise operators.
• Store planning or fit-out architects at large supermarket, fashion, electronics or home-furnishing chains.
• Design managers at retail fit-out contractors and interior design-and-build firms.
• Architects at consultancies with strong retail and mall portfolios.