Assistant Store Design Manager

PRIMARY FUNCTION: · Oversee the development, adoption and execution of store design within APAC, SEA and Travel Retail, ensuring consistency and high standards. RESPONSIBILITIES: · To lead and develop team members in designing counters and freestanding stores and provide project management and execution support for the brands in APAC and to stand in as a leader. · Ensure brand’s image is maintained at a consistent level of excellence within guidelines set forth by global team to achieve cohesive effect in terms of architecture, detailing and merchandising layouts. · Develop designs, technical drawings and specifications to market and chosen shop fitter for every new installation. · Provide design and project management services to all markets with emphasis in bidding, supervising, and coordinating with various external vendors. · Partner with local brand managers to ensure best locations within stores; analyze traffic flow to guarantee customer interaction; analyze architectural features; inspect sites to ensure cohesive design and speedy approval process. · Educate affiliates and distributors to choose locations that best suit the brands’ needs; help affiliates understand technical aspects of store design, (i.e. reading drawings, explaining architectural terminology); educate and check for completeness of project request forms and the overall process. · Educate and update new & existing shop fitters on new techniques, details, and directions for brands’ store design. · Collaborate with Indirect Procurement team on cost optimization and price templates. · Investigate, evaluate, and qualify new shop fitters for future markets and projects as needed. · Liaise with regional design groups on store appearance; inform all parties involved of any updates and/or revisions to standard details. · Develop “Punch List” (List of deficiencies) foreach installation to ensure the compliance with design set. · Provide guidance to junior designers or newly joined within the region by induction/orientation and manage circulation list for updating the wider Store Design & Visual Merchandise network and vendors. · Work closely with Visual Merchandising team and other functions as needed to ensure complete, synergized, and articulated store presentation. QUALIFICATION: · Degree in Design or Art School education preferred; creative and has formal training in architecture or interior design. · Minimum 5-6 years of experience in Interior or Architectural detailing and design. Candidates with relevant experience in the beauty and luxury industry will be an added advantage. · Able to design scaled working construction drawing. · Experience on CAD programs, and preferably skilled in Vector Works, Sketchup and Photoshop. · Understands retail store design aspects, i.e. lighting, furniture design, detailing fixtures, etc. as well as the importance of maintaining consistency. · Presents in a professional manner; has a good understanding of corporate image and conduct. · Manages time and team productivity by challenging current processes and proposing better methods, communications, and collaboration processes. · Good communication skills. · Boosts and supports initiatives and changes, and able to lead and act on the set direction. · Willing to travel often even when given a short notice.