Role: Lead Design Manager (Store Design)

Purpose of role: This role will be responsible for supporting the strategic development of the Brand by leading the creation and delivery of design concepts. Through having a full understanding of global retail trends, the successful candidate will work closely with internal and external teams to develop product strategy briefs into deliverable concepts which support the right product densities, POS requirements and brand DNA, always on time and on budget.

Reporting into: Head of Store Design

Location: Reading

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify relevant stakeholders and work cross functionally to create commercial briefs leading the design, development and delivery of fixtures, furniture, departments, NBD offers and license areas for roll out into existing and new stores.
• Have full cognizance of Primark’s retail DNA and support its appropriate evolution through new retail design.
• Manage the team output (internal and external) defining clear and acceptable projects timelines based on the requirements of the business, track projects throughout and ensure on time delivery of design work throughout development, being mindful of overall programs and completion dates.
• Ability to present at all levels of the business for alignment and internal sign off at key stages throughout the development of projects
• Support briefings and upskilling session to teams (construction, operations, space planning) to support the transition from Concept design to BAU
• Ensure final design packs are created in a consistent manner and added to the Guru system
• Maintain a working knowledge of long term 2D assets and signage to ensure they are integrated correctly into new designs and planning principles, collaborating with Brand to develop new tools where required.
• Work in close collaboration with the Visual Merchandising teams to ensure the right balance of customer experience and product density, incorporating the VM principles of Primark
• Work in close collaboration with internal teams (Visual Merchandising, Buying & Merchandising, Planning) to ensure all designs are mindful of product density, linear requirements, hung to folded ratios
• Ensure that all design work is mindful of EHS requirements and are fit for purpose and practical as well as on Brand
• Manage a network of external designers and agencies and be able to brief them to support as required.
• Be cost conscious throughout all projects, managing agency fees and reducing costs where possible through management of external resources and value engineering of designs, without reducing quality below acceptable levels.
• Maintain a current knowledge of materials and finishes with a bias towards sustainability and ecology, to support our Primark Cares values.
• Maintain an up to date knowledge of current retail design trends, challenge the ways or working and actively implement process improvements.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Build, manage and mentor a high performing team of Designers.

• Shares an engaging and inspiring vision with the team and provides clarity and a sense of direction to enable working towards common goals.
• Enabling team to take ownership of their careers and supporting them to drive their own development.
• Continually challenge the ways or working and actively implement process improvements.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders across our Space Planning, Retail and Construction business units.

Key Interactions and engagement with as part of role:

Reporting to the Head of Store Design, the Lead Design Manager will work collaboratively and partner with the wider Store Design and Space Optimisation teams and feed their expertise and insights into the wider business strategy.

This role will also be required to partner closely and collaborate with the Visual Merchandising team, Product Business Partners and the Construction and Implementation Teams.

This role will lead a team of two Designers.

Essential knowledge, education, skills and experience:

• A minimum 10 years of relevant experience in retail design
• Proficiency in AutoCAD / Sketchup, Office and Adobe applications is preferential
• Good knowledge of manufacturing standards, materials and construction methods
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, ability to trouble shoot during the course of a project
• Strong organisational skills with a can-do attitude and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to lead and work well as part of a team and cross functionally with other teams to ensure
• successful projects
• The ability to effectively manage complex tasks and prioritise multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Proven ability in managing sensitive matters whilst ensuring all Primark information remains
• confidential to the business.
• Must be able to work well under tight deadlines and able to reprioritise efficiently
• Self-starter able to work under own initiative, taking projects from start to finish
• Excellent planning and organisation skills, ability to multi-task, plan and prioritise work schedule for self and team and work within agreed timescales.
• Outstanding written and interpersonal communication skills with fluency in English.

Other desirable experience:

• A Degree in Architecture or Design is desirable
• Familiarity with other 3D modelling software is beneficial
• Ability to sketch and hand draw is an advantage

Personal Attributes:

• Be a collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal/communication skills, while demonstrating high levels of emotional intelligence and possess the ability to push back with professionalism.
• Displays a positive outlook and demonstrates a strong ability to work at pace under pressure while focusing on results.
• Proven ability in developing effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, possessing the ability to effectively prioritise projects and deliverables whilst meeting deadlines set by management.
• Ability to work within a highly pressurized and fast paced environment, consistently delivering results on time.
• Displays a passion for design with critical attention to creative details.
• Operates with a high level of integrity, diplomacy, tact and professionalism.
• Effective and persuasive presentation skills with a strong ability to influence others
• Sound judgement, unquestionable ethics and integrity with high degree of transparency and trust
• Must have a natural design flair and critical eye for detail.
• Ability to travel globally when required.