Store Design Manager - Fashion, Home & Beauty

The Design Project; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 55,000 - GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retailer in the UK is seeking a Store Design Manager to develop and oversee the architectural identity for its stores. Responsibilities include creating design standards and store layouts that enhance customer experience while aligning with brand identity. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of relevant experience in retail design, strong project management skills, and a collaborative mindset. This full-time position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic retail environment.

Benefits

20% colleague discount

Generous holiday allowance

Discretionary bonus schemes

Structured onboarding and training

Access to wellbeing support

Paid volunteer day

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in architectural design, focusing on retail.
• Experienced in managing multiple design projects from concept to execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop a unique architectural style for stores.
• Create store master plans optimizing customer flow and product visibility.
• Document design standards for replicability across the retail portfolio.

Skills

Architectural Design Expertise

Retail Design Acumen

Project Management

Stakeholder Management & Communication

Innovation & Conceptual Thinking

Customer Experience Focus

Collaborative Mindset

Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or Retail Design

Professional certifications in design or project management

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Store Design Manager - Fashion, Home & Beauty

Marks & Spencer

Job Title: Store Design Manager - Fashion, Home & BeautyCompany: Marks & SpencerLocation: United KingdomJob Type: Full timeCategory: Retail Operations & Design ManagementDate Posted: 2026-01-15Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)Remote Status: On-site

• Lead the development and execution of a distinctive architectural identity for Marks & Spencer stores, encompassing both internal and external aesthetics, materials, and signage to elevate the brand's presence.
• Drive master planning initiatives by designing and implementing format-specific store blueprints, establishing core principles for circulation, customer movement, and interior architectural design to optimize store layouts.
• Innovate and establish methodologies and processes that create a cohesive store narrative, ensuring consistency and brand alignment across all future architectural developments and store refreshes.
• Enhance the customer experience by developing intuitive, customer-focused navigation schemes that simplify shopping journeys and increase store accessibility and engagement.
• Collaborate closely with the UK Franchise team to design and launch new store schemes, producing comprehensive design guides for future rollouts and ensuring brand consistency in international markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level management position within the retail operations and design domain, focusing on strategic brand representation through physical store environments. The emphasis on "visionary," "future look and feel," and "signature architectural style" indicates a need for a candidate with strong conceptual thinking and strategic planning capabilities, not just execution. The collaboration with the UK Franchise team suggests an understanding of global brand consistency and adaptability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and champion a unique M&S architectural style, defining core aesthetic principles, material palettes, finishes, and signage strategies for both new builds and refurbishments.
• Create detailed store master plans and layout principles for various store formats (e.g., large stores, convenience, concessions) that optimize customer flow, product visibility, and operational efficiency.
• Establish and document design standards, guidelines, and best practices for store development, ensuring replicability and scalability across the M&S retail portfolio.
• Integrate customer journey mapping and behavioral insights into store design to create intuitive navigation, engaging displays, and seamless shopping experiences.
• Manage and oversee the design process for new store openings and refurbishments, working closely with internal teams (e.g., retail operations, merchandising, marketing) and external partners (e.g., architects, contractors, suppliers).
• Partner with the Franchise team to adapt and implement store designs for international markets, ensuring brand integrity while considering local market nuances and regulatory requirements.
• Drive innovation in store design by researching emerging trends in retail architecture, technology, sustainability, and customer engagement, and proposing their implementation.
• Develop and manage the store design budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and delivering projects within financial constraints without compromising brand standards or customer experience.
• Lead and mentor a design team or external agencies, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment focused on delivering exceptional store environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to cover strategic brand development, operational planning, process innovation, customer experience enhancement, and project execution, with a specific emphasis on collaboration with franchise partners. This indicates a role that bridges creative design with practical retail operations and business growth objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Retail Design, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in design or project management are advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in architectural design, with a significant focus on retail store design and development.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful retail design concepts that have positively impacted customer experience and sales performance.
• Experience in managing multiple design projects concurrently, from concept development through to final execution and handover.

Required Skills:

• Architectural Design Expertise: Deep understanding of architectural principles, spatial planning, materials, construction methods, and building regulations relevant to retail environments.
• Retail Design Acumen: Proven ability to translate brand identity and commercial objectives into compelling and functional retail spaces.
• Project Management: Strong capabilities in planning, executing, and overseeing design projects, managing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills to effectively influence and collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Innovation & Conceptual Thinking: Ability to generate bold, future-focused design concepts and drive creative innovation within established brand parameters.
• Customer Experience Focus: Demonstrated understanding of customer journey mapping, retail psychology, and designing spaces that enhance shopper engagement and satisfaction.
• Collaborative Mindset: Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, fostering strong relationships and achieving shared goals.
• Decision Making: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound, data-informed decisions under pressure.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with retail trend forecasting and market analysis.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials.
• Experience working with franchise partners or in international markets.
• Understanding of retail operations and merchandising principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level (5-10 years) suggests a need for a candidate who can operate independently, lead initiatives, and mentor others, rather than an entry-level or junior designer. The "proven experience" in architectural or retail design, coupled with "creative innovator" and "strong decision-maker," points towards a strategic role requiring leadership and a forward-thinking approach.

• A curated selection of at least 3-5 significant retail design projects that showcase your ability to develop and implement a cohesive architectural style.
• Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of customer journey mapping, spatial planning, and the integration of brand identity into physical spaces.
• Include examples of master planning, store blueprint development, and how design strategies were adapted for different store formats or markets.
• Showcase your ability to innovate and present forward-thinking store concepts that align with evolving retail trends and customer expectations.
• Provide evidence of project management skills, detailing your role in the execution phase, including budget considerations and stakeholder collaboration.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your systematic approach to developing store design narratives and brand guidelines.
• Outline your methodology for conducting site analysis, feasibility studies, and translating business requirements into design briefs.
• Describe your process for collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., merchandising, operations, marketing) and external partners (e.g., architects, contractors).
• Detail how you measure the success of store designs, including the metrics you track and how you incorporate feedback for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Store Design Manager role, a strong portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond aesthetic appeal to demonstrate strategic thinking, process adherence, and measurable impact on customer experience and brand representation. The emphasis on "process documentation" highlights the need for candidates to articulate their systematic approach to design and project management.

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Store Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the United Kingdom, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the strategic nature of the role, the responsibilities involved in shaping brand identity, and the cost of living in key UK retail hubs.
• Colleague Discount: 20% discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and a household member, available after probation.
• Competitive Holiday Allowance: Generous holiday entitlement with the option to purchase additional days.
• Discretionary Bonus Schemes: Performance-related bonus opportunities linked to individual and company performance.
• Tailored Induction and Training: Structured onboarding and continuous professional development programs to support career growth.
• Exclusive Perks and Savings: Access to the M&S Choices portal for various discounts and offers.
• Market-Leading Family Policies: Enhanced parental, adoption, and neonatal leave policies.
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access to virtual GP services and mental health support.
• Paid Volunteer Day: One paid day per year to support a charity or cause of your choice.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, M&S often emphasizes a supportive work environment, suggesting a degree of flexibility where operational needs allow, particularly for focused design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for similar roles in the UK. The provided benefits list is comprehensive and standard for a reputable UK retailer like M&S, highlighting strong employee support and perks. The working hours are standard, but the "on-site" nature implies a need for physical presence, with potential for flexibility in how those hours are structured when not directly client-facing or in critical project phases.

Industry: Retail (Fashion, Home & Beauty)Company Size: Large Enterprise (Marks & Spencer is a major multinational retailer with a significant global presence).Founded: 1884Company Description: Marks & Spencer is a renowned British multinational retailer known for its wide range of clothing, home products, and food items. With a history spanning over a century, M&S is committed to providing quality, value, and service to its customers. The company is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on innovation, digital advancement, and a more conscious approach to retail.

Team Structure:

• The Store Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Retail Operations, Property, or Design department.
• This role will involve close collaboration with various internal teams, including Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, Property Development, and the UK Franchise team.
• Reporting lines will typically be to a Head of Retail Design, Director of Store Development, or a similar senior leadership position within the retail operations or property division.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes using customer data, sales performance metrics, and market research to inform design decisions and optimize store layouts for commercial success.
• Agile Development: Adopts agile methodologies for project management, allowing for flexibility, iterative design processes, and rapid adaptation to changing business needs and market trends.
• Brand Consistency & Evolution: Balances the need for a consistent, recognizable brand identity with a commitment to innovation and evolving store designs to remain relevant and appealing to modern consumers.
• Customer-Centricity: Places the customer at the heart of all design decisions, aiming to create intuitive, enjoyable, and convenient shopping experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding M&S's current transformation phase is crucial. This implies a culture that values innovation, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach to retail. The company's long history suggests a foundation of strong brand values and customer trust, which the store design must uphold while embracing modern retail strategies.

Operations Career Level: This role is a significant step in a retail design or operations career, typically representing a mid-to-senior management position. It requires a blend of creative vision, strategic planning, and operational execution. The Store Design Manager is responsible for shaping the physical manifestation of the brand and directly impacts the customer's in-store experience.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a senior leader within the retail operations, property, or design division, indicating a direct line of influence on strategic decisions concerning store development and brand presentation. This position will likely manage or influence the work of junior designers, project managers, or external design agencies.

Operations Impact: The Store Design Manager's work has a profound impact on revenue and business decisions by:

• Enhancing Customer Experience: Creating environments that encourage longer dwell times, higher basket values, and increased customer loyalty.
• Driving Sales Performance: Optimizing store layouts, product placement, and navigation to improve sales conversion rates and operational efficiency.
• Brand Perception: Ensuring store environments reflect and reinforce the M&S brand values, quality, and aspirational image.
• Cost Optimization: Developing cost-effective yet impactful design solutions that align with budget constraints and deliver a strong return on investment.
• Supporting Expansion: Providing the design framework for new store openings and franchise expansion, directly contributing to business growth.
• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to Head of Store Design, Director of Retail Development, or similar senior leadership roles overseeing larger portfolios or broader strategic initiatives.
• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize further in areas like sustainable retail design, digital integration in physical spaces, or international store development.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into related areas such as retail operations management, merchandising strategy, or brand experience management.
• Continuous Learning: Access to industry conferences, workshops, and internal training programs focused on the latest trends in retail design, customer behavior, and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the retail sector, particularly for those aiming for leadership positions in store development and brand experience. The emphasis on impact and growth opportunities should be highlighted to attract ambitious candidates.

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a primary work location within M&S offices, likely in the UK. This setting facilitates in-person collaboration, access to internal resources, and direct interaction with key stakeholders.

Office Location(s): While specific locations aren't detailed, M&S has major operational hubs in the UK, such as London and Manchester. The role would likely be based at one of these key corporate offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will support regular team meetings, design reviews, workshops, and brainstorming sessions with cross-functional departments.
• Access to Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to standard office infrastructure, design software licenses, and potentially prototyping or materials libraries relevant to store design.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with colleagues from merchandising, marketing, operations, and property teams, fostering a holistic understanding of the retail business.
• Site Visits: The role will necessitate regular travel to M&S stores across the UK (and potentially internationally for franchise support) for site assessments, project monitoring, and trend analysis.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours will be Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. While on-site, the nature of design and project management may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or attend site visits outside of standard hours, balanced with M&S's commitment to employee wellbeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is key. The description should emphasize the benefits of this environment for collaboration and access to resources, while also acknowledging the need for travel to stores and potentially international locations.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications, focusing on qualifications, relevant experience, and alignment with the core requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess your design philosophy, project management approach, leadership style, and understanding of the M&S brand.
• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, discussing your process, challenges, solutions, and impact. This will likely involve technical questions related to retail design, materials, regulations, and customer experience strategies.
• Cross-Functional Interview(s): Meetings with key stakeholders from departments like Merchandising, Retail Operations, or Marketing to evaluate your collaboration skills and ability to integrate design with business objectives.
• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion, potentially with a senior leader, to finalize the decision and extend an offer.
• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best represent your end-to-end design process, from concept to execution, and highlight your impact.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design solutions, the materials and processes used, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved customer flow, increased sales, enhanced brand perception).
• Showcase Brand Alignment: Demonstrate your understanding of how to translate a brand's identity into an physical space, using M&S as a specific example in your preparation.
• Highlight Innovation: Include examples where you had to push creative boundaries or introduce novel solutions in retail environments.
• Prepare for Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss materials, construction, lighting, wayfinding, sustainability, and budget considerations in detail.
• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, stays within the allotted time, and effectively communicates your expertise.
• Be prepared for a case study or design challenge, which might involve analysing a store layout, proposing design improvements for a specific M&S format, or developing a concept for a new store feature.
• Focus on demonstrating your structured problem-solving approach, creativity, understanding of retail operations, and ability to justify your design choices with commercial rationale.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both creative and strategic capabilities, along with practical project management and stakeholder engagement skills. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to not only showcase their work but also articulate the strategy and impact behind it.

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar for creating detailed architectural drawings and plans.
• 3D Modeling & Visualization: Experience with tools like SketchUp, 3ds Max, Rhino, or similar for developing 3D models and realistic renderings of store concepts.
• Graphic Design Software: Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating mood boards, presentations, and design documentation.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for managing project timelines, tasks, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from store performance reports, customer feedback surveys, and footfall analysis to inform design decisions.
• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating compelling presentations of design proposals and project updates for senior management.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, an understanding of how store design impacts customer journey and potential integration with digital customer experience platforms could be beneficial.
• Familiarity with systems used for managing store development projects, such as project management information systems (PMIS).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical skillset in design software, coupled with proficiency in project management tools. The ability to interpret and utilize data for design decisions is also crucial.

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the customer, ensuring every design decision enhances the shopping experience.
• Innovation & Forward Thinking: Encouraging new ideas, embracing change, and actively seeking opportunities to evolve the M&S store experience for the future of retail.
• Quality & Value: Upholding the M&S reputation for quality products and services, reflected in the design and execution of its store environments.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals, valuing input all stakeholders.
• Integrity & Responsibility: Operating with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to making responsible choices, including sustainability and ethical sourcing in design.
• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Striving for operational excellence, optimizing processes, and ensuring design performance.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with teams across merchandising, marketing, operations, and property to ensure store designs are aligned with commercial strategies and operational realities.
• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, honest and constructive feedback loops among team members and stakeholders to refine designs and resolve challenges collaboratively.
• Partner Approach: Working closely with external architects, contractors, and suppliers as trusted partners, fostering strong working relationships built on mutual respect and shared objectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture of learning and sharing best practices, insights, and innovative ideas within the design team and across the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The M&S culture emphasizes a blend of heritage and innovation, customer focus, and collaborative spirit. Candidates should demonstrate how their values and collaboration style align with these principles.

• Balancing Brand Heritage with Modernization: Evolving the M&S store aesthetic to appeal to contemporary consumers while respecting its established brand legacy and customer expectations.
• Cost Management in Design: Delivering innovative and high-quality store designs within strict budget constraints, requiring creative problem solving and value engineering.
• Adapting to Evolving Retail Landscape: Integrating new retail technologies, omnichannel strategies, and changing consumer behaviors into physical store designs.
• Global Consistency vs Local Adaptation: Ensuring brand consistency across diverse markets for franchise partners while allowing necessary local adaptations.
• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Navigating the complexities of multiple stakeholder needs and priorities to achieve consensus.
• Exposure to Large-Scale Retail Transformation: Participating in significant brand and store revitalisation projects.
• Advanced Design & Technology Training: Opportunities to learn about emerging retail technologies, sustainable design practices, and advanced visualization tools.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to M&S internal leadership training and development initiatives.
• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend leading retail design conferences and exhibitions to stay abreast of global trends and best practices.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders within M&S's property and retail operations divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges and opportunities are typical for senior roles in a large evolving retail organization. Highlighting them helps candidates understand the role's complexity and potential for professional growth.

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a signature architectural style for M&S that balances our heritage with future retail trends?"
• "Describe your process for creating store master plans that optimize customer flow and maximize commercial opportunities across different store formats."
• "Walk us through a project where you to integrate new retail technology or an omnichannel strategy into a physical store design. What were the key challenges and outcomes?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about M&S's current retail strategy, and how do you see store design contributing to it?"
• "How would you foster collaboration between the design team and other departments like Merchandising and Operations to ensure cohesive store experiences?"
• "Describe a time you had to balance stakeholder expectations with your design vision. How did you manage the situation and reach a resolution?"
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your solution (highlighting design choices and rationale), the process, and the quantifiable results.
• Focus on M&S Relevance: Tailor your presentation to emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to work with established brands, enhance customer experience, and deliver commercial impact.
• Showcase Process & Impact: Don't just show pretty pictures; explain the 'why' behind your design decisions and how they translated into tangible business benefits or improved customer interactions.
• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, technical skills, budget management, and how you approach constructive criticism.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, a deep understanding of retail operations and customer behavior, and the ability to align design with commercial objectives, all within the context of the M&S brand.

To apply for this Store Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful retail design projects, focusing on those that demonstrate strategic thinking, brand translation, customer experience enhancement, and successful execution within budget.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords related to retail design, architectural planning, project management, stakeholder collaboration, customer experience, and brand development. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, strategic rationale, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your design process and how it aligns with M&S's brand and business goals.
• Research M&S: Familiarize yourself with M&S's current retail strategy, brand values, store formats, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm during interviews.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates should hold a relevant design qualification and have proven experience in architectural or retail design. Strong communication skills and the ability to lead change are essential for this role.

Colleague Discount, Competitive Holiday Allowance, Discretionary Bonus Schemes, Strong Pension, Life Assurance, Tailored Induction, Training Support,...