Store Design Manager

Role Summary  

Store Design Manager leads store design planning and execution for new store openings, renovations, and key retail projects across 3–4 brands and diverse retail channels. The role develops store design strategies and delivers high-quality, consumer-centric environments that strengthen brand presence and brand equity, in alignment with global and APAC design guidelines and. brand strategies. 

This position requires strong hands-on design capability, solid project management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners to deliver store projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. 

He/She will be based in Japan and report to Store Design and Visual Merchandising Director. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Store Design Planning & Execution 

• Lead store design projects including new store openings, renovations, relocations, and temporary installations, e.g., events, from design development through store opening. 

• Adapt global and APAC store design guidelines to local market requirements while maintaining brand consistency, design integrity and executing brand strategies. 

• Work closely with Visual Merchandising to ensure seamless integration between store design and in-store execution. 

2. Design Quality & Consumer Experience 

• Demonstrate innovative design capability, contributing fresh and forward-looking ideas that enhance brand expression and consumer experience within defined brand frameworks. 

• Apply strong design sensitivity in space planning, materials, lighting, color, and finishes to create brand-appropriate retail environments. 

• Understand how store design supports storytelling, product presentation, and the consumer journey. 

• Ensure design intent is accurately realized through close involvement in drawing reviews, mock-ups, and on-site execution. 

• Balance creativity with practicality, ensuring designs are executable, maintainable, and scalable. 

3. Project Management & Cross-functional Collaboration 

• Manage multiple store design projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment on scope, schedule, and deliverables. 

• Collaborate closely with Brand Marketing, Commercial, Retail Operations, Visual Merchandising, and Regional Retail Design teams. 

• Clearly communicate design concepts, decisions, and constraints to internal and external stakeholders. 

4. Vendor & Cost Management 

• Coordinate and manage external partners including designers, contractors, fixture suppliers, and landlords. 

• Support budget planning and cost control, including value engineering where required, while maintaining design quality. 

• Ensure timely procurement, delivery, and installation of store fixtures and permanent elements. 

• Manage and support timely maintenance actions for store design elements, ensuring swift response and smooth coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders. 

5. Continuous Improvement & Team Contribution 

• Contribute to the improvement of local store design guidelines, standards, and processes. 

• Share learnings and best practices across projects to improve overall execution quality. 

• Provide guidance and day-to-day support to team members when necessary. 

Experience & Qualifications 

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in store design, retail design, architecture, or interior design. 

• Hands-on experience managing retail store projects from concept through opening. 

• Experience in the cosmetics / beauty industry is a plus, with understanding of premium brand execution and consumer expectations. 

• Experience working with global or regional design guidelines and adapting them to the local market. 

• Strong understanding of construction processes, materials, and local regulations in Japan. 

• Business-level English speaking skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with global and APAC stakeholders. 

Key Competencies & Attitude 

• Proactive and self-starting, able to take ownership and move projects forward independently. 

• Passionate about design, with a strong interest in retail, brand expression, and innovation. 

• A strong team player, able to collaborate effectively across functions and with external partners. 

• Agile and adaptable, able to respond positively to change, evolving priorities, and project constraints. 

• Strong attention to detail with a practical, solution-oriented mindset