Store Design Planning - Design Manager, 24 months Fixed Term Contract

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Company Description

As part of De Beers Group, we are The Home of Diamonds since 1888, bringing our pioneering diamond perfection to our clients through over 30 stores and a worldwide digital presence.

At De Beers Jewellers we are committed to guiding individuals on their personal journey of discovery. Harnessing nature's finest work of art, De Beers Jewellers hand select the rarest natural diamonds, creating distinctive designs, each as unique as its wearer.

The key to success within our brand is an attitude of excellence, passion and delivering for our clients. We seek motivated, ambitious people who will thrive in an environment which fosters collaboration, inclusivity and creativity.

Job Description

The purpose of the SDP (Store Design & Planning) Design Manager is to manage the development of a new store concept into the De Beers Paris flagship store.

The role will also manage the further development and adaptation of the concept into various store formats for roll-out, including a retail design bible.

The role will have a strong luxury design aesthetic and luxury jewellery retail design experience

SDP Project Management

• Manage the onboarding and design activities of external designers, agencies and specialist material suppliers.
• Identify and source specialist suppliers, collaborators, technologists and materials, in line with the concept vision, and the project schedule and budget.
• Create detailed design briefs and inspiration boards for external suppliers.
• Review and approve drawings, samples and prototypes, ensuring design integrity is maintained.
• Advise on details, production methods and material selection.
• Ensure consideration and conformity to sustainability targets; actively seeking sustainability initiatives that contribute to achieving the business goals.
• Contribute to tender and bidding processes as required.
• Adapt the new concept into various formats in preparation for roll-out.
• Manage the creation of a retail design bible.
• Prepare feasibility studies, including floorplans, elevations and 3D models for new store design projects.
• Manage external rendering agency, ensuring accuracy of detail.
• Prepare quick comparisons and amends to renders and drawings for internal and external review and approval presentations.
• Prepare and manage design presentations for internal and external feedback and approval.
• Develop effective relationships with external architects, internal stakeholders and PM teams to ensure projects are delivered consistent with the store concept vision and within the pre-agreed timeframes.
• Identify and propose solutions to resolve issues relating to project schedule, costs, material availability, sustainability and/or design consistency.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure consideration and compliance to safety, security, construction standards, maintenance, operations and procurement needs.
• Maintain easily accessible records of all project documentation and physical samples in line with existing systems.
• Provide budget forecasting and reporting in line with finance processes.
• Prepare status updates for senior leadership and project management teams.
• Adopt company processes and procedures as appropriate, implementing new processes where required with a continued focus on improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong design management experience working within luxury retail store design.
• Experience in schematic design, design development, construction and installation processes.
• Network of local contractors, manufacturers and suppliers in UK and France is desirable.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to plan and analyse multiple critical paths to achieve optimal delivery.
• Understands own role in relation to the team and how it contributes.
• Ability to manage internal stakeholders to achieve objectives.
• Ability to drive projects to completion within cross-functional teams.
• Excellent project management skills, able to deliver multiple projects to tight deadlines
• Proven experience in concept development and delivering creative briefs.
• Technical knowledge of millwork construction techniques, processes and materials.
• Knowledge of store build regulations in Paris.
• Time management: Prioritise, structure work & effectively manage time.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to communicate at all levels across the business and externally - able to give clarity and set direction.

Other:

• Regular travel to Paris and occasional travel to factories and manufacturers in other locations.

Additional information

• A great working environment
• Fantastic pension scheme
• 27 days of holiday + bank holidays with the opportunity to buy or sell 5 more days
• Private Healthcare
• Mental health is a top priority for De Beers Group - we offer free subscription to Headspace and have mental health first aider
• Competitive salary
• Your Choice membership discounts
• Employee share schemes
• On-site restaurant and gym
• Staff discount
• Flexible benefits package

Who we are

De Beers Group is a company with a rich history and a sparkling future. Since 1888 our experts have searched the world for nature's most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant - for our people, our customers and the world around us. Venetia Mine is part of De Beers Group Managed Operations Business which integrates mines, operations and support functions in the De Beers Group producer countries of Canada and South Africa to shape a safe, sustainable future for De Beers Group's people, shareholders, communities and partners.

Safety

Safety first is a way of life for us. We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people, who are at the heart of our business. Our high performing teams take accountability for their own and others' actions, work collaboratively, and always show care and respect.

Inclusion & Diversity

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are. We provide equality of opportunity to enable everyone to fulfil their potential. Referrals incentive applicable: This opportunity is open to a paid referral incentive according to the Referral Policy. Referral incentives are applicable to De Beers Group internal employees only.

Building Forever

Sustainability is at the heart of our decision-making - it is how we do business. Building Forever is key to our purpose as it represents our ambitious and holistic sustainability framework and is central to our ability to deliver long-term value to our communities and partners. This shapes how we protect our social and environmental license to operate, build a long-term legacy in our host communities and earn consumers' trust in our diamonds that they can wear with pride.

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check and validation of qualifications

A full Job spec will be provided to you during the interview process.

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