Retail Design Manager | Retail Fit-Out & Mall Design

Position Summary

The Retail Design Manager is responsible forplanning, design development, and delivery of retail store projects from feasibility stage through to completion. The role requires a strong understanding of retail fit-out processes, technical drawing production, landlord submission requirements, and project coordination. The successful candidate will be involved in preparing feasibility studies, tenancy plans, technical drawing packages, coordinating with consultants, landlords, contractors, and supporting fit-out execution to ensure projects are delivered in accordance with brand standards, budget, and timelines.

Position Summary

The Retail Design Manager is responsible forplanning, design development, and delivery of retail store projects from feasibility stage through to completion. The role requires a strong understanding of retail fit-out processes, technical drawing production, landlord submission requirements, and project coordination. The successful candidate will be involved in preparing feasibility studies, tenancy plans, technical drawing packages, coordinating with consultants, landlords, contractors, and supporting fit-out execution to ensure projects are delivered in accordance with brand standards, budget, and timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Management & Coordination
• Able to independently represent landlord in design reviews, provide clear and authoritative design directions, challenge proposal where required and recommend design for approval while safeguarding the asset design visions, brand standards and commercial objectives and customer experience.
• Prepare Feasibility Studies (FS) and Tenancy Plans (TP).
• Conduct site visits during fit-out inspections and ensure shop fit-out as per approved design
• Identify and resolve design and site-related issues proactively.
• Review and coordinate architectural, interior design, and MEP drawings to ensure compliance with brand standards and operational requirements.
• Able to provide design options and recommendations through sketches, picture references and illustrations for tenant designer executions
• Take lead in preparation and development of store layouts, design packages, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate with tenant consultants, landlords, contractors, and vendors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure all design submissions are completed accurately and within project timelines.
• Able to proactively bring insights, recommendations and fresh ideas to elevate the asset
• Technical Design & Documentation Produce Tenancy Plan (TP) and Feasibilities Studies (FS) in AutoCAD drawings and PDF including:
• Floor Plans, Layout Plans, Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCP), MEP plan, Elevations, Sections, Joinery Details, Construction Details, Signage and Façade Drawings
• Maintain drawing accuracy and document control throughout project delivery.
• Verify design intent is reflected accurately during site implementation.
• Take into consideration on compliance with local building regulations, landlord design criteria, and health & safety requirements.
• Quality Assurance & Detail Management Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail in reviewing drawings, materials, finishes, fixtures, and site execution.
• Ensure retail environments meet brand presentation and customer experience standards.
• Review mock-ups, material samples, and shop drawings for compliance with approved designs.
• Maintain consistency across multiple retail locations.
• Inspect workmanship, identify defects, assess samples/mock-ups and resolve design issues on site.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Interior Architecture, Interior Design, Architecture or a related design discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Retail Design, Interior Architecture or Retail Fit-Out.
• Experience working with retail brands, shopping malls, landlords or retail contractors is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of retail fit-out construction methodologies.
• Strong understanding of retail customer journey and store design principles.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD is mandatory.
• Strong understanding of construction detailing and technical drawing production.
• Ability to interpret architectural and construction drawings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Familiarity with landlord submission processes.
• Experience preparing Feasibility Studies and Tenancy Plan Drawings.

Core Competencies

• Passionate about mall and retail design environments.
• Excellent eye for detail and design accuracy.
• Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Effective communication and internal stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment with tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to balance design intent, operational requirements, budget and timeline constraints.

Nice To Have

• Experience coordinating retail fit-out projects from design through construction.
• Experience working directly with landlords, tenant designers, contractors and consultants.
• Knowledge of leading malls and retail brands locally and globally.
• Ability to translate retail design trends into relevant recommendations for the asset.
• Experience reviewing shop drawings, material samples, mock-ups and site workmanship.
• Strong passion for design excellence and brand consistency.
• Ability to provide design options and recommendations through sketches, picture references and illustrations.
• Strategic design thinking with the ability to bring fresh ideas and insights to elevate the retail asset.

Success Indicators

• Timely delivery of retail projects.
• Accurate and high-quality technical drawings.
• Minimal construction defects and design-related issues.
• Consistent compliance with brand standards.
• Positive stakeholder and contractor feedback.
• Strong attention to detail from drawing development through site execution.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application via LinkedIn/Adecco Portal OR email idhil.hashim@adecco.com AND staffing@adecco.com. Please include "Retail Design Manager '' in the subject line.