JOB PURPOSE

 To build strategic partnership with local Country Heads and key Regional stakeholders to manage the layout and design of all directly operated and wholesale stores including mainline, concession, travel retail, outlets, special projects and initiatives, and partnering with Construction Project Manager to ensure highest quality of execution within program and budget. The role reports to the to the Director of Architectural Planning based in the UK.

RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Accept brief for each new project from Country Head and local stakeholders, in the form of G1 Authorisation to Commence, New Site Creation Form and Lease Drawings. Review brief for completeness and correctness. Commission site surveys and feasibility reports where required.
• Prepare initial schematic design (MASK – Merchant Approved Sketch) for each project in line with current corporate concept and merchandising guidelines. Review MASKs with local stakeholders (Country head, Merchants, Retail Ops, VM, IT, H&S and APP) and obtain formal sign-off. Brief Construction PM on MASK and façade concept and partner on preparing project program and construction capex for submittal to Region.
• After budget approval partner with Construction PM to appoint Architect and their consultant team (Structural Engineer, M&E, Lighting, Heritage, Planning and Code Consultants as required) and agree scope and fee. Brief architect and oversee development of construction drawing set. Review drawings to ensure correctness and compliance with current concept. Ensure timely release of drawings at key milestones (HLGA – Hard-line General Arrangement; 3PDD – Third Party Design Development; CDPS – Construction Drawing Pricing Set) in line with agreed project program.
• Manage all Design Change Requests and review with Construction PM for possible program or cost implication. Where CR will cause project delay or cost increase obtain Budget Holder sign-off to CR before instructing change to architect.
• Issue milestone drawings (HLGA and 3PDD) to internal teams and third party vendors to develop their respective schemes for IT, Audio-visual, VM and Store Security and ensure timely submittal back to architect for inclusion in CDPS. Review CDPS for completeness and correctness before issue to Construction team for preparation of Tender Documentation to ensure minimal Change Requests and Contractor Variation Orders during construction phase.
• Oversee architect for review and sign-off of contractor shop-drawings. Deal with contractor RFIs and issue site sketches.  In partnership with Construction PM make site visits at pre-agreed milestones. Attend final contractor hand-over of completed store and issue punchlist to PM for action. Participate in post-project reviews to capture lessons learn and establish best practice.
• Hold weekly Design Review meetings with local stakeholder to review all drawings milestones and obtain formal sign-off at MASK, HLGA and G3 design freeze.
• Issue drawings, 3D renderings and material sample boards to third parties (Landlords, Mall Owners, Department Stores, Airport Authorities and Local Authority Planning or Heritage Departments) to obtain design approval and ensure timely issuance of their comments to the architects for inclusion in CDPS.
• Maintain weekly touchbase with Director of Architectural Planning to review all projects and obtain approval for layout and concept compliance. Ensure all MASKs are reviewed with and approved by SVP Architecture prior to submission to Corporate for Budget approval

PERSONAL PROFILE

•  High level of computer literacy with knowledge of AutoCAD design software and Microsoft office.
• Strong technical skills, able to demonstrate an understanding of construction techniques, furniture detailing, understanding of mechanical systems and lighting.
• Excellent freehand sketching skill the ability to communicate layouts, ideas and details through sketches.
• Degree level qualification in Architecture, Interior Design or related subject.
• At least 8 years retail design experience preferably some time with another luxury brand.
• Excellent spoken and written English