Assitant Manager

Department Objective

Responsible for developing efficient, customer-focused store layouts that maximize sales performance and align with brand standards. Ensure accurate space planning, supports effective integration of branded supplier concepts, and delivers clear, build-ready documentation. By combining commercial insight with design expertise, ensure all retail spaces are optimized for operational efficiency, visual consistency, and profitability.

Role Objective

Responsible for planning, designing, and implementing effective store layouts that enhance customer experience, optimize merchandise presentation, and drive retail performance. Focus on improving space utilization and store aesthetics through creative and data-driven planning, while aligning with brand identity and operational efficiency.

Job Description

Store Layout & Design Planning:

• Analyze customer traffic patterns, product attractiveness, and market data to develop strategic store layouts and merchandising zones.
• Plan and design optimal sales floor arrangements for new store openings, renovations, and seasonal resets.
• Collaborate with Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Merchandising, and Operations teams to ensure functionality and commercial alignment of layouts.

Space Performance Optimization:

• Promote data-driven enhancements in space efficiency and customer engagement through smart space allocation.
• Utilize sales and profit analysis to determine optimal space allocation for product sub-categories, ensuring that high-performing categories receive appropriate prominence to maximize revenue and space efficiency.
• Identify underutilized areas and propose redesigns to boost visual appeal and commercial return.

Supplier Collaboration & Brand Concept Integration:

• Work closely with branded suppliers to integrate their identity and fixtures into stores in a way that enhances the overall retail environment.
• Develop supplier concept guidelines that balance brand visibility with the company's store design principles.
• Review and approve supplier fixtures, materials, and signage in accordance with store aesthetics and operational guidelines.
• Suggest improvements to enhance the look and feel of supplier spaces while maintaining a cohesive store experience.

Technical Drawing & Visualization:

• Develop and manage accurate store and sectional drawings using AutoCAD (2D & 3D), including layouts, fixture plans, elevations, and visualizations.
• Ensure all drawings meet corporate design standards, regulatory requirements, and brand identity.
• Ensure all drawing details are complete, accurate, and comprehensive to support precise project quotations and seamless build-up execution.

Trend Research & Innovation:

• Research global and local design trends, new concepts, materials, and technologies relevant to retail environments.
• Provide innovative design ideas and store concepts that reflect current and future consumer expectations.

Material Selection & Specification:

• Select and propose interior materials that meet criteria for durability, maintenance, cost-efficiency, and aesthetics.
• Ensure all selected materials reflect modern trends while maintaining practicality in high-traffic retail environments.
• Maintain a library of approved materials and finishes.

Design Standards & Documentation:

• Maintain and update the Store Design Guide covering:
• Fixture spacing and furniture dimensions
• Color palettes and finishes
• Lighting guidelines
• Accessibility and compliance standards
• Ensure consistent application of design guidelines across all stores and locations.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date database of store layout plans, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for planning, analysis, and execution purposes.
• Develop and maintain space report database that provides information on stores.

Project Coordination & Execution:

• Support project execution teams with layout inputs, fixture coordination, and site-specific adaptations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and consultants to ensure timely and successful store rollouts.

Job Requirement

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Retail Design, or a closely related field.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD (2D & 3D); knowledge of SketchUp, Revit, Adobe Suite, or other visualization tools is a plus.

Experience:

• 5–7 years' experience in retail store planning, interior design, or branded environments.
• Experience working with branded suppliers or within a franchise/multi-brand retail environment is strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong spatial planning skills and a keen eye for retail aesthetics.
• Excellent understanding of material properties, trends, and usage in high-traffic environments.
• Creative problem-solver with attention to detail and a pragmatic approach to design.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and supplier engagement.
• Familiarity with building codes, safety regulations, and retail compliance standards.