Design Director - TOP Luxury Retail Brand - Luxury Hospitality & Residential Experience

Design Director - TOP Luxury Retail Brand

Paris, France

Ref: AR240716

Full time – Contract to be extended to a permanent after the first 12 months / it can be earlier

We are looking for an exceptional Design Director with over 15 years of experience in ultra luxury residential and hospitality projects and a proven track record in managerial roles. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of luxury aesthetics, an innovative mindset, and the ability to lead and inspire a team of talented designers/project managers. This role is pivotal in maintaining the brand’s prestigious reputation and driving the creative direction of our client's retail spaces.

This superb opportunity will requires you to direct and manage a team of 8+ people in the inhouse architecture retail department that work on several retail iconic spaces that have very much embedded aesthetics from luxury residential and hospitality designs and the sores spanning from 30sqm - 3000sqm worldwide. The brand is redefining and refining the experience of retail by giving to costumers the sense of feeling at home, relaxed and comfortable within their spaces including surprising WOW factor experiences.

About the company

The company is a world-leading global brand with stores worldwide. Their studio in Paris includes 100+ architects / designers / project managers that work on the concepts and design development of their retail stores worldwide. They have continued work that needs to be designed and delivered every year and the brand keeps growing.

This is one of the most creative environments to be in with supporting teams, from VMs to store planning teams and arts people in-house and outsource to enable the vision of new ideas to come to life. Every one of their spaces is unique and bespoke to fit within the local and cultural contacts of every place along with todays retail changes and demands.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the overall design strategy and vision for the brand’s retail spaces globally.
• Ensure that all design projects align with the brand’s vision, values, and business objectives.
• Collaborate with senior management to drive brand innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the luxury market.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers / architects / project managers, ensuring high performance.
• Foster a collaborative and creative work environment that encourages new ideas and design excellence.
• To guide your team in the creation of designs that correspond to the guidelines of the House, while not losing sight of consistency with the local economic and cultural context.

Design Execution:

• Oversee the conceptualization and design development of store designs, ensuring they reflect the brand’s luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic.
• Oversee and director the design process from concept to design development, including budgeting, scheduling, and quality control.
• Ensure consistency in design across all retail locations while adapting to local cultures and trends.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with merchandising, specialists and store planning teams to ensure cohesive and impactful design solutions.
• To develop close collaboration with the House's Planning teams, who oversee projects with local consulting teams.
• Liaise with external partners, including architects, contractors, and vendors, to achieve optimal design outcomes.

Senior Team Reporting and Seek of approvals:

• To oversee the preparation of quality written presentations, which you present at Stores Committee meetings.
• To present the new concepts and designs to weekly committee meetings to get approvals and secure budgets
• To have regular meetings with the Head of architecture for actions and progress on the team and the projects

Innovation and Trends:

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging design technologies, and competitive landscape.
• Introduce innovative design concepts that enhance the customer experience and drive brand loyalty.
• To manage and take part in the research and development of new design elements (not necessarily in the context of a specific construction project)

About You

• Experience in management and directorship roles
• Ideally 15+ years’ experience as an architect or Interior Designer
• Experience in high-end ultra luxury residential and / or hospitality projects (European & Parisian style designs)
• Proven experience in concept and design stages
• Great design eye and attention to detail with a must do attitude
• Ability to communicate well with internal, external teams, seniors and the committee members
• A track record and an outstanding portfolio of luxury and high-end work (Particularly European & Parisian style high-end designs)
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Any other language is an advantage

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary - Up to 150K DoE
• Strong annual bonus scheme and profit shares
• Visa can be arranged if needed
• Relocation support on offer if needed including up to 2 months of temp accommodation
• Many other benefits including strong healthcare packages and more
• Opportunity for further career growth and extension of the contract to a permanent role after the first 12 (it can be earlier)

This is a one-off opportunity to join one of the most well-known and creative brands in the industry, be part of a highly creative team with prospects in strong career growth within the organisation.

NOTE: Please submitted a CV in English along with your Portfolio to the following email richard@locri.co.uk to be consider for this role.

Apply or/and contact Richard.

Richard Hall

Architecture & Design Specialist

richard@locri.co.uk

www.locri.co.uk