Retail Design Manager

Job content

Operating within the Store Development team, the Retail Design Manager will support the Store Format Manager in the conception design, development and delivery of store format initiatives within the Pets at Home Group.

The role will be to drive the development and delivery of our format model within our new store and refurbishment programme, managing the effective implementation of design solutions to a broad mix of store formats and veterinary practices. The role holder will also help develop new format initiatives in line with emerging trends and business priorities, ensuring we are continually innovating our pet care centre proposition to create an industry leading retail and veterinary practice experience.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience of leading retail design and format projects and will work independently to deliver projects of varying scale, managing the full creative process from design through to delivery.

Our diversity and inclusion vision is that everyone is welcome and feels part of our group. If you think you’re a good match to what we are looking for, and you share our belief that together ‘we’re better with pets’, we’d like to hear from you, whatever your background or circumstances.

Key Responsibilities include;

• Create new design concepts and format initiatives within Pets at Home and across the wider business portfolio, including Vets 4 Pets and The Groom Room, designing solutions against strict budgets and in conjunction with clear commercial objectives and tangible KPI’s.
• Work with agency partners and internal teams to deliver the format strategy, ensuring all creative briefs and project plans are aligned with the strategic vision
• Support the creation of store / veterinary practice layouts to align to blueprint formats that will then enable the space planning team to optimise the model
• End to end management of the design and delivery of new initiatives ranging from a single item of equipment or signage to a full store concept, taking projects from the creative brief right through to implementation across the diverse store estate
• Support the delivery of the model within the new store, vet extension and refurbishment rollout programme from site feasibility through completion of construction and store implementation
• Using a broad mix of insight and data, make recommendations for improvements to our format proposition, always seeking to test and learn from design concepts that drive commercial benefits and enhance the customer experience.
• Design and plan creatively to set budgets, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and costs as part of concept recommendations
• Maintain an awareness of the latest innovations and competitor developments in the Pet Retail, Grooming and Veterinary market, identifying emerging trends in format and experience and where relevant, applying the learnings to projects and proposals.
• Engage with key stakeholders at varying stages of projects, working closely with internal departments to ensure new concepts / formats are communicated effectively and delivered consistently in a highly organised and efficient manner

Essential experience and skills

• Advanced and specialised format and design expertise, typically obtained through a minimum 5 years post grad experience in a Store Format / Development or a visual role within a large retail business.
• Proven track record of delivering complex format projects from concept through to delivery, demonstrating strong commercial and operational awareness within design solutions
• Minimum 5 years’ experience of working with in-house designers or external agencies to create retail design concepts
• A comprehensive understanding of store design architecture, branding, space planning and store layout principles to form design proposals and solutions
• Working knowledge of design intent drawings, CAD plans and Architectural Construction Packs
• Preferred experience of using AutoCad, Adobe Photoshop and SketchUp
• Exceptional creative and visualisation skills to support innovative design thinking and a clear understanding of practical application of concepts
• Confident and articulate in presenting design proposals in visual, written, and verbal formats
• Competent problem solver with excellent attention to detail who can prioritise, multi-task and work well under pressure

Benefits

• 15% Bonus potential
• 28 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Pension Scheme
• Healthcare
• Share options
• Group Discounts
• Other flexible benefits

About the Pets at Home Group

Far more than a retailer, Pets at Home Group is the UK’s leading pet care specialist, fulfilling every possible pet and owner need, from food and accessories to grooming and vet services. Since 1991, we’ve been building a business around pets and their owners and we’ve set our sights on becoming the best pet care business in the world. Join us now and you can be part of that journey, developing your future as we develop ours. This is a place where you can take pride and passion in your work within an inspiring, professional team that’s focused on supporting pets and their owners to live happier lives together.