Retail Store Design Manager, Aesop

We are seeking two passionate and detail orientated Retail Store Design Managers to join the Aesop Store Development team. These are full-time roles operating with a hybrid working pattern, based at our global head office in Collingwood.
You will provide end to end support and guidance to Aesop store development in the ANZ region, through the high-level project management of new store openings as well as refurbishment and maintenance.
This role supports with building genuine relationships with our suppliers, liaising with internal and global stakeholders, to ensure we continue to provide the impeccable delivery of our new spaces and refurbishments.
ABOUT THE JOB
- Preparation of architectural briefs, specific to projects
- Take a collaborative approach to design, engaging in conversations with stakeholders about proposed designs and briefs for new projects
- Lead project management of creative solutions for street and shopping mall retail stores, as well as department stores, whilst managing stakeholder expectations.
- Survey prospective locations, providing architectural and construction feedback to Aesop HO, Regional ANZ, Global, and External Architects when needed
- Monitor budgets and construction schedules, ensuring projects are running to time and budget whilst achieving the highest quality.
- Liaise with all external consultants and contractors involved on a project - e.g. Lighting consultants, engineers, building surveyors, etc.
- Quantity surveyor skills, be capable of forecasting what financial resources will be needed to complete a project and issue a clear budget recap.
- Value engineering skills, understand the specificities of the project, be able to negotiate the quotes down by sourcing alternative materials, simpler solutions.
- Source samples and demonstrate an appetite for innovation, research, trial.
- Drafting, review and approving of design & construction contracts.
- Organise permitting, engineering and all other external services required for building and occupancy permits
- Attend site handover meetings, to ensure that conditions are as per signed Aesop lease agreement
- Tender assigned projects to builders and negotiate the pricing process. Review shop drawings and ensure these are as per documentation provided by Aesop.
- Conduct factory and local site visits to monitor ongoing quality and report progress back to HO.
- Accept completed store from external construction team, complete detailed build defects list, lead the rectification process, ensuring these are completed in a timely manner
- Design and document thoughtful and practical small-scope solutions in response to retail and maintenance needs.

ABOUT YOU
- A commitment to and passion for Aesop’s retail design environment, customer service and teams
- Understanding of retail, design and construction industries
- Seek partnership and long lasting relationship with local General Contractors to develop Aesop’s network of contractors
- Be autonomous, proactive, efficient. Drive for excellence and strong capacity to work under tight deadlines and pressure
- Excellent written skills and clear communication
- Experience in multi-project construction management within the retail, hospitality, or similar sectors
- A strong ability to make considered and efficient decisions
- Attention to detail, ability to multitask and prioritise work/projects whilst bringing multiple creative solutions to fruition and within expected timeframes.
- Background/qualification in Design/Architecture
- Creative and practical thinker - able to work through problems that arise on projects
- Proficient in Adobe Suite and Excel, CAD software experience would be an advantage
- A high level of attention to detail and the ability to analyse problems and deliver results

ABOUT THE PERKS
- Life insurance and Income Protection
- Corporate discounts available
- Flexible, hybrid working pattern
- Generous product discount allowance across the entire L’Oréal portfolio
- Volunteer leave
- Bonus opportunity based on personal, and business, performance
- Suite of options to aid development, including in-house Product and Core skills training

ABOUT THE DIVISION
For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.
Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.
We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey ha