Retail Designer

Retail Store Design Manager - (Working with Landlords of GCC Malls)

1. Core Candidate Persona (The Must-Haves)

Candidates must have a background in Developer-based or Consultant-based retail operations.

Target Organizations (Developers): Ex-Emaar, MAF, Al Fu aim, Aldar, Dubai Holding, Meraas, Avenue Kuwait, Mall of Doha, etc.

Target Organizations (Consultants): Ex-Vindigo, Freefall, ESA Engineering, etc. Geographic Experience: Proven track record in UAE, KSA, Egypt, or Kuwait.

Stability: High priority on candidates who stay long-term in a single company (avoiding job hoppers).

Mobility: Must be ready to join and willing to relocate to Saudi Arabia (KSA) if required.

2. Technical Vetting Standards: The candidate must be a Manager of the Process, not just a designer.

Key technical competencies to check:

Tenant Design Guidelines (TDG): Has the candidate formulated and enforced design manuals for malls

Project Lifecycle: Ability to explain the technical process from Concept Approval to Fit-out and LOD (Le er of Delivery).

Technical Credibility: Ability to list specific brand stores delivered and the exact scope of work for each.

Retail Design Knowledge

• Deep understanding of mall retail typologies (inline, anchor, F&B, kiosk, lifestyle, luxury).
• Shopfront design principles & visual merchandising integration.
• Circulation planning & customer journey strategy.
• Understanding of leasable area optimisation.
• Detailed Skillsets: Deep knowledge of mall typologies (inline, anchor, luxury), Tenant Manual/Fit-out compliance, and technical coordination (Architectural + basic MEP).

Tenant Manual & Compliance Expertise

• Ability to interpret and implement Tenant Design Criteria & Fit-Out Manuals
• Review tenant submissions (architectural, MEP, signage).
• Good Building Practice enforcement.
• Authority compliance knowledge (UAE/0KSA experience highly valuable).

Technical Coordination

• Architectural detailing.
• Basic MEP understanding (retail-specific loads, grease traps, HVAC coordination).
• Shop drawing review capability
• Site inspection and snagging competency
• Construction sequencing awareness

Bachelors degree Required.

• Position Open:
• Retail Associate Design Manager
• Retail Senior Associate Design Manager
• Retail Design Manager
• Nationality/Preferences: Any specific nationality requirements for the Dubai or KSA locations.

No nationality preference but those who can speak Arabic is a plus to our clients and might get approved faster. GCC Mall experience is Mandatory.