Design & Construction Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Design & Construction Manager to join our growing retail business. Reporting directly to the Head of Design & Construction, this role will serve as the department's second-in-command and play a key role in driving the successful delivery of retail store development projects across multiple brands and markets.

The ideal candidate is a strong design and technical professional with extensive experience in retail architecture, interior design, store development, and construction management. You will lead projects from concept through completion while collaborating closely with internal teams, international brand principals, landlords, consultants, contractors, and senior stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and is passionate about delivering outstanding store experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Act as the primary support and second-in-command to the Head of Design & Construction.

• Assist in managing and coordinating the Design & Construction team across multiple projects and markets.

• Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to designers, project managers, and team members.

• Support resource planning, workload allocation, and project prioritization.

• Contribute to enhancing departmental processes, standards, and operational efficiencies.

• Represent the department and lead key initiatives when required.

Design & Project Delivery

• Lead retail store projects from concept development through construction, handover, and store opening.

• Ensure all projects comply with brand standards, design intent, quality expectations, budgets, and timelines.

• Review and provide guidance on layouts, materials, finishes, technical details, and design solutions.

• Coordinate closely with internal teams, brand principals, consultants, landlords, contractors, and vendors.

• Identify and mitigate design, technical, and construction risks throughout the project lifecycle.

Stakeholder & Principal Management

• Serve as a key point of contact for international brand principals and senior stakeholders.

• Present design proposals, project progress updates, timelines, and technical solutions.

• Manage feedback, approvals, and communication between stakeholders and project teams.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with principals, shareholders, landlords, consultants, and vendors.

Construction & Site Management

• Oversee construction and fit-out activities to ensure alignment with approved designs.

• Conduct site visits and inspections to monitor quality, progress, and compliance.

• Review shop drawings, material submissions, mock-ups, and technical documentation.

• Resolve site-related design and construction issues effectively.

• Support project handovers, defect management, and store opening preparations.

Program, Budget & Commercial Management

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

• Monitor project schedules, milestones, and critical deadlines.

• Review project budgets, quotations, variations, and procurement requirements.

• Assess commercial implications of design decisions and recommend cost-effective solutions.

• Support project performance reporting across multiple markets.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain organized project documentation, approvals, trackers, reports, and schedules.

• Ensure accurate record-keeping of project decisions and communications.

• Prepare regular project status updates for senior management.

• Drive effective communication between all project stakeholders.

Requirements

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field.

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in retail architecture, interior design, store development, design management, or construction.

• Strong experience managing retail and fashion store projects across multiple brands and markets.

• Proven track record delivering projects from concept design through construction and handover.

• Experience working with international principals, landlords, consultants, contractors, and vendors.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of retail design, architecture, space planning, shopfitting, materials, finishes, and construction methodologies.

• Ability to review and challenge design proposals while ensuring practical and buildable solutions.

• Strong knowledge of M&E coordination and technical drawing review.

• Sound understanding of site execution, workmanship standards, and quality control processes.

• Experience reviewing shop drawings, specifications, technical documentation, and construction details.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

• Excellent project management, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.

• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

• Detail-oriented, proactive, and highly accountable.

• Able to work independently, make decisions, and solve problems effectively.

Software Skills

• Proficient in:

  • AutoCAD

  • SketchUp

  • V-Ray

  • Microsoft Office Suite

  • Other relevant design and project management software

Additional Requirements

• Willing to travel extensively within Indonesia and internationally.

• Comfortable working under pressure and managing tight retail store opening schedules.