Manager - Design

Who We Are:

GMG is a global well-being company retailing, distributing and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across sport, everyday goods, health and beauty, properties and logistics sectors. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family for over 45 years, GMG is a valued partner of choice for the world's most successful and respected brands in the well-being sector. Working across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, GMG has introduced more than 120 brands across 12 countries. These include notable home-grown brands such as Sun & Sand Sports, Dropkick, Supercare Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, Klassic, and international brands like Nike, Columbia, Converse, Timberland, Vans, Mama Sita's, and McCain.

Role Overview:

The role holder is responsible for leading the Design function and ensuring the delivery of innovative, functional, and brand aligned retail environments across all projects. This role oversees a team of Designers and is accountable for all design outputs, coordination with global partners, and alignment with project execution requirements. The Manager Design will collaborate closely with cross functional teams, including Space Planning, Leasing, Operations, Vendors, Contractors, and Project Managers, to drive design excellence and ensure timely completion of all design stages.

• Manage a team of 45 Designers, providing mentorship, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Allocate project workloads, monitor performance, and ensure timely delivery of high quality design packages.
• Conduct regular design reviews to maintain quality standards and design integrity.
• Work closely with Space Planning, Inhouse and external MEP team, QS team, Brand Teams, Leasing, Operations, and Project Managers to ensure alignment of design solutions with business needs and site constraints.
• Liaise with global partners to interpret, localize, and implement brand-specific design requirements.
• Review contractor shop drawings, mock-ups, material samples, and prototypes to ensure accurate execution of design intent.

• Oversee multiple design streams simultaneously, ensuring all deliverables meet project timelines.
• Support Senior Project Managers with design coordination, technical clarifications, and design related issue resolution.
• Monitor project progress and provide design-related updates during regular project meetings.
• Stay updated with the latest retail design trends, technologies, materials, and sustainability practices.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to identify opportunities for improving design guidelines, processes, and efficiencies.
• Contribute to updating and enhancing design manuals, specifications, and templates.
• Defines annual performance goals in consultation with the reporting manager and ensures achievement within set timelines.
• Takes full ownership of personal development, identifying skills gaps and seeking development opportunities beyond training modules.
• Keeps abreast of professional advancements, market trends, and modern design methodologies through continuous learning.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 10 years total experience, including:

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• o 5 years of experience in retail design (mandatory)
• o 35 years in a managerial role leading design team
• o 35 years of UAE experience with exposure to mall guidelines, landlord approvals, and regional retail formats
• Approve all design drawings including 2D layouts, elevations, fixture designs, material selections, and technical packages.
• Ensure all design outputs comply with brand standards, global guidelines, building codes, and mall requirements.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate conditions, validate design assumptions, and support complex design resolutions.
• Comprehensive know of MEP and Architecture - Retail design.
• Prepare/ assist in BOQ / scope of work - development to validation.
• Advanced proficiency in design software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, and related design tools.
• Strong understanding of retail design principles, including space planning, fixture design, lighting, and visual merchandising integration.
• Strong knowledge of UAE building codes, mall design criteria, and compliance requirements.
• Planning and forecasting skills