Design Manager - Private Sector - Retail

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

Mace Consult serves as the independent programme management office (IPMO) for the corporate services of a major financial institution (client), supporting the delivery of capital projects across four global regions: ASP, Europe, UK, MENAT, USA and LATAM.  

This role is for a design manager, responsible for overseeing and assuring retail design across the UK, Europe, US and LATAM regions. The successful candidate will work closely with the project management teams to deliver targeted training, continuous guidance, and governance throughout the project lifecycle. They will ensure that all designs adhere to the client’s minimum design standards, encompassing architectural, interior, and inclusive design, brand implementation, accessibility, health and safety, and sustainability. 

You’ll be responsible for:

• Providing project-level design guidance and support to the project delivery teams as required. 
• Delivering design assurance for assigned projects by assessing compliance with the client’s design standards and guidelines. 
• Monitoring and reporting on design governance progress and compliance through established reporting mechanisms. 
• Identifying and managing deviations from the client’s mandatory design standards, coordinating reviews with relevant stakeholders, and tracking resolutions through agreed processes. 
• Supporting project teams by ensuring access to up-to-date design standards, delivering updates, and providing relevant training. 
• Advising on the development of local adaptations of design standards, including documentation and coordination with global stakeholders to secure necessary approvals. 
• Contributing to the design communications plan by sharing successes, lessons learned, and market insights. 
• Ensuring brand compliance in all design documentation intended for external sharing, such as case studies. 
• Acting as a subject matter expert in the development of supplementary materials to support the core design guidelines, ensuring they remain practical and effective. 
• Building strong working relationships with project delivery teams and client counterparts and facilitating engagement with global and country-level stakeholders. 
• Demonstrating the ability to influence client decisions and outcomes through expert guidance. 
• Presenting insights, efficiency opportunities, and key topics to stakeholders, and recommending ways to leverage these for added value. 
• Reviewing project controls and processes to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. 
• Reporting risks, deviations, and issues via regional reports. 
• Managing assigned initiatives under the direction of the global lead to achieve defined outcomes. 
• Analysing feedback from completion photos and case studies, as well as data from the deviation process to identify trends and lessons learned and using these insights to recommend improvements at both project and standards levels. 
• Collaborating with stakeholders to raise awareness of client’s operational practices and design standards and identifying areas of non-compliance. 

You’ll need to have:

• A bachelor’s degree in architecture or interior design equivalent education and/or professional experience. 
• Professional membership with ARB, RIBA, or an equivalent regulatory body. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe creative suite. 
• Proven experience in design assurance Management is highly desirable. 
• Prior experience working with clients in the banking or financial services sector is highly desirable. 
• Strong track record of managing relationships with senior stakeholders at a strategic level. 
• Demonstrated commercial awareness and understanding of organisational dynamics. 
• Ability to lead both strategically and tactically across multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams. 
• Solid understanding of statutory legislation, including building regulations, fire safety, and building safety act. 
• Strong analytical and logical thinking skills, with the ability to manage complex, multi-dimensional projects. 
• Extensive experience in delivering projects and programmes successfully through all stages. 
• Confidence in operating at both strategic and operational levels, with the ability to shape project direction and influence key decision makers. 
• Spanish language skills would be advantageous. 

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop. 

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

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