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Retail Design Manager Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

The firm works across sectors such as workplace, hospitality, mixed-use, retail, and institutional ... Design Manager to support the leadership team. This role will help guide complex projects ...

The firm works across sectors such as workplace, hospitality, mixed-use, retail, and institutional ... Design Manager to support the leadership team. This role will help guide complex projects ...

We are looking for a Solutions Design Manager to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will ... Hundreds of retail and lifestyle discounts * Affordable loans, savings schemes and free mortgage ...

Senior Design Manager Location: CHANEL Toronto Offices, ON Reports to: Head of Store Planning ... Minimum of 10+ years retail store design experience on client or agency side. * Degree in Interior ...

Senior Design Manager Location: CHANEL Toronto Offices, ON Reports to: Head of Store Planning ... Minimum of 10+ years retail store design experience on client or agency side. * Degree in Interior ...

Design retail and shopper marketing assets, including point-of-sale materials, displays ... Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced ...

Umbra Retail Concept Store Reports to: VP, Design Salary: Competitive Compensation/ Benefits About ... To manage a trendy design-forward concept store located in downtown Toronto! This role works with ...

Umbra Retail Concept Store Reports to: VP, Design Salary: Competitive Compensation/ Benefits About ... To manage a trendy design-forward concept store located in downtown Toronto! This role works with ...

Manager, Construction

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$90K - CA$113K/yr

Acting as the primary construction lead, partner closely with Real Estate, Design, Leasing, and ... Experience working within a franchise model within QSR or multi-unit retail development * Bilingual ...

Store Design & Construction Manager

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$121K - CA$138K/yr

Store Design & Construction Manager UNIQLO is a leading brand of the Fast Retailing Group, one of the largest apparel retailers in the world. UNIQLO respects the individuality and lifestyle of all ...

Showroom Keyholder - Toronto

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$26 - CA$34/hr

Innovation Award in retail design, and a global business, VRAI has locations in Los Angeles, San ... As a key leader, you'll be relied upon to "run the show" in the showroom manager's absence ...

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Retail Design Manager information

What does a retail design manager do?

A Retail Design Manager oversees the design and layout of retail spaces to ensure they are both visually appealing and functional for customers. They coordinate with architects, contractors, and marketing teams to create environments that reflect the brand’s identity and enhance the shopping experience. Their responsibilities include managing design projects from concept to completion, selecting materials and fixtures, and ensuring compliance with safety and accessibility standards. They play a key role in optimizing store layouts to drive sales and customer engagement.

What is the difference between Retail Design Manager vs Visual Merchandising Manager?

AspectRetail Design ManagerVisual Merchandising Manager
CredentialsDesign or architecture degree, relevant certificationsMarketing, retail, or visual merchandising background
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, retail store planning, corporate officesRetail stores, shopping centers, brand displays
Industry UsageOversees store layouts, interior design, brandingCreates visual displays, product placement, window designs

The Retail Design Manager focuses on the overall store design, layout, and branding, ensuring functional and aesthetic spaces. The Visual Merchandising Manager specializes in creating attractive product displays and visual setups to enhance sales. Both roles collaborate to create a cohesive retail environment but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

How does a retail design manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during store development projects?

A Retail Design Manager works closely with teams such as marketing, merchandising, operations, and construction throughout the store development process. They coordinate with marketing to ensure brand consistency, partner with merchandising to optimize product placement, and liaise with construction teams to oversee implementation and resolve on-site challenges. Regular meetings and clear communication are essential to align project goals and ensure all aspects of the retail environment support both customer experience and business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retail design manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Design Manager, you need expertise in spatial design, project management, and a relevant degree such as interior design or architecture. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of building codes and construction processes, is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and leadership skills help in collaborating with stakeholders and leading design teams. These abilities ensure cohesive, brand-aligned retail environments that attract customers and drive business success.
What job categories do people searching Retail Design Manager jobs in Ontario look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Design Manager jobs in Ontario are:
What cities in Ontario are hiring for Retail Design Manager jobs? Cities in Ontario with the most Retail Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Retail Design Manager job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Design Manager

Axis Recruitment

Toronto, ON

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description of the company:

Our client is a globally recognized design and architecture practice with studios across major international markets. The firm works across sectors such as workplace, hospitality, mixed-use, retail, and institutional environments, delivering projects that combine design excellence with strong technical execution.

Their teams bring together architects, interior designers, strategists, and technical specialists to solve complex design challenges. The studio culture is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and highly design-focused, with an emphasis on mentorship, knowledge sharing, and thoughtful project delivery.


Why is this role open:

Due to continued project growth and an expanding portfolio across multiple sectors, the firm is looking to add an experienced Design Manager to support the leadership team. This role will help guide complex projects, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and maintain strong client relationships while ensuring projects are delivered successfully.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the day-to-day coordination and delivery of projects, ensuring schedules, budgets, and design quality are maintained
  • Guide cross-disciplinary project teams through all phases of work from early design through construction and delivery
  • Maintain strong relationships with existing clients while identifying opportunities to expand services
  • Stay informed on client goals, market trends, and project objectives to ensure alignment between design delivery and client needs
  • Develop and manage project work plans, staffing strategies, and project schedules
  • Track project progress against scope, deliverables, timelines, and fee structures
  • Participate in internal project reporting and studio staffing discussions
  • Review project financial documentation and assist with billing coordination
  • Proactively identify project risks and collaborate with senior leadership on solutions
  • Support business development efforts and contribute to client pursuits when needed

Must-haves:

  • 10–20 years of experience within architecture or interior design project delivery
  • Accredited degree in Architecture or Interior Design
  • Experience leading projects across the full lifecycle, including construction administration
  • Proven experience managing and mentoring multidisciplinary teams
  • Experience negotiating project scope, schedules, and budgets
  • Strong knowledge of building codes, construction processes, and technical documentation
  • Demonstrated ability to manage project financial performance
  • Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills
  • Ability to maintain and strengthen client relationships
Nice-to-haves:
  • Professional licensure
  • Experience working in Revit or similar BIM platforms
4 days in office
Know someone great?
We offer a $500 referral bonus for successful hires. If you refer someone who’s hired through Axis Recruitment, we’ll send you a thank-you bonus after their first 3 months.
At Axis, we consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, colour, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single requirement. We don’t post all of the open positions so you might be a fit for a different role!