Senior Retail Design & Visual Merchandising Manager

WHO WE ARE

Let Our Journeys Enrich Life

Carry essentials exist to make movement a worry-free experience, allowing us to focus on the bigger picture of our journeys. Today's industry brands are exhibiting a growing disconnection from the deeper purpose of movement, seen in standard-fare products that neither challenge norms nor present new solutions that facilitate better mobility.

LOJEL is about refocusing on how people move, but more importantly, why: connection. Putting the purpose of our journeys at the forefront of the discussion opens up opportunities for innovation. This process of discovery is what lets us empower people to move better and focus on what truly matters.

Our mission is to spark the human connections that make the world a better place—by empowering people’s journeys with thoughtful carry essentials for travel and everyday movement. We are Driven By Diversity, Intentional By Design and Purposely Positive—core values upholding our ultimate goal to inspire movement within communities and across the globe.

LOJEL is an international carry essentials brand—founded in Japan in 1989, currently headquartered in Hong Kong with teams in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific—and is sold in 15 territories across the globe.

SUSTAINABILITY AT LOJEL

At LOJEL, we're committed to driving positive change. We recognize the challenges our world faces, particularly with the looming climate crisis. The future is uncertain, and as a forward-thinking brand, we're dedicated to taking action.

Sustainability is at the core of our mission. By 2026, we aim to achieve B Corp certification, becoming climate neutral, and ensuring that 50% of our products are crafted from recycled or sustainable materials. To achieve these goals, we're building a team that's ready to take on this challenge head-on. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our planet while embracing a rewarding career at LOJEL.

ABOUT THE ROLE

LOJEL is searching for a Senior Retail Design & Visual Merchandising Senior Manager to drive the transformation of our retail environments and enhance the brand’s presence across physical and experiential touchpoints. This role is responsible for creating innovative, story-driven retail concepts and VM strategies that align with LOJEL’s brand values and customer experience goals.

As a key leader within the LOJEL team, you will design immersive, on-brand retail spaces that balance operational efficiency, customer journey, and brand storytelling to achieve our brand and business goals. You will also establish clear processes, rigorous design standards, and a culture of excellence within the Retail Design and VM team, ensuring that every space and display reflects the LOJEL ethos.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Retail Concept Design

• You start with a strong brand brief that considers the brand, business, and operational goals of the project.


• Translate briefs into innovative designs that integrate storytelling, operational goals, and the customer journey delivering a uniquely LOJEL brand experience.


• Design experiential retail environments that connect with customers and reinforce LOJEL’s values with a strong focus on sustainability.

2. Strategic Space Planning & Zoning

• Strategize the layout of retail spaces to optimize the customer journey and operational efficiency.


• Develop zoning strategies that balance storytelling, product display, and customer flow.


• Consideration for the use of space by the in-store team as well as how they will engage the customers.

3. Construction Documentation

• Create detailed, thorough construction documents to guide the execution of retail projects.


• Establish and maintain design and drawing standards to ensure consistency and quality across all projects.

4. Visual Merchandising (VM)

• Develop strategic VM zoning plans that enhance product visibility and customer engagement.


• Oversee the design and documentation of VM strategies, ensuring they are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with LOJEL’s brand identity.


• Coordinate VM design toolkits for all campaigns and product launches.

5. Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the Retail Design and VM team to achieve excellence in execution.

6. Center of Excellence

• Build templates, processes, rigor, and documentation standards from the ground up, driving operational and creative efficiency.


• Develop a tiered shop and VM zoning strategy that aligns with Commercial and Business Development goals facilitating clarity across all retail venues globally.


• Catalogue existing projects to form a strong foundation for future expansion and development.


• Build a material library and a workshop approach to making.

7. Project Management

• Manage the teams project flow and execution across new shop designs, shop renovations, pop-ups, and VM projects.


• Manage multiple retail design projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, contractors, and external partners to bring design concepts to life.

WHAT YOU BRING

Experience

• Proven expertise in retail design, with a focus on creating experiential environments that tell a story.


• Deep understanding of designing for brand, commercial, and operational goals.


• Experience in establishing drawing/design standards and processes to improve team efficiency.


• Strong track record in VM design and zoning strategies, including developing sustainable and impactful solutions.

Skills

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple complex projects with attention to detail.


• Time Management: Skilled at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.


• Communication: Strong ability to sell ideas and collaborate with stakeholders across departments.


• Systems Thinking: A structured, strategic approach to problem-solving and design.


• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and rendering tools.


• Conceptual Design Thinking: Ability to translate creative ideas into practical, executable solutions.

Personality

• Proactive Problem Solver: A self-starter who takes initiative to drive progress.


• Generous & Empathetic Mentor: A team player who fosters collaboration and growth.


• Organized & Detail-Oriented: Methodical and structured in approach.


• Hands-On Builder: Passionate about creating and innovating from scratch.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

• Competitive remuneration


• 20 Annual Leave Days


• Additional leaves including maternity, paternity, dental, marriage, childcare & adoption leaves


• Medical and Dental Insurance


• LOJEL friends & family discount year-round & much more…

**Our company is a signatory to the Racial Diversity and Inclusion charter for Employers of the Equal Opportunities Commission.**