Parfums Christian Dior - Retail Architect (Japan)

Position

Parfums Christian Dior Japon is part of the LVMH group, the largest luxury brand in the world.

As a Retail Architect , you will play a role to design and deliver Parfums Christian Dior stores that embody the Dior spirit, creativity, and savoir-faire. This role oversees projects from the initial sales briefing through to the completion of construction, ensuring the highest level of quality, compliance, and brand consistency. The Retail Architect leads the full project lifecycle, collaborates with both local and international stakeholders, and ensures that all results meet the expectations of top management and Dior’s global standards.

This position is reporting to Retail Design & Merchandising Director, Retail Architect, Event and Visual Merchandising Division, and located in Tokyo.

General Mission

Design architectural plans in full alignment with Dior guidelines.

Prepare stores and project sites for VIP visits with exceptional presentation quality.

Supervise and lead suppliers to ensure optimal project outcomes.

Understand sales requests and develop project plans that accurately reflect the brief.

Maintain Dior-level excellence in all project results.

Review supplier performance and evaluate cost efficiency.

Demonstrate strong focus on cost optimization without compromising quality.

Provide accurate cost estimations through competitive bidding led by the central.

Identify and resolve issues that arise during the project lifecycle.

Build trust and strong relationships with central teams, local sales teams, management, and store clients.

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

A. Project Ownership & Strategic Planning

Manage retail design projects from initial brief through completion of construction.

Prepare comprehensive project briefs for the Central team and oversee execution.

Develop strategic and holistic implementation plans.

Understand each project from technical, regulatory, and operational perspectives.

B. Design Development

Collaborate with the Central team by providing clear project briefs, including site regulations and landlord requirements.

Adjust design proposals through Central to meet client and site-specific needs.

Prepare drawings, specifications, and construction documents.

C. Stakeholder Communication & Leadership

Meet with sales teams, stores, and landlords to identify needs and requirements.

Present design projects to the Division Director, General Manager, and sales teams.

Report project progress, risks, and challenges to the Division Director.

Lead all preparations for VIP visits.

D. Execution & Supplier Management

Manage suppliers and collaborate with construction professionals throughout the project lifecycle.

Oversee and control repair works requested by POS nationwide.

Manage and order materials and furniture from overseas manufacturers.

Resolve technical issues and provide optimal solutions.

E. Budgeting & Cost Control

Understand CAPEX budgets and strictly manage and control costs.

Launch bidding processes through the Purchasing division.

Establish and adhere to project budgets and timelines.

F. Compliance & Standards

Ensure compliance with safety standards and local planning regulations.

Possess a solid understanding of Japan’s Building Standard Law, including fire regulations.

Implement new technologies and methodologies to enhance project efficiency and quality.

Internal Relations : GM, International Architect team, Retail Team, Purchasing team, Counter BC

Outside Relations : Department Stores, Landlords, Suppliers, Construction companie

Profile

Requirements

A. Education & Experience

Degree in Architecture or a related field.

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience as an architect, preferably within a luxury brand or high-end retail environment.

B. Technical Skills

Excellent technical drawing skills; proficiency in AutoCAD is essential.

Strong knowledge of building codes, regulatory standards, and Japan’s Building Standard Law (including fire regulations).

Ability to prepare architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documents.

Strong creative, spatial, and visualization skills.

Ability to conduct quality checks at production factories.

C. Project & Communication Skills

Strong communication and project management capabilities.

Ability to build trustful relationships with the Central team and adhere to Dior guidelines.

Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

Exceptional analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.

Ability to identify and leverage the strengths and skills of project team members.

Calm, optimistic, and perceptive problem-solver.

D. Language Skills

Japanese: Native level.

English: English: Advanced level, with the ability to conduct technical discussions and deliver clear, persuasive presentations to Central and internal stakeholders (email, online, and in-person).

E. Work Style & Conditions

Willingness to travel frequently across Japan, including overnight trips.

Ability to work early mornings or late nights when supervising on-site construction outside store business hours.

F. PC Skills

Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and related software.

3D design capability is essential.

Additional information

Since 1947, the men and women of Parfums Christian Dior have embodied the founding "couturier-perfumer's" unique spirit of excellence, creativity and expertise, both in France and throughout the world. Our House is an open and highly focused collective, a leader that thrives on the creativity of all its stakeholders. Our collective passion and our heritage, full of authenticity and dream, make us move forward and reinvent ourselves.

By revolutionizing the codes of French style and luxury through perfumes, and combining tradition with daring makeup and innovative skincare, we are reinventing every day the Dior style and its compelling, joyful and absolute beauty. Our stimulating missions give our employees the opportunity to develop new skills, overcome spectacular challenges and reveal their talent.

To go further, with Dior.

PARFUMS CHRISTIAN DIOR

MAISON

Christian Dior described himself as a fashion and perfume designer. The House of Dior, founded in 1946, changed the face of ladies’ style forever when its New Look was unveiled in the halls of 30 Avenue Montaigne on February 12, 1947. The revolutionary look was accompanied by a fragrance, Miss Dior, the finishing touch designed to “leave a trail of desire in a woman’s wake”. This timeless perfume was the first fragrance created by a visionary brand which invented the concept of global beauty with its Rouge Dior and subsequent cosmetic lines.

The current-day trustees of this legendary expertise – Francis Kurkdjian, Perfume Creation Director, and Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup – are the heirs to Christian Dior’s perfectionism. The worldwide renown of the House’s creations is partly down to its seductive muses, including Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman and Robert Pattinson.