Head of Store Planning & Design Manager

At David Jones, we exist to inspire like no other. As we continue to evolve our store environments, we’re looking for a talented Head of Store Planning & Design Manager to lead the delivery of inspiring, commercially focused and beautifully executed design outcomes across our store network.

This is a key leadership role within our Store Design & Planning team, responsible for managing design priorities, documentation quality and project coordination across major works, business initiatives, refurbishments and brand partner projects. You’ll play an important role in shaping the David Jones store experience, balancing creative design, commercial opportunity, customer experience and environmental impact.

Working closely with internal teams, external consultants, brand partners and vendors, you’ll help bring concepts to life while ensuring every detail reflects the quality, consistency and design standards expected of David Jones.

What your day will look like

You’ll collaborate closely with teams across Space Planning, Visual Merchandising, Construction, Store Projects, Merchandise, BI Project Delivery and Brand Design to ensure every design, plan and documentation package is clear, commercially considered and aligned to the David Jones concept.

You’ll also work with external consultants, agencies, brand contractors, project managers and vendors to ensure approved design proposals are accurately documented, coordinated and delivered to standard.

What the role involves

Lead, manage and prioritise design tasks across the Store Design & Planning team.

Manage the production of high-quality documentation packages and schedules across all build stages, including control plans, tender documentation and construction documentation.

Ensure thorough peer reviews are completed prior to publication of design documentation.

Issue brand packs in line with construction programs for brand partners and vendors.

Prioritise daily tasks to meet the changing needs of the business.

Review new fixture designs to ensure they support business needs and maximise commercial opportunities.

Work collaboratively with Space Planning, Visual Merchandising, Construction, BI Project Delivery and Brand Design teams to ensure brand representation and the David Jones concept are clearly documented.

Support fast-paced refurbishment, business initiative and minor works programs.

Ensure design details are consistent across stores, major works and business initiatives.

Conduct defect reviews to ensure installations are delivered in line with David Jones standards, guidelines, policies and procedures.

Manage and maintain the master program for all project documentation, prioritising work accordingly.

Collaborate with external agencies and consultants on documentation and RFI registers.

Liaise with brand contractors and project managers to ensure services are coordinated in line with approved design proposals.

Maintain clear, effective and productive communication with the design team to drive optimum design objectives and outcomes.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal functions including Merchandise, Space Planning, Store Projects, Construction and Visual Merchandising.

What you’ll need to thrive

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring strong retail design capability, confident leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively across a broad stakeholder group. You’ll be comfortable balancing creative thinking with practical delivery, ensuring design outcomes are commercially sound, well documented and delivered to a high standard.

You will also bring:

Experience leading, empowering and managing a design-focused team.

Strong understanding and application of retail design and architectural principles.

Knowledge of planning requirements and current construction methods.

Excellent time management, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.

Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit.

Proficiency in BCA and DDA standards.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

A collaborative approach, with the confidence to work independently when required.

Adaptability and discipline when working across multiple projects, priorities and timeframes.

Why work for us?

At David Jones, our purpose is to inspire like no other. We are committed to creating a thriving culture where our people can do their best work as individuals and as teams.

Our cultural foundations guide how we work together:

Customer Obsessed

We are curious to understand our customers and build long-term relationships. We are dedicated to delivering seamless, inspiring solutions as one team.

Empowered

We trust each other to act with integrity, value our unique skillsets and take accountability for our decisions. We learn from challenges, take action and celebrate success together.

Inclusive

We care for our people, customers, partners and community by creating an environment built on belonging and respect. We embrace diverse ideas and are committed to sustainability and responsibility for our planet.

Innovative

We constantly seek new and better ways to inspire. We listen, seek feedback and have the courage to challenge the status quo, contributing to the ongoing success and legacy of David Jones.

About you

You are a commercially minded design leader with a passion for creating inspiring retail environments. You enjoy working with multiple stakeholders, balancing creative design with operational delivery, and leading a team to produce high-quality outcomes.

You’re highly organised, solutions-focused and confident working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly. Most importantly, you bring a collaborative mindset and a strong eye for detail, ensuring every design outcome reflects the David Jones standard.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of store design at David Jones, working across exciting projects that shape how customers experience our brand.

If you’re ready to lead, collaborate and deliver inspiring retail design outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.