Senior Regional Architect

Position

THE CONTEXT ________

LVMH’s Perfumes & Cosmetics activities benefit from exceptional dynamism that relies on both the longevity and development of key lines, and on the boldness of new creations.

The brands cultivate what makes them unique and is guaranteed to make them stand out for their devotees in a highly competitive global market. The success of the Perfumes & Cosmetics division depends on finding the right balance between major historic Houses such as Parfums Christian Dior, Parfums Givenchy and Guerlain, and young brands with strong potential like Benefit Cosmetics, Fresh and Make Up For Ever.

All are driven by the same values: a quest for excellence, creativity, innovation and perfect mastery of their image.

LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics Middle East & Africa manages 9 different brands including Parfums Christian Dior, Make Up for Ever, Givenchy, Kenzo, Loewe, Acqua Di Parma, MFK, Guerlain and Benefit Cosmetics.

YOUR MISSION ___________

As Senior Regional Architect , you will guarantee an accurate and qualitative brand image according to company guidelines across all points of sale, ensuring the integrity of all institutional brand requirements.

You will be part of a team responsible for the store design process from initial concept through planning, project management, construction documentation and administration, and completion for wholesale and boutique store projects.

You must be proficient in handling and organizing a large volume of projects and interfacing with various levels of management, including Head Quarter Architecture teams, brand subsidiaries and agents, VM and merchandising teams, millworkers, consultants, and general contractors.

Job responsibilities

Your main assignment will be focused on:

Design

• Flagship and A projects (designed in collaboration with the head office)

Coordinate with Central merchandizing team to prepare store layout to match the brand concept, guidelines, local requirements and needs

• B and C projects (locally designed)

Produce a creative point of sale design in accordance with the merchandising charter to optimize brand visibility and be responsible for the designs and scale models.

• Work closely with the area manager to understand the needs and specificities of each market and business to create accurate brief to be shared with HQ
• Analyze traffic flow to guarantee customer interaction; analyzes architectural features that may enhance or distract from location and competitors; inspects sites to ensure cohesive design and speeds approval process.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, merchandising, and operations, to ensure cohesive and functional store designs.

Bidding

• Provide project plans, technical specifications, and designs to obtain costings and timeline.
• Challenge and negotiate the quotations, the terms, and conditions to ensure brand image is not compromised as well as budget and deadlines compliance.
• Manages invoicing and follow closely financial approvals.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and timelines, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with external consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure project deliverables are met.
• Ensure ROIC improvement of the additional capital through minimizing the cost of the installations versus the sales delivered or expected.

Manufacturing

• Work with local suppliers ahead of installations to ensure accurate application of designs, technical specifications and highest possible quality production. Once installations are complete, review the quality and processes giving feedback to suppliers as necessary.
• Review and approve architectural plans, specifications, and construction documents.
• Find alternative materials with Head quarter approval and develop the local supplier to reach the excellence in execution.
• Manages and drives the projects construction through to prototypes and implementation of trials.

Installation

• Ensure through sites supervision and updates the successful implementation of ongoing projects, consistent with details and high standards of the Brand.
• Lead collaborative working with key business stakeholders to secure the best timeline and the opening date

Follow Up

• Visit stores and counters regularly before and after new builds to review and propose additional branding or visibility opportunities and ensure the merchandising display is proper and according to the merchandising guidelines.
• Follow up on the result of modification/maintenance works which might have impact to VM policies/guidelines.

Profile

WHO YOU ARE _________

• Architect with a retail design background and experience in the beauty and cosmetics industry
• Strong knowledge in AutoCAD, Sketchup, Microsoft office packages, Adobe Suite
• Excellent working knowledge of furniture and materials for counter builds

• Design and quality oriented with a strong eye for details
• Knowledge of the general contracting works to be able to follow a boutique construction
• Knowledge of distribution channels and of all aspects linked to Merchandising in this environment
• Team player and a positive, can-do attitude “really solution oriented”
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

The position is based in Dubai.