At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a design team to create stunning Yo-Chi store experiences.
- Company: Join the vibrant Yo-Chi team, shaping our brand's visual identity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with exciting projects across multiple locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on our stores while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years of design experience with a strong retail or hospitality background.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 $ per year.
Yo-Chi is looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead our in-house design team and shape the look and feel of every Yo-Chi store. From new venue fit-outs to refurbishments across our growing network, you'll own the design process end-to-end - from initial site inspection and design concept through to construction, while managing a small team of designers and working closely with our Projects & Property Director. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can spot the finest detail while never losing sight of the bigger brand picture - someone equally comfortable mentoring a team as they are reviewing a construction drawing set.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership
- Manage and mentor a team of four designers, providing clear direction, feedback, and development support.
- Review and refine team members' role scope and task ownership to ensure clarity and accountability across the team.
- Support less experienced team members in building technical skills, particularly around tender and construction drawing review.
- Design Direction
- Partner with the Brand Director to align on approved designs and shape the future design direction of the brand.
- Define the scope and design direction for store refurbishments.
- Oversee initial floor plan development and review.
- Conduct thorough reviews of tender and construction drawing sets to ensure design integrity and buildability.
- Visit sites to inspect design execution against approved plans and brand standards, particularly for new or complex venues.
- Coordinate with international design consultants where required for specific projects.
- Project Management
- Review design costings in partnership with the cost consultant/quantity surveyor (QS).
- Conduct comparative costing and finishes analysis across the venue portfolio to maintain design consistency and cost control.
- Manage relationships with, and output of, external design consultants.
- Provide weekly programme updates to the CEO.
What We're Looking For
- 5-8+ years' design experience, with proven experience managing and developing a team.
- Strong background in retail, hospitality, or multi-site fit-out design.
- Confident reviewing and interpreting tender and construction drawing sets.
- Solid working knowledge of site conditions and building services - including mechanical, plumbing, structural, and electrical & how these impact design and buildability.
- Experience managing design budgets, costings, and external consultants.
- Strong eye for finishes, materials, and brand consistency across a multi-site portfolio.
- A collaborative approach, comfortable working closely with brand, project, and operations stakeholders.
Design Manager employer: Yo-Chi Frozen Yogurt
At Yo-Chi Frozen Yogurt, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a vibrant and energetic work culture that prioritises exceptional guest service and team collaboration. Our Melbourne venue offers unique growth opportunities for our staff, with hands-on coaching and support from experienced leaders, ensuring that every team member can thrive in a fast-paced environment. Join us to be part of a fast-growing brand where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
