Design Development Manager

Overview

For a hybrid role based in London, we’re seeking a design professional to report to our Chief Design Officer. The ideal candidate will bring strong real estate development experience to oversee the design and delivery of global retail projects and support product development – blending creative excellence with disciplined execution.

• Lead the design vision on assigned projects, from concept through to design development.
• Manage the internal design approval process across all project phases.
• Be accountable for the performance of external design partners, ensuring work aligns with Hästens standards.
• Review and comment on design and construction documents to ensure consistency with brand guidelines while allowing for site‑specific conditions.
• Guide design direction, decision‑making, detailing, and development of custom materials, furniture, and systems.
• Oversee documentation quality from consultants; ensure detailing, coordination, and constructability.
• Maintain open communication with internal stakeholders, cross‑functional partners, landlords, and vendors to deliver on schedule, cost, and scope.
• Coordinate prototypes, mock‑ups, and samples, and provide timely feedback.
• Organise, update, and archive project design deliverables.
• Uphold brand standards and material quality across all regions.
• Share lessons learned to inform future improvements and updates to guidelines.
• Travel as needed to project sites, mock‑ups, and partner locations (global travel approximately once per quarter or as needed).

• Experience leading design projects with cross‑functional teams, ideally in luxury retail or high‑end architectural environments.
• Strong ability to develop and articulate design concepts and explain direction, trade‑offs, and implementation strategies.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to interface with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency with design and documentation tools (CAD, rendering, etc.).
• Understanding of building codes, local laws, and design constraints.
• Degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field.
• Experience across luxury retail, boutique hospitality, and high‑end residential, ideally with product and visual merchandising experience.
• Expertise in product and visual merchandising design, including materials, furniture, textiles, and finishes.
• Refined aesthetic sensibility and strong understanding of historic design details, current design trends, culture, and craft.
• Self‑starter with high attention to detail and solid organisational skills.

At the Hästens Design Lab, we build on 173 years of mastery and craftsmanship to shape the next generation of whole‑form, immersive retail experiences. Our international team defines global vision, develops new flagship store concepts, and manages worldwide real estate initiatives – bringing together architecture, product innovation, visual merchandising, and brand storytelling into one considered experience. We lead sustainability initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of Hästens stores while improving our customers' lives.

Since 1852, Hästens Beds has been committed to crafting the best sleep. The skilled craftspeople at our factory in Köping, Sweden, have been refining our work for generations. Every bed is bespoke and made by hand using only the best natural materials. The difference lies in the details and our quest to provide the most restful sleep for people who want to lead a higher quality of life.

We are proud to be a world‑class international brand, operating in more than 40 countries with over 300 partners in Europe, Asia, America and Africa – and still growing.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive salary and benefits program.