Versace Store Design Lead

Overview

Versace is an Italian luxury fashion house founded by Gianni Versace, recognised for bold, glamorous design and meticulous Italian craftsmanship across fashion, accessories, fragrance and hospitality. The brand operates globally and is part of the Capri Holdings group, positioning itself at the intersection of cultural influence and high-end lifestyle.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design direction for global stores, pop-ups, showrooms, hotels and luxury apartments from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with brand vision, budget and timelines.
• Produce and oversee preliminary and final 2D and 3D design deliverables, high-quality renderings, hand sketches and presentation materials for CEO and Creative Director review.
• Prepare and present design submissions and iterate designs per executive guidance and feasibility/budget constraints.
• Review construction design drawings, lead quality assurance processes including virtual walkthroughs and site visits, and coordinate with contractors to ensure design intent is realised.
• Deliver value-engineered design solutions where required and manage cost versus design trade-offs.
• Define and coordinate architectural lighting concepts and ensure global consistency of lighting strategy across projects.
• Drive materials research, concept evolution, mood development and competitor benchmarking in the luxury retail field.
• Coordinate prototype development and approvals; collate and deliver post-opening feedback to stakeholders to inform continuous improvement.
• Maintain weekly alignment and close collaboration with visual merchandising, store planning and project management teams.
• Organise, mentor and motivate the studio team, allocate duties, foster accountability and maintain a healthy, sustainable team culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in design within luxury environments, preferably fashion retail.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and external consultants across multiple international projects.
• Advanced proficiency in producing high-quality 2D/3D presentations, renderings, hand sketching and visual storytelling.
• Demonstrable expertise with construction documentation, site coordination and quality-control processes.
• Excellent presentation skills with experience briefing C-suite stakeholders and Creative Directors.
• Fluency in English; international experience and availability to travel as required.

Skills

Experience

Minimum of 10+ years leading design teams within luxury retail or comparable high-end environments, with demonstrable experience delivering global store roll-outs, pop-ups and hospitality projects from concept through construction and post‑opening evaluation.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design or related discipline; Master’s degree or equivalent advanced qualification preferred.

Workplace

Culture

Versace cultivates a fast-paced, creative environment rooted in Italian artisanship and bold aesthetic expression. The workplace values collaboration between design, merchandising and executive stakeholders and prioritises diversity, inclusion and a high standard of creative excellence.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.