JD Group Plc
Assistant Retail Designer
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This is JD. Born in 1981. Built for Now.
At JD, we don’t just sell sneakers and outdoor gear, we set trends, break boundaries, and build communities. Whether you're on the shop floor, behind the scenes, or driving innovation, every role here plays a part in shaping the future of our industry. We’re fast-paced, fearless, and unapologetically ambitious. We celebrate authenticity, thrive on collaboration, and never stop pushing forward, if you’re ready to bring your energy, ideas, and personality to a team that values them. This is your moment. This is JD. Are you in?
Store Development – Assistant Retail Designer
Creative and Development
Responsible to: Senior Manager, Concept & Development
Department: Store Development
Location: Bury GHQ
Direct Reports: 0
Role Purpose:
The Creative & Development Assistant Retail Designer role is central to JD Sports’ continued global growth. Sitting within the Store Development team as a function of the wider Property Department, this position is a key in shaping the physical retail experience through high-impact, brand-led store environments.
The role demands great design standards and a creative approach to developing store concepts that align with JD’s store grading framework, and associated brands which sit under the JD umbrella. Strong communication skills are key, with an open collaborative attitude with some experience in designing and delivering retail spaces ideally within the sports or fashion sector. From concept development to final implementation, innovative thinking, precision, and a deep understanding of how to translate JD Sports’ brand DNA into dynamic, customer-focused retail spaces. We pride ourselves with maintaining high standards and expectations required of JD as a Global Powerhouse, to continue leading in the Sports Fashion Retail arena — by driving a future-focused Retail Design strategy that prioritises immersive customer experiences, elevated brand storytelling, and agile store formats tailored to evolving consumer behaviours and global market dynamics and trends.
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Key Duties / Responsibilities:
- Support design projects within agreed territory, taking projects from brief through to completion, working collaboratively with team support and independently
- Attend strategy and briefing meetings to obtain design briefs and general direction of projects, ensuring information is understood and interpreted in execution
- Work cross-functionally with key project stakeholders from within the JD Group including; the wider Property team, Retail, Marketing, Multi-channel, IT, security, etc.
- Coordinate meetings to present store designs and obtain approval / feedback
- Attend site meetings; talking through the design with the project delivery team, check surveys, and record site information
- Set up drawings in AutoCAD using landlord or survey information
- Space plan merchandise layouts using a design brief and option targets
- Production of detailed plans, shop fronts, sections, and elevations for proposed store designs
- Produce relevant details required for development of design scheme including store architecture, furniture, and fittings, to support costing and design communication to third parties including shopfitters and general contractors
- Production of 3D Visuals when required to support design development and communication
- Liaise with external professional agencies such as structural engineers, planning department, or consultants to obtain statutory approvals
- Partner with the signage and graphics team to work collaboratively to deliver projects
- Be current and aware of consumer trends to shape and inspire innovative retail design concepts that resonate with JD’s global audience and reflect the dynamic energy of JD.
- Be responsible for collating as-built information when a store has completed and update information for future use by our Property team colleagues.
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Position Requirements:
- Some experience in a creative role with a leading design agency or in-house design team
- Proven experience at all stages of the design process, from conception through to implementation
- Ability to communicate, and influence at all levels
- Design creatively to set budgets
- Interpret briefs accurately with the ability to plan work streams and set deadlines
- Strong verbal and visual presentation skills
- Self-motivated and driven
- Ability to spot any potential design issues and raise this with the team
- Strong retail awareness and knowledge of the retail trends and brands
- Strong understanding of construction or shop fitting coupled with a good understanding of building regulations
- Be prepared to travel throughout the UK holding a full driving licence
Skills:
- Expert knowledge of AutoCAD
- Proficient in the use of Adobe Creative Cloud suite
- Experience of Revit is desirable
- Expert in visual rendering and 3D modelling using SketchUp / Podium
- Experience and knowledge using AI in presentation work
- Ability to use all Microsoft Office programs
- Open to design management tools to support reporting of projects progress
- An interest in the use and specification of sustainable materials and construction methods
- An understanding of the JD brand and knowledge of our retail stores and our competitors
Qualifications:
- Degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Interior Design, or other relevant qualification
- Practical experience within the design/architecture sector is required
We know our colleagues work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits including staff Discount On JD Group and other brands within the organisation and personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.
Thank you for your time
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