Head of Retail Design

About the role

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML's specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world's largest and most awarded health agencies. VML's global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney. About WPP WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com . HEAD OF RETAIL DESIGN Purpose of the Role: We are seeking an exceptional Head of Retail Design to lead the design development and execution of innovative retail environments, shopper marketing experiences, and in-store brand activations for a portfolio of global and regional brands. This senior leadership role sits at the intersection of creativity, strategy, innovation, and commercial delivery, driving impactful retail experiences that influence shopper behaviour and elevate brand presence. The ideal candidate is a visionary design leader with deep expertise in retail environments, experiential design, retail POS materials, and integrated brand communications. Additionally, they are a tech-savvy innovator who can bring fresh ideas, inspire multidisciplinary teams and shape future-facing retail solutions across physical, digital, and omnichannel touchpoints.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee retail design output, ensuring world-class creative quality and strategic alignment.
• Develop and oversee innovative retail concepts, immersive shopper experiences, and disruptive in-store activations that drive engagement and sales.
• Partner closely with the Head of Digital Design, Creative, Strategy, Client Services and Production teams to deliver integrated campaigns and retail solutions.
• Build and mentor a high-performing retail design team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous growth.
• P resent work confidently to our senior global and regional clients and stakeholders.
• Work with a cross-functional creative team, including designers, art directors, copywriters, designers, and producers.
• Oversee multiple projects, balancing hands-on design with high-level direction.
• Champion innovation within the agency by identifying emerging retail trends, technologies, materials, and experiential opportunities.
• Oversee project workflows with traffic and PMs from concept through to implementation.
• Ensure all creative work aligns with brand guidelines and toolkits while pushing creative boundaries and elevating design.
• Provide thought leadership in retail innovation.
• Required Knowledge and Skills:
• 7-10+ years in retail design, shopper marketing, experiential design, or branded environments within an advertising agency, design consultancy, or retail-focused creative business.
• Proven leadership experience managing and inspiring multidisciplinary creative teams.
• Excellent English ( verbal and written ) and presentation skills with the ability to influence clients and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating innovative retail campaigns.
• Ability to manage complex client relationships and navigate feedback with diplomacy and vision.
• Deep understanding of consumer behaviour, retail trends, and omnichannel customer experiences.
• Strong conceptual thinking combined with practical knowledge of production, materials, fabrication, and implementation.
• Proficiency in relevant design and visualisation tools including Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
• What's in it for you?
• 🌴 Up to 40 days off per year! (5 weeks of vacation + 1 day off every month + 3 sick days)
• Work setup: 4 days in the office + 1 remote day with flexibility 🏠
• 🍽️ Meal allowance (paid net directly with your salary) + on-site canteen "Krmeetko"
• Multisport card 💪 and discounted access to events (e.g. free entry to RunTour), plus on-site massages and physiotherapy in the Campus
• 🎓 Professional development: training, workshops, mentoring, and a conference budget
• Work anniversary gift

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