Head of Concept and Development

Join our Format & Design team to shape award-winning store experiences worldwide and drive consistent customer journeys, while we globally expand.

As the Head of Concept and Development, you will lead the design team and serve as a catalyst for creativity and innovation across global projects. You inspire and empower a multidisciplinary team to translate concepts and Rituals DNA to our Lines of Business (LOBs). While aligning creative direction with business goals and the brand's ambition to become an iconic wellbeing brand in the beauty luxury industry, we are determined to make a positive impact on planet and people.

In this Amsterdam office-based role, you oversee all projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and with the highest quality standards. You will provide strong leadership to a team of creatives (9 FTE) through collaboration, vision, and by creating an environment that nurtures motivation, creativity, and connection. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, such as Visual Merchandising Operations, Project Management, and Leadership, to ensure clear communication, smooth workflows, and optimized processes. You will also maintain a close connection with our Creative Director to ensure creative concepts are translated to our retail environments in the correct way.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, recruit, appraise, and inspire the design team in a meaningful and impactful way.
• Act as a key liaison with a wide range of stakeholders, navigating diverse interests at a tactical level.
• Collaborate across departments at senior management level to drive departmental goals.
• Translate overall business objectives into actionable annual plans, and lead their execution.
• Provide flexibility in planning while adapting to unexpected changes or opportunities.
• Ensure successful project delivery through balanced workload management and resource allocation.
• Guide the team through all phases of the design lifecycle, supporting development and identifying emerging talent.
• Uphold and promote the brand’s DNA, ensuring consistency in identity, values, and execution.

Key Objectives

• Maintain regular communication with leadership and team members to identify needs and ensure clear follow-up.
• Enhance process efficiency by identifying bottlenecks and implementing best practices.
• Act as a central point of contact for design-related communications and priorities.
• Drive cross-departmental alignment and contribute to strategic business outcomes.

Bring all of you

High on energy, low on ego and with a little bit of humor. You are also 'one of a kind' because of your energy and flexibility. In addition, whilst setting clear goals for the team and monitoring progress, you are a natural in encouraging achievement. On top of this:

• Proven leadership experience, with a focus on team management and development for creative teams.
• Solid creative background, familiar with the design process.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to cultivate a positive, collaborative culture.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Solid understanding of HR practices, including recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement.
• Strategic problem-solving skills and a proactive, solution-oriented approach.
• Expertise in project coordination, workflow management, and documentation systems.
• Strong technical knowledge of furniture design, materials, and drawing evaluation, including AI in the world of design.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high standards of quality and execution.
• Approachable, calm and humble, ensuring the design team can operate at its best.

Benefits of working at Rituals

• Unique opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Staff discount on Rituals products
• Attractive bonus
• Flexible working hours tailored to your personal rhythm
• Company & team events

Any questions about the procedure? Let Frederik know via frederik.vanzeggeren@rituals.com.