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Starbucks seeks shop designers

To ensure that newly opened and renovated outlets reflect the character of their neighbourhoods, Starbucks is looking for recruits to join its Asia-Pacific shop design team.

"We hope customers will feel an enhanced sense of community, a deeper connection to our coffee heritage and a greater level of environmental consciousness," says Andy Adams, vice-president of store operations at Starbucks Coffee Asia-Pacific. "So, we are looking for a design director to lead the team in Hong Kong and talented design managers."

The roles will involve responsibility for putting together new shops and renovating others in Asia, including South Korea, Australia, Singapore and Thailand. One of the most attractive aspects of the job will be the chance to visit these countries and work closely with the teams there to define a locally relevant "Starbucks experience" for customers in the distinct markets.

"The store design team plays a critical role in the overall business strategy," Adams says. "It will ultimately help position the company for profitable growth in Asia by building a gold standard leadership in design and real estate, as well as redefining the customer and brand experience."

The team also plays a big part in promoting the company's commitment to environmental causes and green construction practices.

The objective is to build and operate outlets in ways that have the least impact on the environment. "Designers with a passion to improve the world will definitely find this an exciting time to join us," Adams says.