Design Manager

Department: Design and FF&E Department

Direct Manager: Projects Execution Director

Subordinates: Senior Interior Designer, Senior FF&E Specialist.

Purpose of the Job:

The Design and FF&E Manager leads and manages the full design and FF&E lifecycle of projects from concept and bidding through execution and handover ensuring creative alignment with client requirements and commercial feasibility. The role integrates interior design development, FF&E sourcing, specification, budgeting, and installation activities, while coordinating with cross-functional departments to ensure compliance with project timelines, quality standards, and cost control.

Responsibilities:

Administrative and Supervisory Tasks:

- Manage and supervise the daily performance of team members, guiding them toward achieving departmental objectives and ensuring alignment with broader company goals.

- Set individual and team-level performance indicators for key work tasks and continuously monitor progress to ensure achievement of departmental objectives.

- Establish and maintain departmental procedures and internal policies that regulate workflows and contribute to the effective implementation of strategic and operational plans.

- Propose improvements to existing procedures and policies to enhance operational efficiency and support process optimization.

- Determine the department’s expected costs and contribute to the preparation of the annual departmental budget, in coordination with relevant functions.

- Set work priorities based on departmental goals, allocate tasks accordingly, and communicate responsibilities clearly to team members.

- Ensure effective communication and information flow within the department and across other departments to support alignment and coordination.

- Conduct annual performance evaluations for team members, discuss results constructively, and recommend appropriate developmental or corrective actions.

- Monitor and support the department's human resources planning by identifying training needs, facilitating necessary learning and development opportunities, and evaluating impact, in coordination with HR.

- Participate in the recruitment process by shortlisting candidates, conducting interviews, and providing recommendations for hiring decisions.

- Provide regular, constructive feedback to team members to support continuous improvement and skill development.

- Perform any additional managerial tasks assigned by the direct supervisor or required by the role.

Technical Tasks:

- Reviewing layout drafts and providing detailed feedback

- Reviewing and commenting on 3D visuals

- Validating furniture layouts and ensuring technical alignment

- Reviewing Client Requirements Sheets and ensuring technical updates

- Coordinating FF&E material selections and market research

- Ensuring practical furniture planning and selections

- Reviewing and approving FF&E activities related to materials

- Lead project kickoff and weekly review meetings.

- Delegate bidding and execution responsibilities to Design and FF&E team.

- Approve zoning layouts, presentations, and 3D visuals.

- Coordinate with Project Managers and Directors for approvals and updates.

- Maintain client communication records and ensure MoMs are archived.

- Track design approvals, variation orders, and change requests.

- Oversee team workloads and distribute tasks based on capacity.

- Supervise coordination with cost control and technical departments.

- Coordinate MEP and lighting compliance for RCPs.

- Coordinate design and FF&E team meetings and assign responsibilities.

- Supervise FF&E cost tracking and align with cost control department.

- Approve delivery schedules in coordination with site and logistics teams.

- Finalize design concept in coordination with client branding and functional needs.

- Oversee FF&E product selection, market sourcing, and sample validation.

- Coordinate with cost control to Develop BOQs for design and FF&E items.

- Validate mock-up rooms and material samples with suppliers and site.

- Ensure integration of MEP and lighting Requirements into RCP and layout.

Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in interior design, Architecture, or any related field.

Practical Qualification: A practical experience of no less than 8 to 12 years in interior design and team management.

Language Qualifications: Excellent in both English and Arabic is Required.

Certifications / Courses / Qualifications:

- Design Management and Leadership, Advanced Space Planning Course

- Project Management Certification (PMP)

- AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite proficiency required

- FF&E Practical Experience

- LEED Knowledge is a plus

Practical / Required Skills:

- Project Coordination and Project Management.

- Material Selection

- FF&E expertise in sourcing and budgeting

- Zoning and space planning

- Construction Technology & Methodology Expertise

- BIM & Digital Tools Proficiency

- Design Coordination & Detailing Proficiency

- Ability to translate concepts into buildable solutions while maintaining aesthetic and functional integrity.

- Operational Planning and Execution.

- People Management and Team Development.

- Client Relationship Management.

- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making.

- Process Improvement and Efficiency Optimization.

- Budget and Cost Control.

- Cross-Functional Collaboration.

- Analytical Thinking.

- Communication and Reporting.

- Supervisory and Delegation Skills.

- Change Enablement.

- Risk Management.

- Contract and Commercial Understanding.

- Quality and Compliance Oversight.

If you see yourself fit, feel free to apply or recommend anyone for the role.