Design Manager (Interior Design & Fit-Out) UAE

Job Summary

Client & Design Management

• Serve as the primary design interface between UAE clients and the India-based design team.
• Lead client meetings, design presentations, workshops, and review sessions.
• Understand client requirements and communicate design intent, expectations, and feedback clearly to the design team.
• Manage all client comments, review cycles, and design revisions, ensuring timely implementation.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients, consultants, operators, and project stakeholders.

Design Coordination

• Coordinate with the India design office to ensure timely production of concept, schematic, detailed design, and construction documentation.
• Review drawings and design packages for quality, completeness, constructability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Ensure design intent is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with MEP, structural, lighting, signage, kitchen, AV, and other specialist consultants as required.

Project Execution & Site Coordination

• Conduct regular site inspections to verify that construction and fit-out works align with approved design documentation.
• Resolve design-related issues during construction while maintaining design integrity.
• Review and respond to contractor RFIs (Requests for Information), shop drawings, material submissions, and mock-ups.
• Coordinate with contractors and consultants to resolve technical and design coordination issues.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify design risks and mitigation measures.

Business Development Support

• Work closely with the Business Development team to develop compelling design proposals, pitch decks, presentations, and client submissions.
• Support design competitions, tenders, interviews, and project pursuits.
• Participate in client presentations and help communicate the company’s design philosophy and capabilities.
• Provide design input during pre-sales discussions and proposal development.

Vendor & Industry Network

• Develop and maintain a strong network of UAE-based suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, artisans, and specialist vendors.
• Source innovative materials, finishes, furniture, fixtures, and equipment suitable for luxury hospitality and residential projects.
• Stay informed about emerging design trends, products, technologies, and sustainable materials within the UAE market.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all deliverables meet company quality standards and project objectives.
• Maintain compliance with UAE building regulations, authority requirements, hospitality brand standards, and industry best practices.
• Promote design excellence while balancing functionality, budget, and project timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design (Master’s degree is an advantage).
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in the UAE within an interior design and fit-out company.
• Proven experience delivering luxury hospitality, hotels, high-end residential, F&B, and commercial interior projects.
• Strong understanding of design development, detailing, construction methodologies, and fit-out execution.
• Excellent knowledge of UAE authority approvals, local regulations, and construction practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong client-facing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to confidently lead meetings with clients, consultants, and contractors.
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to design quality.
• Commercial awareness and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within tight deadlines.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with distributed design teams across multiple locations.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of Revit is preferred.
• Strong presentation skills using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with SketchUp, Enscape, or similar visualization software is advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Attributes

• Established network of clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and vendors within the UAE.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment with offshore design teams.
• Passion for luxury design, hospitality environments, and exceptional client service.
• Self-driven, proactive, and capable of taking ownership of projects from inception through completion.
• Willingness to travel within the UAE for client meetings, site visits, supplier coordination, and project inspections.