Interior Design Manager – Design Development

Position overview

Department leadership and management

• Lead and develop interior architects, interior designers, BIM modellers, and draftsmen.
• Set procedures, quality standards, design workflows, and best practices.
• Manage workload, resource allocation, manpower planning, and project assignments.
• Mentor and develop staff; participate in recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with company quality systems, delivery procedures, and design standards.

Design management

• Oversee concept enhancement, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and tender documentation.
• Lead design reviews and ensure quality, functionality, aesthetics, constructability, and alignment with project objectives.
• Review and approve packages, presentations, specifications, schedules, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate interior design with architecture, structural, MEP, landscape, lighting, AV, acoustics, kitchen, and specialist packages.
• Maintain design standards, details, material specifications, and guidelines; promote practical and commercially viable solutions.

Project delivery and coordination

• Monitor schedules, deliverables, design programmes, and departmental KPIs to support on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Coordinate with project managers, design managers, lead consultants, clients, operators, and authorities.
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination workshops and clash-resolution meetings.
• Identify risks, resource constraints, and delays, and develop mitigation measures.
• Support planning, fee proposals, resource forecasting, and project execution strategies.

Technical and commercial responsibilities

• Oversee finish material schedules, finish legends, room data sheets, FF&E documentation, material specifications, and tender documents.
• Lead value engineering while safeguarding design intent and quality.
• Review subcontractor shop drawings, material submissions, mock-ups, data sheets, and technical proposals.
• Ensure compliance with UAE authority regulations, International Building Codes, life-safety requirements, and accessibility standards.
• Review and approve material sample boards, mock-ups, and finish selections; provide technical solutions during design and construction support.

Client and business development

• Lead client presentations, design workshops, and stakeholder meetings; maintain relationships with clients, operators, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Support technical proposals, bids, design competitions, and business development initiatives.
• Represent the company at meetings, design reviews, and industry events when required.
• Contribute to strategic growth and continuous improvement of the department.

Education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture.
• At least 15 years of professional experience in Interior Design and Interior Architecture.
• At least 10 years of experience within GCC consultancy firms.
• Master's degree is an advantage.
• Professional registration or certification as an Interior Designer or Architect is preferred.