Interior Designer Manager

Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Interior Design department and provide direction across all projects.
• Establish departmental standards, processes, and best practices.
• Mentor, develop, and support the professional growth of the design team.
• Promote a collaborative, creative, and high-performance culture.
• Plan and allocate resources to ensure project requirements and deadlines are met.
• Oversee the development of interior design concepts and ensure alignment with the company's design vision and brand positioning.
• Provide creative guidance throughout all project phases from concept to construction.
• Review and approve design presentations, material palettes, mood boards, layouts, and technical documentation.
• Ensure design solutions are functional, innovative, and commercially viable.
• Drive excellence in design quality and client experience.
• Lead the successful delivery of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Coordinate closely with architecture, landscape, MEP, structural, and project management teams to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Resolve design challenges and provide practical solutions throughout the design and construction process.
• Ensure project deliverables are completed in accordance with agreed schedules and quality standards.
• Support project handover and close-out activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Lead client presentations, workshops, and design discussions.
• Represent Imperium Group professionally in all external interactions.
• Ensure the company's design philosophy and standards are communicated effectively to clients.
• Deliver a premium client experience throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review and approve design documentation, drawings, specifications, and material selections.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Maintain high levels of design quality and technical accuracy.
• Identify and mitigate design risks and challenges.
• Promote continuous improvement and best practices across the department.
• Participate in approved marketing and social media content, including short-form videos and behind-the-scenes project features.
• Coordinate with Marketing to support content showcasing projects, design concepts, site progress, and design processes.
• Represent the company professionally across all digital content in line with brand guidelines and corporate standards.
• Contribute ideas that highlight design expertise, innovation, and project storytelling.
• Work closely with senior management to align design activities with business priorities.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, procurement teams, site teams, and project managers to ensure seamless project execution.
• Coordinate with suppliers, manufacturers, and external consultants when required.
• Support business development initiatives and provide design expertise during proposal and tender stages.
• Plan manpower requirements and support recruitment activities for the department.
• Define KPIs and performance expectations for team members.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development initiatives.
• Monitor departmental productivity and project workloads.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Ensure design solutions are aligned with project budgets and commercial objectives.
• Participate in value engineering exercises and provide cost-effective alternatives where appropriate.
• Support procurement activities and material selection processes.
• Contribute to achieving project profitability while maintaining design integrity.
• Assist with technical and commercial proposals when required.
• Strengthen Imperium Group's position within the luxury design and build sector.
• Contribute to the development of the company's design identity and creative direction.
• Participate in approved marketing and social media content, including project features, behind-the-scenes content, and industry events.
• Represent the company professionally across all digital and physical platforms.
• Contribute ideas that showcase design excellence, innovation, and project storytelling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited university.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in Interior Design within the architecture, design, or construction industry.
• Proven experience leading and managing Interior Design teams and department operations.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating experience in luxury residential, hospitality, commercial, and high-end mixed-use projects.
• Previous experience within multidisciplinary design consultancies and design-and-build environments is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept through construction and handover.
• Strong understanding of materiality, FF&E, detailing, and construction methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Experience working within the UAE and GCC markets is a must.
• Exceptional design and creative leadership capabilities.
• Strong people management and team leadership skills.
• Advanced knowledge of luxury residential and hospitality design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and rendering software.