Interior Design Manager – Design Development

Interior Design Manager – Design Development

Location: Dubai Head Office (Full-time, Office-based)

Position Overview

The Interior Design Manager shall lead the Interior Design Development Department and be responsible for managing the complete interior design process across multiple projects. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, project management capabilities, and extensive experience in delivering complex hospitality, commercial, mixed-use, residential, and institutional developments. The successful candidate will oversee design quality, resource allocation, multidisciplinary coordination, client relationships, and project delivery from concept through tender stage.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the Interior Design Development Department, including Interior Architects, Interior Designers, BIM Modellers, and Draftsmen.
• Establish departmental procedures, quality standards, design workflows, and best practices to ensure consistent project delivery.
• Manage team workload, resource allocation, manpower planning, and project assignments across multiple projects.
• Mentor and develop team members through technical guidance, performance management, coaching, and professional development initiatives.
• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and performance evaluation of Interior Design personnel.
• Ensure departmental compliance with company quality management systems, project delivery procedures, and design standards.

Design Management

• Direct and oversee all stages of the Interior Design process, including:
• Concept enhancement
• Schematic Design
• Design Development
• Construction Documentation
• Tender Documentation
• Lead design reviews and ensure design quality, functionality, aesthetics, constructability, and compliance with project objectives.
• Review and approve design packages, presentations, specifications, schedules, and technical documentation before submission.
• Ensure successful integration of Interior Design requirements with Architectural, Structural, MEP, Landscape, Lighting, AV, Acoustics, Kitchen, and all specialist design packages.
• Establish and maintain Interior Design standards, details, material specifications, and design guidelines for all projects.
• Drive innovation and design excellence while maintaining practical and commercially viable solutions.

Project Delivery & Coordination

• Develop and monitor project schedules, deliverables, design programs, and departmental KPIs to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Design Managers, Lead Consultants, Clients, Operators, and Authorities to ensure alignment of project requirements.
• Lead multidisciplinary design coordination workshops and clash resolution meetings.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify risks, resource constraints, and potential delays with appropriate mitigation measures.
• Ensure all Interior Design deliverables comply with project budgets, client requirements, authority regulations, and international design standards.
• Support project planning, fee proposals, resource forecasting, and project execution strategies.

Technical & Commercial Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation and review of:
• Finish Material Schedules
• Finish Legends
• Room Data Sheets
• FF&E Documentation
• Material Specifications
• Tender Documentation
• Lead value engineering exercises while safeguarding design intent and quality standards.
• Review subcontractors’ shop drawings, material submissions, mock-ups, data sheets, and technical proposals.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Authorities' regulations, International Building Codes, Life Safety requirements, and accessibility standards.
• Review and approve material sample boards, mock-ups, and finish selections.
• Provide technical recommendations and solutions during design development and construction support stages.

Client & Business Development Support

• Lead client presentations, design workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, operators, specialist consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Support business development initiatives, technical proposals, bids, and design competition submissions.
• Represent the company in meetings, design reviews, and industry events when required.
• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives and continuous improvement of the Interior Design Department.

Skills & Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture.
• Master's Degree is an advantage.
• Professional registration or certification as an Interior Designer or Architect is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in Interior Design and Interior Architecture.
• Minimum 10 years of experience within GCC consultancy firms.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design teams on large-scale and complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience in hospitality, mixed-use, commercial, residential, institutional, and high-end projects.

Technical Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of Revit/BIM workflows is highly desirable.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Thorough understanding of:
• International Building Codes
• UAE Authorities Regulations
• Life Safety Codes
• Accessibility Standards
• Construction Methodologies
• Interior Finishes and Material Specifications

Leadership & Management Skills

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent project planning and resource management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and budget management abilities.
• Excellent client-facing, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced consultancy environment.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality excellence.

Personal Attributes

• Results-oriented and proactive.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet demanding project deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Passion for design excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Work Location: In person