Design Manager

AW Connect; Dubai; On-site; AED 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

AW Connect, an Italian-owned design and build company in Dubai, seeks a Design Manager to lead the design team across residential renovations and commercial fit-outs. You will ensure designs reflect client briefs, are buildable within budget, and ready for construction teams.

You will oversee concept development, presentations to clients, and coordination with joinery specialists to deliver high-quality interiors across multiple projects in the UAE.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a design team and reviewing its work.
• Portfolio of residential renovation or interior fit-out projects from concept to site delivery.
• Fluency in Italian and English; UAE fit-out experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design team, assign workloads and review drawings and specs.
• Lead client design meetings and manage feedback and approvals.
• Oversee space planning, finishes, and detailing for joinery/kitchens.
• Coordinate with project managers, procurement, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Review shop drawings and manage design changes through handover.

Skills

Design management

Team leadership

Client presentations

Interior detailing

Joinery coordination

Job description

We're recruiting a Design Manager for an Italian-owned design and build company established in Dubai. The company delivers residential renovations and commercial fit-outs, with services spanning interior design, bespoke joinery and kitchen solutions.

You'll lead the design team and take ownership of design delivery across multiple projects. From the first client brief through to site delivery, you'll make sure designs reflect what the client wants, can be built within budget and are ready when the project team needs them.

What you'll do

• Lead the design team, assign workloads and review drawings and specifications before issue.
• Lead client design meetings, present concepts and manage feedback and approvals.
• Oversee space planning, material and finish selections, technical drawings and detailing for bespoke joinery and kitchens.
• Coordinate with project managers, procurement, suppliers and subcontractors to align design decisions with budgets, lead times and site conditions.
• Review shop drawings, resolve design queries during construction and manage design changes through handover.

What we're looking for

• Experience as a Design Manager, Lead Interior Designer or Senior Interior Designer with responsibility for leading a team and reviewing its work.
• A portfolio of residential renovation, villa refurbishment or interior fit-out projects that shows your involvement from concept through site delivery.
• Strong technical knowledge of interior detailing, materials and finishes, with experience coordinating joinery and specialist suppliers.
• Confidence presenting to clients and managing design decisions across multiple projects.
• Professional fluency in Italian and English. UAE fit-out experience is an advantage.