Design Manager

Appsierra Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 411,000 - 666,000; Full time

Job summary

Appsierra Group is seeking a Design and FF&E Manager to lead interior design development, FF&E sourcing, budgeting, and installation across projects. The role requires coordinating with Project Managers and Directors to ensure timelines, quality, and cost control while aligning with client branding and functional needs.

The position involves relocation to Riyadh, KSA, and supervising a team of senior interior designers and FF&E specialists in a fast-paced project environment.

Qualifications

• Lead design and FF&E lifecycle from concept through handover with client alignment.
• Manage budgeting, procurement, and scheduling for projects in interior design.
• Coordinate with MEP and other departments ensuring compliance and quality.
• Oversee team performance, recruitment support, and development.
• Ensure client requirements are translated into buildable, cost-effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Review layout concepts, 3D visuals and client briefs for technical accuracy.
• Lead kickoff and weekly review meetings with Design and FF&E teams.
• Approve CF&E work plans, cost tracking, and change requests.
• Maintain client communications and archive MoMs and decisions.
• Develop BOQs and coordinate with cost control for procurement.

Skills

Project Coordination

Budgeting

Team Management

Client Relationship

Problem Solving

Cost Control

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in interior design

Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Suite

BIM

Job description

THIS ROLE REQUIRES RELOCATION TO: RIYADH, KSA

Department: Design and FF&E Department

Direct Manager: Projects Execution Director

Subordinates: Senior Interior Designer, Senior FF&E Specialist.

Purpose of the Job:

The Design and FF&E Manager leads and manages the full design and FF&E lifecycle of projects from concept and bidding through execution and handover ensuring creative alignment with client requirements and commercial feasibility. The role integrates interior design development, FF&E sourcing, specification, budgeting, and installation activities, while coordinating with cross-functional departments to ensure compliance with project timelines, quality standards, and cost control.

Responsibilities:

Administrative and Supervisory Tasks:

• - Manage and supervise the daily performance of team members, guiding them toward achieving departmental objectives and ensuring alignment with broader company goals.
• - Set individual and team-level performance indicators for key work tasks and continuously monitor progress to ensure achievement of departmental objectives.
• - Establish and maintain departmental procedures and internal policies that regulate workflows and contribute to the effective implementation of strategic and operational plans.
• - Propose improvements to existing procedures and policies to enhance operational efficiency and support process optimization.
• - Determine the department’s expected costs and contribute to the preparation of the annual departmental budget, in coordination with relevant functions.
• - Set work priorities based on departmental goals, allocate tasks accordingly, and communicate responsibilities clearly to team members.
• - Ensure effective communication and information flow within the department and across other departments to support alignment and coordination.
• - Conduct annual performance evaluations for team members, discuss results constructively, and recommend appropriate developmental or corrective actions.
• - Monitor and support the department's human resources planning by identifying training needs, facilitating necessary learning and development opportunities, and evaluating impact, in coordination with HR.
• - Participate in the recruitment process by shortlisting candidates, conducting interviews, and providing recommendations for hiring decisions.
• - Provide regular, constructive feedback to team members to support continuous improvement and skill development.
• - Perform any additional managerial tasks assigned by the direct supervisor or required by the role.

Technical Tasks:

• - Reviewing layout drafts and providing detailed feedback
• - Reviewing and commenting on 3D visuals
• - Validating furniture layouts and ensuring technical alignment
• - Reviewing Client Requirements Sheets and ensuring technical updates
• - Coordinating FF&E material selections and market research
• - Ensuring practical furniture planning and selections
• - Reviewing and approving FF&E activities related to materials
• - Lead project kickoff and weekly review meetings.
• - Delegate bidding and execution responsibilities to Design and FF&E team.
• - Approve zoning layouts, presentations, and 3D visuals.
• - Coordinate with Project Managers and Directors for approvals and updates.
• - Maintain client communication records and ensure MoMs are archived.
• - Track design approvals, variation orders, and change requests.
• - Oversee team workloads and distribute tasks based on capacity.
• - Supervise coordination with cost control and technical departments.
• - Coordinate MEP and lighting compliance for RCPs.
• - Coordinate design and FF&E team meetings and assign responsibilities.
• - Supervise FF&E cost tracking and align with cost control department.
• - Approve delivery schedules in coordination with site and logistics teams.
• - Finalize design concept in coordination with client branding and functional needs.
• - Oversee FF&E product selection, market sourcing, and sample validation.
• - Coordinate with cost control to Develop BOQs for design and FF&E items.
• - Validate mock-up rooms and material samples with suppliers and site.
• - Ensure integration of MEP and lighting Requirements into RCP and layout.

Educational Qualification:

Bachelor’s degree in interior design, Architecture, or any related field.

Practical Qualification:

A practical experience of no less than 8 to 12 years in interior design and team management.

Language Qualifications:

Excellent in both English and Arabic is Required.

Certifications / Courses / Qualifications:

• - Design Management and Leadership, Advanced Space Planning Course
• - Project Management Certification (PMP)
• - AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite proficiency required
• - FF&E Practical Experience
• - LEED Knowledge is a plus

Practical / Required Skills:

• - Project Coordination and Project Management.
• - Material Selection
• - FF&E expertise in sourcing and budgeting
• - Zoning and space planning
• - Construction Technology & Methodology Expertise
• - BIM & Digital Tools Proficiency
• - Design Coordination & Detailing Proficiency
• - Ability to translate concepts into buildable solutions while maintaining aesthetic and functional integrity.
• - Operational Planning and Execution.
• - People Management and Team Development.
• - Client Relationship Management.
• - Problem-Solving and Decision-Making.
• - Process Improvement and Efficiency Optimization.
• - Budget and Cost Control.
• - Cross-Functional Collaboration.
• - Analytical Thinking.
• - Communication and Reporting.
• - Supervisory and Delegation Skills.
• - Change Enablement.
• - Risk Management.
• - Contract and Commercial Understanding.
• - Quality and Compliance Oversight.