Design Manager - Interiors

AlFuttaim; Dubai; Presencial; AED 420.000 - 650.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Al-Futtaim Real Estate is seeking an experienced Design Manager - Interiors in Dubai to lead interior design for hospitality and retail projects. You will manage design development, coordinate with consultants, and ensure adherence to brand standards and operational requirements.

The role sits in the Development and Design department and requires strong presentation and management skills. Responsibilities include technical reviews, procurement planning, research, and executive-level

Formación

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in interior design and design management.
• Experience managing hospitality and retail interior design projects is preferred.
• Strong understanding of design development processes, technical documentation, and consultant coordination.
• Knowledge of MEP coordination, fire and life safety requirements, lighting design, and FF&E specifications.
• Experience reviewing design proposals, coordinating stakeholder requirements, and supporting projects through multiple design stages.
• Familiarity with design-related budgeting, cost analysis, procurement planning, and consultant management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of Adobe Suite and Primavera is an advantage.

Responsabilidades

• Lead interior design leadership and project delivery from concept to tender documentation.
• Guide hospitality and retail interior design projects through schematic design and tender stages.
• Provide design advice and technical guidance to project management teams.
• Lead design reviews for quality, functionality, and brand alignment.
• Coordinate design decisions with stakeholders and external consultants.
• Prepare executive presentations and design documentation for management.
• Support procurement, budgeting, and procurement planning activities.

Conocimientos

Design leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project coordination

Brand standards

Educación

Bachelor's or master's degree in Interior Design/Architecture or related

Herramientas

Primavera

MS Office

Adobe Suite

Descripción del empleo

Design Manager - Interiors Job Snapshot

Role: Design Manager - Interiors Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry: Real Estate Function: Architecture-Interior Design Experience: 10 years in interior design and design management Job Type: Full Time Work Arrangement: On-site Position Overview Al-Futtaim Real Estate is seeking an experienced Design Manager - Interiors to oversee interior design activities for hospitality and retail developments in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Working within the Development and Design department, the role focuses on maintaining design quality, coordinating consultants, and ensuring that interior environments meet brand standards, operational requirements, and customer experience expectations. The Design Manager will guide projects from initial concept development through design documentation and construction delivery support. Responsibilities include technical design reviews, stakeholder coordination, procurement planning, design research, and the preparation of recommendations for executive management.

Key Responsibilities

• Interior Design Leadership and Project Delivery - Develop comprehensive interior design briefs covering project context, brand positioning, guest and customer experience, operational requirements, and technical design criteria.
• Guide hospitality and retail interior design projects from concept vision through schematic design and tender documentation.
• Provide design advice and technical guidance to project management teams throughout the construction and delivery stages.
• Lead design reviews to assess quality, functionality, regulatory compliance, and alignment with established brand standards.
• Evaluate design proposals and consultant submissions to ensure consistency with approved project objectives.
• Review interior layouts, material selections, finishes, and design details to maintain the intended quality and customer experience.
• Coordinate design decisions with internal stakeholders and external consultants to support effective project delivery.

Technical Design Review and Consultant Coordination

• Conduct detailed technical reviews of interior design elements, including furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E), lighting, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) coordination, and fire and life safety requirements.
• Assess design documentation for technical coordination, operational suitability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Work with consultants to resolve design discrepancies, technical issues, and conflicting stakeholder feedback.
• Provide clear recommendations that protect company interests while maintaining the approved design direction.
• Coordinate with consultants to secure necessary statutory approvals.
• Review consultant scopes, technical submissions, and design deliverables to support quality and accountability.

Executive Reporting and Stakeholder Management

• Prepare design review commentary, concept narratives, material palettes, and presentation packages for executive stakeholders.
• Communicate design decisions, technical considerations, and project recommendations clearly to senior management.
• Manage feedback from multiple stakeholders, resolving conflicting requirements through practical and well-supported design recommendations.
• Prepare summary presentations that support executive decision-making on design quality, project direction, and commercial considerations.
• Assist with marketing and leasing materials, including project plans, design information, and presentation packages.

Research and Design Development

• Research emerging hospitality and retail interior design trends, with particular attention to guest experience, operational efficiency, and innovative materials.
• Evaluate relevant design approaches and industry developments that may improve project outcomes.
• Develop and refine design management resources, guidelines, templates, and review procedures.
• Support the continuous improvement of design coordination and evaluation processes.
• Contribute design insights to market research, development planning, and brand positioning activities.

Business Strategy and Financial Management

• Support market research and development strategy by assessing interior design opportunities and their alignment with project positioning.
• Establish interior design requirements and budgets in coordination with relevant project stakeholders.
• Conduct design-related cost analysis and provide recommendations on procurement approaches.
• Evaluate design proposals against project objectives, financial considerations, and operational requirements.
• Provide management with clear assessments of design options to support informed investment and development decisions.

Project Administration and Procurement

• Manage interior design schedules, establish key milestones, and monitor progress across design phases.
• Prepare project progress updates and identify matters requiring management attention.
• Support consultant contract and commercial management, including the definition of service requirements, scopes of work, and expected deliverables.
• Develop procurement strategies for FF&E packages and professional design services.
• Prepare requests for proposals (RFPs) and participate in technical evaluations of consultant and supplier submissions.
• Coordinate procurement-related design requirements with project teams to support delivery objectives.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor 's or master 's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in interior design and design management.
• Experience managing hospitality and retail interior design projects is preferred.
• Strong understanding of design development processes, technical documentation, and consultant coordination.
• Knowledge of MEP coordination, fire and life safety requirements, lighting design, and FF&E specifications.
• Experience reviewing design proposals, coordinating stakeholder requirements, and supporting projects through multiple design stages.
• Familiarity with design-related budgeting, cost analysis, procurement planning, and consultant management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of Adobe Suite and project planning software such as Primavera is an advantage.

Professional Skills and Competencies

• Strong interior design management capabilities and an understanding of hospitality and retail design requirements.
• Ability to assess design quality while considering technical feasibility, operational functionality, and commercial objectives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Confidence in preparing and delivering detailed presentations to executive management.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities when addressing technical design challenges and conflicting project requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage design schedules, consultant deliverables, and multiple priorities.
• Research capabilities and awareness of evolving design trends, materials, and operational efficiencies.
• Ability to provide clear technical recommendations and support informed management decisions.

Job Details

• Country: United Arab Emirates
• City: Dubai
• Industry: Real Estate
• Function: Architecture-Interior Design
• Salary: Not disclosed
• Gender: No Preference
• Candidate Nationality: Not specified
• Job Type: Full Time
• Work Arrangement: On-site

About Al-Futtaim Real Estate

Al-Futtaim Real Estate is part of Al-Futtaim, a diversified regional business group established in the 1930s and headquartered in Dubai. The Group operates across more than 20 countries, with business activities spanning automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. With more than six decades of experience in real estate development and asset management, Al-Futtaim Real Estate plans, develops, and manages projects across the Middle East and North Africa. The company maintains a diversified, multi-billion-dollar portfolio covering residential developments, commercial properties, shopping malls, hospitality, healthcare, infrastructure, and education. Its flagship mixed-use communities include Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City. Al-Futtaim Real Estate also oversees Al-Futtaim Contracting, an integrated specialist division operating across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. With more than 50 years of experience, the division provides construction, engineering, technology, and facilities management solutions. Through its development, design, and asset management activities, Al-Futtaim Real Estate continues to focus on long-term investment, sustainable development, and the creation of communities that serve residents, businesses, and visitors.