FF&E and Material Specialist

ELE Interior Design; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Job summary

ELE Interior Design based in Dubai is hiring an FF&E and Material Specialist to oversee the procurement and selection of furniture, fixtures, and equipment across various projects. The role involves working closely with lead designers to ensure that selections align with project budgets and client expectations.

The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of interior design principles, a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, and excellent supplier management skills. This position offers an opportunity to lead procurement efforts and ensure high-quality design execution.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in FF&E and material specifications.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD and Adobe.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships and procurement processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the selection of furniture fixtures and equipment.
• Coordinate material sourcing and specifications with designers.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate pricing.

Skills

Strong knowledge of FF&E specifications

Understanding of interior design principles

Experience in supplier management

Attention to detail

Strong documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION FF&E AND MATERIAL SPECIALIST

As an FF&E and Material Specialist you will be responsible for leading and coordinating all Furniture Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) materials selection and procurement coordination services activities across multiple projects. Working closely with Lead Designers you will ensure that all furniture finishes, fabrics, lighting, accessories and materials align with the approved design intent, project budgets, timelines and client expectations. The role requires a strong understanding of interior design principles, styling and accessories coordination to ensure cohesive and aesthetically balanced spaces. You will support the design process by developing detailed FF&E and material specifications, maintaining the materials library, and creating project material sample boxes and presentation packages in coordination with Lead Designers. In addition, you will lead and continuously develop the Procurement Department, establishing efficient procurement processes and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and vendors. You will oversee supplier agreements, negotiate, monitor budgets and deliveries and ensure timely procurement coordination to support the successful execution of all projects while maintaining the highest standards of quality and design excellence.

Responsibilities

FF&E Design

• Lead the selection, specification and coordination of furniture fixtures and equipment to deliver exceptional design solutions

Material Specialist

• Source and specify high-quality materials, finishes, fabrics and surface treatments that enhance both aesthetics and functionality

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Manage supplier relationships, procurement activities and delivery processes to ensure quality, cost efficiency and timely project execution

Accessorizing & Styling

• Curate style and install accessories, artwork and decorative elements to elevate the overall design experience and bring spaces to life

Design FF&E Development & Specification

• Develop FF&E schedules and specifications in coordination with Lead Designers
• Prepare selections based on approved designs (3D Visuals), project budget and timelines
• Ensure all FF&E selections align with the approved design intent and client requirements
• Review and update FF&E specifications throughout the project lifecycle to reflect design revisions and client approvals, if required
• Present FF&E selections to clients in coordination with Lead Designer when required

Product Sourcing & Selection

• Research and source suitable furniture, lighting, fabrics, finishes and accessories from approved suppliers and manufacturers
• Ensure all selected products meet quality standards, project requirements and lead-time expectations
• Maintain strong knowledge of international, local and custom furniture and accessories brands and manufacturers
• Monitor industry trends, new product launches and innovative design solutions to support project development
• Register proposed project FF&E with suppliers and vendors as required

Material Selection & Specification

• Develop material schedules and specifications in coordination with Lead Designers
• Select and coordinate finishes and materials based on approved designs, project budgets and timelines
• Ensure all material selections align with the approved design intent and client requirements
• Monitor material availability, lead times and budget implications during the selection process
• Research and source innovative materials and finishes that support the studio's design vision

Material Sourcing & Supplier Coordination

• Source and coordinate material samples with suppliers and manufacturers and create sample boxes for projects
• Register proposed project materials with suppliers and vendors as required
• Maintain strong knowledge of local, international and custom material suppliers and manufacturers
• Stay updated on industry trends, new material launches and sustainable material solutions

Sample Room & Material Library Management

• Maintain and continuously update the studio Sample Room with new materials, finishes, fabrics, catalogs and samples
• Ensure all samples, catalogs and material records are organized, accurate and readily accessible

Material Presentations & Client Support

• Prepare and organize project material sample boxes for presentations, approvals and project execution
• Support client presentations and material review meetings when required
• Assist Lead Designers in presenting material concepts, options and recommendations to clients

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, international and custom manufacturers, suppliers and vendors
• Develop long‑term supplier partnerships that support the studio's procurement development and design objectives
• Act as the primary point of contact between the company and suppliers/vendors regarding product samples, sourcing, coordination, specifications, pricing and availability
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure product availability and timely support throughout project execution

Vendor Registration & Commercial Management

• Register projects with vendors and suppliers to secure project pricing, trade discounts and supplier support
• Obtain quotations and compare supplier proposals to ensure value, quality and compliance with project requirements
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, warranties and commercial agreements
• Maintain accurate supplier records, contacts, catalogs and commercial information

Supplier Sourcing & Market Research

• Source and evaluate new suppliers, products and materials to support project requirements and business growth
• Stay informed about supplier offerings, new product launches and market developments
• Research and identify innovative products, materials and sourcing opportunities that enhance project delivery and design quality
• Attend events and showroom openings

Accessory Selection & Design Development

• Develop accessory and styling proposals in coordination with Lead Designers
• Select and coordinate artwork, decorative accessories, soft furnishings, rugs, decorative lighting and styling elements based on the approved design concept
• Ensure all accessories and styling selections align with the project vision, budget and client requirements
• Review and update accessory selections throughout design revisions and client approvals

Accessory Sourcing & Coordination

• Source and recommend suitable accessories from local and international suppliers and manufacturers
• Coordinate accessory selections and requirements with suppliers and vendors
• Prepare accessory schedules and specifications for project implementation and procurement
• Ensure all selected accessories meet quality standards, project requirements and delivery timelines
• Coordinate final accessory requirements to ensure successful project installation and styling completion

Client Presentation & Styling Support

• Support client presentations by presenting styling concepts, accessory selections and alternatives when required
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of styling principles, decorative accessories, artwork and current interior design trends
• Do styling on site in coordination with Lead Designer (if required)

Market Research & Industry Knowledge

• Research and source unique and innovative styling products to enhance project aesthetics
• Stay updated on styling trends, decorative accessories, artwork and emerging interior design concepts

Technical Skills & Requirements

• Strong knowledge of FF&E specifications, furniture, lighting, materials, finishes, accessories and styling elements
• Strong understanding of interior design principles, materials and space aesthetics
• Experience in preparing FF&E schedules, material schedules and project specifications
• Knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management and project coordination
• Ability to prepare cost comparisons, analyze quotations and monitor project budgets
• Strong understanding of product sourcing, lead times and supply chain coordination
• Strong documentation and record management skills
• Ability to review technical product information, material specifications and supplier documentation

Travel Flexibility

• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required for supplier meetings, sourcing activities, factory visits, exhibitions and project requirements
• Flexibility to attend client meetings, site visits, supplier presentations and industry events outside standard working hours when necessary

Driving License & Vehicle

• Valid UAE Driving License is mandatory
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for supplier visits, material sourcing, project meetings and site coordination activities

Key Expectations

• Demonstrate strong attention to detail in FF&E selections, material specifications and project documentation
• Maintain high design standards while ensuring alignment with project budgets and timelines
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and industry partners
• Identify sourcing opportunities and cost‑effective alternatives when required
• Manage multiple projects effectively while meeting deadlines and project objectives
• Maintain accurate records, schedules, trackers and procurement documentation
• Communicate professionally with designers, suppliers, clients and internal team
• Support the continuous improvement of procurement, sourcing and FF&E processes
• Ensure the Sample Room is organized, updated and properly maintained at all times
• Maintain accurate material schedules, supplier records and product databases
• Ensure all FF&E material supplier and procurement information is properly recorded, tracked and updated
• Take ownership of FF&E Design, Material Management, Vendor Coordination, and Accessorizing activities across multiple projects