Senior Manager, Interior Design - Retail | Real Estate | Asset Development

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Overview of the role

The Senior Interior Design Manager is responsible for leading the interior design efforts for real estate development projects, ensuring that interior spaces are functional, aesthetically appealing, and aligned with the project’s objectives and client expectations. The role is primarily focused on overseeing the entire interior design process, from conceptualization to final execution, while collaborating with multiple stakeholders within the organization and external consultants. The purpose of this role is to ensure that each project meets the highest design standards, enhances the user experience, and contributes to the overall success of the real estate development portfolio.

What you will do

1. Lead interior design development from concept to completion for commercial, residential, hospitality, and mixed-use projects.
2. Manage coordination between interior design, architecture, MEP, and engineering to ensure seamless project delivery.
3. Supervise external design consultants, FF&E vendors, and contractors to maintain design quality and intent.
4. Review and approve design documentation, material selections, finishes, and mock-ups.
5. Conduct site inspections to monitor design execution and resolve implementation issues.
6. Collaborate with development, leasing, marketing, and project delivery teams to align on design objectives.
7. Facilitate design workshops and review meetings with consultants, operators, and internal teams.
8. Ensure all designs comply with brand standards, regulatory codes, and sustainability goals.
9. Support procurement by specifying FF&E and materials, evaluating vendors, and managing design budgets.
10. Participate in value engineering exercises to optimize costs without compromising design integrity.
11. Stay updated on industry trends and recommend innovative solutions to enhance functionality and aesthetics.
12. Maintain comprehensive design records and prepare progress reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.

Required Skills to be successful

1. 12+ years of experience in interior design, with a strong portfolio in commercial, retail, or hospitality projects.
2. Proficiency in design software: AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite.
3. Strong understanding of FF&E, materials, finishes, and space planning.
4. Familiarity with local codes, sustainability standards, and regulatory requirements.
5. Experience working with hotel operators, luxury brands, or retail tenants is a plus.
6. Excellent project management and organizational skills.

What equips you for the role

1. Bachelor’s degree in interior design or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
2. Prior experience in a real estate development or design & build environment is strongly preferred.
3. Proven experience in a client-side role managing design processes from concept to completion.
4. Proven experience in retail design more specifically and a focus on large scale projects.

About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate

The real estate development and operations arm of Al-Futtaim, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is responsible for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across MENA. With high-quality residential, business, retail, tourism, educational and healthcare developments, the master developer caters to the diverse needs of cities and communities in the region. From origination, conception, development, sales, procurement and construction of mega-projects and the leasing, operation and management of these projects after completion, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) has been developing and managing owned landbanks, unlocking the economic potential of the region and contributing to future development for more than 40 years.

Our focus is to enable and invest in meaningful relationships to make our properties the best places to live and work, build additional products and services and enable partnerships to create true value to our customers throughout their entire experience with us.

AFGRE is responsible for master planning of all projects in its portfolio, including two large scale mixed use destinations: Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.