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.
If you see yourself fit, feel free to apply or recommend anyone for the role.
