Senior Manager - Interior Design Al Futtaim Private Company (LLC)

The Senior Interior Design Manager is responsible for managing and delivering high-profile residential and commercial projects, ensuring design quality, functionality, and innovation while balancing budget and commercial objectives. Acting as the client representative, the role ensures projects align with corporate vision, market positioning, and end-user expectations. The position involves overseeing the complete design process—from feasibility and concept to construction—to uphold the highest design standards, enhancing user experience and contributing to the project's success. The role requires frequent collaboration with internal teams and external consultants and contractors, maintaining alignment with company standards, local regulations, and industry trends.

Project & Design Management

• Lead the development of interior design concepts and detailed designs for commercial, residential, hospitality, or mixed-use projects.
• Develop project-specific design briefs aligning with business objectives and market strategy.
• Benchmark projects against leading market trends for competitive positioning and future-proofing.
• Manage the interior design scope from concept to completion, ensuring seamless integration with architectural and engineering disciplines.
• Ensure sustainability, wellness, and ESG considerations are embedded into project designs.
• Coordinate with external interior design consultants, FF&E vendors, and contractors to deliver design intent.
• Review and approve design documentation, material selections, finishes, and mock-ups.
• Conduct regular site visits to verify design implementation and provide directions to resolve on-site challenges.
• Oversee the integration of design elements with other disciplines such as Development, leasing, or marketing.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the main point of contact for all interior design-related matters with internal stakeholders and external consultants.
• Work closely with development managers, architects, cost consultants, and contractors to align design direction with project objectives.
• Facilitate workshops and design review meetings with consultants, operators (if applicable), and internal departments to gather requirements and align expectations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the project delivery team.

Design Governance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure design proposals adhere to brand, quality, and functional standards.
• Validate compliance with building codes, local regulations, and sustainability requirements.
• Drive design consistency and excellence across all touchpoints.
• Establish and implement design quality control procedures.

Procurement & Cost Alignment

• Support the procurement team with FF&E and material specifications and vendor evaluations.
• Align material selections with project budgets while maintaining design integrity.
• Participate in value engineering sessions to optimize cost without compromising design quality.
• Align design solutions with financial feasibility and business plans.
• Contribute to cost management strategies and ensure design efficiency.
• Identify and mitigate design-related risks across all project stages.
• Manage the design budget for each project.

Innovation & Trends

• Stay updated with emerging design trends, materials, technologies, and sustainability practices.
• Recommend design innovations that enhance user experience, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate project records, including design briefs, schedules, review comments, and approvals.
• Prepare and present progress reports and design presentations to senior leadership and stakeholders.