Design Manager - Interior Design | Real Estate | Private Properties

Job Requisition ID: 165756 

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 Design Manager is responsible for overseeing the interior design of private properties, working closely with the family to understand their preferences, define design moods, and ensure the final output exceeds luxury standards. This includes collaborating with international consultants to deliver designs that align with the family’s vision and managing the entire design process, from pre-concept stages to construction documentation, including the selection of designers. The role also involves assisting with material and FF&E selections, providing input on final styling, and ensuring the overall success of the project. For smaller-scale projects, the Design Manager will develop in-house interior design concepts, formulate design presentation strategies, and offer creative guidance throughout the process.

What you will do

• Assess the Interior design brief, define and assess specific requirements, define qualification / evaluation criteria, review and suggest candidate consultants, meet consultants where required, assess and compare presentations, make recommendations for selection of designers.
• Define Client requirements, style and preferences based on discussions. Create a mood board if required to reach a confirmed brief.  
• Specify design scope and detailed deliverable for the project for Interior design, FF&E, Art and accessories. Manage the relevant design consultants throughout the design process ensuring high quality designs that meet approval of the client. 
• Manage interior design projects from layouts to detailed drawings and FF&E specifications. Check and review if standards and requirements are integrated into one unified scheme according to the program.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends and materials, techniques, and other developments in interior design. Identify trends in the market concerning the interior design.
• Assess the market, define, and assess specific requirements, define qualification / evaluation criteria, review available candidate consultants, develop relevant interview process and questionnaires, assess, and compare presentations, make recommendations for selection of designers.
• Ensure that the designs are within the budget, and where it isn’t highlight to the project lead. Monitor the progress of the Interior design scope to ensure completion within the described timeframe keeping stakeholders always informed of the progress.
• Review / comment design management procedures in respect of relevance, usability, and clarity. Provide feedback in respect of procedures in use.

Required Skills to be successful

• 10+ years of comprehensive experience in interior design for hospitality and luxury assets, with a proven track record of working with leading developers or consultants.
• Proficient in design standards, codes, and practices, with a demonstrated ability to effectively manage and deliver projects on time and within budget. Possesses a strong understanding of the design and delivery process, ensuring successful project execution

What equips you for the role

• Degree in Interior Design or other related disciplines is a must.

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.