Design Manager
Job Fit Check
Base Career helps you apply smarter for this job.
Key skills for this role
About the Role
ELE Interior Design seeks a Design Manager to lead and coordinate design, production, sales, and admin teams. You will oversee projects from concept to completion, manage designers, and ensure alignment with client expectations and studio goals.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the design process from initiation to final handover
- Manage projects from concept to delivery, ensuring client satisfaction and timely completion
- Collaborate with procurement team to ensure materials and furnishings align with project goals and budget
- Negotiate contracts with suppliers for cost effective, high quality solutions
- Conduct site visits to ensure accurate design implementation
- Provide mentorship and development opportunities for designers
- Review drawing packages and client presentations for design consistency
- Prepare weekly performance reports for the production team
- Schedule and prioritize tasks, monitor project progress and deadlines
- Attend weekly meetings with Studio Director and Lead Designers
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Interior Design/Architecture
- Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Interior Designer
- Expertise in luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial interior design
- Proficient in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Excel/Word, PowerPoint, SketchUp, and 3DS Max
- Strong creative, organizational, and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a large team
- Valid UAE driving license and vehicle
- Must be flexible and available for international travel
Full Job Posting
Role Overview
- As Design Manager, you will oversee and foster collaboration across multiple departments within the studio, ensuring seamless communication and alignment between design, production, sales, marketing, and admin teams.
- This collaborative approach is essential for maintaining a cohesive studio culture, driving growth, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects that align with both client expectations and the studio’s strategic objectives.
Main Scope of Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the design process from initiation to final handover, ensuring the team is aligned with project goals.
- Take full ownership of projects from initial client meetings through to on site completion and handover.
- Ensure that designs are optimized for both aesthetic appeal and budgetary feasibility.
- Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure materials and furnishings align with project goals and budget.
- Manage projects from concept to delivery, ensuring client satisfaction, timely completion, and seamless communication with clients, vendors, and the team.
- Produce and present presentations, collaborating with the production team and delivering designs directly to clients.
- Negotiate contracts with suppliers for cost effective, high quality solutions.
- Conduct site visits to ensure accurate design implementation.
- Attend client meetings with the design team as requested by the Studio Director, General Manager, or Founder.
- Act as a point of contact for problem solving, addressing client concerns, and ensuring effective communication.
- Provide mentorship and development opportunities for designers, ensuring continuous learning and skill development.
- Organize regular team feedback sessions to foster collaboration and creativity within the design team.
Production Team
- Review the daily work of the production team (Visualizers/Drafters) to gauge productivity and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Work on strategies to improve the efficiency of the Technical Drafting and Visualization team.
- Track team KPIs in detail, focusing on accuracy, revisions, speed, and work ethic.
- Organize and lead workshops aimed at improving quality and efficiency of the production team.
- Review drawing packages where possible, highlighting recurring mistakes.
- Review all client presentations, including space planning, moodboards, and 3D presentations.
- Prepare a weekly performance report for the production team.
Scheduling & Resource Management
- Work with the Studio Director to plan resources at the start of each project and monitor progress.
- Schedule and prioritize tasks, particularly urgent requirements such as revisions or delays.
- Initiate the use of Zoho Projects for efficient scheduling and resource tracking.
- Review schedules daily to ensure tasks are completed on time.
- Assist the Studio Director in tracking team KPIs, focusing on timelines and revisions.
- Track project progress and deadlines daily; reschedule tasks when disruptions occur.
- Attend weekly meetings with the Studio Director and Lead Designers.
- Ensure approvals are obtained before advancing to the next phase.
- Report any missed deadlines or issues to the Studio Director.
- Work with the Studio Director to continuously refine internal SOPs.
Professional Development
- Maintain industry knowledge and stay updated on trends to ensure design work remains relevant.
- Research and stay up to date on Hospitality design styles, material preferences, brand guidelines, and regulation changes.
- Represent ELE Interior at key industry events, fostering connections and gathering insights.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design/Architecture.
- Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Interior Designer with a strong passion for creative design.
- Expertise in luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial interior design.
- Proficient in software such as AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Excel/Word, PowerPoint, SketchUp, and 3DS Max.
- Strong creative, organizational, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a large team with strong leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
- Valid UAE driving license and vehicle.
- Must be flexible and available for international travel based on business needs.
Benefits
- Petrol Allowance
- Company Visa
- Group A Medical Insurance
- Annual Bonus
Apply for this job in 1 click
Skip the repetitive application forms
Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.
Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career
More from this employer
More jobs at ELE Interior Design
Senior Interior Designer- Hospitality
Dubai, UAE
ELE Interior Design seeks a Senior Interior Designer with strong hospitality, luxury residential, and commercial experience in the UAE. The role involves leading projects from concept to completion, managing teams, and c
Marketing Manager
Dubai, UAE
ELE Interiors is seeking a Marketing Manager to drive brand digital presence through social media strategy, content creation, and community management. The role involves leading social media strategy, producing content,
Senior Interior Designer
Dubai, UAE
ELE Interior Design is looking for a Senior Interior Designer to lead luxury interior design projects across residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors. You will manage design direction, mentor junior designers, ov
Studio Manager
Dubai, UAE
ELE Interior Design is seeking a Studio Manager to oversee design output, project management, team coordination, and client relations. The role requires extensive experience in luxury residential, hospitality, and commer
Sales Executive (Arabic Speaking)
Dubai, UAE
ELE Interior Design is hiring a Sales Executive to manage key client relationships, generate new business, and oversee the sales process. The role requires fluency in English and Arabic, experience with CRM systems, and
Accountant
Dubai, UAE
ELE Interior Design is looking for an Accountant with 2-3 years of accounting experience in Dubai. The role requires proficiency in QuickBooks, MS Excel, and Microsoft Office Suite, with knowledge of Zoho Books as an adv
FF&E and Material Specialist
Dubai, UAE
ELE Interior Design in Dubai seeks an FF&E and Material Specialist to lead furniture, fixtures, equipment selection, material sourcing, vendor management, and styling across multiple interior design projects. Requires st
IT Specialist
Dubai, UAE
ELE Interior Design seeks an experienced IT Specialist to lead technology infrastructure and digital transformation. The role involves managing IT strategy, network administration, cybersecurity, and enterprise software,
Senior Interior Designer- Hospitality
Dubai, UAE
Marketing Manager
Dubai, UAE
Senior Interior Designer
Dubai, UAE
Studio Manager
Dubai, UAE
Sales Executive (Arabic Speaking)
Dubai, UAE
Accountant
Dubai, UAE
FF&E and Material Specialist
Dubai, UAE
IT Specialist
Dubai, UAE