Design and FF&E Manager

Department: Design and FF&E DepartmentDirect Manager: Projects Execution DirectorSubordinates: 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 plusPractical / 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.