Design and Technical Manager

Location: Dubai, UAEEmployment: Full-timeLevel: Senior ManagementCapsule Arts is looking for an experienced Design & Technical Manager to lead the creative and technical development of art collections across hospitality, residential, commercial and cultural projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and wider region.This is a senior leadership role combining creative direction, technical expertise, project oversight and people management.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for taking artworks, sculptures and accessories from concept and curation through detailed design, production and installation.We are looking for someone who can move confidently between creative thinking and technical delivery — equally comfortable reviewing a concept, challenging a technical detail, leading a team, presenting to a client or resolving an issue during fabrication.What You'll DoCreative & Technical LeadershipLead the creative and technical direction of artwork, sculpture and accessory packages across multiple projects.Guide and challenge teams to develop original, relevant and commercially viable creative concepts.Review art selections, artist recommendations, concepts and detailed design packages to maintain a consistently high creative standard.Ensure designs are technically feasible and appropriately consider materials, fabrication, structural requirements, finishes, durability, scale and installation.Oversee sampling, prototyping and quality control through production and installation.Identify creative, technical and production risks early and lead the team in finding practical solutions.Maintain a strong understanding of contemporary art, design, materials, craftsmanship and emerging production technologies.People & Project LeadershipLead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of creative and design professionals.Manage workloads and priorities across a busy portfolio of concurrent projects.Establish clear expectations, responsibilities and standards while creating accountability without micromanagement.Provide regular feedback, manage performance and identify opportunities for individual and team development.Maintain oversight of project quality, programme, resources and key risks.Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure creative ambition is supported by strong commercial and operational delivery.Clients, Artists & Industry PartnersAct as a senior creative and technical point of contact for clients, interior designers, architects and other project stakeholders.Attend and lead client meetings, presentations, site visits and technical discussions.Present creative concepts and technical solutions clearly and confidently.Build strong relationships with artists, galleries, fabricators and specialist suppliers.Work collaboratively with artists and makers to protect creative intent while ensuring designs can be successfully produced and installed.Support major pitches and new-business opportunities, contributing strategic and creative thinking at proposal stage.Travel within the GCC and internationally when required.What We're Looking ForThis role requires someone who has already operated at a senior design, technical or project leadership level within art consultancy, interior design, architecture, public art, experiential design or a closely related field.Essential experience and capabilities:Minimum 5+ years' relevant professional experience, including proven experience in a design and/or technical leadership position.Demonstrable experience managing, mentoring and developing people, rather than simply coordinating project teams.Experience managing multiple concurrent projects, priorities and deadlines.Strong hands-on understanding of detailed design, materials, fabrication and installation.Experience taking creative work from concept through design development, production and site installation.Confidence reviewing drawings, technical information, samples, prototypes and fabrication outputs.Strong understanding of quality control, technical feasibility and production risk.Proven client-facing experience and confidence presenting to senior stakeholders.Experience coordinating artists, suppliers, fabricators, consultants and contractors.Strong knowledge of the UAE and wider GCC art and design landscape, with an established or developing network of regional artists, galleries, makers and creative partners.Commercial awareness and an understanding of project budgets, procurement and programme.Bachelor's degree in Design, Architecture, Fine Arts or a related discipline.Proficiency in relevant design software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite or similar.Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in Arabic would be a strong advantage.You'll Be Particularly Well Suited If You…Have a strong creative eye but are equally interested in how things are actually made.Can recognise when a beautiful idea needs to be challenged or developed to make it technically achievable.Know when to make a decision yourself and when specialist technical or engineering expertise is required.Can move comfortably between a client presentation, creative review, supplier meeting, factory visit and site inspection.Have experience leading talented creative people and know how to balance creative freedom with accountability.Remain calm, practical and decisive when projects become pressured.Can maintain oversight of a substantial project portfolio without becoming the bottleneck for every decision.Are naturally collaborative and comfortable working across creative, technical, commercial and operational teams.Are curious and well-connected within the UAE and wider GCC creative community, with a genuine interest in discovering and developing relationships with regional artists and makers.Have a genuine interest in contemporary art, design, materials, craftsmanship and innovation.Believe that exceptional creative work requires equally exceptional execution.About Capsule ArtsFounded in Dubai in 2012, Capsule Arts is an independent art consultancy working across the Middle East.We provide a fully integrated art consultancy service from concept through to completion, combining strategy, research, curation, artist commissioning, bespoke design development, procurement, production, logistics and installation.Our work spans luxury hospitality, residential, commercial and cultural projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and wider region.At Capsule Arts, art is not treated as decoration. It is considered part of the wider design strategy — helping to create identity, tell stories and form meaningful connections between people and place.Our approach is collaborative, research-led and highly bespoke, bringing together artists, designers, craftspeople, fabricators and clients to create work with authenticity, integrity and a strong hand imprint.Why Join Capsule Arts?This is an opportunity to take on a genuine leadership position within an established and growing regional art consultancy, with the ability to influence both the work we create and the people responsible for delivering it.You will have the opportunity to:Lead and develop a talented multidisciplinary creative team.Work on ambitious hospitality, cultural, residential and commercial projects across the GCC.Collaborate directly with artists, architects, interior designers and specialist makers.Develop bespoke artworks and sculptures from initial idea through to realised installation.Work across an unusually broad range of materials, processes, artists and creative disciplines.Play an influential role in maintaining and evolving the creative and technical standards of Capsule Arts.If you are an experienced creative and technical leader who can combine artistic judgement, technical rigour, commercial awareness and strong people leadership, we'd like to hear from you.Please apply with your CV and portfolio to cv@capsulearts.com, including examples that demonstrate your involvement in creative direction, detailed design, production and installation, as well as the teams and projects you have led.