Material / FF&E Specialist (Interior)

The position will primarily focus on identifying, researching, sourcing, and coordinating suitable materials and FF&E in line with the project’s design concept and designer requirements, key responsibilities shall be as below:Key Responsibilities:Understand the design concept, mood boards, material palette, and project requirements. Research and source suitable materials, finishes, and FF&E from local, regional, and international markets. Identify manufacturers, suppliers, brands, and products that align with the design intent and project requirements. Source and evaluate materials such as stone, marble, tiles, timber, veneer, laminates, metals, glass, fabrics, wallpapers, carpets, leather, and specialty finishes. Source and evaluate FF&E items, including furniture, decorative lighting, rugs, soft furnishings, accessories, artwork, and specialist equipment. Obtain physical samples, catalogues, technical data sheets, certifications, quotations, and product information. Evaluate materials and products for aesthetics, quality, durability, technical performance, maintenance, availability, lead time, and budget. Verify compliance with applicable project requirements, standards, and performance criteria. Propose suitable alternatives and value-engineering options when specified materials or products are unavailable, exceed the budget, or have long lead times, while maintaining the design intent. Prepare and coordinate material boards, finish boards, sample presentations, and mock-ups for design review and approval. Coordinate with the design team to ensure all selections are in line with the approved concept and design requirements. Liaise with suppliers, manufacturers, showrooms, and international agents to obtain product information, samples, pricing, and availability. Maintain and regularly update the company’s material and FF&E library, including physical samples, catalogues, supplier information, and digital records. Stay updated on new materials, products, technologies, manufacturers, and market trends. Develop and maintain a reliable database of approved and potential suppliers and manufacturers. Coordinate with the procurement team to ensure the selected and approved materials and FF&E items are accurately specified and procured. Verify that proposed or procured products match the approved samples, specifications, and design requirements. Support the team in resolving material availability, substitution, and technical suitability issues during the design and procurement stages. Monitor market availability and lead times to support timely material selection and project delivery.QualificationsBachelor's Degree or Diploma in Interior Design, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.Minimum 5 years of experience in material coordination, procurement, FF&E, or interior fit-out projects.Previous experience in the UAE or GCC interior fit-out and construction industry is preferred. Good knowledge of FF&E sourcing, supplier coordination, and material approval processes.Familiarity with BOQs, material schedules, specifications, shop drawings, and procurement procedures.Strong supplier sourcing and negotiation skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.Knowledge of ERP, procurement systems, or project management software is an advantage.