Design and FF&E Manager

Department: Design and FF&E Department
Direct Manager: Projects Execution Director
Subordinates: 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 plus

Practical / 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.