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.