HappieHire
Website:
happiehire.com
Job details:
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced and result-oriented Design Manager – Projects to lead the design and execution of commercial and retail interior projects from concept development through completion.
The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in interior design management, project planning, design development, technical detailing, vendor management, budgeting, procurement coordination and team leadership. The role requires someone who can effectively balance design intent, project timelines, quality, cost and execution requirements while coordinating with clients, consultants, vendors and internal teams.
Key Responsibilities
1. Design Management
* Lead the development of interior design concepts for commercial, retail and hospitality projects.
* Translate client requirements, brand guidelines and project objectives into functional and aesthetically strong design solutions.
* Review and approve design concepts, layouts, material selections, finishes, furniture and fixtures.
* Ensure design proposals are practical, commercially viable and aligned with project budgets.
* Drive design development from concept stage through detailed design and execution.
2. Project Planning & Management
* Develop project plans, schedules, milestones and deliverables in coordination with project teams.
* Monitor projects to ensure timely completion, quality standards and budget adherence.
* Identify project risks, design challenges and execution constraints and develop appropriate solutions.
* Coordinate with site, execution, procurement and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
* Conduct regular project reviews and ensure timely closure of pending design and execution issues.
3. Technical & Documentation
* Review and coordinate 2D drawings, 3D models, working drawings, detailed drawings and specifications.
* Ensure drawings and design documentation are accurate, coordinated and suitable for execution.
* Coordinate design requirements with MEP, civil, electrical, HVAC and other relevant services.
* Conduct design reviews and resolve discrepancies before execution.
4. Budget, BOQ & Cost Management
* Prepare and review project budgets, BOQs and material specifications.
* Monitor design decisions against project CAPEX and budget requirements.
* Work closely with procurement and finance teams to control project costs.
* Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising design quality or project requirements.
* Evaluate quotations and support commercial negotiations with vendors and contractors.
5. Vendor & Procurement Management
* Identify, evaluate and coordinate with vendors, contractors, suppliers and manufacturers.
* Obtain and compare quotations and ensure commercial competitiveness.
* Coordinate material samples, mock-ups, prototypes and approvals.
* Monitor vendor deliverables, quality, timelines and adherence to specifications.
* Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to support project requirements.
6. Team Management
* Lead, mentor and guide a team of interior designers and project coordinators.
* Allocate projects and responsibilities based on team capabilities and project requirements.
* Review team deliverables and provide technical and design guidance.
* Conduct regular reviews to ensure productivity, quality and timely delivery.
* Support training and professional development of team members.
7. Client & Stakeholder Management
* Act as a key point of contact for clients on design and project-related matters.
* Understand client requirements and translate them into actionable design deliverables.
* Present design proposals, material selections and project updates to clients and management.
* Manage expectations and resolve design-related concerns professionally.
* Coordinate effectively with architects, consultants, contractors, vendors and internal stakeholders.
Required Skills & Competencies
* Strong knowledge of commercial and retail interior design
* Excellent understanding of space planning, materials, finishes, furniture and detailing
* Strong project planning and execution skills
* Experience in BOQ, BOM, budgeting and cost control
* Vendor management and commercial negotiation skills
* Strong knowledge of interior construction and site execution
* Ability to read and review technical drawings
* Strong client and stakeholder management skills
* Team leadership and mentoring capabilities
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
* Good communication, presentation and coordination skills
* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Software Skills
* AutoCAD
* SketchUp
* 3ds Max / similar 3D software
* Revit Architecture
* V-Ray / Corona / Enscape or similar rendering tools
* MS Office / Excel / PowerPoint
* Adobe Creative Suite
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
Preferred Experience
Candidates with experience in:
* Commercial interior projects
* Retail/showroom projects
* Hospitality interiors
* Design & build projects
* Furniture/interior product environments
* Multi-location or roll-out projects
* CAPEX-driven projects
will be preferred.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Project delivery within agreed timelines
* Design quality and adherence to brand/project standards
* Budget and CAPEX adherence
* BOQ and cost optimization
* Vendor performance and delivery
* Client satisfaction
* Team productivity and development
* Reduction in design-related execution issues
* Timely closure of drawings, approvals and project deliverables
Click on Apply to know more.