FIT-OUT DESIGN MANAGER

FIT-OUT DESIGN MANAGER

Position: Fit-Out Design Manager
Department: Design / Projects
Reports To: General Manager / Projects Director
Location: UAE
Employment Type: Full-Time

1. Job Purpose

The Fit-Out Design Manager will lead and manage the complete design process for interior fit-out projects, from initial concept development through detailed design, technical documentation, construction, and final handover. The role will ensure that all designs are creative, functional, technically feasible, commercially viable, and aligned with client requirements, project specifications, UAE regulations, and company standards.

2. Key ResponsibilitiesDesign Management

• Lead and manage the design team across multiple interior fit-out projects.
• Develop design strategies and ensure consistency in design quality and standards.
• Manage the complete design lifecycle from concept to IFC/construction drawings.
• Review and approve design concepts, layouts, drawings, specifications, and presentations.
• Ensure all design deliverables are completed within the approved project schedule.
• Establish and maintain design standards, procedures, and best practices.

Concept & Interior Design

• Develop innovative and practical interior design concepts based on client requirements.
• Prepare and review mood boards, material selections, finishes, design presentations, and proposals.
• Ensure design concepts are suitable for actual site execution and fit-out requirements.
• Review 3D visualizations, renderings, and design presentations before client submission.
• Ensure aesthetics, functionality, constructability, and budget requirements are properly balanced.

Technical Design & Drawings

• Review architectural, interior, joinery, MEP coordination, shop drawings, and production drawings.
• Ensure drawings are accurate, coordinated, and suitable for construction and manufacturing.
• Identify design clashes, technical issues, and constructability problems before site execution.
• Coordinate with technical teams, consultants, subcontractors, and production teams.
• Provide technical solutions and design clarifications during project execution.
• Ensure design documentation complies with project specifications and applicable UAE requirements.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate closely with Project Managers, Site Managers, Estimation, Procurement, Production, QS, and MEP teams.
• Attend design coordination meetings, client meetings, consultant meetings, and site inspections.
• Monitor design-related project milestones and ensure timely submission of drawings and documents.
• Support the project team in resolving design and technical issues.
• Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors regarding materials, finishes, fabrication, and installation requirements.

Client & Consultant Management

• Act as a key design contact for clients, consultants, architects, and project stakeholders.
• Understand client requirements and translate them into practical design solutions.
• Present design concepts and technical proposals professionally.
• Obtain client and consultant approvals for design submissions.
• Manage design revisions and minimize unnecessary rework.

Value Engineering & Cost Control

• Participate in value engineering exercises without compromising design quality.
• Recommend alternative materials, finishes, construction methods, and design solutions where appropriate.
• Coordinate with Estimation and QS teams to ensure designs remain within approved budgets.
• Identify design decisions that may have cost or programme implications.

Site & Construction Support

• Conduct regular site visits to verify that construction follows approved design intent.
• Review site conditions and provide design solutions for unforeseen issues.
• Support the site team with technical clarifications and revised drawings when required.
• Review mock-ups, samples, prototypes, materials, and finishes.
• Assist in resolving design-related snags and defects during project completion and handover.

Team Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and mentor designers, draftsmen, 3D visualizers, and design coordinators.
• Allocate design responsibilities and monitor individual and team performance.
• Review team deliverables before submission to clients or consultants.
• Encourage continuous improvement, creativity, technical development, and professional standards.

3. Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in interior design and fit-out projects.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a Design Manager / Senior Design Manager / similar leadership role preferred.
• UAE/GCC interior fit-out experience is highly preferred.
• Proven experience handling commercial, retail, hospitality, corporate, residential, luxury, or high-end fit-out projects.
• Strong experience in concept design, detailed design, technical drawings, shop drawings, and production drawings.

4. Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Strong working knowledge of Revit, SketchUp, 3ds Max, Rhino, or equivalent software.
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of interior finishes, joinery, gypsum works, ceilings, flooring, partitions, and other fit-out materials.
• Good understanding of MEP coordination and construction detailing.
• Knowledge of UAE authority requirements and applicable building regulations.
• Strong understanding of shop drawings, material submittals, mock-ups, and technical documentation.

5. Core Competencies

• Strong design leadership and creative vision.
• Excellent project coordination and organizational skills.
• Strong technical and construction knowledge.
• Excellent client and consultant communication.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of value engineering.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Strong team leadership and mentoring skills.

6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely completion of design deliverables.
• Client and consultant approval of design submissions.
• Reduction in design errors, clashes, and revisions.
• Compliance with project specifications and approved design.
• Effective coordination between design, procurement, production, and site teams.
• Successful implementation of value engineering initiatives.
• Quality of design documentation and technical drawings.
• Client satisfaction and successful project completion.
• Effective management and development of the design team.

7. Preferred Industry Experience

Experience in commercial offices, retail outlets, hospitality, restaurants, luxury interiors, residential projects, aviation/airport projects, and large-scale interior fit-out projects will be an advantage.

Pay: AED15,000.00 - AED20,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person