Design Manager (Interior Design/Architecture)

Job description

The Design Manager leads a multidisciplinary design team and manages complex client projects from initial brief and concept development through technical coordination, execution, and final handover. Leads and mentors the team; sets creative direction and maintains design vision; manages scope, schedule, budget, resources, risks, and quality of multiple projects; serves as primary senior client contact and builds strong relationships; leads client meetings, workshops, and design presentations; translates client requirements and feedback into clear actions for teams; provides creative and technical guidance while staying hands‑on during critical stages; reviews and approves concepts, presentations, drawings, specifications, and material selections; coordinates with consultants, contractors, and suppliers; ensures designs are creative, functional, technically accurate, commercially viable, and standards‑compliant; identifies and resolves design, technical, commercial, and coordination risks early; manages design changes and communicates impact on scope, fees, schedule, and resources; supports proposals, fee submissions, tenders, resource planning, cost control, and business development; maintains high standards of documentation, communication, and reporting; contributes to design strategy, operational improvement, and business growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, or related discipline
• more than 12 years of progressive professional experience
• experience in a senior design leadership position
• proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver complex, high‑value projects
• strong portfolio demonstrating creative excellence, technical capability, and project execution
• extensive experience managing senior clients, presenting design solutions, and negotiating requirements
• comprehensive understanding of the full design and project‑delivery process
• strong technical knowledge of materials, detailing, specifications, production, construction, and industry standards
• excellent leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills
• strong commercial awareness including budgets, fees, resource planning, cost control, and change management
• advanced planning, decision‑making, problem‑solving, and risk‑management abilities
• ability to manage multiple projects, clients, teams, budgets, and deadlines simultaneously
• proficiency in design, documentation, presentation, collaboration, and project‑management software
• ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
• hands‑on, proactive, adaptable, detail‑oriented, and accountable working style
• fluency in English.

Skills