Senior Manager- Interior Design I Real Estate I Maternity Cover- 4 Months

Job Requisition ID: 173156 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Overview of the role:

To provide design management for Interior design of allocated Private Properties. Work closely with the family on design moods and directions. Work with International consultants to design to the family’s taste and requirements, and exceed the standards of what would be expected in such luxury projects.  To effectively drive the interior design process with the help of design consultants. To oversee and make successful the entire design process from pre- concept design stage through final design and for construction documentation (including selection of designers). Help the family with material and FF&E selections, and support on the final styling of the project where required.

For smaller projects, develop interior design concepts inhouse, formulate design presentation strategies, and provide creative guidance.

What you will do:

Responsible for

Brief & Selection of Consultants

Assess the Interior design brief, Define and assess specific requirements, define qualification / evaluation criteria, review and suggest candidate consultants, meet consultants where required, assess and compare presentations, make recommendations for selection of designers.

Defining Design Scope and control of design costs

Define Client requirements, style and preferences based on discussions. Create a mood board if required to reach a confirmed brief.  

Specify design scope and detailed deliverable for the project for Interior design, FF&E, Art and accessories. Manage the relevant design consultants throughout the design process ensuring high quality designs that meet approval of the client.

Design Management

Manage interior design projects from layouts to detailed drawings and FF&E specifications. Check and review if standards and requirements are integrated into one unified scheme according to the program

Maintain current knowledge of trends and materials, techniques, and other developments in interior design. Identify trends in the market concerning the interior design

Assess the market, define, and assess specific requirements, define qualification / evaluation criteria, review available candidate consultants, develop relevant interview process and questionnaires, assess, and compare presentations, make recommendations for selection of designers.

Project Budget & Program

Ensure that the designs are within the budget, and where it isn’t highlight to the project lead. Monitor the progress of the Interior design scope to ensure completion within the described timeframe keeping stakeholders always informed of the progress. 

Management of design change

Identify potential design changes before they occur.

Contribute to development of design management procedures

Review / comment design management procedures in respect of relevance, usability, and clarity. Provide feedback in respect of procedures in use

Job Context:

This position is directly related to development of private assets / high-end projects based in UAE and Europe. The candidate will collaborate and work closely with other departments within Private Properties for the successful completion of the projects. He/she will be dealing directly with the client and senior leadership and able to work with minimum supervision

Required skills to be successful:

Job-Specific Skills:

• Prequalification of consultants
• Definition of design scope, deliverables, etc
• Coordination with designers- clarity and accuracy of communicating client’s requirements
• Review of design packages
• Identification of cost/ time/ quality implication of any design change and recommendation thereof

Essential Skills

• Demonstrate an ability to manage and deliver the above responsibilities                                
• Provide evidence of a good understanding of design and delivery issues, i.e. have a good design portfolio and examples of delivering multiple projects simultaneously                                          
• Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the ability to manage in a team under pressure          
• Demonstrate an ability to use a variety of appropriate media in the development of and review of design documents                                    
• Have a flexible and open attitude towards new ways of working.

Desirable Skills

• Demonstrate strong drive and initiative in response to direction or instruction" 
• Demonstrate the ability to understand and manage design decisions "    
• Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines efficiently and within key design parameters"
• Ability to use to an appropriate level some of the following :
  • Sketch up/3D Max/Rhino
  • Autocad
  • InDesign
  • Photoshop/Illustrator
  • BIM (Optional) 

What equips you for the role:

Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:

Degree in Architecture or other related disciplines

Minimum Experience:

10 to 15 years hands-on experience in Design and Construction

Familiarity with design standards, codes and practices.

About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate
The real estate development and operations arm of Al-Futtaim, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is responsible for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across MENA. With high-quality residential, business, retail, tourism, educational and healthcare developments, the master developer caters to the diverse needs of cities and communities in the region. From origination, conception, development, sales, procurement and construction of mega-projects and the leasing, operation and management of these projects after completion, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) has been developing and managing owned landbanks, unlocking the economic potential of the region and contributing to future development for more than 40 years. 
Our focus is to enable and invest in meaningful relationships to make our properties the best places to live and work, build additional products and services and enable partnerships to create true value to our customers throughout their entire experience with us.
AFGRE is responsible for master planning of all projects in its portfolio, including two large scale mixed use destinations: Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City.

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