Design Manager

The Design Manager is responsible for leading and managing the design development of interior design projects from schematic design to completion. This role oversees design development, project documentation, quality assurance, consultant coordination, client communication, and team performance. The Design Manager ensures that all deliverables meet H2R Design's standards of creativity, technical accuracy, and operational excellence. The position requires strong leadership, design expertise, project management skills, and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams while managing client expectations and project timelines.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership & Team Management

· Lead and supervise Design Coordinators, Draftsmen, and BIM Modelers across multiple projects. Coordinate with H2R team.

· Assign resources, balance workloads, and set clear expectations for deliverables and timelines.

· Provide mentorship, feedback, and support to team members to foster growth and productivity.

· Conduct quality checks on all output before submission.

2. Project Management & Documentation

· Oversee the planning, scheduling, specification, BIM models and coordination of drawing packages.

· Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all design and construction documentation.

· Follow internal workflows and documentation standards to maintain consistency.

· Monitor project progress and ensure all deliverables are completed within deadlines.

3. Consultant & Contractor Coordination

· Lead coordination with MEP, lighting, structural, and other specialist consultants.

· Ensure design and technical drawings are fully aligned, integrated, and conflict-free.

· Review consultant inputs and integrate them into the design package.

· Attend coordination meetings and follow through on action points.

4. Client Communication

· Act as the primary point of contact for design-related communication.

· Manage client expectations and reinforce project objectives and timelines.

· Present design concepts, revisions, and final packages clearly and confidently.

· Handle feedback professionally and ensure follow-through by the team.

· Track and respond to client comments.

5. Quality Assurance

· Uphold and enforce H2R Design's drafting, technical, and design standards.

· Conduct thorough reviews of all drawings, visuals, materials, and submissions.

· Identify risks, resolve design issues, and ensure smooth project progression.

6. Post-Contract Services

· Oversee site inspections for design compliance and construction quality.

· Review shop drawings, RFI material submissions, samples and mock-ups for approval.

· Ensure execution on-site reflects the approved design intent and highest workmanship.

7. Resource Planning & Budgeting

· Estimate man-hours, prepare schedules, and allocate team resources efficiently.

· Manage project budgets related to design scope, changes, or additional services.

· Provide cost-effective design solutions without compromising quality.

8. Communication & Reporting

· Maintain clear communication with internal teams and management.

· Prepare progress reports, trackers, and updates for senior management.

· Ensure all correspondence—written and verbal—is professional and well-documented.

SKILLS JOB SPECIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL

·   Have an Industry recognized diploma or degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture or Architecture.

·     Able to use some of the following: Autocad Revit, Bluebeam, Aconex, SketchUp, MicroStation, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

·    
Must have 7- 9 years of vast experience working on retail, residential, F&B and hospitality projects with top-tier consultancy and must be based in Dubai.

· Able to understand and formulate design decisions and present for discussion.

· Able to integrate design requirements with architecture.

· Able to use a variety of media in the development and documentation of a design project.

· Able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines efficiently.

· Able to take initiative in response to direction or instruction.

· Excellent organizational skills.

· Understanding of the designer's role in the co-ordination and integration of project information and management

· Able to deal with the management of junior & intermediate designers on the team.