Design Manager Job in Dubai

This role plays a vital part in the success of Al Futtaim Retail by overseeing the store design procedures and resources. It involves crafting store designs tailored to the regional retail market, embodying the Al Futtaim Retail Customer experience, and adhering to Brand Principle Design standards while managing costs, schedules, and operational needs. Collaboration with a diverse team is essential. The incumbent aligns with Al Futtaim Retail and Franchise guideline principles, serving as a model for others to follow.

Your responsibilities will include:
Liaising with landlords regarding Letters of Intent (LOIs), site surveys, handovers, and technical matters for new projects, collaborating with external consultants and the Al Futtaim Retail Leasing Department.
Supporting feasibility assessments from a technical and licensing standpoint.
Supervising legal documents related to design consultant appointments, such as Design Contracts and MEP Design Contracts.
Developing Store Concept Designs in alignment with Brand Design Directives.
Managing and coordinating concept design presentations to brands and brand principals.
Collaborating with the Merchandising team and other internal departments to create appropriate project design documents.
Generating store layouts.
Initiating the handover of detailed design packages to the Procurement and Project departments for the tendering stage.
Driving the Design process from inception to completion of tender packs, encompassing Site Surveys, Concept Design, and Detail Design Packages.
Conducting site visits to ensure the implementation of Design Specific Criteria according to Design Directives.

To excel in this role, you’ll need:
Creative design understanding and awareness of design trends.
Assertiveness and strong negotiation skills.
Effective planning, organizing, and time management abilities.
Excellent communication skills and decisive decision-making capabilities.
Consistent interaction with stakeholders and third parties demands strong negotiation skills and leadership.
Exceptional planning and organizational skills, coupled with a keen creative sense for the planning and design aspects of Retail Design.
Proficiency in CAD, Sketchup, Rhino, and other Adobe Creative software.

Qualifications for this position include:
A bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design.
At least three years of experience in a Retail Design Office within the GCC region, preferably as a Retail or Interior Designer.
Proficiency in reading blueprints and technical drawings.
Familiarity with engineering terminology.
Strong drafting skills and experience in coordinating Retail Project Management.