Design Manager, PDS Projects

Job Description – Interior Design Manager
Position: Interior Design Manager
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering (Architecture preferred)
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Interior Design Manager with minimum of 5 years in a Design Manager role. The candidate will be responsible for leading the design process, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and local regulations, and coordinating effectively with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.
The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership capabilities, extensive experience in interior fit-out and construction projects, and a proven track record in managing design implementation from concept through execution.
Key Responsibilities
Design Management
Lead and manage the complete design process from concept development to construction documentation and execution.
Ensure timely delivery of design milestones while maintaining quality and project objectives.
Establish and implement design management procedures, standards, and best practices.
Review and approve design drawings, specifications, material selections, and technical submissions.
Drive design coordination across all disciplines to achieve seamless project delivery.
Regulatory & Compliance Management
Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements, local authority regulations, building codes, fire and life safety requirements, accessibility standards, and relevant industry guidelines.
Coordinate with regulatory authorities and facilitate approvals as required.
Review designs for compliance with applicable local norms and project-specific requirements.
Client & Stakeholder Coordination
Act as the primary design interface between the client, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams.
Lead design review meetings and provide technical guidance to stakeholders.
Understand client requirements and translate them into effective design solutions.
Manage stakeholder expectations and resolve design-related issues proactively.
Consultant & Contractor Management
Coordinate with architects, MEP consultants, structural consultants, contractors, and specialist vendors.
Review consultant deliverables and ensure alignment with project objectives.
Monitor contractor compliance with approved design intent during project execution.
Resolve technical and coordination issues arising during construction.
Design Implementation & Project Support
Ensure accurate implementation of approved designs at site.
Conduct periodic site inspections and design audits.
Review RFIs, material submittals, shop drawings, and mock-ups.
Support value engineering initiatives while maintaining design quality and functionality.
Monitor project progress and provide recommendations to mitigate design-related risks.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering (Architecture preferred).
Minimum 5 years of overall experience in architecture, interior fit-out, design management, or construction projects.
Minimum 5 years of experience in a Design Manager role leading multidisciplinary projects.
Strong understanding of interior design, architectural detailing, construction practices, and project delivery processes.
Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale commercial, corporate, workplace, hospitality, or mixed-use projects.
Key Skills & Competencies
Strong Design Process Implementation and Management
Knowledge of Statutory Approvals and Local Building Regulations
Client Relationship Management
Consultant and Contractor Coordination
Design Review and Quality Assurance
Project Planning and Execution
Space Planning and Interior Fit-Out Expertise
Risk Management and Problem Solving
Leadership and Team Management
Excellent Communication and Presentation Skills
Value Engineering and Cost Optimization
Preferred Attributes
Experience in corporate workplace and large-scale interior fit-out projects.
Strong understanding of BIM, AutoCAD, Revit, and project coordination platforms.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills.

Work arrangement
No