Senior Design Manager Interior Design

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The Project

This portfolio comprises projects either directly managed by the client team or delivered by leading third-party developers under the client’s leadership. It includes a diverse range of projects, spanning new construction, master planning schemes, and executive fit-out works.

The senior design manager (interior design) will be integrated seconded from Mace into the client office, operating at the project portfolio level to represent the client’s interests while drawing upon Mace’s consultancy expertise. The role is responsible for leading the delivery of interior design packages across assigned projects, ensuring design quality, compliance, constructability, and alignment with the client’s strategic objectives.

Acting as a trusted advisor, the role will interface closely with internal client stakeholders, external consultants, and delivery teams to ensure design outcomes support programme goals, budget, schedule, and operational requirements.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Lead the safe, compliant, and high-quality delivery of interior design at the project level, in line with Abu Dhabi regulations, local HSE standards, and client governance frameworks.
• Manage the full interior design lifecycle, from early concept through detailed design and construction support, ensuring coordinated and fit-for-purpose outputs.
• Act as the primary design focal point for assigned projects, overseeing design reviews, approvals, change control, and technical compliance.
• Represent the client’s interests in all interior design matters, providing clear advice, assurance, and recommendations to senior client stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with external designers, consultants, specialist contractors, and PMO functions to ensure alignment and effective decision-making.
• Support collaborative working between design, commercial, planning, and construction teams to achieve project outcomes.
• Apply and uphold client and Mace design management processes, standards, and reporting requirements at the project level.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, lessons learned, and the consistent application of best practices across the portfolio.
• Provide technical input on interior design quality, constructability, materials, finishes, FF&E, and interface management.
• Contribute to project planning, risk management, and programme reporting from a design perspective.
  
  

You’ll Need To Have

• A degree qualification in interior design, architecture, or a related design discipline, with relevant professional accreditation or membership.
• Strong experience in interior design management and delivery on complex commercial, mixed-use, retail, or executive fit out projects.
• Proven capability operating in a client-side, PMC consultant, or design consultant role, providing independent oversight and assurance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence engaging at senior Client and consultant levels.
• Solid understanding of design governance, building safety, sustainability principles, and Abu Dhabi regulatory requirements.
  
  

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well-being in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables and strategic outcomes and build long-term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfill all the criteria, please apply, as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

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