SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGN & PROJECT MANAGER

Japandi Interiors | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Full-Time Level: Manager / Senior Manager Reporting to: Owners / Managing Director About the Role Japandi Interiors is a growing full-service interior design company seeking a highly capable, hands-on Senior Interior Design & Project Manager to become a key operational leader within the business. The immediate priority is to take full ownership of an active residential villa project and deliver it successfully from the current stage through procurement, site execution, installation, styling and final handover. Following this project, the Manager will lead future projects and help develop Japandi Interiors’ supplier network, operating systems, social media presence and business growth. IMMEDIATE PRIORITY – CURRENT VILLA PROJECT The first responsibility will be to take full operational ownership of an existing residential villa project. Key Responsibilities Project Management & Execution * Take complete A-to-Z responsibility for the current villa and future projects. * Review designs, drawings, specifications, BOQs, quotations and site conditions. * Develop and manage project schedules, budgets and critical deadlines. * Coordinate contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and installers. * Maintain regular site presence and ensure execution follows approved designs. * Manage client approvals, variations, quality control, snagging and final handover. * Identify problems early and proactively implement solutions. BOQ, Procurement & China Sourcing * Review BOQs line-by-line to ensure correct quantities, dimensions, specifications and pricing. * Source furniture, lighting, sanitaryware, finishes and other interior items locally and internationally, with a strong focus on China sourcing. * Identify and evaluate manufacturers and suppliers. * Obtain and compare quotations and negotiate pricing and commercial terms. * Coordinate samples, shop drawings and approvals. * Ensure orders exactly match approved specifications before purchasing. * Monitor manufacturing, quality, shipping, customs clearance and UAE delivery. * Inspect received goods and resolve damaged, incorrect or missing items. * Track project costs and protect project margins. Client & Commercial Management * Act as a senior point of contact for clients. * Provide clear project progress, budget and procurement updates. * Manage client expectations, decisions and variations. * Maintain budget, procurement, approval and variation trackers. * Ensure management always has clear visibility of project status, expenditure, outstanding decisions and risks. Building Japandi Interiors Beyond individual projects, the Manager will help build the company’s operational foundation by: * Developing reliable UAE and international supplier and contractor networks. * Establishing standardized BOQ, procurement, project-management, quality-control and handover procedures. * Creating systems that allow multiple projects to be managed simultaneously. * Supporting proposals, new client enquiries and business development. * Coordinating project photography, videography, portfolio development and social media. * Helping develop relationships with architects, developers, contractors and referral partners. Candidate Profile We are looking for an individual with: * 7+ years’ relevant interior design, fit-out, procurement or project-management experience. * Strong UAE residential/villa project experience preferred. * Excellent understanding of BOQs, costing and procurement. * Ability to read and understand architectural, interior and MEP drawings. * Strong knowledge of interior fit-out and site execution. * International procurement experience; China sourcing experience strongly preferred. * Strong supplier negotiation and commercial skills. * Excellent project-management and organizational abilities. * Professional client communication skills. * AutoCAD and Excel knowledge desirable. * UAE driving licence preferred. Who We Are Looking For This role requires someone who is hands-on, highly organized, commercially minded, detail-oriented, proactive and accountable. You should be equally comfortable reviewing a BOQ, negotiating with a Chinese supplier, inspecting workmanship on site, resolving a contractor issue and meeting with a client. We are particularly interested in someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who wants to grow with a young company rather than simply manage individual projects. The Opportunity This is a key leadership position within Japandi Interiors. The successful candidate will initially spearhead delivery of our current residential villa and then take increasing responsibility for future projects, operations, suppliers and company growth. For the right person, this role has the potential to develop into a senior operational leadership position as Japandi Interiors expands. Show more Show less