About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Interior Design Manager to build, lead, and mentor a new design team from the ground up.

This is a leadership role for someone who not only designs well but can also inspire others, create structure, and elevate design standards across the team.

You will play a key role in shaping the creative direction, training new designers, and establishing a culture built on design excellence, accountability, and collaboration.

If you already have a team of designers you've worked with before, that's a plus - you'll be rewarded for successfully bringing them onboard.

This role also includes overriding commissions for every project signed by your team members.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Formation & Leadership

• Build, lead, and grow a new interior design team from scratch.
• Define team structure, workflows, and performance standards.
• Coach and guide designers to improve design quality, client handling, and project closures.
• Foster a positive, motivated, and collaborative team culture.
• Bringing in your own team is a plus - bonus reward will be given for each team member's first closed deal.
• Earn overriding commissions for each project signed by your team members.

2. Mentorship & Training

• Conduct regular training sessions, design reviews, and skill-building workshops.
• Teach new designers about concept development, detailing, project costing, and client presentation.
• Provide on-site and technical guidance to bridge design and construction.
• Create structured growth paths for junior designers.

3. Design Direction & Quality Control

• Review and approve all design proposals to ensure alignment with the firm's aesthetic direction - minimalist, timeless, and functional.
• Ensure designs are practical, buildable, and consistent with brand standards.
• Uphold strong standards of detailing, documentation, and material selection.

4. Project Oversight & Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers and site teams to ensure accurate execution of design intent.
• Resolve design-related challenges quickly and effectively.
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and client satisfaction.

5. Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support designers in key client meetings and presentations.
• Build and maintain client and supplier relationships to strengthen collaboration and trust.
• Represent the firm professionally at all stages of the design and build process.

6. Systems & Growth

• Develop SOPs for design workflows, document standards, and project reviews.
• Continuously refine design processes for efficiency and consistency.
• Work with management to identify growth opportunities for both the team and the department.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of interior design experience, with at least 2 years in a team-lead or managerial role.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Solid portfolio of residential and/or commercial projects.
• Proficient in design and visualisation software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, etc.).
• Deep understanding of materials, detailing, and construction workflows.
• Passionate about design, teaching, and developing others.
• Formal qualifications are not required - we value experience, creativity, and leadership above all.

Why Join Us

• Be the founding leader of a new design team in an award-winning, fast-growing design-and-build firm.
• Freedom to shape your team's culture, processes, and creative direction.
• Opportunity to mentor and grow the next generation of designers.
• Attractive performance-based incentives.
• Overriding commissions for each project signed by your team members.
• Work alongside a management team that values innovation, craftsmanship, and creative excellence.