Interior Design Manager

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.