Design Manager

Location – Bengaluru

Job Description:

As a Design Manager for an Interior Brand, you will be responsible for leading the design team and ensuring the development and delivery of high-quality, innovative designs that align with the brand’s vision and meet client expectations. You will play a critical role in driving the creative direction, managing design projects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives. Your primary focus will be on overseeing the design process, managing a team of designers, and ensuring the brand’s design standards are consistently met.

Responsibilities:

1. Design Leadership: Provide creative leadership and direction to the design team, inspiring and motivating them to deliver exceptional design solutions. Set and communicate the design vision, ensuring it aligns with the brand’s identity and customer preferences.
2. Project Management: Manage design projects from concept development to execution, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budgets, and alignment with client requirements. Monitor project progress, provide guidance to the design team, and address any challenges or issues that arise during the design process.
3. Design Standards and Quality Control: Establish and maintain design standards, guidelines, and processes to ensure consistency and quality across all design deliverables. Conduct regular design reviews, provide constructive feedback, and ensure designs meet the brand’s standards and client expectations.
4. Collaboration and Cross-functional Communication: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and product development, to align design efforts with overall brand strategies and business goals. Foster effective communication and collaboration between design and other departments.
5. Talent Development: Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing design team. Identify individual strengths and areas for improvement, provide ongoing feedback and coaching, and create opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.
6. Trend and Market Research: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging design concepts, and customer preferences. Conduct market research and analysis to identify new design opportunities, competitive insights, and potential areas for differentiation.
7. Vendor and Supplier Management: Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and external partners to ensure the availability of quality materials, products, and resources needed for design projects. Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners to support the brand’s design objectives.
8. Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Collaborate with the finance and operations teams to develop design budgets and allocate resources effectively. Monitor design-related expenses and ensure adherence to budgetary constraints.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• Proven experience as a Design Manager or in a similar leadership role within the interior design industry or a relevant brand.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of successful design projects and concepts.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a creative team.
• Solid understanding of design principles, aesthetics, and trends in the interior design industry.
• Proficiency in design software and tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
• Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate design concepts to non-design stakeholders.
• A detail-oriented mindset with a strong focus on quality control and attention to detail.
• Ability to think strategically, analyze design briefs, and translate them into innovative design solutions.
• Knowledge of materials, finishes, and suppliers within the interior design industry.
• Familiarity with sustainable design practices and principles is a plus.