Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Design Production & Manufacturing Lead to lead the organisation's Design & Production team. The Design Production & Manufacturing Lead will manage a multidisciplinary team of product designers, interior designers, 3D visualisers and technical designers, overseeing projects from concept and design development through technical resolution, costing, prototyping, manufacturing, quality control, installation and final delivery.

The role requires a strong background in architecture, architectural engineering or engineering, combined with significant experience in interiors, furniture, product development and fabrication. The successful candidate must combine strong design judgement with the technical knowledge required to determine how a concept will be engineered, manufactured and installed.

Key Responsibilities:

Design & Team Leadership

• Lead and manage the Design & Production team, establishing clear responsibilities, priorities, timelines and deliverables.
• Review and approve design development, technical drawings, 3D visualisations and production documentation before manufacture or client submission.
• Mentor team members and strengthen their technical understanding of materials, fabrication and production.

Design Development & Technical Delivery

• Lead projects from approved concept through technical development, production and installation.
• Ensure designs are properly resolved in relation to structure, dimensions, ergonomics, materials, construction and manufacturing requirements.
• Review technical drawings, shop drawings, specifications and construction details for accuracy and buildability.

Production, Manufacturing & Quality Control

• Oversee the complete production process from design approval through prototyping, fabrication, installation and final delivery.
• Determine appropriate manufacturing methods based on design intent, quality, budget, quantity and lead time.
• Maintain rigorous quality control across fabrication, finishing, assembly, packaging, transportation and installation.

Suppliers, Manufacturers & Material Research

• Build and maintain a reliable network of UAE and international manufacturers, fabricators, contractors, craftspeople and specialist suppliers.
• Evaluate suppliers according to technical capability, craftsmanship, reliability, cost, capacity and lead time.
• Research new materials, manufacturing technologies and production opportunities, with emphasis on UAE manufacturing and regional craft techniques.

Project Management & Internal Coordination

• Work closely with the Project Manager to establish project programmes, priorities, budgets and delivery schedules.
• Maintain clear project trackers covering design status, approvals, production, expenditure and delivery.
• Identify technical, financial or scheduling risks early and propose practical solutions.

Collections & Commercial Projects

• Lead the technical development and production of furniture and product collections, translating concepts into manufacturable and commercially viable products.
• Lead technical and production delivery for B2B and B2C commissions including interiors, bespoke furniture, hospitality and retail projects.
• Assess project feasibility and support the Project Manager in establishing realistic budgets and delivery expectations.

Exhibitions, Design Fairs & Installations

• Lead design and production requirements for major exhibitions, fairs, launches and other presentations.
• Develop production schedules working backwards from fixed installation and opening dates.

Budget & Commercial Responsibility

• Work with the Project Manager to prepare and monitor project and production budgets.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency and commercial margins without compromising design or quality.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• Ideally 10–15 years of relevant professional experience, including responsibility for technical design, interiors, furniture, product development, fabrication and installation.
• Proven experience leading a multidisciplinary design team.
• Strong understanding of architectural detailing, engineering principles, construction, materials and manufacturing.
• Demonstrable experience taking projects from concept through technical development, fabrication and installation.
• Strong ability to review and challenge technical drawings, shop drawings and manufacturing proposals.
• Excellent understanding of production tolerances, structural considerations, fixing methods, materials and fabrication processes.
• Strong project planning, costing, negotiation, supplier-management and problem-solving skills.
• Professional proficiency in AutoCAD and relevant design and technical software. Experience with Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, SolidWorks and Adobe Creative Suite is advantageous.
• Strong written and spoken English; Arabic is an advantage.
• Knowledge of UAE contractors, manufacturers, workshops and suppliers is highly desirable.