Head of Interior Design

Job Title: Head of Interior Design

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About the Company

Our client is a dynamic hospitality group recognized for creating trendsetting F&B concepts that blend creativity, quality, and experience. With several well-loved brands under its umbrella from artisanal bakeries to lifestyle-driven restaurants the group continues to redefine the casual dining scene across the GCC.

Position Summary

The Head of Interior Design will lead the creative and technical direction of all interior design initiatives across the company's portfolio of F&B brands. This role is responsible for developing innovative and commercially viable restaurant, café, and kiosk concepts while maintaining brand consistency and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in F&B interior design, outlet rollout, and project execution across multiple markets. They will oversee concept creation, design development, material selection, value engineering, and coordination with architects, contractors, and suppliers to deliver world-class dining spaces that align the company's vision and growth strategy.

Key Functions & Responsibilities

1.Design Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and maintain the interior design vision and standards for all existing and upcoming brands/outlets.
• Translate brand DNA into spatial experiences that enhance customer engagement and operational flow.
• Create and present design concepts, mood boards, sketches, and material palettes for approval.

2.Project & Rollout Management

• Lead the end-to-end design process for new openings, refurbishments, and relocations across multiple regions.
• Oversee all stages from concept to construction documents, ensuring alignment with timelines and budgets.
• Standardize design guidelines, material schedules, and technical specifications for efficient rollout.

3.Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate closely with Operations, Branding, Marketing, Development, and Procurement teams to ensure functional and brand-aligned outcomes.
• Liaise with external consultants, architects, fit-out contractors, and suppliers to supervise execution and quality control.

4.Quality Assurance & Cost Optimization

• Conduct site inspections to ensure design intent is implemented accurately.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising aesthetics and functionality through value engineering and vendor negotiation.

5.Innovation & Market Awareness

• Stay updated on global F&B design trends, sustainability practices, and emerging technologies.
• Introduce new concepts, materials, and solutions that elevate brand image and customer experience.

Requirements & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in F&B interior design and overseeing multi-outlet rollouts.
• Proven track record of delivering dining concepts.
• Strong understanding of operational flow, kitchen layouts, and MEP.
• Experience managing simultaneous projects under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or other design tools.
• Excellent project management, stakeholder communication, and vendor coordination skills.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.
• Professional certifications or memberships are an advantage.