Design Manager

Company Description

Tripod Global, has over 18 years of excellence in Turnkey Execution transforming Commercial & Retail spaces. With an in-house Fitout & manufacturing facilities in Dubai, Riyadh, and Bangalore, we ensure precision, efficiency, and quality at every stage. Supported by a network of Project managers, artisans, designers, and skilled installation teams, we deliver seamless turnkey fit-out solutions across the IMEA region

Role Overview

The Design Lead / Manager will oversee the technical design function for joinery, architectural, civil, MEP and fit-out projects, ensuring all shop drawings, material specifications, and production documentation are accurate, practical, and aligned with project requirements. This role involves leading a team of technical designers / draftsmen based locally & overseas, coordinating with project managers, architects, and Fitout Tea & ensure consistency, quality, and timely delivery of design outputs.

Role Location: Dubai

Key Responsibilities:

1. Technical Leadership & Quality Control

Lead, mentor, and supervise the technical design/drafting team, ensuring high-quality and detailed production of shop drawings and technical documentation.

Review and approve all shop drawings before submission, ensuring precision, constructability, and compliance with project specifications, BOQs, and tender drawings.

Establish and enforce drawing standards, templates, and workflows to maintain consistency across all projects.

2. Project Management & Coordination

Coordinate with internal departments (project management, production, procurement, site teams) to ensure all design requirements are clearly understood and aligned.

Attend design coordination meetings with clients, consultants, and architects to clarify design intent, resolve discrepancies, and ensure approvals.

Manage design schedules and workloads within the team to ensure timely submissions and revisions.

3. Technical Design, Innovation & Documentation

Guide the preparation of detailed design plans - shop drawings, technical illustrations, cutting lists, and production assembly instructions

Ensure all drawings include accurate dimensions, material specifications (wood types, hardware, finishes), and joinery techniques appropriate for retail environments.

Review and validate manufacturing details and construction methodology, ensuring feasibility in workshop and onsite execution.

Optimize designs for cost efficiency, material usage, and production processes without compromising quality or design intent.

Develop creative design solutions that enhance the customer experience and maximize space utilization.

Stay updated with industry trends, materials, and technologies to incorporate the latest innovations into designs.

4. Continuous Improvement

Recommend improvements in design workflows, software utilization, and documentation practices to increase team efficiency.

Keep the team updated on new materials, hardware systems, joinery methods, and emerging technologies.

Drive implementation of advanced design tools (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, parametric modelling) where beneficial.

Lead and mentor a team of designers, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative environment.

Manage workload distribution, ensuring efficient use of resources and meeting project deadlines.

Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews to encourage professional development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in Architecture Design
• 4-6 years of proven leadership experience with a track record of managing design teams and projects successfully.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp & other Prominent Design Tools
• Strong understanding of materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes related to Civil , Mep & Joinery
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Additional Information

Ability to join immediately or within short notice is an advantage.