Senior Interior Design & Project Manager

About the role

Japandi Interiors, a fast‑growing interior design studio in Abu Dhabi, is looking for a hands‑on Senior Interior Design & Project Manager. The role will initially own an active residential villa project from procurement through site execution, styling and handover, then expand to lead future projects and build the company’s operational foundation.

Key responsibilities

• Take full A‑to‑Z responsibility for the current villa and subsequent projects, reviewing designs, drawings, specifications, BOQs and quotations.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets and critical deadlines while coordinating contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and installers.
• Maintain regular site presence to ensure execution follows approved designs, manage client approvals, variations, quality control, snagging and final handover.
• Review BOQs line‑by‑line, source furniture, lighting, sanitaryware and finishes locally and internationally with a strong focus on China sourcing.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms, coordinate samples, shop drawings and approvals, and monitor manufacturing, shipping, customs clearance and UAE delivery.
• Inspect received goods, resolve damaged or missing items, track project costs and protect margins.
• Act as senior point of contact for clients, providing clear progress, budget and procurement updates and managing expectations.
• Develop reliable UAE and international supplier and contractor networks, establish standardized procedures and create systems for managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Support business development, proposals, portfolio photography, videography and social‑media content, and nurture relationships with architects, developers and referral partners.

Required profile

• 7+ years of interior design, fit‑out, procurement or project‑management experience, preferably on UAE residential/villa projects.
• Strong understanding of BOQs, costing and procurement, and ability to read architectural, interior and MEP drawings.
• International procurement experience with a focus on China sourcing; excellent supplier negotiation and commercial skills.
• Professional client communication, strong organisational abilities and a proactive, accountable mindset.
• AutoCAD and Excel knowledge desirable; UAE driving licence preferred.

Required skills

• Project Management
• Site Execution
• Interior Fit‑Out
• China Sourcing
• BOQ Procurement
• AutoCAD
• Supplier Negotiation
• Excel