Assistant Property Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Property Design Manager

Company: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Location: Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Property Design & Management

Date Posted: August 19, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end management of racecourse renovation and fitting-out projects, ensuring alignment with user requirements for scope, schedule, cost, quality, safety, and compliance.

• Drive design development, from feasibility to handover, by collaborating closely with internal stakeholders, project management offices (PMO), and external consultant teams.

• Contribute to strategic asset and facilities management by ensuring all property design initiatives are customer-centric, sustainable, and cost-effective.

• Uphold and enhance the Club's brand by managing visual information standards and guidelines, ensuring consistency across all property assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Property Department, which focuses on integrated asset management, development, project, and facilities management. The Assistant Property Design Manager will play a critical role in the physical enhancement of racecourse facilities, requiring a blend of design acumen, project execution, and stakeholder coordination. The "Assistant" title suggests a strong support function to a Deputy Executive Manager, with significant responsibility for execution and oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage racecourse renovation and alteration/addition projects from feasibility through to handover, ensuring all design and construction aspects meet defined project objectives.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, racecourse PMO, and consultant teams to define project scopes, develop design briefs, and prepare terms of reference for consultant and supplier procurement.

• Develop and present visual materials, including images, impressions, and mood boards, to effectively communicate design concepts and project progress to internal and external stakeholders.

• Assist in the planning and maintenance of master programs to meticulously monitor the design process, track internal approvals, and ensure timely project progression.

• Prepare high-level cost estimations, actively monitor and control project expenditures against approved budgets, and manage contract documentation, variations, and expenditures.

• Conduct thorough reviews of design submissions from interior designers and contractors, including concept proposals, schematic and detailed drawings, tender documents, and construction drawings.

• Assist in establishing and maintaining club-wide standards and guidelines for the management of all visual information related to property assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on the project lifecycle for interior design and fitting-out works, particularly within a specialized environment like racecourses. The role requires active participation in procurement processes, cost control, and rigorous review of design and construction documentation, indicating a need for detailed operational oversight and a proactive approach to risk management within projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of fitting-out experience, with a significant portion gained in consultant and developer roles, focusing on high-end projects within hotels, private clubs, and F&B establishments. Candidates with less experience may be considered for an Assistant Manager role. Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in managing interior design and fitting-out projects from inception to completion.

• Proficiency in developing and reviewing design briefs, scope of works, and terms of reference for procurement.

• Strong understanding of construction drawings, tender documentation, and contract administration.

• Excellent cost management and budget control skills, with experience in high-level cost estimation.

• Proficiency in visual communication tools and techniques, including mood boards and presentation materials. Preferred Skills:

• High literacy and a strong grasp of design data and current trends in interior and property design.

• Resourceful and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Conversational fluency in both written and spoken English and Chinese.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "at least 10 years" for the "Assistant Property Design Manager" title, with a caveat for less experienced candidates to be considered for "Assistant Manager," suggests the "Assistant Property Design Manager" role itself carries significant senior-level responsibilities and expectations, often equivalent to a Manager or Senior Manager in other organizations. This implies a high degree of autonomy and responsibility for complex projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a robust portfolio showcasing successful completion of high-end interior design and fitting-out projects, with a particular focus on hospitality, private clubs, or F&B environments.

• Include case studies detailing the management of renovation projects from feasibility to handover, highlighting your role in scope definition, design review, and stakeholder coordination.

• Showcase examples of cost control measures, budget management, and successful financial oversight for complex fit-out projects.

• Present evidence of your ability to develop and utilize visual communication tools, such as mood boards, concept designs, and presentation materials, for project approval and stakeholder engagement. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your process for developing comprehensive design briefs and scopes of work tailored to specific project requirements.

• Detail your methodology for reviewing design submissions and construction documents, ensuring compliance with project standards and quality benchmarks.

• Provide examples of your approach to program management and monitoring of design processes, including internal approval workflows.

• Document your experience in managing contract documentation, variations, and expenditures within project timelines and budget constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this nature, the portfolio should not just be a collection of images but should tell a story of process, problem-solving, and impact. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the 'how' and 'why' behind their design and project management decisions, especially concerning cost management and stakeholder alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Assistant Property Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in Hong Kong, particularly within large, established organizations like The Hong Kong Jockey Club, a competitive salary range is estimated between HKD 600,000 to HKD 900,000 per annum. This range accounts for the specialized nature of the role, the requirement for high-end project experience, and the cost of living in Hong Kong. Benefits:

• Competitive salary packages, reflecting the candidate's experience and the role's responsibilities.

• Comprehensive benefits, potentially including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, aligned with a large, reputable organization.

• Significant development opportunities, offering pathways for career progression within the Property Department or the wider Club.

• Access to resources and professional development programs to stay current with design trends and project management best practices. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during critical project phases, common in project management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on research of similar roles in Hong Kong's property development and design sector, factoring in the explicit requirement for 10+ years of experience in high-end projects and the prestigious nature of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Benefits are inferred based on the company's profile as a major organization offering comprehensive employee packages.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• The Hong Kong Jockey Club operates in a unique integrated business model encompassing racing, membership, sports wagering, lottery, and significant charitable and community contributions. This diverse operational scope creates a stable and socially responsible corporate environment. The Property Department plays a crucial role in maintaining and developing the physical infrastructure that supports these varied business units. Company Size:

• The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a very large organization, employing a significant number of staff across its diverse operations. This scale implies structured processes, established career paths, and a commitment to professional development. For operations professionals, this means access to extensive resources, opportunities for cross-functional learning, and the chance to work on large-scale, impactful projects. Founded:

• Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of Hong Kong's oldest and most respected institutions. Its long history signifies stability, a deep-rooted commitment to the community, and a culture that values tradition alongside innovation. This longevity suggests robust operational frameworks and a long-term perspective on asset management and development. Team Structure:

• The Property Department is structured to provide comprehensive asset management, development management, project management, and facilities management services. The design management function likely sits within or closely collaborates with project management teams.

• The Assistant Property Design Manager reports to the Deputy Executive Manager, Property Design Management (DEMPDM), indicating a clear reporting line within a specialized design management unit.

• Close collaboration is expected with the racecourse PMO, internal stakeholders from various business units (e.g., racing, hospitality), and external consultants (architects, interior designers, contractors). Methodology:

• The Property Department emphasizes providing integrated, customer-centric, sustainable, and cost-effective services. This suggests a methodology that balances user needs with long-term asset value and operational efficiency.

• Project management will likely follow established frameworks, with a strong focus on meticulous planning, rigorous cost control, and adherence to quality, safety, and compliance standards.

• Emphasis on visual information management points to a structured approach to branding and design consistency across the Club's diverse properties. Company Website:

• https://careers.hkjc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The Hong Kong Jockey Club's unique positioning as a not-for-profit organization with a strong social mission, coupled with its extensive history and business diversification, creates a distinctive corporate culture. Operations professionals here can expect a stable environment with a focus on long-term value and community impact, alongside the operational complexities of managing a large, multifaceted enterprise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is at a senior individual contributor or junior management level, indicated by the "Assistant Property Design Manager" title and the requirement for 10+ years of experience. It signifies a position of significant responsibility for project execution, design oversight, and stakeholder management within the property development lifecycle. The role is crucial for ensuring that the physical assets of the Club, particularly racecourses, meet evolving operational and user needs. Reporting Structure:

• The Assistant Property Design Manager reports directly to the Deputy Executive Manager, Property Design Management (DEMPDM). This structure suggests a clear hierarchy within the design management function, allowing for mentorship and guidance from a senior leader. It also implies that key decisions and strategic direction will flow from the DEMPDM. Operations Impact:

• The work of the Assistant Property Design Manager has a direct and tangible impact on the operational efficiency, user experience, and aesthetic quality of the Club's racecourse facilities. Successful project delivery contributes to enhanced customer satisfaction, improved operational workflows, and the preservation and enhancement of the Club's significant property assets. This role directly influences the functionality and appeal of key revenue-generating and community-facing venues. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to progress to a full Property Design Manager role, taking on greater responsibility for larger and more complex projects, strategic planning, and team leadership.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, heritage preservation within renovations, or advanced fitting-out techniques for specialized venues.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Possibility to move into broader project management, asset management, or development management roles within the Property Department, leveraging the experience gained in design coordination.

• Leadership Development: As a senior member of the team, there are opportunities to mentor junior staff and contribute to the strategic direction of the Property Design Management function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory within The Hong Kong Jockey Club, especially in a long-standing institution, is often characterized by stability and internal development. For an Assistant Property Design Manager, growth would likely involve taking on progressively larger projects, increasing leadership scope, and potentially specializing further within the vast property portfolio of the Club.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is based on-site in Happy Valley, Hong Kong, within the administrative offices of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. This environment is expected to be professional, well-resourced, and geared towards project management and administrative tasks. Office Location(s):

• Happy Valley, Hong Kong. This location is accessible via public transport, which is highly efficient in Hong Kong, making it convenient for daily commuting. The specific office will likely be part of the Club's extensive facilities, offering a dedicated workspace. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with various internal departments and external consultants. The workspace will likely facilitate team meetings, design reviews, and project coordination sessions.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard office productivity software (Microsoft Office Suite), project management tools (Microsoft Project), and specialized design software (AutoCAD, Photoshop) will be essential and provided.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Deputy Executive Manager, other property professionals, project managers, and potentially members of the racecourse operations teams to gather requirements and present design solutions.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature of the role, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, including occasional work outside standard hours or on weekends, particularly during critical construction or handover phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature of this role is crucial. While Hong Kong offers excellent public transportation, candidates should be prepared for a daily commute to Happy Valley. The collaborative workspace context is vital for operations roles, emphasizing the need for strong communication and teamwork skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• First Interview: Likely a discussion with the hiring manager (DEMPDM or their superior) to assess technical skills, project experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Potentially a practical exercise or case study related to design brief development, design review, cost estimation, or project scheduling. This assesses problem-solving abilities and operational thinking.

• Final Interview: May involve senior management from the Property Department or other key stakeholders to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit within the Club's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects, focusing on high-end hotels, clubs, or F&B fit-outs.

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project Brief/Objectives: What was the goal?
  • Your Role & Responsibilities: Be specific about your contributions.
  • Challenges Faced: Technical, budgetary, or stakeholder issues.
  • Solutions Implemented: Design choices, project management strategies, cost-saving measures.
  • Outcomes & Results: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., budget adherence, schedule compliance, user satisfaction).

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio visually and textually demonstrates your proficiency in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Microsoft Project, cost estimation, and stakeholder communication.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio and answer in-depth questions about your design rationale, project management approach, and problem-solving skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Brief Exercise: Practice drafting a design brief for a hypothetical racecourse renovation, considering user requirements, budget, and timeline.

• Cost Estimation: Review methods for preparing high-level cost estimates for interior fit-outs and renovations.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed conflicting stakeholder requirements or communicated complex design decisions effectively.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Microsoft Project, and potentially demonstrate basic functionalities if required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case studies indicates that The Hong Kong Jockey Club values demonstrable skills and practical experience over theoretical knowledge. Candidates should prepare to articulate their processes, decisions, and the tangible results of their work in a clear and structured manner.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (essential for reviewing and understanding technical drawings).

• Design & Visualization Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop for mood boards, presentations, and visual mock-ups).

• Project Management Software: Microsoft Project (for planning, scheduling, and monitoring project timelines).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint (crucial for developing presentation materials for internal and external communications, design proposals, and progress reports).

• Cost Management Tools: Potentially internal financial systems or advanced Excel for cost estimation, tracking, and budget control.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how property management systems or project-specific databases are used for tracking project progress and documentation would be beneficial.

• Familiarity with document management systems for storing and retrieving project-related information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specific software like AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Microsoft Project is explicitly mentioned, making them critical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their level of expertise and how they leverage these tools in their daily work for design review, project planning, and communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Excellence: The Club's long history and reputation are built on a foundation of high standards. Expect a culture that values meticulousness, quality, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results in property design and management.

• Integrity and Responsibility: As a major charitable organization, ethical conduct and accountability are paramount. Operations professionals are expected to act with integrity, manage resources responsibly, and uphold the Club's reputation.

• Customer-Centricity: The Property Department aims to provide customer-centric services. This means understanding and meeting the needs of internal business units and end-users, ensuring that design and renovation projects enhance their operational capabilities and experiences.

• Sustainability and Long-Term Vision: The emphasis on sustainable services suggests a forward-thinking approach to property development and management, considering environmental impact and long-term asset value.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Operations professionals are expected to work seamlessly with diverse teams, including project managers, internal stakeholders from racing and hospitality, and external consultants. Effective communication and a collaborative spirit are key.

• Process Improvement Culture: The commitment to providing cost-effective and efficient services implies an environment that encourages continuous improvement of workflows and operational processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: In a large organization, sharing best practices and project learnings is vital for collective growth. Expect opportunities to contribute to and benefit from a knowledge-sharing culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of The Hong Kong Jockey Club are deeply intertwined with its societal mission. Operations professionals will find themselves in an environment that balances commercial objectives with community impact, emphasizing integrity, quality, and long-term sustainability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Racecourse renovations often involve multiple user groups with potentially conflicting requirements regarding functionality, aesthetics, and budget. Balancing these demands effectively will be a key challenge.

• Complex Project Coordination: Overseeing projects from inception to handover requires meticulous coordination of design consultants, contractors, internal approvals, and budget constraints, all within the context of an active operational facility.

• Maintaining Design Standards: Ensuring consistency and adherence to high-end design standards across various renovation projects while managing costs and timelines will require strong oversight.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying abreast of the latest design trends, materials, and construction technologies in a rapidly evolving property sector, while integrating them into established club environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to refine project management skills on large-scale, high-profile projects within a stable and well-resourced organization.

• Specialized Design Knowledge: Deepen expertise in specific architectural or interior design typologies relevant to hospitality, clubs, or sports facilities.

• Sustainability in Design: Gain experience in implementing sustainable design principles and practices in property development and renovation.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Develop leadership capabilities by mentoring junior team members and contributing to the strategic direction of the Property Design Management team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role stem from its complexity: balancing diverse needs, managing intricate projects, and upholding high standards. Growth will be driven by successfully navigating these challenges and leveraging the opportunities for skill development and specialization within a prominent organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Lifecycle Management: "Describe your process for managing a racecourse renovation project from initial concept to final handover. What are the critical checkpoints for design approval and cost control?" Focus on detailing your steps, decision-making processes, and how you ensure all project constraints are met.

• Stakeholder Engagement: "How do you approach gathering requirements from multiple internal stakeholders with potentially competing needs for a renovation project? Provide an example of a time you successfully managed conflicting stakeholder expectations." Emphasize your communication strategies, negotiation skills, and ability to find consensus.

• Problem-Solving in Design: "Walk me through a challenging interior design or fitting-out project you managed. What were the key obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" Prepare a specific case study that highlights your technical expertise, adaptability, and problem-solving capabilities.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding the Club's Mission: "What do you know about The Hong Kong Jockey Club's integrated business model and its commitment to the community? How do you see the Property Department contributing to this mission?" Research the Club's values, history, and social impact.

• Team Collaboration: "How do you foster collaboration between design consultants, contractors, and internal project teams? Describe your ideal working relationship with a project manager or a client representative." Highlight your teamwork and communication approach.

• Measuring Success: "How do you measure the success of a property design or renovation project beyond budget and schedule adherence? What metrics do you consider important for user satisfaction and operational efficiency?" Focus on qualitative and quantitative outcomes.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Storytelling: Select visuals that clearly convey the scope, design intent, and quality of your past projects. Use before-and-after comparisons where applicable.

• Process-Centric Approach: For each project, clearly articulate the "why" behind your design decisions and project management strategies. Explain your methodology for design review, cost management, and stakeholder communication.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the impact of your work. This could include budget savings, schedule adherence, improvements in facility performance, or positive feedback from users.

• Concise and Focused: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this specific role. Anticipate questions and have detailed information readily available.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of project management principles, stakeholder dynamics, and the specific context of working within a large, reputable organization like The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing practical experience and problem-solving abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Property Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on The Hong Kong Jockey Club careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to high-end interior design, fitting-out, and renovation management, particularly in hospitality or club environments. Ensure you can articulate your role, process, and outcomes for each case study.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of fitting-out experience, proficiency in AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Microsoft Project, and your experience with cost estimation and procurement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodology, stakeholder management strategies, and design rationale. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Hong Kong Jockey Club's history, values, business model, and its commitment to the community. Understand the role of the Property Department within the organization.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Hong Kong Jockey Club hiring organization before making application decisions.