Design Manager - Interior / FFE at Mace

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Interior / FFE
Company: Mace
Location: Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Job Type: Full-time, Regular
Category: Operations - Design Management & Project Delivery
Date Posted: 2025-06-23
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

This role focuses on the operational aspects of design management within the consultancy business, specifically for architectural systems projects from concept to technical assurance.
The Design Manager will be responsible for ensuring that design principles are maintained by contractors throughout the developed design and construction phases, requiring a strong understanding of project lifecycle operations.
A key operational responsibility includes supporting specific areas or disciplines through sound technical and functional capabilities, bridging the gap between design intent and execution.
The position requires active participation in process improvement initiatives and the management of deliverables through direct reports, highlighting a focus on operational efficiency and team management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a design focus, the responsibilities and context provided by Mace (a construction and consultancy firm) indicate this role is deeply embedded in project operations, focusing on the management and assurance of the design process rather than purely creative design work. The emphasis on technical assurance, stakeholder management, and ensuring design principles are maintained aligns it with operations management principles within a project delivery framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Develops and manages planning applications and building regulation applications, ensuring compliance with statutory and legal requirements.
Drives continuous improvement initiatives and optimizes working processes to enhance project delivery efficiency and quality.
Fosters effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, managing expectations and ensuring alignment.
Provides leadership and technical direction for design development, ensuring adherence to contract requirements and client objectives.
Collaborates with diverse design disciplines, client representatives, and construction teams to ensure seamless project execution.
Oversees and monitors work outputs to ensure timeliness, scope adherence, and the expected quality of deliverables.
Assists in the production of comprehensive reporting information for project progress and performance analysis.
Participates actively in client meetings and design workshops, contributing technical expertise and operational insights.
Champions and engages with business improvement directives, integrating new methodologies and technologies.
Contributes to the company's net-zero carbon transition goals by managing associated emissions and reductions throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of project management, technical oversight, and stakeholder engagement, typical of senior operations roles in the construction and consultancy sectors. The emphasis on "managing deliverables through direct reports" and "monitoring work outputs" points to a strong operational management component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

A relevant industry qualification (or equivalent experience) in architecture, design, construction management, or a related field is required.
A strong academic foundation in architectural systems and design principles is expected.

Experience:

5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, project delivery, or a related technical role within the construction and consultancy industry.
Proven experience in managing architectural systems projects from concept through to construction, with a focus on technical assurance.
Demonstrated experience in developing and managing planning and building regulation applications.
Experience in managing direct reports and overseeing team performance.

Required Skills:

Design Management: Proficient in overseeing the entire design process, from conceptualization to detailed design and construction.
Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively engage, manage, and build relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Technical Assurance: Expertise in ensuring design principles are maintained and that construction meets specified standards.
Planning Applications & Building Regulations: Competent knowledge of statutory regulations and standards relevant to construction projects.
Continuous Improvement: Proactive in identifying and implementing process enhancements to improve efficiency and outcomes.
Collaboration: Skilled in working effectively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and contractors.
Reporting: Ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate project reporting.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for effective stakeholder interaction.
Organizational Skills: Strong ability to plan work, manage time effectively, and arrange necessary meetings.
Initiative & Decision Making: Capacity to work autonomously, take appropriate decisions, and drive tasks forward.
Construction & Consultancy Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of industry practices, project lifecycles, and business operations.

Preferred Skills:

Office 365 Suite: Good knowledge and proficiency in using Office 365 tools for daily operations, collaboration, and reporting.
Architectural Systems: Deep technical competence and application knowledge across various architectural systems.
Net Zero Carbon Principles: Familiarity with sustainability goals and carbon reduction strategies in construction projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are a mix of technical design knowledge and essential operational management competencies, such as stakeholder management, reporting, and organizational skills. Proficiency in Office 365 is highlighted as a practical operational requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Case studies demonstrating successful management of architectural systems projects from concept to completion, highlighting your role in technical assurance.
Examples of managing planning applications and building regulation submissions, showcasing process adherence and successful outcomes.
Evidence of implementing continuous improvement initiatives within design or project delivery processes.
Documentation illustrating effective stakeholder engagement and management strategies across complex projects.
Examples of managing direct reports, including performance oversight and deliverable management.

Process Documentation:

Showcase your approach to designing and managing architectural systems, detailing workflow design and optimization.
Provide examples of how you ensure design principles are maintained throughout the construction phase, including quality control and assurance processes.
Demonstrate your methods for collaborating with various design disciplines and construction teams, emphasizing process integration.
Include documentation related to reporting structures and performance analysis for project deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific system requirements aren't detailed, the emphasis on process management, technical assurance, and stakeholder engagement implies a need for candidates to demonstrate their operational methodologies. A portfolio should highlight their ability to structure, manage, and assure complex design processes within a project delivery context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Philippines, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between PHP 1,500,000 to PHP 2,500,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Makati, the demand for specialized skills in construction consultancy, and Mace's standing as a global company.
Specific salary will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the scope of responsibilities within the role.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications relevant to design management and construction consultancy.
Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.
Access to Mace's global network and career advancement opportunities.
Support for hybrid working arrangements, promoting work-life balance.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday.
Flexibility is offered, with the potential for hybrid working arrangements as indicated by the "#LI-Hybrid" tag, allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry data for similar roles in the Philippines. Benefits are inferred from typical offerings by large international consultancy firms like Mace, focusing on professional growth and well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Consultancy. Mace operates globally, providing strategic advice and project delivery expertise, particularly in large-scale infrastructure, development, and corporate real estate projects. Company Size: Mace is a global company with a significant employee base, indicating a large organizational structure with diverse departments and specialized teams. This size offers opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to a wide range of projects. Founded: Mace was founded in 1990, signifying a company with substantial experience and a well-established reputation in the global construction and consultancy market.

Team Structure:

The Design function likely operates within a broader project delivery or consultancy division, working closely with project managers, construction teams, and other design disciplines (e.g., structural, MEP, interiors).
This role may involve managing a small team of direct reports (e.g., junior designers, technicians) and collaborating with numerous internal and external stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring seamless integration with commercial, procurement, construction, and health & safety functions to ensure holistic project success.

Methodology:

Mace emphasizes a strategic approach to project delivery, focusing on unlocking potential and driving transformative impact.
Operations within Mace likely involve robust project management frameworks, rigorous technical assurance processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Data-driven decision-making and performance analysis are critical for ensuring project success, client satisfaction, and achieving business objectives, including sustainability goals like net-zero carbon.

Company Website: https://www.macegroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes Mace's global reach and its strategic approach to consultancy and project delivery. The operations within such a firm are expected to be structured, process-driven, and focused on delivering complex projects efficiently and to high standards, with a growing emphasis on sustainability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the operations and project delivery framework. It requires a blend of technical expertise in architectural systems and managerial skills to oversee design processes and manage direct reports. The scope includes technical assurance and stakeholder management, indicating a significant level of responsibility. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Director, Head of Design, or a senior operations manager within the consultancy business unit. They are responsible for managing their direct reports, forming a clear hierarchical structure within the design and project teams. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to project success, influencing project quality, cost, schedule, and client satisfaction. By ensuring design integrity and compliance, they mitigate risks, optimize constructability, and contribute to the overall value delivered to the client and Mace. Their work directly supports the company's ambition to deliver complex projects effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

Operations Leadership: Progression to senior management roles, such as Head of Design, Technical Director, or Project Director, overseeing larger projects or multiple design functions.
Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, digital construction (BIM), or specialized architectural systems.
Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader project management, commercial management, or business development roles within Mace, leveraging their operational and client-facing experience.
Global Mobility: As a global firm, Mace offers potential opportunities to work on international projects, broadening experience and cultural exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at Mace is likely structured, offering clear routes for advancement into leadership positions or specialized technical roles, leveraging their operational experience in project delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a mix of office-based work and remote working. The office environment in Makati is expected to be professional, modern, and equipped to support collaborative work, client meetings, and project planning. Office Location(s): The primary work location is Makati, a prominent business district in Metro Manila, Philippines, known for its accessibility and corporate infrastructure. Workspace Context:

The workspace will foster collaboration among design teams, project managers, and other consultants.
Access to necessary technology and software, including Office 365 and potentially project-specific design and collaboration tools, will be provided.
Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, clients, and senior management will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule:

The standard 40-hour work week provides a predictable schedule, while the hybrid arrangement offers flexibility. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively, balancing project demands with personal needs, which is crucial for sustained productivity in demanding project environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model reflects modern workplace trends, offering flexibility while ensuring essential in-person collaboration for effective design management and stakeholder engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability against the core requirements. Candidates with strong experience in similar roles and relevant qualifications will be prioritized.
Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a discussion about your experience in design management, technical assurance, stakeholder engagement, and your knowledge of construction and consultancy operations. Expect questions related to managing planning applications and building regulations.
Portfolio Review: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your project management capabilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver complex architectural systems projects.
Manager/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and your approach to managing direct reports and driving continuous improvement.
Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic alignment and overall fit within Mace's consultancy business.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight Process & Outcomes: For each project, clearly articulate the design process followed, your specific role, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable outcomes achieved (e.g., successful planning approvals, design compliance, efficiency gains).
Demonstrate Technical Assurance: Include examples of how you ensured design principles were maintained throughout the project lifecycle, detailing any technical reviews or assurance processes you managed.
Showcase Stakeholder Management: Present instances where you effectively managed diverse stakeholders, detailing your communication strategies and how you navigated complex relationships.
Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work, such as project timelines met, budget adherence, or improvements in process efficiency.
Tailor to Mace's Values: Align your portfolio presentation with Mace's values (Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) by highlighting examples that reflect these principles.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared for potential scenario-based questions asking how you would handle specific design management challenges, stakeholder conflicts, or process improvement opportunities.
Practice articulating your thought process for managing projects, ensuring compliance, and leading teams.
Familiarize yourself with current trends in architectural systems, construction technology, and sustainability (net-zero carbon) relevant to the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess technical competence, operational management skills, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates process management and impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Office 365 Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and reporting, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for communication, and Teams for collaboration.
Project Management Software: Familiarity with industry-standard project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com) for planning, tracking, and managing project deliverables and timelines.
Design Management Platforms: Experience with platforms that facilitate design collaboration, document control, and communication (e.g., Procore, BIM 360, Aconex) would be highly beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

Excel: Advanced skills in Excel for data analysis, creating reports, and financial tracking.
Business Intelligence Tools: Exposure to BI tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and visualising project performance data.

CRM & Automation:

CRM Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) might be beneficial for client relationship management and understanding project pipelines.
Automation Tools: An understanding of how to leverage automation for repetitive tasks in reporting or process management is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the Office 365 suite is a stated requirement. Beyond that, experience with project management and design collaboration platforms is critical for success in this operational role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Safety First: A commitment to ensuring safe working practices in all aspects of design and project oversight, prioritizing the well-being of the team and stakeholders.
Client Focus: Dedication to delivering on promises, understanding client needs, and ensuring project outcomes meet or exceed expectations through efficient operations.
Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and always doing the right thing, fostering trust and reliability in all professional interactions and project decisions.
Create Opportunity: Actively seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as for team members, fostering a culture of development and empowerment within the operations team.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with diverse teams (design disciplines, construction, commercial) to ensure project alignment and efficiency.
Process Review & Feedback: An open approach to reviewing operational processes and exchanging constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement within the design and project delivery functions.
Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across projects and teams to enhance overall operational effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's core values are deeply ingrained in its operational culture, emphasizing a responsible, client-centric, and growth-oriented approach. Successful candidates will demonstrate alignment with these values in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively balancing the often-conflicting needs and expectations of clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal teams requires strong negotiation and communication skills.
Ensuring Design Integrity: Maintaining the integrity of design principles throughout complex construction phases, especially when changes or unforeseen issues arise, demands rigorous technical oversight and proactive problem-solving.
Driving Process Efficiency: Continuously identifying and implementing improvements in design workflows and project execution processes to enhance efficiency and reduce potential delays or cost overruns.
Adapting to Project Dynamics: Navigating the inherent complexities and evolving requirements of large-scale construction projects while adhering to strict timelines and quality standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to enhance skills in project management, technical assurance, risk management, and team leadership within the construction consultancy sector.
Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED, specific design software certifications).
Mentorship & Leadership Development: Access to mentorship programs and leadership training designed to foster career growth into senior operational or management roles within Mace.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex operational challenges in a dynamic industry, fostering professional growth through hands-on experience and dedicated development programs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a complex architectural systems project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you ensure design principles were maintained throughout?" (Focus on process, technical assurance, and problem-solving).
"How do you approach managing planning applications and building regulations? Walk me through your typical process and how you ensure compliance." (Highlight regulatory knowledge and process management).
"Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting stakeholder requirements. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate stakeholder management and communication skills).
"How do you foster continuous improvement within a design or project team? Provide an example of a process you optimized and the impact it had." (Showcase a proactive, efficiency-driven mindset).

Company & Culture Questions:

"How do Mace's values of Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, and Create Opportunity resonate with your professional approach?" (Prepare specific examples that align with each value).
"Given our hybrid work model, how do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity when working remotely versus in the office?" (Focus on communication, time management, and team engagement).
"What are your expectations for managing direct reports and fostering their development?" (Showcase leadership and team-building capabilities).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by key responsibility area (e.g., Design Development, Technical Assurance, Stakeholder Management).
Narrative: For each case study, tell a clear story that outlines the objective, your actions (processes implemented), the results (quantifiable outcomes), and the lessons learned.
Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, plans, site photos) where appropriate, but ensure they support your operational narrative, not replace it.
Focus on Process: Emphasize the operational processes you implemented, your decision-making rationale, and how you managed risks and ensured quality.
Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, focusing on the most relevant aspects for the Design Manager role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their technical design knowledge but also their operational acumen in managing processes, people, and stakeholders effectively within a project delivery environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided application link on the Mace careers portal.
Operations Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight projects where you managed design processes, ensured technical assurance, and navigated stakeholder complexities within the construction or consultancy sectors. Select case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage planning applications and building regulations effectively.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in design management, project delivery operations, stakeholder management, and any leadership responsibilities. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "Technical Assurance," "Stakeholder Management," and "Statutory Regulations." Quantify achievements wherever possible.
Operations Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your approach to process improvement, team management, and client engagement, drawing on specific examples from your career. Be ready to walk through your portfolio with a focus on operational execution.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mace's strategy, values, and recent projects. Understand their commitment to sustainability and their approach to project delivery to demonstrate your cultural fit and strategic alignment during the interview.

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

Design Manager - Interior / FFE