Senior Interior Design Manager - Hotel (ENT637)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Interior Design Manager - Hotel (ENT637) Company: Qiddiya Investment Company Location: Riyadh, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Hospitality Operations & Design Management Date Posted: August 10, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (9-12 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the comprehensive interior design lifecycle for luxury hotel projects within a transformative entertainment destination.
• Drive conceptualization, design development, and execution of hotel interiors, ensuring alignment with brand identity, operational excellence, and guest experience objectives.
• Manage and mentor a team of interior designers, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail in all design outputs.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including architecture, engineering, and project management, to deliver high-quality, integrated design solutions.
• Ensure all design projects adhere to budget constraints, timelines, and sustainability principles, contributing to the overall success and vision of Qiddiya.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Manager within the operations and design function, focusing specifically on the hospitality sector. The emphasis on "luxury," "guest experience," and "brand identity" suggests a high-stakes environment where operational efficiency must be balanced with premium aesthetic and functional design. The "ENT637" designation likely refers to an internal project or team identifier.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Management: Lead and manage the entire interior design process for hotel projects, from initial concept development through to final execution and handover.
• Conceptualization & Vision Alignment: Review and approve design concepts that embody luxury, comfort, functionality, and brand alignment with Qiddiya's overarching vision.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, architectural teams, engineering departments, and brand partners, to align design proposals with strategic business goals and guest expectations.
• Construction Phase Oversight: Conduct regular site visits and design reviews during construction phases to ensure strict adherence to approved design specifications, material selections, and quality standards.
• Material & Furnishing Curation: Select and specify high-quality materials, finishes, furnishings, fixtures, and lighting that enhance the hotel's aesthetic appeal, ensure durability, and meet operational requirements and budget parameters.
• External Partner Management: Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with external design consultants, vendors, and contractors to guarantee project quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Team Mentorship & Development: Mentor, guide, and provide professional development support to junior interior designers, fostering their technical skills, creative thinking, and project management capabilities.
• Budgetary Control: Oversee and manage project budgets for interior design elements, ensuring financial viability and cost control while delivering outstanding design outcomes that meet or exceed expectations.
• Trend & Best Practice Integration: Stay abreast of the latest global trends in hotel interior design, luxury hospitality, and sustainable design practices, and proactively implement these into all projects.
• Sustainability Implementation: Integrate and champion sustainable design principles throughout the design process, contributing to the project's environmental responsibility and alignment with modern hospitality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design direction, rigorous project management, and team leadership. The emphasis on "review design concepts," "conduct site visits," and "select materials" points to a hands-on role with significant decision-making authority over the aesthetic and functional aspects of hotel interiors.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field. Experience: 9-12 years of demonstrated professional experience in interior design, with a significant and specialized focus on the hotel and hospitality industry.

Required Skills:

• Hotel Interior Design Expertise: Proven track record in conceptualizing and executing high-end, luxury hotel interior designs.
• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of industry-standard design software, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit (preferred), and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
• Project Management Acumen: Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple complex hotel interior design projects simultaneously from inception to completion.
• Material & FF&E Specification: Deep knowledge of interior materials, finishes, furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), including sourcing, specification, and procurement processes.
• Budget Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and control project budgets effectively, ensuring cost-efficiency without compromising design quality or operational requirements.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse teams, stakeholders, consultants, and contractors.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and creative problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Proven ability to mentor and guide junior design staff, fostering a positive and productive team environment.
• Hospitality Industry Knowledge: Passion for the hospitality sector and a comprehensive understanding of luxury guest experiences and operational needs within hotels.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving work environment such as a large-scale development project.

Preferred Skills:

• Sustainable Design Principles: Familiarity with and application of sustainable design practices and certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM).
• Contract Administration: Experience with contract administration for design services and FF&E procurement.
• Global Design Trends: Awareness of international design styles and trends relevant to luxury hospitality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 9-12 years, coupled with the "Senior" title, indicates that candidates are expected to possess a high level of autonomy and leadership. Proficiency in a range of design software is crucial, with Revit being a preferred but likely important skill for advanced modeling and coordination.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Diversity: Showcase a diverse range of successful hotel interior design projects, highlighting different styles, scales, and types of hospitality establishments (e.g., luxury resorts, boutique hotels, extended-stay properties).
• Conceptual Strength: Demonstrate clear conceptual development, illustrating the thought process behind design decisions and how they translate into compelling spaces.
• Technical Execution: Include examples of detailed design documentation, including floor plans, elevations, section drawings, 3D renderings, and material boards.
• FF&E Curation: Present examples of curated FF&E selections, showing an understanding of luxury materials, craftsmanship, and brand alignment.
• Problem-Solving Examples: Feature case studies where design challenges were effectively overcome, demonstrating creative problem-solving and operational considerations.
• Project Scope & Role Clarity: Clearly articulate your specific role and contributions within each presented project, especially in team-based environments.

Process Documentation:

• Design Development Workflows: Examples of structured design development processes, from concept initiation to detailed documentation and specification.
• Cross-functional Coordination: Demonstrations of how design processes integrate with architectural plans, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) requirements, and other engineering disciplines.
• FF&E Procurement & Implementation: Documentation illustrating the process for sourcing, selecting, procuring, and installing furniture, fixtures, and equipment, including quality control measures.
• Site Review Protocols: Evidence of established protocols for conducting design reviews during construction, ensuring adherence to specifications and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It should not only display aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrate a structured approach to design, a deep understanding of the hospitality sector's operational nuances, and the ability to manage complex projects from concept to tangible reality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Interior Design Managers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 9-12 years of experience, a competitive annual salary range is estimated to be SAR 350,000 - SAR 550,000. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the significant experience required, the high-profile nature of the Qiddiya project, and the cost of living in Riyadh.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and potentially dependents.
• Annual Leave: Generous paid time off, typically exceeding standard local entitlements.
• Relocation Assistance: Support for relocation to Riyadh, potentially including flights, temporary accommodation, and moving allowances.
• Housing Allowance: A stipend or provision for housing in Riyadh.
• Transportation Allowance: Support for commuting or travel expenses.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and attending industry conferences.
• Project Impact: The unique opportunity to contribute to a landmark global entertainment and tourism destination.

Working Hours: A standard full-time work schedule is expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases or deadlines. Flexibility may be required to accommodate site visits and international stakeholder coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimation based on general market data for senior design professionals in Saudi Arabia and the specific demands of a mega-project like Qiddiya. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation. The benefits package is typical for senior roles in large international companies operating in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment, Tourism, Hospitality, Real Estate Development. Qiddiya is a giga-project aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as a global tourism and entertainment hub. Company Size: Large. Qiddiya Investment Company is a major player in a significant national development initiative, implying a large workforce and extensive organizational structure. Founded: 2017. Relatively young company, established to spearhead the Qiddiya project, indicating a dynamic, growth-oriented, and ambitious operational environment.

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: The Senior Interior Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated Interior Design team within the broader Development or Project Management division.
• Reporting Line: This role will report to a higher-level executive, such as a Director of Design, Head of Hospitality Development, or Chief Development Officer.
• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration is expected with Architecture, Engineering (MEP, Structural), Project Management, Procurement, Brand & Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure seamless project delivery.

Methodology:

• Design-Driven Execution: A strong emphasis on design excellence and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Integrated Project Delivery: Utilization of collaborative approaches to align all project stakeholders and disciplines.
• Data-Informed Decisions: While creative, design decisions will likely be informed by market research, guest feedback trends, and operational feasibility studies.
• Agile Project Management: Given the scale and complexity, elements of agile methodologies might be employed to manage iterative design and construction processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Qiddiya's mission to create a world-class entertainment destination suggests a culture that values innovation, ambition, and impactful execution. The company's youth implies a dynamic, evolving structure where adaptability and a proactive approach are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management. This position is a significant step up from a Design Manager or Senior Designer, requiring leadership, strategic input, and the ability to manage large-scale, complex projects and teams. Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Director or VP level within the development or hospitality portfolio, indicating a clear line of sight to senior leadership and strategic decision-making. Operations Impact: The Senior Interior Design Manager directly influences the guest experience, brand perception, and operational efficiency of the hotels. Successful designs contribute significantly to the overall appeal and commercial success of the Qiddiya destination.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a Director of Interior Design or Head of Hospitality Design roles, overseeing larger portfolios and strategic design direction for Qiddiya.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in luxury hospitality design or to branch into broader themed entertainment design aspects within the Qiddiya ecosystem.
• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide array of hospitality projects, allowing for continuous learning and skill development across different hotel typologies and luxury concepts.
• Industry Influence: The chance to shape the future of hospitality design in Saudi Arabia and the broader region, contributing to a project of national significance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers substantial career growth potential, moving beyond individual design contributions to strategic oversight and leadership within a mega-project environment. The impact on shaping a new global entertainment destination provides a unique career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, professional office environment expected, likely located within the Qiddiya project development zone or a central Riyadh business district. The workspace will be designed to foster collaboration and creativity. Office Location(s): Primarily Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Specific office location details would be provided during the hiring process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Expect open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces designed for team collaboration and client/stakeholder presentations.
• Design Technology Integration: Access to advanced design software, visualization tools, and potentially VR/AR facilities for design review and client engagement.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for interaction with the internal design team, project managers, architects, engineers, and external consultants.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with potential for weekend work or extended hours during critical project phases. The intensity of a mega-project often necessitates flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment will likely be fast-paced and demanding, reflecting the scale and ambition of the Qiddiya project. A collaborative and technologically advanced workspace is anticipated, supporting the complex design and project management tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition review of resume and portfolio for basic qualifications and experience alignment.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the direct hiring manager to assess technical skills, design philosophy, project experience, and cultural fit. This stage will heavily review the candidate's portfolio.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Architecture, Project Management, and Operations to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of integrated project delivery.
• Executive Interview: Final interview with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Development, CDO) to discuss strategic vision, leadership capabilities, and overall fit with the company's mission.
• Potential Design Challenge: A practical exercise or case study may be presented to assess problem-solving skills, design approach, and presentation abilities under timed conditions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 5-7 of your most relevant and impressive hotel interior design projects that best showcase your skills for this specific role.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your design concept, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the successful outcomes (including any operational or guest experience improvements).
• Showcase Technical Prowess: Include detailed drawings, renderings, material palettes, and FF&E selections that demonstrate your technical expertise and aesthetic sensibility.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to highlight project success (e.g., budget adherence, timeline management, positive guest feedback related to design).
• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, showcase projects where you led a team or managed significant client relationships.
• Prepare a Concise Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key projects and insights.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common hotel interior design challenges, such as space optimization, material selection for high-traffic areas, or integrating technology seamlessly.
• Understand Qiddiya's Vision: Research Qiddiya's overall development plan, its target audience, and the specific hospitality offerings planned to tailor your responses.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Be ready to articulate how you would work with architects, engineers, and other stakeholders to achieve integrated design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage, involving various levels of the organization. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is the single most critical element for success, demonstrating both creative talent and operational capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & 3D Modeling: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit (highly preferred for BIM integration and collaboration).
• Visualization & Rendering: V-Ray, Lumion, Enscape, or similar rendering software integrated with modeling tools.
• Presentation Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) for mood boards, presentations, and graphic design elements.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for managing tasks, timelines, and team collaboration.
• BIM Software (Preferred): Autodesk Revit for comprehensive building information modeling, design coordination, and clash detection.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Specification Writing Software: Potentially familiar with specification writing tools or processes for detailed material and FF&E documentation.
• Budgeting Tools: Proficiency with Excel or dedicated financial tracking software for managing project budgets.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Communication Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for daily team communication and collaboration.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based storage and document management solutions (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive) for project files.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a robust suite of design software is essential, with a strong emphasis on 3D modeling and rendering. Experience with BIM software like Revit is increasingly becoming a standard requirement for large-scale architectural and interior design projects, facilitating better coordination and reducing errors.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering exceptional design quality and a flawless guest experience.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging novel design approaches and forward-thinking solutions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together towards common goals.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings and project execution.
• Passion for Hospitality: A genuine enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences for guests.
• Efficiency & Accountability: Driving projects forward effectively and taking ownership of outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in integrated project teams, ensuring design intent is clearly communicated and implemented across all disciplines.
• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to enhance design outcomes and team performance.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining transparent and regular communication with all stakeholders regarding design progress, challenges, and decisions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, trends, and lessons learned within the design team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a high-performance environment focused on achieving ambitious goals. Team members are expected to be proactive, collaborative, and dedicated to the project's success, with a strong focus on quality and innovation in hospitality design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Managing the sheer scale and diverse requirements of multiple hotel projects within a mega-destination.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the design vision with the varied expectations and requirements of numerous stakeholders, including investors, brand partners, and operational teams.
• Timeline Pressures: Meeting aggressive project deadlines inherent in large-scale development projects.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that each hotel's interior design aligns with its specific brand identity while fitting within the overarching Qiddiya narrative.
• Budgetary Constraints: Delivering high-quality, luxurious designs within allocated budgets and managing cost overruns effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Mega-Project Management: Gaining invaluable experience in managing the design aspects of a world-class entertainment and tourism destination.
• Advanced Design Technologies: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge design software and visualization tools.
• Cross-Cultural Design Experience: Working within a diverse, international team and understanding global design influences.
• Professional Certifications: Potential support for certifications in areas like sustainable design or project management.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network within the hospitality and entertainment development sectors in the Middle East.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around managing the immense scale and complexity of the Qiddiya project. Growth opportunities are significant, offering unparalleled experience in mega-project development and significant career advancement within the hospitality design field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a luxury hotel interior design concept from initial brief to final documentation. What are the key checkpoints?" (Focus on structured process, stakeholder input, and design rationale.)
• "How do you ensure design consistency and brand alignment across multiple hotel projects within a larger development? Provide an example." (Highlight brand guidelines, templating, and quality control.)
• "Walk us through a challenging situation where you had to balance creative design aspirations with strict budgetary or operational constraints. How did you resolve it?" (Emphasize problem-solving, negotiation, and finding innovative solutions.)
• "How do you approach managing and mentoring a team of interior designers? What is your leadership style?" (Showcase leadership qualities, delegation, and professional development support.)
• "Describe your experience with material selection for high-traffic areas in hotels. What factors do you consider for durability, aesthetics, and maintenance?" (Demonstrate practical knowledge of hospitality FF&E.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about the Qiddiya project and its vision?" (Research Qiddiya's mission, values, and future plans.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to the broader success of Qiddiya as a destination?" (Connect your design expertise to the overall guest experience and brand impact.)
• "How do you handle feedback from multiple stakeholders with potentially conflicting opinions?" (Demonstrate diplomacy, active listening, and consensus-building skills.)
• "What are your thoughts on sustainable design in the hospitality sector, and how would you implement it at Qiddiya?" (Showcase awareness of environmental responsibility and practical application.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conciseness is Key: Prepare a presentation that highlights your most relevant hotel projects, focusing on the narrative, your role, and the outcomes. Aim for 3-5 minutes per project.
• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presentation clearly demonstrates your design leadership, technical proficiency, FF&E expertise, and project management capabilities.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data to support your claims about project success (e.g., budget adherence, positive guest reviews related to design).
• Professionalism: Maintain a confident and articulate delivery. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their design philosophy, project management approach, and leadership style in detail. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the hospitality sector and Qiddiya's unique vision will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Interior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring your resume and portfolio are attached.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to specifically highlight your most relevant luxury hotel interior design projects, emphasizing your leadership, creative process, and successful project execution. Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each case study.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords related to hotel interior design, project management, luxury hospitality, FF&E, design software proficiency, and team leadership. Quantify achievements with specific data where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Qiddiya Investment Company, its vision for Qiddiya, and the broader hospitality landscape in Saudi Arabia. Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership approach, and how you would contribute to the project's success. Prepare to walk through your portfolio with confidence.
• Company Research: Understand the scale and ambition of the Qiddiya project. Familiarize yourself with the types of hospitality offerings planned and the target audience to align your understanding with the company's strategic objectives.

⚠️ 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.