Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: Central, Hong Kong

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Design Management / Project Delivery Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead design governance frameworks and ensure adherence to minimum project standards within the APAC region.

• Provide expert design guidance, training, and continuous updates to enhance project delivery capabilities across diverse teams.

• Orchestrate collaboration among global, regional, and local teams to harmonize standards, secure necessary approvals, and align operational practices.

• Proactively monitor, report, and present on design compliance, identified risks, key insights, and opportunities for enhancement.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging data analysis, incorporating lessons learned, and developing supplementary guidance materials.

• Cultivate robust client relationships and influence strategic outcomes through demonstrated technical expertise and trusted advisory.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager within a consultancy firm (Mace) serving a major financial institution. The core focus is on establishing and enforcing design governance and standards across a significant geographical remit (APAC). This implies a strong operational component in ensuring consistency, compliance, and efficient project delivery, bridging the gap between design excellence and business objectives. The role requires a blend of technical design acumen and robust operational management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive design governance policies and procedures across all APAC projects.

• Conduct regular design reviews and audits to ensure compliance with established standards, identifying and resolving deviations collaboratively with project teams and stakeholders.

• Develop and deliver training programs and workshops on design best practices, standards, and new initiatives for project teams, consultants, and clients.

• Facilitate cross-functional alignment meetings to ensure seamless integration of design requirements with construction, procurement, and operational phases.

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for design governance and project delivery, tracking progress and reporting on performance to senior leadership.

• Analyze project data to identify trends, root causes of design non-compliance, and areas for process optimization and operational efficiency.

• Prepare and present detailed reports, insights, and recommendations on design performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to executive stakeholders and client representatives.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by documenting lessons learned from projects and integrating them into updated design guidelines and training materials.

• Act as the primary point of contact for design-related matters, building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with key client contacts and internal stakeholders.

• Influence strategic decision-making by providing expert technical advice and advocating for design best practices that align with client objectives and Mace's service delivery standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on operationalizing design standards. This involves not just setting standards but actively managing their implementation, monitoring compliance, and driving continuous improvement through data and feedback loops. The coordination of multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder management are critical operational components of this role, requiring strong process orientation and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Interior Design from a recognized institution.

• Professional accreditation in Architecture or Interior Design is highly preferred, demonstrating a commitment to industry standards and best practices. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design management, with a significant focus on design governance, assurance, and end-to-end project delivery within large-scale commercial or financial institution projects.

• Demonstrated success in establishing and managing design frameworks, standards, and compliance processes in a complex, multi-project environment.

• Proven track record of leading and managing multidisciplinary design and project teams across different regions and cultural contexts. Required Skills:

• Design Governance & Assurance: Expertise in developing, implementing, and managing robust design governance frameworks, ensuring adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.

• Project Delivery Lifecycle: Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end project delivery process, from concept and design development through to construction and handover, with a focus on operational efficiency.

• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Exceptional ability to engage, influence, and build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, clients, and internal teams, driving consensus and strategic alignment.

• Technical Design Expertise: Strong foundational knowledge in architecture and interior design principles, with the ability to provide expert guidance and critically assess design proposals.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Proficiency in analyzing design-related data, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities, and translating these into clear, actionable reports and presentations for diverse audiences.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, analysis, and presentation.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Competency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for reviewing design documentation and creating presentation materials.

• Commercial & Regulatory Acumen: Skilled in navigating and understanding complex commercial, regulatory, and organizational environments to ensure compliant and effective design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in managing design for financial institutions or similar large-scale corporate clients.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and software relevant to large-scale construction and fit-out projects.

• Knowledge of sustainability standards and best practices in design and construction.

• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) or other advanced design visualization tools.

• Professional accreditation such as RIBA, AIA, or equivalent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "10+" years, combined with the emphasis on governance, assurance, and stakeholder management, indicates a senior-level role requiring significant leadership and operational oversight. The specific mention of Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite points to the need for practical application in documentation and reporting, a common requirement in operations-focused roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Governance Case Studies: Showcase examples of how you have established, implemented, or managed design governance frameworks, detailing the processes, challenges, and outcomes achieved.

• Project Delivery Excellence: Present case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end project delivery experience, highlighting your role in ensuring design standards were met within project timelines and budgets.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Include examples of how you have successfully engaged senior stakeholders, managed complex relationships, and influenced strategic decisions related to design and project delivery.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Document instances where you have identified operational inefficiencies or design compliance issues and implemented improvements, including the data analysis used and the resulting impact.

• Risk Management & Mitigation: Provide examples of how you have identified, assessed, and mitigated design-related risks within projects, showcasing your proactive approach to operational stability.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing workflows for design review, approval, and compliance processes, ensuring efficiency and clarity.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase instances of implementing new design standards or processes, including any use of technology or automation to streamline operations and enhance data management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Detail your approach to measuring the effectiveness of design governance and project delivery processes, including the metrics tracked and how performance is analyzed and reported.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role with a strong operational component, a portfolio demonstrating not just design output but the process of managing design effectively is crucial. This includes evidence of structured governance, stakeholder management strategies, and data-driven improvement initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior Design Manager title, the location in Central, Hong Kong, and the required 10+ years of experience, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior management roles in construction consultancy and financial services in Hong Kong, the estimated annual salary range would be between HKD 800,000 to HKD 1,200,000 (approximately USD 102,000 to USD 154,000). This range accounts for the complexity of managing regional design governance, stakeholder influence, and the specific demands of serving a major financial institution.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Options: The company offers flexibility in working arrangements, allowing for better work-life integration.

• Hybrid Working Options: This role is designated as Hybrid, allowing for a combination of office-based work and remote flexibility.

• Part-time Working Options: While this is a full-time role, the company explicitly mentions openness to discussing part-time arrangements if suitable, indicating a commitment to accommodating diverse employee needs.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and professional accreditation to enhance skills in design, project management, and leadership.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance coverage and wellness programs to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Plan: Contribution to a retirement savings plan, such as a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) in Hong Kong.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual, team, and company achievements.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the role's hybrid nature and the company's emphasis on flexibility may allow for some adjustment, provided project delivery and operational requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on regional market data for similar senior roles in Hong Kong, considering the industry (construction consultancy serving financial services) and required experience level. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided information and enhanced with typical offerings for such roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mace operates within the Construction and Consultancy sectors, offering a unique blend of expertise to deliver complex projects globally. The client served is a major financial institution, suggesting a corporate, fast-paced, and highly regulated environment.

Company Size: Mace is a large global organization. While the exact number of employees in the Hong Kong office is not specified, Mace globally has over 6,000 employees, indicating a significant resource pool and established corporate structure. This size implies structured processes, potential for internal mobility, and a defined corporate culture.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. This history suggests a company with established practices, a strong track record, and a deep understanding of the industry, providing a stable yet dynamic environment for its employees.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within a function that operationalizes design standards for a major financial institution across the APAC region. This suggests a dedicated team focused on governance, compliance, and project assurance.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a regional Head of Design, Head of Operations, or a senior project director within the consultancy arm serving the client.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Will work closely with project managers, design teams (architects, interior designers, engineers), construction leads, procurement specialists, and client-side representatives across multiple countries.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on monitoring, reporting, and using data analysis for continuous improvement and risk identification, aligning with modern operations practices.

• Standardization & Best Practices: Focus on establishing and enforcing consistent design standards and operational procedures across a diverse geographical area.

• Client-Centric Approach: Building strong client relationships and influencing outcomes through expertise, reflecting a consultancy model focused on client success.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's positioning as both a construction and consultancy firm is key. This role leans heavily into the consultancy aspect, focusing on delivering value through expertise, process, and governance for a high-profile client. The financial institution client implies a need for precision, compliance, and a strong understanding of corporate environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position, indicating a leadership role with significant responsibility for strategic execution and operational oversight. It requires a seasoned professional with a proven track record in design governance and project delivery management. The scope extends across the APAC region, underscoring its strategic importance.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within Mace's consultancy division, possibly a Director or Vice President responsible for regional operations or client accounts. They will, in turn, manage or influence a network of design professionals and project teams across various locations.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the client's capital expenditure and brand consistency across their APAC portfolio. By ensuring design standards are met, risks are managed, and projects are delivered efficiently, the Senior Design Manager contributes to cost savings, risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and the consistent delivery of the client's intended workplace experience and brand identity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand leadership responsibilities to cover broader operational areas, larger geographical regions, or more complex client portfolios within Mace.

• Strategic Account Management: Opportunity to move into roles with greater strategic client engagement and business development focus within the consultancy services.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in specific areas of design governance, sustainable design, or workplace strategy, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Lead and mentor junior design and operations professionals, contributing to the growth of Mace's talent pipeline.

• Global Mobility: Potential for international assignments or leadership roles within Mace's global network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned for an experienced professional ready for significant responsibility and strategic influence. Growth pathways likely involve expanding scope, deepening specialization, or moving into broader leadership and client-facing strategic roles within Mace.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Central, Hong Kong, a prime business district. Mace likely operates from a modern, professional office space designed to support client meetings, collaborative work, and administrative functions. Given the hybrid work arrangement, the office serves as a hub for strategic meetings, team collaboration, and focused work requiring office resources.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: Central, Hong Kong. This is a highly accessible and prestigious business hub, well-connected by public transportation (MTR, buses, trams).

• Regional Scope: While based in Hong Kong, the role requires engagement with teams and projects across the APAC region, necessitating travel or extensive virtual collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is expected to foster collaboration among Mace consultants, project managers, and potentially client representatives, facilitating discussions on design governance, project progress, and strategic initiatives.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, meeting rooms equipped for presentations, and potentially specialized software for project management and design review.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a diverse, multidisciplinary team of professionals within Mace, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development.

Work Schedule:

• A hybrid work model is in place, allowing for a balance between office-based presence in Hong Kong and remote work. This provides flexibility for managing personal commitments while ensuring required face-to-face collaboration and client engagement. Standard working hours are expected, with potential for flexibility based on project demands and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role means the office environment is crucial for collaboration and strategic alignment, while remote work offers flexibility. The Hong Kong location places it within a dynamic international business hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications for basic qualifications and experience, focusing on key skills like design governance and stakeholder management.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess technical expertise, leadership capabilities, understanding of design governance principles, and alignment with Mace's values. Expect questions about your approach to managing complex projects and diverse teams.

3. Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage may involve a detailed review of your portfolio, focusing on specific case studies that demonstrate your experience in design governance, project delivery, and stakeholder influence. You might be asked to present a mock governance framework or analyze a hypothetical design compliance issue.

4. Panel Interview: Interaction with senior leaders or cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Head of Construction, Client Account Manager) to evaluate your strategic thinking, communication skills, and ability to integrate design operations within broader project and business objectives.

5. Final Offer: Reference checks and a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., percentage reduction in design deviations, time saved, cost efficiencies gained, improved client satisfaction scores).

• Focus on Governance & Process: Highlight your experience in establishing and managing design governance frameworks, detailing the processes you implemented, the tools you used, and how you ensured compliance.

• Showcase Stakeholder Management: Provide specific examples of how you navigated complex stakeholder landscapes, managed conflicting priorities, and influenced strategic decisions to achieve desired design outcomes.

• Demonstrate Data-Driven Improvement: Include examples where you used data analysis to identify issues, drive improvements, and report on performance. Clearly explain your analytical approach and the impact of your recommendations.

• Tailor to Mace & Client: Research Mace's values and the client's industry. Frame your experience and case studies to align with their priorities (e.g., safety, client focus, integrity, creating opportunity).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Governance Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would establish or improve a design governance framework for a large financial institution with a diverse APAC portfolio.

• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Prepare to discuss a time you managed a disagreement with a senior stakeholder regarding design standards or project direction.

• Data Interpretation: Expect questions on how you would analyze data to identify trends in design compliance or project risks.

• Continuous Improvement: Be ready to articulate your strategy for fostering a culture of continuous improvement within design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus heavily on practical application of design governance principles, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to drive operational improvements within a complex client environment. A strong, well-documented portfolio is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, reporting, presentations, and communication. This includes Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking, and PowerPoint for stakeholder presentations.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Crucial for reviewing design documents, graphics, and preparing presentation materials. Proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is expected for handling various design deliverables.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with industry-standard project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Smartsheet, Primavera P6) for tracking project timelines, resources, and deliverables.

• Design Software (Review Level): While not a primary design role, understanding and ability to review deliverables from CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD), BIM software (e.g., Revit), and 3D modeling tools is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel (Advanced): For data manipulation, analysis, trend identification, and KPI tracking.

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): While not explicitly mentioned, experience with BI tools for creating dashboards and visualizing data for reporting would be a significant advantage, especially for monitoring design compliance and performance across the region.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and manage dashboards that provide clear, concise summaries of design governance status, risks, and performance metrics for senior stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly customer-facing, understanding how design governance impacts client relationships managed through CRM systems may be relevant.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools or methodologies for automating processes, such as approval workflows or data collection, could enhance efficiency in design governance operations.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): Essential for facilitating communication and collaboration with dispersed teams across the APAC region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools for documentation, data analysis, presentation, and project tracking. While hands-on design software proficiency isn't the primary requirement, the ability to review and interpret outputs from these tools is important for a governance role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First - Going Home Safe and Well: A paramount value in construction and consultancy. Operations professionals are expected to uphold safety standards in all processes and decisions, ensuring the well-being of all involved.

• Client Focus - Deliver on Our Promise: This role directly embodies this by ensuring design promises are met through effective governance and delivery. Operations professionals must prioritize client satisfaction by delivering high-quality, compliant, and timely design outcomes.

• Integrity - Always Do the Right Thing: Operations must be conducted ethically and transparently. This means adhering to compliance obligations, managing risks responsibly, and providing honest assessments and recommendations.

• Create Opportunity - For Our People to Excel: This encourages a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and professional development. Operations professionals are expected to identify opportunities for process enhancement, skill development, and knowledge sharing within the team and across projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Operations professionals must actively collaborate with diverse teams (design, construction, project management, client) to ensure seamless integration of design governance into all project phases.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and regular communication channels with all stakeholders is vital, especially when managing a regional portfolio and dealing with potential compliance issues.

• Feedback & Learning Culture: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback to foster a learning environment where lessons learned are shared and incorporated into future operations and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Mace's core values provides insight into how operations professionals are expected to conduct themselves and approach their work, particularly concerning client delivery, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Regional Standardization: Ensuring consistent application of design standards across diverse cultural, regulatory, and market conditions within the APAC region.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing varying expectations and priorities among senior stakeholders from both Mace and the client, particularly when enforcing strict governance.

• Data Management & Analysis: Collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data from disparate sources across multiple projects to derive meaningful insights for governance and improvement.

• Pace of Change: Keeping abreast of evolving design trends, technologies, and client needs while maintaining established governance frameworks.

• Remote Team Management: Effectively leading and influencing design teams and project stakeholders who are geographically dispersed and may operate under different work cultures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Governance Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced design governance methodologies, risk management frameworks, and quality assurance processes.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications relevant to design, project management, or operations leadership (e.g., PMP, LEED AP).

• Cross-Cultural Leadership: Developing skills in leading and collaborating with diverse international teams, enhancing global leadership capabilities.

• Client Relationship Management: Enhancing skills in strategic client engagement and account management within the consultancy context.

• Emerging Technologies: Exposure to new technologies in design, construction, and project management, and how to integrate them into governance protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexities of a senior, regional operations role. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding leadership influence, deepening specialized knowledge, and navigating the global operational landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing and enforcing design governance across a large, multi-country portfolio for a major financial institution. What are the key operational steps involved?"

  • Preparation: Focus on a structured approach: defining standards, establishing review checkpoints, implementing reporting mechanisms, defining roles and responsibilities, and outlining communication protocols. Emphasize data-driven compliance monitoring.

• "How do you manage conflicting priorities or disagreements with senior stakeholders regarding design standards or project delivery requirements? Provide a specific example."

  • Preparation: Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) example. Highlight your ability to listen, understand perspectives, leverage data and standards, find common ground, and influence outcomes through professional expertise and clear communication.

• "Imagine you've identified a consistent trend of design deviations across several projects in the APAC region. How would you use data analysis to diagnose the root cause and propose operational solutions?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your analytical process: data sources, types of analysis (e.g., root cause analysis, trend analysis), potential causes (e.g., lack of training, unclear standards, resource constraints), and how you would present findings and recommendations for process improvement.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Mace's values (Safety, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity) align with your professional approach to design governance and operations management?"

  • Preparation: Research each value and prepare specific examples of how your past actions and operational philosophies reflect these principles. For instance, "Client Focus" could relate to ensuring design consistency that enhances the client's brand experience.

• "This role requires significant collaboration with diverse, geographically dispersed teams. How do you foster a cohesive and productive working environment remotely?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your strategies for virtual team management, including clear communication, setting expectations, utilizing collaboration tools effectively, and building trust across distances.

• "How do you measure the success and operational impact of design governance initiatives?"

  • Preparation: Focus on quantifiable metrics such as reduction in design changes/rework, adherence to budget and schedule, client satisfaction scores related to design delivery, and improved compliance rates.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key competencies: Design Governance, Project Delivery, Stakeholder Management, Process Improvement.

• Storytelling: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the specific actions you took (especially operational ones), and the measurable results achieved.

• Data Visualization: Use charts and graphs to visually represent data, trends, and KPIs related to your achievements.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize the how – the processes you implemented, the tools you used, and the methodologies you applied to achieve successful outcomes.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, focusing on impact and relevance to the Senior Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problems: Practice articulating your approach to common operations challenges in design governance, such as managing scope creep, resolving design conflicts, or implementing new standards.

• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss how design governance contributes to broader business objectives and client success.

• Communication Clarity: Practice explaining complex operational concepts and technical details in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner suitable for senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical, operations-oriented leadership in design governance, with strong evidence of stakeholder management, data-driven decision-making, and alignment with Mace's corporate values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mace careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your experience in design governance, end-to-end project delivery, and stakeholder influence. Quantify your achievements and highlight the operational processes you implemented or managed.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to clearly articulate your 10+ years of experience, focusing on keywords such as "design governance," "project delivery," "stakeholder management," "APAC operations," "compliance," and "process improvement."

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your strategic thinking and operational capabilities. Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with Mace's values and the specific needs of this role.

• Research Mace and the Client: Understand Mace's global presence, values, and service offerings. Research the typical operational needs and challenges of major financial institutions in the APAC region to better contextualize your responses.

⚠️ 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.

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