Design Manager – Modular Furniture Job in the Umm Al Quwain

A renowned company in the furniture manufacturing and interior‑fit‑out industry in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a skilled Design Manager – Modular Furniture to lead their design department. The role involves steering design strategy, managing teams and ensuring the highest standards in modular furniture solutions from concept, through production to installation.

About the Company

Guildhall is the most respected HR & Headhunting Consultancy in the MENA Region. With deep, extensive knowledge of HR & Recruiting in the region, Guildhall has become a trusted partner of choice for candidates and clients. Starting from an exclusive recruitment agency in Dubai – UAE, Guildhall has grown into an elite service with the ability to cover vacancies in across MENA and Asia-pacific. Offering tailored Career Sessions and an innovative industry-first membership program designed to save money on core services. Guildhall is the partner of choice.

Job Overview

• Location: Umm Al Quwain United Arab Emirates

• Job Type: Full‑Time, Permanent

• Department: Furniture Design / Product Development / Manufacturing

• Reports To: Head of Product / General Manager

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Interior Architecture or Engineering preferred

• Experience: 8–15 years in furniture design, modular systems, or fit‑out design leadership

• Skills: Design strategy, CAD/CAM, shop drawings, furniture manufacturing knowledge, team‑management

Role – Key Responsibilities

• Develop design vision and strategy for the modular furniture product line, aligned with company business goals.

• Lead the design team: designers, drafters, detailers and collaborate with engineering/manufacturing teams.

• Ensure design concepts are translated into manufacturable solutions: produce drawings, material specifications, manufacturing guidelines and QA process.

• Manage client-facing design presentations, prototypes and sample approvals.

• Work closely with production, procurement and installation teams to ensure seamless transition from design to delivery.

• Monitor quality, functionality, durability, cost‑effectiveness and aesthetics of modular furniture solutions.

• Stay updated on furniture market trends, materials technology, sustainability and ergonomics to inform design innovation.

• Set and track design department KPIs: design cycle times, re‑work rates, cost reductions, customer satisfaction.

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental standards, and manufacturing best practices.

• Mentor and develop design talent; foster creativity, collaboration and operational efficiency.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong background in modular furniture or joinery product design, preferably with manufacturing/fit‑out context.

• Proficient in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks), CNC/manufacturing workflows, material knowledge.

• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Good business acumen—balancing design quality, cost‑control, time‑to‑market and manufacturability.

• Portfolio of furniture or modular systems projects, preferably executed in the UAE/GCC region.

• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced manufacturing/fit‑out environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Fluent in English; Arabic is advantageous.

Salary & Market Insight

• The average monthly salary for a Design Manager in the UAE is approximately AED 30,702/month.

• Salary data specific to Dubai indicate range of AED 24,000 to AED 38,000/month for 12+ years’ experience.

• For a specialist role in modular furniture (with manufacturing oversight and team responsibility), a competitive compensation package would likely fall in the range of AED 20,000–25,000/month, depending on experience, scope, responsibilities and benefits.

What We Offer

• A leadership role with significant design and product‑development responsibility.

• Opportunity to build and innovate modular furniture solutions in a modern manufacturing/fit‑out environment.

• Cross‑functional work with manufacturing, procurement, installation, and client‑services teams.

• Professional growth and exposure to the full lifecycle of product design, engineering and delivery.

• Competitive salary and benefits aligned with senior design leadership in the UAE.

Work Conditions

• Office‑based leadership of design team with frequent site visits (manufacturing/installation).

• Fast‑moving, project‑driven environment with strong client‑interaction and design‑to‑delivery workflow.

• Regular collaboration with manufacturing/production, procurement and senior management.

Career Path

With strong performance, progression options include:

• Senior Design Manager / Head of Design & Product Development

• Director of Product & Innovation

• Regional Head – Furniture/Interior Systems

• Chief Design Officer (CDO) for furniture or fit‑out group

How to Apply

To apply for Design Manager – Modular Furniture (Ref: #522572), please submit:

1. Your CV detailing furniture/modular systems design and manufacturing experience.

2. A portfolio or images of design projects you’ve led (modular furniture, fit‑out, joinery).

3. Your expected monthly salary, notice period and availability.

Apply Now – Design Manager – Modular Furniture – Guildhall  | Umm Al Quwain