[Hiring] Senior Interior Design Manager @JLL

Role Description

JLL is seeking a highly creative and technically proficient Senior Interior Design Manager to join our Design & Build team in China. In this role, you will be the primary design lead for key corporate workplace projects, responsible for driving the design vision from initial brief to detailed execution. Unlike traditional project management roles, this position requires strong hands-on design capability. You will independently lead Concept Design and Schematic Design phases, translating client business strategies into compelling spatial narratives, before coordinating with technical teams for development and construction. You will act as the bridge between client aspirations, JLL’s global design standards, and local construction realities.

Key Responsibilities

• Independent Design Leadership (Concept & Schematic)
  • Lead Concept Creation:
    • Independently develop innovative concept designs, mood boards, space planning options, and material palettes that align with client brand identity, workplace strategy, and budget constraints.
  • Schematic Development:
    • Produce detailed schematic design packages, including floor plans, elevations, 3D visualizations, and key detail sketches, to clearly communicate design intent to clients and stakeholders.
  • Client Presentation:
    • Confidently present design concepts to C-suite and senior management clients, articulating the rationale behind design decisions and managing feedback loops effectively.
• Design Management & Coordination
  • Vendor Oversight:
    • Manage and coordinate external specialist consultants (e.g., MEP, lighting, acoustic, AV) to ensure their designs integrate seamlessly with the interior architecture.
  • Design-to-Build Transition:
    • Collaborate closely with the Project Management and Cost Management teams to ensure design feasibility, value engineering, and adherence to target budgets without compromising design quality.
  • Construction Support:
    • Provide ongoing design support during the construction phase, reviewing shop drawings, responding to RFIs, and conducting site visits to ensure design intent is accurately executed.
• Business Development & Client Relationship
  • Proposal Support:
    • Assist the D&B leadership team in preparing design-focused proposals, including creating preliminary concept sketches and mood boards for pitch presentations.
  • Trusted Advisor:
    • Build strong relationships with clients, positioning JLL as a design-led partner that understands both aesthetics and operational functionality.
• Quality & Standards
  • Ensure all designs comply with JLL’s global design standards, local Chinese building codes, fire regulations, and ESG/sustainability goals (LEED/WELL).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in interior design, with at least 3-5 years focused on corporate workplace/commercial office projects.
• Proven track record of leading projects from concept to completion in the China market.

Requirements

• Technical Skills:
  • Design Software Mastery: Expert proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp (or Rhino), and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) for creating high-quality presentation materials.
  • Visualization: Ability to produce compelling 3D renderings (using Enscape, V-Ray, or Lumion) is highly preferred.
  • Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of interior construction methods, materials, finishes, and local Chinese statutory requirements.
• Core Competencies:
  • Independent Designer: Must demonstrate the ability to generate original design concepts and schematic layouts independently, not just manage external designers.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin and English. Ability to articulate complex design ideas to non-design stakeholders.
  • Project Acumen: Understanding of project timelines, budgeting, and cost control principles.
  • Leadership: Ability to mentor junior designers and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.

Location

• Remote – Shanghai, China