Design & Production Lead

Tashkeel is seeking an experienced Design & Production Lead to lead Tasmeem Tashkeel, Tashkeel's Design & Production team. Reporting to the Project Manager, the Design & Production Lead will manage a multidisciplinary team of product designers, interior designers, 3D visualisers and technical designers, overseeing projects from concept and design development through technical resolution, costing, prototyping, manufacturing, quality control, installation and final delivery. The role requires a strong background in architecture, architectural engineering or engineering, combined with significant experience in interiors, furniture, product development and fabrication. The successful candidate must combine strong design judgement with the technical knowledge required to determine how a concept will be engineered, manufactured and installed. Key Responsibilities Design & Team Leadership • Lead and manage the Tasmeem Tashkeel Design & Production team, establishing clear responsibilities, priorities, timelines and deliverables. • Allocate projects according to workload, expertise and deadlines, ensuring effective coordination between product, interior, visualisation and technical design disciplines. • Review and approve design development, technical drawings, 3D visualisations, material specifications and production documentation before manufacture or client submission. • Maintain high standards of design, functionality, proportion, construction, detailing and presentation across all projects. • Mentor team members and strengthen their technical understanding of materials, fabrication and production. • Conduct regular design and production reviews and identify issues before they affect project quality, budget or delivery. Design Development & Technical Delivery • Lead projects from approved concept through technical development, production and installation. • Translate creative direction and client briefs into technically achievable and commercially viable solutions. • Oversee furniture, product, interior, installation, exhibition and bespoke design projects. • Ensure designs are properly resolved in relation to structure, dimensions, ergonomics, materials, construction, fixing methods and manufacturing requirements. • Review technical drawings, shop drawings, specifications, material schedules and construction details for accuracy and buildability. • Coordinate structural, architectural and MEP requirements where relevant. • Ensure 3D visualisations accurately represent the approved design and correspond with technical and production drawings. Production, Manufacturing & Quality Control • Oversee the complete production process from design approval through prototyping, fabrication, installation and final delivery. • Determine appropriate manufacturing methods based on design intent, quality, budget, quantity and lead time. • Coordinate prototypes, samples, mock-ups and material testing before authorising production. • Issue manufacturers with complete and accurate drawings, specifications and production briefs. • Conduct workshop and factory visits throughout fabrication and monitor progress against agreed schedules. • Resolve technical and manufacturing problems while protecting the integrity of the approved design. • Maintain rigorous quality control across fabrication, finishing, assembly, packaging, transportation and installation. The role requires strong practical knowledge of materials and processes including wood and joinery, veneers and marquetry, metal fabrication, ceramics, stone, glass, upholstery, leather, resin, textiles, sustainable materials, CNC machining, laser cutting, 3D printing and specialist finishes. Suppliers, Manufacturers & Material Research • Build and maintain a reliable network of UAE and international manufacturers, fabricators, craftspeople and specialist suppliers. • Actively utilise Make Works UAE as a manufacturing resource for Tashkeel projects and contribute relevant production knowledge back into the organisation. • Identify alternative suppliers and manufacturing solutions to reduce dependency on individual vendors. • Evaluate suppliers according to technical capability, craftsmanship, reliability, cost, capacity and lead time. • Obtain and evaluate quotations and support negotiations with suppliers and manufacturers. • Research new materials, manufacturing technologies and production opportunities, with particular emphasis on UAE manufacturing, locally sourced materials and regional craft techniques. • Maintain organised records of suppliers, capabilities, material samples, pricing and previous production outcomes. Project Management & Internal Coordination • Work closely with the Project Manager to establish project programmes, priorities, budgets and delivery schedules. • Maintain clear project trackers covering design status, approvals, quotations, quantities, production, expenditure, deadlines, delivery and installation. • Provide regular updates on progress, risks, delays and decisions required. • Identify technical, financial or scheduling risks early and propose practical solutions. • Ensure project information and documentation are consolidated, current and accessible to the relevant team. • Coordinate with Tashkeel's Consultancy, Programmes, Retail, Marketing, Finance and Operations teams as required. Tasmeem Tashkeel Collections & Commercial Projects • Lead the technical development and production of Tasmeem Tashkeel furniture and product collections, translating concepts into manufacturable and commercially viable products. • Oversee prototyping, material development, specifications, costing, manufacturer selection and production quantities. • Maintain an organised archive of drawings, prototypes, samples, material references and production documentation. • Lead technical and production delivery for B2B and B2C commissions including interiors, bespoke furniture, hospitality projects, corporate commissions, retail environments, exhibitions and installations. • Participate in client meetings where design, technical or production expertise is required. • Assess project feasibility and support the Project Manager in establishing realistic budgets, production programmes and delivery expectations. • • The ideal candidate combines the technical thinking of an architect or engineer with strong design judgement and practical production experience. They must be capable of leading multiple design disciplines while understanding the technical consequences of design decisions. The individual should be equally comfortable reviewing a concept with a designer, examining technical drawings, challenging a manufacturer, inspecting a prototype in a workshop and resolving problems during installation. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring ownership, organisation and accountability. The Design & Production Lead is responsible for ensuring that the team's creative ideas are translated into technically resolved, beautifully made and commercially viable outcomes that meet Tashkeel's standards.