Manager - property curation & operations

Role OverviewWe're seeking a Design Operations Manager who combines strong aesthetic sensibility with exceptional project management skills. You'll work closely with our interior design team to transform their creative visions into reality, while optimizing timelines and costs. This role is perfect for someone who appreciates good design and knows how to execute it flawlessly.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign Execution & Project ManagementTransform interior design concepts into fully furnished, guest-ready villas within optimized timelinesManage simultaneous setup of 5+ properties monthly, reducing current 25-day timeline to 15 daysEnsure design intent is maintained throughout execution while managing practical constraintsQuality control all furniture, fixtures, and finishes against design standardsCreate visual documentation of completed properties and maintain design consistency across portfolioCoordinate between interior design team, vendors, and operations to ensure seamless executionProcurement & Vendor ManagementSource and onboard vendors who can deliver quality products matching our design aestheticBuild a curated vendor ecosystem for furniture, lighting, art, soft furnishings, and décorNegotiate pricing without compromising on design quality and finish standardsDevelop procurement strategies that balance aesthetics, quality, and costMaintain sample libraries and catalogues for quick design decision-makingEnsure vendors understand and can execute our design languageStakeholder CoordinationInterface with property owners on aesthetic upgrades and modificationsPresent design rationales for cost-sharing discussionsCoordinate civil work ensuring minimal impact on design visionManage owner expectations while protecting design integrityDocument all property-specific requirements and constraintsGrowth Functions (6+ months)Property Upgrade ProjectsIdentify underperforming properties needing design interventionCollaborate with interior design team on upgrade conceptsExecute design upgrades with measurable impact on booking ratesCreate before-after portfolios demonstrating transformation impactDevelop cost-effective design solutions for quick refreshesRequired Skills & Experience Must-Haves5-8 years of experience in design-related operations, hospitality, or premium retail expansionDemonstrated aesthetic sensibility and eye for design (portfolio or visual examples required)Proven project management experience delivering high-quality spaces on deadlineExperience working with interior designers, architects, or creative teamsStrong vendor management skills with furniture and décor suppliersUnderstanding of materials, finishes, and quality standardsAbility to read mood boards, design layouts, and technical drawingsProficiency in project management tools and ExcelWillingness to travel 30-40% to property sitesPreferred QualificationsBackground in premium hospitality, boutique hotels, or luxury vacation rentalsExperience with brands known for design excellence (Starbucks, Zara Home, Good Earth, Nicobar)Formal education or certification in interior design, architecture, or related fieldExperience in visual merchandising or space stylingKnowledge of current interior design trends and stylesPhotography skills for documenting propertiesKey Competencies We're Looking For Design & Aesthetic SkillsVisual Sensibility: Natural eye for color, proportion, and spatial harmonyAttention to Detail: Notice when a cushion is off-angle or artwork is hung incorrectlyTrend Awareness: Understanding of contemporary design movements and guest preferencesQuality Recognition: Ability to distinguish between good and great finishesProblem Solving: Find creative solutions when exact design specifications aren't availableOperational ExcellenceProcess Optimization: Streamline workflows without sacrificing qualityTimeline Management: Deliver beautiful spaces on aggressive deadlinesCost Consciousness: Achieve design vision within budget constraintsVendor Relations: Build partnerships with craftsmen who understand qualityCross-functional Coordination: Bridge creative and operational teams effectivelySuccess Metrics First 90 DaysSuccessfully deliver 10+ properties maintaining design standardsBuild relationships with 20+ quality-conscious vendorsDocument and improve current setup processesDemonstrate clear understanding of Spacez.co design languageFirst 6 MonthsReduce setup time to 15 days while maintaining design qualityAchieve 15% cost optimization without compromising aestheticsBuild a curated vendor base of 40+ reliable partnersComplete first property upgrade with visible impactCreate design execution playbooks for different property typesFirst YearEstablish scalable processes for 10+ monthly property setupsExecute 5+ property upgrades with measurable booking improvementsBuild reputation as the guardian of design quality in operationsDevelop junior team members with design sensibilityWhat Makes You Right for This RoleYou should apply if you:Get genuinely excited walking through beautifully designed spacesNotice details others miss (mismatched hardware, poor lighting, wrong proportions)Have strong opinions about what makes a space feel specialCan articulate why one design solution works better than anotherBalance perfectionism with pragmatismFind creative solutions within constraintsHave a photo gallery full of inspiring interiorsFollow design blogs, Instagram accounts, or Pinterest boardsUnderstand that great execution can elevate good designIdeal Candidate BackgroundsWe're particularly interested in candidates from:Premium Hospitality: Taj, Oberoi, Marriott, Hyatt pre-opening teamsBoutique Hotels: The Postcard Hotel, Raas, Neemrana propertiesDesign-Forward Retail: Zara Home, H&M Home, Good Earth, Nicobar store expansionFurniture/Design: Livspace, Home Lane, Urban Ladder operations teamsLuxury Residential: Premium real estate developers' handover teamsCo-working/Living: We Work, Cowrks, Zolo Stays property teamsEvent Management: High-end wedding planners and event designersInterview ProcessInitial Screening: Resume and portfolio reviewDesign Assessment:Review a property setup plan and identify improvement areasPresent your favorite hospitality/retail space and explain why it worksCase Study: Plan a villa setup with timeline and procurement strategyFinal Round: Culture fit and vision alignment with founderWhat We OfferOpportunity to shape the design language of a growing hospitality brandDirect collaboration with founders and creative teamFreedom to build processes that balance beauty and efficiencyExposure to all aspects of property development and operationsCompetitive salary with performance bonusesGrowth path to lead huge teams