Manager - Property Curation & Operations

Role Overview

We'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 Responsibilities
Core Functions

Design Execution & Project Management

• Transform interior design concepts into fully furnished, guest-ready villas within optimized timelines
• Manage simultaneous setup of 5+ properties monthly, reducing current 25-day timeline to 15 days
• Ensure design intent is maintained throughout execution while managing practical constraints
• Quality control all furniture, fixtures, and finishes against design standards
• Create visual documentation of completed properties and maintain design consistency across portfolio
• Coordinate between interior design team, vendors, and operations to ensure seamless execution

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Source and onboard vendors who can deliver quality products matching our design aesthetic
• Build a curated vendor ecosystem for furniture, lighting, art, soft furnishings, and décor
• Negotiate pricing without compromising on design quality and finish standards
• Develop procurement strategies that balance aesthetics, quality, and cost
• Maintain sample libraries and catalogues for quick design decision-making
• Ensure vendors understand and can execute our design language

Stakeholder Coordination

• Interface with property owners on aesthetic upgrades and modifications
• Present design rationales for cost-sharing discussions
• Coordinate civil work ensuring minimal impact on design vision
• Manage owner expectations while protecting design integrity
• Document all property-specific requirements and constraints

Growth Functions (6+ months)

Property Upgrade Projects

• Identify underperforming properties needing design intervention
• Collaborate with interior design team on upgrade concepts
• Execute design upgrades with measurable impact on booking rates
• Create before-after portfolios demonstrating transformation impact
• Develop cost-effective design solutions for quick refreshes

Required Skills & Experience
Must-Haves

• 5-8 years of experience in design-related operations, hospitality, or premium retail expansion
• Demonstrated aesthetic sensibility and eye for design

(portfolio or visual examples required)
- Proven project management experience delivering high-quality spaces on deadline
- Experience working with interior designers, architects, or creative teams
- Strong vendor management skills with furniture and décor suppliers
- Understanding of materials, finishes, and quality standards
- Ability to read mood boards, design layouts, and technical drawings
- Proficiency in project management tools and Excel
- Willingness to travel 30-40% to property sites

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in premium hospitality, boutique hotels, or luxury vacation rentals
• Experience with brands known for design excellence (Starbucks, Zara Home, Good Earth, Nicobar)
• Formal education or certification in interior design, architecture, or related field
• Experience in visual merchandising or space styling
• Knowledge of current interior design trends and styles
• Photography skills for documenting properties

Key Competencies We're Looking For
Design & Aesthetic Skills

• Visual Sensibility

: Natural eye for color, proportion, and spatial harmony
- Attention to Detail

: Notice when a cushion is off-angle or artwork is hung incorrectly
- Trend Awareness

: Understanding of contemporary design movements and guest preferences
- Quality Recognition

: Ability to distinguish between good and great finishes
- Problem Solving

: Find creative solutions when exact design specifications aren't available

Operational Excellence

• Process Optimization

: Streamline workflows without sacrificing quality
- Timeline Management

: Deliver beautiful spaces on aggressive deadlines
- Cost Consciousness

: Achieve design vision within budget constraints
- Vendor Relations

: Build partnerships with craftsmen who understand quality
- Cross-functional Coordination

: Bridge creative and operational teams effectively

Success Metrics
First 90 Days

• Successfully deliver 10+ properties maintaining design standards
• Build relationships with 20+ quality-conscious vendors
• Document and improve current setup processes
• Demonstrate clear understanding of design language

First 6 Months

• Reduce setup time to 15 days while maintaining design quality
• Achieve 15% cost optimization without compromising aesthetics
• Build a curated vendor base of 40+ reliable partners
• Complete first property upgrade with visible impact
• Create design execution playbooks for different property types

First Year

• Establish scalable processes for 10+ monthly property setups
• Execute 5+ property upgrades with measurable booking improvements
• Build reputation as the guardian of design quality in operations
• Develop junior team members with design sensibility

What Makes You Right for This Role

You should apply if you:

• Get genuinely excited walking through beautifully designed spaces
• Notice details others miss (mismatched hardware, poor lighting, wrong proportions)
• Have strong opinions about what makes a space feel special
• Can articulate why one design solution works better than another
• Balance perfectionism with pragmatism
• Find creative solutions within constraints
• Have a photo gallery full of inspiring interiors
• Follow design blogs, Instagram accounts, or Pinterest boards
• Understand that great execution can elevate good design

Ideal Candidate Backgrounds

We're particularly interested in candidates from:

• Premium Hospitality

: Taj, Oberoi, Marriott, Hyatt pre-opening teams
- Boutique Hotels

: The Postcard Hotel, Raas, Neemrana properties
- Design-Forward Retail

: Zara Home, H&M Home, Good Earth, Nicobar store expansion
- Furniture/Design

: Livspace, HomeLane, Urban Ladder operations teams
- Luxury Residential

: Premium real estate developers' handover teams
- Co-working/Living

: WeWork, Cowrks, Zolo Stays property teams
- Event Management

: High-end wedding planners and event designers

Interview Process

1. Initial Screening

: Resume and portfolio review
2. Design Assessment

:

• Review a property setup plan and identify improvement areas

• Present your favorite hospitality/retail space and explain why it works

• Case Study

: Plan a villa setup with timeline and procurement strategy
2. Final Round

: Culture fit and vision alignment with founder

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape the design language of a growing hospitality brand
• Direct collaboration with founders and creative team
• Freedom to build processes that balance beauty and efficiency
• Exposure to all aspects of property development and operations
• Competitive salary with performance bonuses
• Growth path to lead huge teams