Design Manager- Home Decor (TL)

Square Yards is seeking a Design Manager for its Interior Company in Pune, India. The role involves leading the home décor design team, overseeing the design process from concept to execution, mentoring junior designers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Key responsibilities include trend analysis, quality control, and ensuring brand consistency. Candidates should have a strong background in interior design and a passion for innovative design.
Company Overview:

Interior Company is a subsidiary of Square Yards – India’s largest real estate platform. Square Yards is India’s top-notch seller of new homes with offices in 30 Cities across 9 countries. Run by a group of talented professionals driven by the passion for interior designing, a frenzy for art and aesthetics and large doses of caffeine running in their veins, Interior Company brings to you a hassle-free interior designing experience and white glove services. We listen to your preferences, top it up with our expertise and replicate your personality in your home décor.

Job Overview

We are seeking a talented and experienced Design Manager to lead our home décor design team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for interior design, a keen eye for trends, and a deep understanding of design principles, materials, and production processes. As a Design Manager, you will oversee the creation and development of home décor collections, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure designs align with brand vision, market needs, and production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the Design Process:
• Manage the end-to-end design process for new home décor products, from concept to execution.
• Conceptualize innovative designs and ensure they are aligned with market trends, brand identity, and target customer preferences.
• Develop mood boards, sketches, color palettes, and prototypes to communicate design ideas effectively.
• Oversee the refinement of designs based on feedback from the marketing, merchandising, and production teams.
• Team Leadership:
• Lead and inspire a team of designers, providing direction and constructive feedback to ensure high-quality output.
• Mentor and develop junior designers, fostering a creative and collaborative team environment.
• Manage team resources, timelines, and workflows to ensure projects are completed on schedule.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with product development, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to ensure the feasibility of designs and cost-effective production.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure designs resonate with target customers and align with overall brand messaging.
• Communicate with external partners (e.g., manufacturers, suppliers, and artists) to source materials and finalize designs for production.
• Trend Analysis & Market Research:
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, consumer preferences, and emerging design styles in the home décor market.
• Conduct competitor analysis and market research to inform the design direction and product development strategies.
• Use trend forecasting tools and resources to anticipate consumer demands and create relevant, marketable products.
• Quality Control:
• Ensure that all designs meet the company’s quality standards, including functionality, aesthetics, and durability.
• Oversee the production of prototypes and samples to ensure that designs are accurately translated into final products.
• Ensure designs meet manufacturing capabilities, cost constraints, and timelines without compromising on quality.
• Brand Consistency:
• Ensure that all design outputs align with the brand’s identity, ethos, and aesthetic.
• Contribute to maintaining a consistent visual language across all home décor products and marketing materials.

Qualifications & Requirements
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Fine Arts, or a related field. A Master’s degree or advanced certification in design is a plus.
• Experience:
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in product design, with at least 2 years in a management or leadership role.
• Proven experience in the home décor industry, including furniture, textiles, wall art, lighting, or similar product categories.
• A strong portfolio showcasing your design capabilities, creativity, and leadership in past projects.
• Skills:
• Strong understanding of materials, finishes, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and visual.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Creative problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Personal Attributes:
• Strong leadership abilities and team management skills.
• Passionate about design and home décor with a keen eye for trends and emerging styles.
• Highly organized with strong time management skills.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and open to feedback.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in e-commerce or retail environments, especially in home goods.
• Experience working with international teams or in global design markets.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials.
• Familiarity with 3D modeling and rendering software.

Job Location

Pune - Balewadi

What We Offer
• Competitive salary
• Goal sheet appraisals
• 5 Days working
• Opportunity to work in a creative, dynamic environment.
• Growth and development opportunities within a leading brand in the home décor space.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.