General Manager - House of Architecture & Interiors

Job description / Role

Reporting to the Executive Director, the General Manager is responsible for business development, marketing, design project management, project delivery and successful performance of the company as a whole and will also provide leadership to assist staff in functioning as a team. This position is required to provide leadership in maintaining a productive, cost-effective workplace whilst encouraging the image and brand of the company as a global leader in Design.

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Create and implement an annual overall strategic development plan of HAI business.
- Create an annual forecast plan of HAI’s financial growth projection.
- Take primary responsibility for development of budgets throughout the business and ensure that they are met and to time.
- Develop processes and policies for accurate and timely completion of financial reports to owners and Executive Director.
- To develop the manpower planning and associated policies and procedures.
- Review and approve petty cash expenditure.
- Review and approve all accounts payable invoices and ensure payment in accordance with terms.
- Oversee and develop a procedural manual for all administrative tasks.
- Ensure internal policy is in-line with Group policy and reviewed annually.
- Handle core procurement and other sundry supplies as required.
- Proactively develop service levels across the business to exceed client expectations, advising clients of management set-up.
- Manage effective feedback mechanisms for all clients.
- Monitor, measure and report on organizational development plans and achievements within agreed formats and timescale.
- Prepare and submit quarterly report on general business progress and developments to the Executive Director at Head Office.
- Proactively anticipate areas of conflict within the business. Take appropriate action to address any areas identified and how they can be avoided.
- In-conjunction with IT department work on production and submission of print advertisement.
- In conjunction with IT department work to improve, develop and update business website.
- Act as “ambassador” for HAI within wider Qatar community.
- Ensure detailed snagging working is carried our prior to taking over any properties and new developments.
- In conjunction with the Executive Director and Human Resources prepare and update all job descriptions as necessary.
- In conjunction with the Executive Director and Human Resources prepare and submit recruitment advertisements.
- In conjunction with the Executive Director and Human Resources prepare and issue all staff contracts and addendums.
- Ensure that all Head Office Human Resources policies and procedures are being adhered to and practiced at the workplace.
- Conduct biannual staff appraisals and performance reviews and report feedback to Human Resources at Head Office.
- Implement Group HR Disciplinary Policy and Procedure where appropriate.
- Conduct regular team meetings with the aim of discussing problems, agreeing solutions and exchanging information.
- Provide the client with sound clear advice at the outset of the project about: the design/development potential; approximate building costs; the need for various statutory consents; project programming and likely time scales; the need to engage the services of other professional consultants and specialists.
- Respond as accurately and appropriately as possible to the client’s needs and requirements.
- Develop and produce design schemes to be viable in terms of built ability and local authority guidelines, planning structures and building legislation.
- Develop the design to detail and produce all necessary detailed construction drawings, diagrams specifications and schedules etc. to enable the building contractor to carry out the works to a satisfactory standard.
- Attending regular meeting with clients, contractors and other specialists.
- Oversee the building contract and to monitor the work in terms of quality, progress and costs as closely as is reasonably possible.
- Pay attention to environmental and sustainable issues and where possible to incorporate energy saving technologies into design specification.
- Act as Consultant’s Representative on project works when necessary.

Requirements

- BSc in Architecture, Interior Design or relevant related discipline
- Masters would be preferable
- A licensed Architect with MMUP Certificate Grade “A”
- A proven track record in the Design industry with at least 10 years’ experience in architectural design, drafting, detailing, coordination and monitoring.
- A minimum of 5 years experience in a managerial level position
- Have a strong background in Architecture / Interior Design with Design Project Management and Business Development exposure
- Demonstrated ability to handle Project Documents/Drawing Coordination (Specifications, Bill of Quantities & other Technical data – MEP & Structural).
- Expertise in 3D Max and Photoshop.
- Possess a strong visual awareness and an eye for detail, have good drawing skills, with the ability to work in applicable software,

Skills:
- Possess strong leadership qualities and a proactive nature
- Open and approachable management style.
- Able to inspire and leads others to achieve challenging results.
- To work as an individual and to be a team player.
- Confident, articulate and clear oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic across all levels.
- Develop good working relationships with colleagues and other internal departments.
- Motivational with a positive attitude and professional approach at all times
- Strong planning, organisational, analytical and decision-making skills.
- Confidentiality, tact and discretion when dealing with people.
- Strong initiative.
- Excellent administration skills
- Attention to detail. Self driven. Good interpersonal skills. Assertive nature. Logical thinker.
- Work well under pressure and to deadlines
- Be inventive and imaginative; be passionate about buildings and the built environment.

About the Company

Artan Holding is a Qatari-owned company with a diverse portfolio of businesses including:

• Doha British School Established in 1997, Doha British School delivers the National Curriculum of England from Pre-School to IGCSE and in the Sixth Form International Baccalaureate Diploma.

• City University College is a higher education institution in Qatar that offers recognised UK degrees licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. City University College is provider of the BTEC and Ulster University Qatar degrees, SI-UK services and IELTS courses. City University College offers alternative routes to university and work, both for high-school students as well as employed people.

• Qatar Skills Academy established in 2010, a training academy providing accredited vocational education and training.

• ACES is a private Education group which owns, manages and operates educational institutions in Qatar with the objective of fostering academic innovation and excellence.

• Mirage International Property Consultants established in 2004, a real estate company specializing in the sale, leasing and facilities management of commercial and residential properties in Qatar and around the world.

• Primepower Middle East specialize in the supply of temporary power solutions to support the increasing demand on the country's infrastructure. from 6kva up to Multi Megawatt modular power systems, there is a solution for every customers requirement.

• House of Architecture and Interiors established in 2012, an architecture and design company offering diversified interiors solutions through integrated services and products.

• Gulf CMS offers a wide-ranging repair service to Qatar customers, including reconditioning. Our well-qualified technicians handle every damage for our customers at our fully equipped maintenance center.

• Ulster University (UU) Qatar operates its branch campus in Qatar in partnership with City University College. Ulster University, Qatar is working to develop a skills-based economy as part of Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Their business expertise, quality teaching and innovation will deliver the future business leaders of Qatar and beyond.

UU Qatar provides students with the skills and knowledge to fuel public and private sector organisations to drive the regional economy. The range of business degree courses on offer including the International Foundation Programme and BSc (Hons) Business Studies.

• SI-UK is a British owned and an official UK University representative, it is the truly global UK focused education agency in the world. It is the official representative of over 380+ Universities & Colleges. Thousands of student university applications are processed every year through its offices globally. In Qatar its office officially represented by City College. SI-UK can assist with your application for foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.