Internal Design Lead

Job Description

NOW HIRING | INTERNAL DESIGN LEAD – LODGES, CAMPS & YACHTS

Location: Sandton, Johannesburg

Position: Permanent

Salary: Market Related

Are you a passionate Interior Designer with a strong creative vision and a love for luxury hospitality?

Our client has a role available for an Internal Design Lead to shape the physical design and guest experience across a portfolio of luxury lodges, camps and yachts.

THE ROLE

You’ll lead the interior design journey from initial concept through to installation, ensuring every property has a distinctive sense of place while maintaining a cohesive luxury aesthetic.

You’ll work across:

• Interior design & space planning

• FF&E and OS&E

• Guest rooms and public areas

• Restaurants, bars and spas

• Art, accessories, lighting and styling

• New developments and refurbishments

• Uniform design & development

• Signature retail product design support

• Supplier and artisan relationships

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop strong design concepts inspired by landscape, culture, local craft and destination

• Manage design projects from concept through installation and final styling

• Work closely with architects, designers, contractors, procurement and lodge operations

• Review drawings, specifications, materials, samples and prototypes

• Oversee site installations, snagging and opening readiness

• Develop and maintain design guidelines and property references

• Source quality suppliers, artisans and responsible materials

• Consider durability, sustainability, maintenance and long-term value

• Bring innovative design thinking while balancing operational realities

• Travel regularly to remote lodges, camps and yachts

IDEAL PROFILE

We’re looking for someone who is:

Creative and concept-driven

Commercially aware and highly organised

Passionate about luxury design

Culturally sensitive and curious

Practical and solutions-focused

Confident enough to challenge conventional thinking

Comfortable working in remote and complex environments

NICE TO HAVE:

Safari lodge, yacht, marine, coastal or remote hospitality experience, as well as experience with artisans, community-based suppliers, hospitality openings, refurbishments, uniforms or retail product development

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' interior design experience

• Luxury hospitality experience highly advantageous

• Relevant Interior Design / Interior Architecture qualification preferred

• Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development and completed installations

• Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors and suppliers

• Strong FF&E and OS&E knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting and styling

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite

• Strong commercial understanding of budgets, quotations and procurement

• Excellent presentation, communication and project management skills

Benefits

50% medical aid, provident fund, bed nights

Requirements
• Minimum 5 years' interior design experience • Luxury hospitality experience highly advantageous • Relevant Interior Design / Interior Architecture qualification preferred • Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development and completed installations • Experience coordinating designers, architects, contractors and suppliers • Strong FF&E and OS&E knowledge • Excellent knowledge of materials, finishes, furniture, lighting and styling • Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite • Strong commercial understanding of budgets, quotations and procurement • Excellent presentation, communication and project management skills