Internal Design Lead

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