Materials Specification Specialist

First started in Dubai in 1992, KPS is a market leader in commercial interiors. With more than 500 employees across the Middle East and Europe, people are at the heart of our business. We love a good challenge and view every day as an opportunity to innovate and set new standards for ourselves, our clients and our industry.

Job Purpose

The purpose of the Material Specification Specialist role is to initiate and manage accurate, compliant, and aesthetically aligned material specifications, in coordination with the project designer, estimator, and quantity surveyor. The role involves close collaboration with the design team and supply chain, ensuring thorough documentation and fostering creativity and innovation from concept through to Issue For Construction (IFC) stage. It supports project delivery by ensuring all FF&E and materials are fully resolved prior to procurement, maintaining alignment with both the creative vision and commercial objectives.

Operational Responsibilities

• Analyze drawings, BOQs, and visuals to determine FF&E and material needs, ensuring alignment with design intent and project scope.
• Order, track, and present samples that reflect approved design standards for both internal and client reviews.
• Update status on a regular basis (daily, weekly and monthly) on materials and flag risks early, contributing to overall project reporting and risk management.
• Develop accurate, compliant specification sheets with supporting data to guide and facilitate deisgner and technical teams with consultant approvals and procurement.
• Collaborate with vendors to obtain material specs, pricing, and sustainability information to support informed decision-making.
• Maintain consistency between design intent, material selections, and performance requirements across all deliverables.
• Prepare and craft material boards for client presentations and site use, ensuring they accurately reflect the approved design intent, specifications, and project requirements.
• Lead and facilitate designers/technical team with submittal processes that meets requirements and avoid project delays with consultants and clients to secure timely approvals and avoid project delays.
• Recommend cost effective material alternatives that maintain design quality and meet budget constraints.
• Act as the main contact for materials-related inquiries and manage physical and digital libraries to ensure alignment across design, procurement, and site teams.
• Maintain centralized logs and tools for tracking material workflows to ensure project transparency and control.
• Research new materials and suppliers, and propose enhancements to materials workflows for improved efficiency and design value.
  
  

Person Specifications

Essential (must have to perform the role)

• Bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma in interior design, architecture, materials science or a relevant field.
• LEED or other sustainability qualified/certified.
• 3-5 years in materials specification, commercial interiors or fit-out projects.
• Working knowledge of commercial interior design.
• Working knowledge of Excel.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of specification templates and submittal tracking tools.
• Demonstrated planning and organization skills.
• Demonstrated communication skills, both written and oral. 10. Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret design mark-ups and 3D renders.
  
  

Desirable (advantageous)

• Ability to undertake client presentations.
• Demonstrated working knowledge in commercial BOQs and interpretation within drawings.