Company Overview

Maarifa Homes is a growing residential property management company providing premium, fully-furnished homes for expatriates in Nairobi. Known for attention to detail and high standards, Maarifa Homes ensures every property offers a luxurious, home-like experience. We incorporate local craftsmanship and African arts and crafts into our properties, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local artisans and creating unique living environments.

Role Overview

The Assistant Decorator will be responsible for ensuring that each Maarifa Home is prepared to the highest standards for every guest. This includes managing house setups, quality control, maintaining the brand’s aesthetic, and handling guest concerns related to furniture and décor during their stay. The Assistant Decorator will oversee the inventory of all furniture and décor across the portfolio of 40 houses and associated stores. In addition to assisting with new property setups, this role includes resetting properties after each check-out and ensuring that every detail is in place before the next guest checks in.

The Assistant Decorator will be responsible for ensuring that all Maarifa Homes properties are maintained to the highest standard, with a strong focus on house setups, quality control, inventory management, and guest satisfaction. As Maarifa expands, this role will offer the opportunity to take full ownership of the house setup process and inventory across the company’s growing portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

House Setup & Decoration

• Assist in house setups, ensuring every property is decorated and prepared according to Maarifa’s brand standards.
• Ensure every room is reset before each check-in, including cleanliness, décor placement, and personalized details such as gifts.
• Oversee all elements of the home, including furniture, décor, and branded items, ensuring they meet Maarifa’s high standards.

Point of Contact for Guest Concerns

• Act as the primary point of contact for guests in residence who have concerns about furniture, décor, or the need for replacements.
• Ensure that any new items or replacements are sourced and installed in a timely manner during a guest’s stay.

Inventory Management

• Maintain and update the inventory of all furniture and décor across Maarifa Homes’ portfolio of 40 properties and stores.
• Ensure that all items in the inventory are accounted for, conducting regular audits of the homes and stores.

Brand Guidelines & Quality Control

• Maintain and eventually take full responsibility for the brand guide, ensuring consistency across all properties.
• Perform regular quality checks on properties to ensure everything from the décor to the small details (soaps, coffee, branded items) meets the brand standard.

Customization & Personalization

• Work with the guest relations team to understand and execute any customizations for specific guests, ensuring their preferences are reflected in the setup.
• Ensure all personalized gifts (e.g., diaries, local crafts) are prepared and placed in the home before guest check-in.

Vendor Relations & Sourcing

• Source materials, décor, and furnishings from local vendors, ensuring competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.
• Maintain relationships with local artisans and second-hand vendors to incorporate upcycled and locally crafted items into properties.

Art for Healing Foundation (Limited Focus)

• Assist in identifying and curating artwork for hospitals through the Maarifa Art for Healing Foundation.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and suppliers to ensure that all deliveries and installations are completed on time for house setups. Projects completed on time and within budget.
• Oversee the logistics of each house setup, ensuring smooth coordination with guest relations and housekeeping teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• Experience in interior decoration or property management, preferably in the luxury real estate sector.
• Strong attention to detail, especially in quality control and ensuring brand consistency.
• Experience in managing house setups or similar projects with tight deadlines.
• Experience in maintaining and managing inventories across multiple locations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with sourcing locally crafted and upcycled furniture and décor.
• Experience working with local artisans and vendors is a plus.
• Knowledge of design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar) and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to maintain and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for house setups and inventory management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with vendors, contractors, and the guest relations team.