Project Design Manager

Job Description Summary

The Design Manager is a client-facing design leader responsible for guiding the strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement of a national retail rollout program. This role partners closely with the client to translate business objectives, real estate strategies, and operational requirements into scalable, code-compliant design solutions that align with established brand standards and prototype guidelines. The Design Manager oversees and develops a team of designers, providing direction, quality control, mentorship, and resource planning to ensure consistent delivery across a high-volume portfolio of projects.

Project Design Manager

The Design Manager is a client-facing design leader responsible for guiding the strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement of a national retail rollout program. This role partners closely with the client to translate business objectives, real estate strategies, and operational requirements into scalable, code-compliant design solutions that align with established brand standards and prototype guidelines. The Design Manager oversees and develops a team of designers, providing direction, quality control, mentorship, and resource planning to ensure consistent delivery across a high-volume portfolio of projects.

The Design Manager is a client-facing design leader responsible for guiding the strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement of a national retail rollout program. This role partners closely with the client to translate business objectives, real estate strategies, and operational requirements into scalable, code-compliant design solutions that align with established brand standards and prototype guidelines. The Design Manager oversees and develops a team of designers, providing direction, quality control, mentorship, and resource planning to ensure consistent delivery across a high-volume portfolio of projects.

• Real Estate Type Strategy:
  Manage design direction across the client’s different real estate types, ensuring each solution supports the intended business function, user experience, and operational requirements.
• Design Standards Governance:
  Maintain and evolve design standards, prototype guidelines, and planning criteria to drive consistency while allowing flexibility for site‑specific needs.
• Program Alignment:
  Coordinate design requirements across multiple project types, ensuring scope, schedule, documentation, and deliverables remain aligned with client priorities.
• Process Optimization:
  Translate lessons learned, client feedback, and evolving business needs into scalable design processes, tools, and documented standards.
• Design Team Leadership:
  Lead and develop the design team to ensure projects meet client deadlines and design standards, effectively delegate responsibilities, and foster ongoing professional growth and performance.
• Analytics & Reporting:
  Utilize data and reporting tools to measure team performance, uncover process improvements, and provide meaningful recommendations to leadership.

• Direct Production:
  Actively produce and oversee high‑complexity projects, templates, and design assets.
• Technical QA/QC:
  Perform rigorous reviews of test fits, space plans, and design documents to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with IBC and ADA codes.
• Hands‑on Problem Solving:
  Step into projects to resolve complex design or technical challenges alongside the team.

• Advisory:
  Review client business needs and suggest data‑driven improvements that align with their goals.
• Stakeholder Communication:
  Present design concepts and project updates to stakeholders at all levels, bridging the gap between technical execution and design objectives.
• Innovation Advocacy:
  Stay current with design trends and software to recommend improvements to guidelines and internal processes.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design from a NAAB or CIDA‑accredited institution.
• Professional
  
  Experience:
  
  7+ years of design experience with…