Design Center Manager

About Us

Sekisui House U.S. is a proud builder of the SHAWOOD, Richmond American, Woodside, Holt, Hubble, and Chesmar brands. As a member of Sekisui House, a global leader in homebuilding with over 60 years of experience and 2.6 million homes built, we design homes to reflect and adapt to the changing needs of today's homebuyers. We are committed to a future where people worldwide can live joyful lives in homes that are safe, secure, stylish, and comfortable. Our company culture promotes professionalism, teamwork, health & wellness, and work-life balance.

Work Environment & Culture

• Collaborative Team Culture: Join a supportive environment where teamwork and the open exchange of ideas are highly valued.
• Team Engagement: Participate in team-building events and social gatherings, such as company outings, holiday celebrations, and regular office socials. We support a healthy work-life balance and recognize the importance of time outside of work.

About the Role

This position manages operations within the design center to support customer design appointments, product selections, and showroom experience standards. The role establishes short-term operational goals for the design team, ensuring accuracy in documentation, consistency in design execution, and delivery of a high-quality customer experience. It collaborates with cross-functional partners to resolve design or selection challenges, maintain product standards, and support continuous improvement across design center operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the design center to support customer appointments, documentation accuracy, and workflow efficiency.
• Establish short-term goals and operational plans for the design team to support timely and high-quality execution.
• Partner with Design Consultants to address and resolve escalated buyer concerns throughout the design center process, ensuring timely resolution and a positive customer experience.
• Lead design strategy for CMA reviews and new community due diligence, aligning offerings, pricing, and option strategies with market conditions and business objectives.
• Ensure policies, practices, and procedures are understood and followed by team members and stakeholders.
• Oversee the accuracy and feasibility of design selections in alignment with product standards and construction requirements.
• Maintain and refine showroom displays, sample libraries, and presentation environments to enhance customer experience.
• Resolve difficult design or operational issues using analysis, prior experience, and cross-functional coordination.
• Collaborate with construction, purchasing, sales, and merchandising teams to align selections with operational needs.
• Recommend improvements to design studio processes, documentation systems, and customer-facing workflows.
• Supervise and develop design professionals and support staff through training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Support implementation of new design standards, materials, technology tools, or product offerings.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4-6 years of relevant experience in interior design, design center operations, or related disciplines, or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional education.
• Experience managing professionals and support employees.
• Experience establishing and executing short-term operational plans with direct impact on results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional experience managing customer-facing design or retail-style environments.
• Advanced knowledge of Design Center workflows, systems, and customer experience practices.
• Experience leading cross-functional collaboration across design, sales, and operations teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of interior design principles, finishes, materials, and residential product standards.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively resolve customer concerns through professional communication, problem-solving, and timely follow-through.
• Strong leadership and team management skills for guiding entry-level and intermediate professionals.
• Effective problem-solving abilities for resolving issues involving multiple job areas or functions.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with cross-functional partners.
• Proficiency with design tools, selection software, and documentation platforms.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities to execute short-term operational goals.
• Ability to assess and improve workflows, customer experience processes, and documentation standards.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy across all design-related outputs.
• Ability to train, coach, and support team members.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a design studio or showroom environment with periodic visits to model homes or construction sites. Limited travel may be required to support reviews, meetings, or community coordination.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position during customer appointments or administrative tasks.
• Ability to move within showroom and office environments, including accessing displays and samples.
• Ability to review design materials, finishes, and documentation.
• Ability to lift or move design samples or materials up to moderate weights.
• Ability to operate computers, design tools, and standard office equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive compensation structure that rewards performance and results.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive coverage includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options, as well as Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Financial Future: Access a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and other leave types (bereavement, jury duty, FMLA, military leave).
• Insurance & Protection: Company-provided life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage. An employee assistance program (EAP) is also available.
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts:
  • Homeownership & Financing: Exclusive home purchase and financing discounts.
  • Pet Insurance: Discounted group pet insurance rates.