Your Role
At Gensler we take pride in our collaborative approach and one-firm-firm mindset to meet our client’s goals, objectives, and overall project vision. It is in this spirit and as a Design Manager, it will be your role to lead the team through the delivery of a variety of project types and sizes, across all phases within our Retail & Consumer Experience design studio.
We are seeking a Design Manager with a passion for Retail & Consumer Experience design and management. Somehow who is passionate about the industry and has a distinct point of view around the future of our practice. This person has a depth of experience leading interior design and architect projects, as well as knowledge and experience in additional important components, like brand and digital design. We are seeking a true multi-disciplinary design project leader.
As such, Design Management at Gensler is characterized by the five (5) essentials of the role: Client Engagement, Contract Compliance, Business of Design, Process Definition, and Team Integration. This includes, but is not limited to, serving as the main point of contact for the client through all project phases; managing the internal and external processes; and building efficient project teams while mentoring junior staff to encourage the highest level of design and client satisfaction.
What You Will Do
Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimizing all potential opportunities
Maintain an awareness of existing clients’ business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends, and ensure that appropriate opportunities are identified to generate further demand for Gensler services.
Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of projects ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget
Lead and facilitate the overall cross-functional project team
Focus on the smooth management of the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees throughout the project life cycle
Prepare, communicate, and monitor project work plans, budgets, and deliverables for client and internal teams
Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
Manage multiple aspects of client, team and project coordination, including full documentation coordination with structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, civil and other consultants
Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation within our Retail & Consumer Experience leadership and Studio Director.
Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients
Contribute positively to Project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the studio’s delivery and financial objectives
Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing
Work with the Design Director and the marketing team to ensure that the project story is documented, and that photography/videography is arranged, as needed.
Your Qualifications
Design Management experience, preferably in the Lifestyle/Retail & Consumer Experience industry
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture
Minimum of seven (7) years of Design Management experience is essential
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design / architectural projects
Knowledge and experience with brand and digital design is desirable
Experience managing consultant teams and resolving complex technical and design issues
Proven ability to provide excellent client service and account leadership
Be proactive and adaptable with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
High level of design competence with knowledge of building codes.
Proficiency in Revit is desirable
This job description reflects the core activities of the role although there will be changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time.
**The base salary range will be estimated between $95-115k plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Awareness Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.