Director of Design Operations

Director of Design Operations
Project Focus: Luxury Residential Interior Design

If you’re a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on leader who understands how great design businesses run, not just how great design looks, this is an opportunity to shape the operational engine behind a growing luxury residential practice.

We are seeking an experienced and business-minded Director of Design Operations to lead and optimize the performance of our residential design division. This role sits at the intersection of design leadership, operations, and procurement, ensuring projects are executed efficiently, profitably, and to the highest design standards.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in interior design, paired with proven experience in team leadership, interior design development, financial oversight, and procurement management.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Business Performance

• Own the day-to-day operations of the residential design division, ensuring alignment with company goals, budgets, and growth targets
• Develop, implement, and refine operational processes that improve efficiency, profitability, and scalability
• Oversee project financials, including budgets, fee structures, and margin optimization

Team Leadership & Organizational Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the interior design and procurement teams, fostering a high-performing and accountable culture
• Oversee team structure, staffing plans, and workload distribution to ensure efficiency across all active projects
• Build clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows across design, project management, and procurement functions
• Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities

Procurement & FF&E Operations

• Oversee all procurement operations, including vendor relationships, purchasing processes, and order management
• Ensure accurate and efficient FF&E specification, budgeting, tracking, and installation coordination
• Implement and optimize procurement systems, tools, and workflows to improve accuracy and reduce delays
• Manage relationships with vendors, workrooms, and suppliers to ensure quality, pricing, and reliability
• Partner with accounting on invoicing, cash flow, and purchasing schedules

Project Oversight & Delivery Excellence

• Maintain high-level visibility across all projects to ensure timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met
• Collaborate with project managers and design leads to proactively identify risks and resolve challenges
• Ensure consistency in project execution, documentation standards, and client experience
• Drive cross-functional alignment between design, procurement, and construction teams

Design Leadership

• Uphold and guide the overall design vision and quality standards of the firm
• Provide high-level design direction and review at key project milestones
• Support the design team in maintaining a cohesive, elevated aesthetic aligned with the luxury market
• Act as a senior resource for complex design or technical challenges without owning day-to-day design execution

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a senior leader in client relationships, ensuring a seamless and elevated client experience
• Support key client interactions, particularly in complex or high-value projects
• Partner with principals and business development teams to support growth and client retention

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field
• 10-14+ years of experience in high-end residential design, with increasing leadership responsibility
• Proven experience in operations, team leadership, and/or business management within a design firm
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, FF&E management, and vendor coordination
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, project financials, and operational performance
• Experience in design, documentation, and AI tools (AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, procurement platforms, AI platforms, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of construction documentation, detailing, and building processes  
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Key Attributes for Success

• Operationally driven leader who understands both creative and business sides of a design firm
• Systems thinker who can build structure, process, and scalability
• Skilled at managing teams, workflows, and cross-functional collaboration
• Passion for delivering a high-touch, luxury client experience through operational excellence

For immediate review and consideration, contact: Ashley Levin - 

Ashley@InteriorTalent.com

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