Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Open Plan Systems

Location: Richmond, VA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations - GTM Support / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-03T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of design professionals to execute high-quality commercial furniture and office layout designs, ensuring alignment with client specifications and operational standards.

• Drive efficient design processes through advanced AutoCAD proficiency, meticulous space planning, and comprehensive technical documentation to support sales quoting and project delivery.

• Foster strong cross-departmental collaboration, particularly with the Sales team, to ensure seamless integration of design efforts with business development and client acquisition strategies.

• Uphold operational adaptability by staying informed of internal changes and their impact on design standards, contributing to the overall efficiency and customer satisfaction of Open Plan Systems.

• Play a key role in talent management by collaborating with HR on hiring, onboarding, and performance development for the design team, building a high-performing unit.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Manager," has significant overlaps with GTM Support and Design Operations functions. The emphasis on collaborating with Sales, managing quoting accuracy, and ensuring operational adaptability points to a strategic role that bridges design execution with revenue generation and operational efficiency. The mention of "Design Operations" in the category reflects this blended focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the creation of precise AutoCAD drawings, detailed space plans, and comprehensive specifications for commercial furniture and office layouts, directly translating client requirements into actionable design deliverables.

• Manage the daily workflow, task allocation, and workload distribution for a team of 3+ design professionals, ensuring timely and accurate project completion while fostering professional development and mentorship.

• Act as a primary liaison between the Design team and the Sales department, providing critical design support for the quoting process, ensuring scope accuracy, and maintaining design integrity throughout the sales cycle.

• Interpret and synthesize diverse project inputs, including audio, photographic, video, and written documentation, to construct complete and accurate project files and detailed specifications for manufacturing and client review.

• Partner with the HR Director on all aspects of talent management for the design team, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, ongoing training, and performance management to cultivate a robust and high-performing team.

• Proactively monitor and integrate knowledge of internal operational changes, manufacturing updates, and broader OPS customer base evolutions into design standards and team practices to ensure ongoing relevance and efficiency.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design department by identifying opportunities for process optimization, technology adoption, and skill enhancement.

• Ensure all design outputs adhere to company quality standards, brand guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design execution, team leadership, and cross-functional operational support, common in roles that bridge creative output with business objectives. The emphasis on interpreting diverse input types and managing operational changes suggests a need for strong project management and adaptability skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field is preferred; equivalent professional experience will be strongly considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional design experience, with a demonstrated track record in commercial furniture or interior design, coupled with a minimum of 2 years in a formal managerial or supervisory capacity.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD software for precise technical drawing and space planning.

• High level of competence with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage a team of design professionals, including workload management and performance development.

• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills and a proven ability to manage competing priorities, handle stress effectively, and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent analytical thinking, creative problem-solving skills, and sound judgment, with the capacity to work independently and with minimal direct supervision. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design software (e.g., Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.

• Familiarity with commercial furniture manufacturing processes and industry standards.

• Experience in interpreting and utilizing various forms of project documentation (audio, visual, written).

• Knowledge of internal operational changes and their impact on design standards within a manufacturing context.

• Background in HR collaboration for talent acquisition and performance management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in AutoCAD and project management, combined with essential leadership and communication skills. The preference for experience in manufacturing and interpreting diverse documentation points to the unique demands of this role within Open Plan Systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of at least 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating advanced AutoCAD proficiency in creating detailed space plans, technical drawings, and furniture specifications for commercial environments.

• Examples of projects that highlight collaboration with sales or client-facing teams, illustrating how design solutions directly supported sales objectives or client requirements.

• Documentation of a project where you managed a design team or mentored junior designers, showcasing leadership, workload management, and problem-solving approaches.

• Visual evidence of interpreting diverse project inputs (e.g., client briefs, site photos, verbal instructions) to develop comprehensive design proposals and specifications.

• Projects that illustrate an understanding of operational constraints or manufacturing considerations integrated into the design process. Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies of how you have optimized design workflows or implemented new processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, or turnaround time within a design team.

• Examples of documentation for design standards, specification templates, or project handover procedures that you have developed or refined.

• Evidence of systems or methodologies used for managing project pipelines, tracking design progress, and ensuring on-time delivery of technical documentation.

• A description of how you ensure and measure the accuracy of design deliverables, particularly in relation to sales quotes and manufacturing requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, demonstrating not only technical design skills but also leadership capabilities and an understanding of how design integrates with sales and operations. The emphasis on process optimization and interpreting diverse inputs is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement)

• Comprehensive Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Life Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Short-Term Disability Insurance

• 401K Retirement Savings Program with potential company match (details to be confirmed)

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak periods. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence in the Richmond, VA office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the Richmond, VA location and the "5-10 Years" experience level for a Design Manager role. This estimation aligns with industry benchmarks for similar positions in the region. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering standard employer-provided benefits and retirement savings options.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Manufacturing and Distribution. Open Plan Systems operates within a competitive market, differentiating itself by offering quality manufactured office products at a reduced cost compared to larger competitors, alongside a broad distribution of seating, storage, and accessories. This value proposition requires a keen focus on cost efficiency, quality control, and customer service.

Company Size: The company operates from a significant facility, with a manufacturing center covering 10.8 acres and a showroom/administration building of 400,000 square feet, indicating a substantial operational footprint. The team size for the design department is noted as 3+ professionals, suggesting a mid-sized but growing team within a larger organization.

Founded: Established in 2001, Open Plan Systems has over two decades of experience in the furniture manufacturing and distribution industry, indicating a mature and stable company with established processes and a growing market presence, particularly along the Eastern United States.

Team Structure:

• The Design team comprises at least 3 professionals, led by this Design Manager.

• The Design Manager reports to a higher-level management position, likely within operations or a general management structure, and collaborates closely with the Sales department.

• There is a direct partnership with the HR Director for talent acquisition and management. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on producing precise AutoCAD drawings and specifications based on client requirements, suggesting a need for accuracy and adherence to technical standards.

• Workflow Optimization: The role involves managing daily tasks, workload, and priorities, indicating a focus on efficient process execution and team productivity.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with Sales is a key aspect, ensuring design outputs directly support quoting accuracy and client acquisition strategies.

• Continuous Improvement: The expectation to stay updated on internal operational changes and their impact on design standards points to a culture that values adaptability and ongoing learning.

Company Website: https://openplan.isolvedhire.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on cost-effective quality and nationwide distribution implies a need for efficient operations and scalable design processes. The relatively small design team size suggests that this manager will have a hands-on role and significant influence on team direction and operational integration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a mid-to-senior level management role within the design and operations function. It requires not only strong technical design expertise but also proven leadership capabilities, strategic thinking in aligning design with sales objectives, and a commitment to operational efficiency. The role is critical in bridging the creative output of the design team with the revenue-generating activities of the sales department and the production realities of manufacturing.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, VP of Sales, or a similar senior leader who oversees go-to-market functions or manufacturing oversight. They will directly manage a team of 3+ designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is significant, directly influencing the accuracy and competitiveness of sales quotes through precise design specifications and space planning. Efficient and accurate design processes reduce manufacturing errors, minimize rework, improve customer satisfaction, and contribute to the company's ability to deliver quality products at a competitive price. This role is pivotal in ensuring the company's value proposition is accurately translated into tangible client solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a Director of Design or Operations role, overseeing larger teams or broader functional areas as the company expands.

• Strategic Operations Involvement: Opportunity to contribute to strategic planning for new product lines, market expansion, or operational process improvements beyond just design.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Deepen expertise in sales support, project management, and HR collaboration, broadening the career skill set for future leadership roles within the organization or industry.

• Process Innovation: Lead initiatives to adopt new design technologies or methodologies that enhance efficiency and client experience, establishing a reputation for innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within operations and GTM support, particularly for individuals looking to blend design leadership with strategic business alignment. The emphasis on cross-functional impact and operational efficiency is key for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Open Plan Systems' facility in Richmond, VA, which includes a 400,000 sq ft showroom and administration building. This suggests a professional office environment with dedicated workspaces for design professionals.

Office Location(s): Richmond, VA (4700 Deepwater Terminal Rd., Richmond, VA 23234). This location is accessible for local commuters and requires relocation for candidates not currently in the area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, particularly between the Design, Sales, and potentially Manufacturing liaison teams.

• Technical Resources: Expect access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially advanced visualization tools necessary for creating detailed commercial furniture designs and space plans.

• Team Interaction: The design team works closely together, requiring a shared workspace or proximity that facilitates communication, brainstorming, and peer review of designs and specifications.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the fast-paced environment and the need to meet critical deadlines, there may be expectations for flexibility and occasional overtime, especially during peak sales periods or project rushes. This schedule is conducive to focused work and team collaboration during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the description of the facility suggest a dynamic, integrated work environment where design professionals are closely connected to the sales and operational aspects of the business.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements, focusing on AutoCAD proficiency, leadership experience, and relevant design projects.

• Technical Assessment: Potentially a practical exercise or discussion focused on AutoCAD skills, space planning scenarios, or interpreting project briefs to gauge technical aptitude and problem-solving abilities.

• Managerial/Team Interview: An interview with the hiring manager or a senior leader to evaluate leadership style, team management approach, cross-functional collaboration skills, and cultural fit. This may involve discussing past team performance and management strategies.

• Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with members of the Sales team or other key stakeholders to assess collaboration capabilities, communication style, and understanding of how design supports sales objectives and client needs.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, potentially focusing on strategic contributions, operational impact, and long-term vision for the design department.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase AutoCAD Mastery: Ensure your portfolio prominently features complex AutoCAD drawings, detailed space plans, and technical specifications that demonstrate advanced proficiency. Highlight projects where accuracy was paramount.

• Illustrate Leadership: Include examples or descriptions of how you have led design teams, managed workloads, mentored junior designers, or resolved team-related challenges. Quantify team achievements where possible.

• Demonstrate Sales Collaboration: Present case studies where your design work directly supported sales efforts, such as improving quote accuracy, creating compelling client presentations, or adapting designs to meet specific sales targets.

• Highlight Process Improvement: If you have implemented process enhancements, showcase them. Explain the challenge, your solution, and the resulting improvements in efficiency, accuracy, or client satisfaction.

• Tailor to OPS: Research Open Plan Systems' product lines and typical client projects. If possible, include examples that align with their focus on quality, cost-effectiveness, and commercial furniture solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• AutoCAD Scenarios: Be prepared for questions or exercises related to common AutoCAD tasks, such as creating specific types of drawings, layering strategies, or troubleshooting common issues.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Anticipate scenarios involving managing conflicting client demands, resolving design issues under tight deadlines, or addressing performance challenges within a design team.

• Sales Alignment Discussion: Practice articulating how design decisions impact sales quotes, manufacturing costs, and client satisfaction. Be ready to discuss your approach to supporting sales initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a blend of technical skill assessment, leadership evaluation, and cross-functional fit. A well-curated portfolio that showcases both technical prowess and managerial impact is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: This is the core technical requirement. Advanced proficiency is expected for producing precise technical drawings, space plans, and specifications for commercial furniture and office layouts.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking, PowerPoint for presentations to internal teams and potentially clients, and Outlook for communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, expect to utilize reporting features within AutoCAD or Microsoft Excel to track project progress, design timelines, and potentially team output metrics.

• Familiarity with CRM systems (likely used by the Sales team) may be beneficial for understanding lead-to-project conversion and client requirements. CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar): While not a direct user, understanding how design outputs feed into the CRM for sales quoting and project tracking will be crucial for effective cross-departmental collaboration.

• Project Management Tools: Potentially internal or external tools for task management, workflow tracking, and team collaboration, though specific names are not provided.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on AutoCAD as the primary design tool, supported by standard office productivity software. Understanding how these tools interface with sales and operational systems is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A strong emphasis on accuracy in design, specifications, and technical drawings to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction, directly impacting manufacturing and sales.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A drive to optimize workflows, manage workloads effectively, and meet critical deadlines to support the company's competitive pricing and timely delivery model.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that values close working relationships between design, sales, and HR, fostering open communication and shared problem-solving.

• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: An expectation for team members to stay current with internal operational changes, industry trends, and new technologies impacting design practices.

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting client specifications and ensuring their satisfaction through well-executed design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Design and Sales work in close partnership, with the Design Manager acting as a key liaison to ensure design outputs are accurate for quoting and client proposals.

• Mentorship and Support: The Design Manager is expected to foster a supportive environment for their team, encouraging knowledge sharing, peer review, and professional development.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Open and direct communication is vital with HR for talent management and with potentially other departments like manufacturing or logistics to ensure design feasibility and smooth project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances a results-oriented approach with a collaborative and supportive team dynamic, driven by the company’s mission to provide quality products efficiently.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Accuracy: The primary challenge will be maintaining high levels of design accuracy and technical detail while meeting fast-paced deadlines required by the sales cycle and client demands.

• Managing Diverse Project Inputs: Effectively interpreting and integrating information from various sources (audio, visual, written) requires strong analytical and communication skills to avoid misinterpretations.

• Team Leadership and Development: Leading a team of designers, managing individual performance, and fostering a collaborative yet productive environment requires strong interpersonal and management skills.

• Staying Ahead of Operational Changes: Keeping the design team's knowledge and processes aligned with evolving internal operations, product offerings, and customer base needs requires proactive communication and continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AutoCAD & Design Software: Opportunity to deepen expertise in AutoCAD or explore complementary design and visualization software.

• Operations Management Skills: Develop skills in process optimization, workflow management, and cross-functional team leadership within an operational context.

• Talent Management: Gain hands-on experience in HR collaboration, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and performance management, enhancing leadership capabilities.

• Industry Knowledge: Expand understanding of furniture manufacturing, commercial interior design trends, and the dynamics of the B2B sales process within the furniture industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for a design leader to expand their operational and strategic skill set within a growing manufacturing company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a design team's workload to ensure both quality and timely delivery of projects, especially under tight deadlines." (Focus on process, prioritization, and team motivation.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy in AutoCAD drawings and specifications when interpreting varied client inputs (e.g., sketches, verbal descriptions, site photos)?" (Highlight your systematic approach to documentation and verification.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to collaborate closely with a Sales team to achieve a specific business objective. What was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Emphasize communication, understanding sales needs, and delivering solutions.)

• "How do you stay informed about internal operational changes (e.g., manufacturing updates, new product lines) and integrate that knowledge into your team's design processes?" (Show proactive learning and adaptability.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Open Plan Systems' approach to providing quality furniture at a fraction of the cost?" (Research their value proposition and market position.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and supportive environment within a design team, while also driving for results and meeting deadlines?" (Align your leadership style with their values.)

• "Describe your experience working with HR on hiring and performance management. What is your philosophy on developing talent?" (Demonstrate understanding of team building.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase your AutoCAD skills, leadership experience, and collaborative projects. Use a consistent format for each project (e.g., Challenge, Solution, Outcome, Your Role).

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced quote turnaround time by X%", "increased design accuracy by Y%", "managed a team of Z designers").

• Highlight Process Optimization: Clearly explain any processes you've improved or implemented, detailing the steps and the benefits achieved.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure all drawings and plans are clean, legible, and professionally presented. Be prepared to verbally walk through key aspects of your designs and project management approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical design skills but also strong leadership, operational awareness, and the ability to drive business outcomes through effective design management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Open Plan Systems careers portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of design experience, 2+ years of management experience, and advanced AutoCAD proficiency. Quantify achievements related to team leadership, process improvement, and successful project delivery.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your AutoCAD skills, space planning capabilities, leadership experience, and successful collaboration with sales or client teams. Prepare to speak in detail about your role, challenges, and outcomes for each.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate being asked to discuss specific design challenges, your problem-solving approach, and how you manage team performance and operational integration. Practice articulating your thought process.

• Research Open Plan Systems: Understand their market position, product offerings, and company values. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their specific operational model and culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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