Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Sekisui House U.S.

Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Management (Design & Construction Operations)

Date Posted: August 05, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the daily operations of the design function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality architectural and interior design solutions across multiple communities and product lines.

• Leads and develops a team of design professionals, guiding short-term planning and workflow execution to meet business objectives.

• Ensures consistent adherence to design standards, product offerings, and community design packages.

• Drives cross-functional alignment and strengthens collaboration between design, construction, purchasing, and sales teams.

• Facilitates continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance design processes, tools, and overall outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities heavily emphasize operational oversight, team leadership, process management, and cross-functional collaboration within the design function. This positions the role as a critical operational hub for design delivery, making it highly relevant to candidates with a strong background in operations management, particularly within the construction or homebuilding industry. The role requires a blend of design acumen and operational execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and coach team members to achieve short-term design and operational goals, fostering a high-performance team environment.

• Oversee the creation, refinement, and ongoing maintenance of design standards, product offerings, and community design packages to ensure brand consistency and market relevance.

• Direct workflow, schedules, and priorities for the design team to ensure timely and efficient delivery of all design-related outputs, from concept to final documentation.

• Collaborate closely with construction, purchasing, and sales departments to confirm design feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with operational capabilities and market demands.

• Review and approve design documents, recommendations, and solutions, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established quality standards.

• Evaluate complex design issues, analyze potential options, and implement effective solutions that balance professional design principles with business constraints and objectives.

• Monitor team performance against key performance indicators (KPIs), provide regular guidance and feedback, and ensure strict adherence to organizational policies and procedures.

• Facilitate clear and consistent communication across departments to proactively resolve challenges involving multiple stakeholders or complex project interdependencies.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives by actively identifying opportunities to enhance design processes, implement new tools, and elevate overall design outcomes and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on operational execution within a design context. The emphasis on "short-term planning," "workflow execution," "timely delivery," "collaboration with construction, purchasing, and sales," and "monitoring team performance" points to a strong operational management component. This role is not purely creative design but is about the efficient and effective delivery of design services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional certification in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 4–6 years of relevant professional experience in design, architectural, or related disciplines, with a strong emphasis on operational management and team leadership within the homebuilding or construction sector.

• Demonstrated experience successfully leading or supervising professional and/or support employees, with a focus on performance management and team development.

• Proven experience managing short-term operational objectives, optimizing workflows, and driving team performance within a design context. Required Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with a proven ability to motivate, coach, and develop design professionals.

• Advanced knowledge of residential design principles, architectural standards, and homebuilding practices, ensuring designs are practical and market-appropriate.

• Excellent project planning and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to address complex situations and implement effective solutions.

• Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration skills, essential for working with construction, sales, and purchasing teams.

• Proficiency in interpreting complex design documents, construction details, and community development requirements.

• Ability to guide decision-making processes and provide clear, actionable direction to team members.

• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality.

• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving environment, with the ability to manage change effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Additional years of experience managing design teams within a multi-project or multi-division homebuilding environment.

• Advanced knowledge of design management practices, operational systems, and relevant design software tools.

• Experience actively partnering cross-functionally with construction, merchandising, or other operational teams to achieve integrated project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Skills" section highlights a need for deeper experience in managing design operations within a complex, multi-faceted organization, suggesting that candidates with prior experience in larger homebuilding companies or those with a strong understanding of integrated operational systems will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successful team leadership and operational workflow management within design projects.

• Present case studies demonstrating how you've improved design process efficiency, reduced cycle times, or enhanced cross-functional collaboration.

• Include documentation illustrating your ability to develop and maintain design standards, product offerings, or community design packages.

• Provide evidence of problem-solving in design operations, highlighting how you addressed feasibility, cost, or schedule challenges. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in designing and documenting design workflows, from initial concept through to construction documentation handoff.

• Illustrate methods used for tracking design progress, managing team priorities, and ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.

• Present examples of how you have implemented or improved processes for design reviews, approvals, and cross-departmental communication.

• Detail your approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements that lead to measurable improvements in design quality, efficiency, or cost savings.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with significant operational responsibilities, a portfolio should not only showcase design output but also the processes and management behind it. Emphasis should be on workflow efficiency, team coordination, and problem-solving within an operational framework, rather than solely aesthetic design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

An estimated salary range for a Design Manager in Nashville, TN, with 4-6 years of experience and supervisory responsibilities, typically falls between $85,000 and $115,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the construction and homebuilding sectors in mid-sized metropolitan areas, considering the provided experience level and the on-site work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation: Rewarding structure that acknowledges performance and results.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options; Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available.

• Financial Future: Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Time Off: Generous benefits including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• 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 for support.

• Exclusive Perks & Discounts:

  • Homeownership & Financing: Special discounts on home purchases and financing options.

  • Pet Insurance: Discounted group rates for pet insurance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Work is primarily performed in a general office environment.

• Occasional visits to design centers, model homes, and active construction sites are required, necessitating flexibility in schedule for site visits and operational alignment. Limited travel may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Manager role with operational oversight in Nashville, TN. Actual compensation will vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Homebuilding & Construction. Sekisui House U.S. operates under several prominent builder brands (SHAWOOD, Richmond American, Woodside, Holt, Hubble, and Chesmar), positioning them as a significant player in the residential construction market. This industry context implies a focus on project timelines, material management, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Company Size: Part of Sekisui House, a global leader with over 60 years of history and a significant track record of building over 2.6 million homes. Sekisui House U.S. itself likely operates across multiple divisions and locations, indicating a substantial organizational structure. This size suggests opportunities for structured career growth and access to robust resources, but also potential for navigating larger corporate processes.

Founded: Sekisui House was founded over 60 years ago. This long history indicates stability, established operational processes, and a deep understanding of the homebuilding market.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: This role directly leads a team responsible for architectural and interior design, implying a hierarchical structure with direct reports.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes strong interaction with Construction, Purchasing, and Sales teams, indicating a matrixed or highly collaborative operational structure where different departments must work in concert to achieve project goals.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a Design Manager typically reports to a Director of Design, VP of Operations, or a similar senior leadership position within the company's operational or divisional structure.

Methodology:

• Design Standards & Product Offerings: Focus on creating and maintaining consistent design elements and product selections that align with market needs and company brand identity.

• Workflow Execution: Emphasis on structured processes for design delivery, ensuring efficiency and timeliness.

• Data-Driven Decisions: While not explicit, the need to analyze design issues, evaluate options, and monitor performance suggests a data-informed approach to operational management.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to identifying and implementing process enhancements to optimize design outcomes and operational efficiency.

Company Website: www.richmondamerican.com (as Sekisui House U.S. is a builder of the Richmond American brand, among others).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and size suggest a dynamic environment where operational efficiency, adherence to standards, and cross-functional teamwork are paramount for successful project delivery in the competitive homebuilding market.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level Management position. It requires a solid foundation of experience (4-6 years) in design operations and demonstrated leadership capabilities. The role is responsible for the day-to-day execution and team management within the design function, acting as a critical link between strategic design goals and practical implementation.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Design, Operations, or Development department, such as a Director of Design, VP of Operations, or equivalent. They will, in turn, manage a team of designers and potentially design support staff. This structure allows for clear lines of responsibility and provides opportunities for mentorship from senior leadership.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on the company's bottom line by ensuring that design solutions are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also cost-effective, feasible for construction, and aligned with sales objectives. Efficient design operations directly contribute to faster project completion, reduced rework, optimized material purchasing, and improved sales conversion rates by delivering desirable and well-presented products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into senior management roles, such as Director of Design, Director of Operations, or VP of Design, overseeing larger teams or broader operational scopes.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of residential design management, sustainable building practices, or operational process optimization within the homebuilding sector.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related operational roles in construction management, purchasing, or product development, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the homebuilding lifecycle.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Develop skills in leading major process re-engineering initiatives that can have company-wide impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key operational leader within the design function, offering substantial career growth potential within Sekisui House U.S. or the broader homebuilding industry, particularly for those who excel at optimizing operational workflows and managing teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: General office environment. This suggests a professional setting with standard office amenities, designed for administrative, planning, and collaborative work.

Office Location(s): Nashville, Tennessee. The role requires regular interaction across departments, implying a central office location in Nashville. This location offers a vibrant business environment and access to a skilled workforce.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is described as having a "Collaborative Team Culture" and "Team Engagement" events, indicating an open and interactive workspace that encourages communication and idea-sharing among team members and across departments.

• Operations Tools & Technology: While specific tools aren't detailed, the role necessitates access to standard office technology (computers, software) and likely design-specific software for architectural and interior design, as well as project management and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with design team members, as well as frequent touchpoints with construction, purchasing, and sales teams, facilitating a dynamic and integrated work experience.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily a standard 40-hour work week.

• Flexibility is required due to occasional visits to design centers, model homes, and active construction sites, which may occur outside of typical office hours or necessitate travel within the local area. Limited travel for meetings or site visits is also a possibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment balances structured office-based operations management with the practical, on-the-ground requirements of the construction and homebuilding industry, demanding adaptability and a willingness to engage in field-based activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on leadership experience, operational management skills, team development strategies, and problem-solving approaches within a design context.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Construction, Purchasing, and Sales to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of cross-functional dependencies, and ability to align design with operational needs. This may also involve meeting direct reports.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their operational management, process improvement, team leadership, and problem-solving capabilities in design projects.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Operations) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operational Impact: Curate projects that highlight your ability to manage design workflows, improve efficiency, lead teams, and solve operational challenges, rather than just showcasing aesthetic design.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Structure case studies to clearly outline the problem, your operational approach, the implemented solution, and the measurable results (e.g., reduced cycle time, improved collaboration, cost savings).

• Metrics Presentation: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use data to demonstrate the impact of your leadership and process improvements on design delivery and business objectives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Showcase instances where you successfully partnered with construction, sales, or purchasing to achieve project goals, illustrating your understanding of these interdependencies.

• Team Leadership Examples: Include examples of how you've coached, developed, and managed design teams to achieve collective success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenario: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios where you need to address design-related operational challenges, such as schedule delays, budget constraints, or inter-departmental conflicts. Outline your structured approach to problem-solving.

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a process for a specific design function (e.g., managing design revisions, onboarding new product designs) and how you would ensure its efficiency and effectiveness.

• Leadership/Team Management Questions: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you handle underperforming team members, and how you foster a collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize operational management skills and cross-functional collaboration abilities, alongside design leadership. A portfolio that demonstrates tangible process improvements and team management success will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard architectural and interior design software is expected. This could include AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Chief Architect, or similar CAD/BIM tools for creating and managing design documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project for workflow management, task tracking, and schedule adherence.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for seamless communication and file sharing across departments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to leverage company-specific reporting tools or common platforms like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, if used by the company) to track team performance, project timelines, and design metrics.

• CRM (Indirect): While not directly managing CRM, understanding how design impacts sales and customer data within the CRM is beneficial for cross-functional alignment.

CRM & Automation:

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how to streamline design processes through automation, potentially involving integrations between design software and project management or ERP systems.

• Data Management: Ability to ensure design data is accurate, organized, and accessible for relevant stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Design Manager in a large homebuilding company will likely use a combination of specialized design software, robust project management tools, and common collaboration platforms. Familiarity with process optimization and data reporting within these contexts is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on a professional demeanor, collaborative spirit, and open exchange of ideas is central to the company culture.

• Health & Wellness / Work-Life Balance: The company actively promotes a culture that values employee well-being and recognizes the importance of time outside of work commitments, encouraging a sustainable work pace.

• Results-Driven: As a builder of multiple brands and a global leader, there's an inherent drive for success, performance, and achieving business objectives.

• Quality & Consistency: Maintaining high standards in design and execution is crucial for brand reputation and customer satisfaction in the homebuilding industry.

• Continuous Improvement: A forward-looking approach that seeks to enhance processes, tools, and outcomes to stay competitive and efficient.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates a highly collaborative style, actively engaging with construction, purchasing, and sales teams to ensure seamless project delivery. This involves proactive communication, problem-solving, and a shared understanding of project goals.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where constructive feedback is valued and exchanged across departments to refine designs and operational processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and insights within the design team and with other departments to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to balance a results-oriented, professional environment with a strong commitment to employee well-being and collaborative teamwork, which is essential for success in the complex, multi-stakeholder world of homebuilding operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Operational Constraints: Effectively translating creative architectural and interior design visions into practical, cost-effective, and constructible solutions within defined budgets and timelines.

• Managing Cross-Functional Dependencies: Navigating complex relationships and communication flows between design, construction, purchasing, and sales teams to ensure alignment and prevent bottlenecks.

• Maintaining Design Consistency Across Brands/Products: Ensuring that design standards are upheld across diverse product lines and builder brands while allowing for necessary regional or market-specific adaptations.

• Adapting to Market Changes: Staying abreast of evolving consumer preferences, building codes, and material innovations to ensure designs remain relevant and competitive.

• Team Development and Performance: Leading and motivating a diverse team, managing performance, and fostering professional growth in a demanding operational environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Operations Management: Deepen expertise in operational efficiency, lean methodologies, and process optimization within the construction and homebuilding sectors.

• Strategic Design Leadership: Develop skills in long-term design strategy, market trend analysis, and innovation within residential architecture.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain a more comprehensive understanding of construction methodologies, supply chain management, and sales strategies by working closely with these departments.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal or external training focused on leadership, team building, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities to hone operational management skills in a dynamic industry, with challenges that foster growth in areas critical to the homebuilding value chain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the daily operations of a design team. How do you prioritize tasks and ensure timely delivery of design packages?" (Focus on workflow, prioritization, and operational metrics.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between design, construction, purchasing, and sales teams? Provide an example of a time you facilitated successful cross-functional alignment." (Highlight communication, problem-solving, and understanding of interdependencies.)

• "Walk me through a situation where you had to balance a strong design vision with significant operational constraints (e.g., budget, schedule, constructability). What was your strategy and the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, compromise, and strategic decision-making.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sekisui House U.S. and our brands? How do you see your design management philosophy aligning with our company culture and values?" (Research company history, brands, and mission; connect your approach to their stated values of collaboration, professionalism, and work-life balance.)

• "How do you foster a positive and productive team environment, especially when dealing with tight deadlines and high-pressure projects?" (Discuss your leadership style, team motivation techniques, and conflict resolution strategies.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design team and the impact of design operations on the overall business objectives?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs, performance metrics, and how design contributes to sales and profitability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Lead with Operational Excellence: Begin by framing your portfolio around your ability to manage design operations effectively. Highlight processes, workflows, and team management.

• Showcase Process Improvement Case Studies: For each relevant project, clearly articulate the operational challenge, your solution (process, tool, or management strategy), and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Impact: Use examples that show how your design management positively influenced construction feasibility, purchasing efficiency, or sales performance.

• Emphasize Team Leadership: Include examples of how you've developed, mentored, and managed design teams to achieve collective success and high performance.

• Be Prepared for Technical Design Questions: While the focus is operational, be ready to discuss design decisions and principles if asked, demonstrating your foundational understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize operational management, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should be ready to provide specific examples and quantify their impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sekisui House U.S. careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight keywords and experiences related to design operations management, team leadership, workflow optimization, cross-functional collaboration within construction/homebuilding, and process improvement. Quantify achievements with data where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate examples that showcase your operational management skills, team leadership, and successful project execution. Focus on case studies that demonstrate process improvements and problem-solving within a design context.

• Research the company: Familiarize yourself with Sekisui House U.S.'s brands (SHAWOOD, Richmond American, etc.), their market position, and their stated company culture. Understand their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

• Practice your narrative: Be ready to articulate your experience and approach to managing design operations, leading teams, and collaborating with other departments, using specific examples from your career.

⚠️ 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.