Design Manager, Coco Palms

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Coco Palms

Company: Reef Capital Partners

Location: Kapaʻa, Hawaii, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for translating high-level design vision into tangible, buildable project deliverables within the hospitality sector, specifically for the Coco Palms development.

• The Design Manager will oversee the execution of approved design standards and systems, ensuring consistency and quality from concept through installation.

• This position requires a strong focus on consultant coordination, budget adherence, and schedule alignment to facilitate seamless project progression.

• The role involves acting as the primary day-to-day interior design lead, bridging the gap between conceptual design intent and technical construction documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly place this role within the operations and project execution arm of design for a real estate development firm. It's crucial for candidates to understand this is not a purely creative design role but one focused on implementation, coordination, and adherence to established frameworks. The "Operations" category is assigned due to the heavy emphasis on process, coordination, budget, and schedule management in the execution of design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project-Level Design Execution: Implement portfolio design systems, standards, and the approved project design vision, developing interior layouts, finish schedules, and design documentation that align with project intent.

• Deliverable Management: Prepare, coordinate, and track design deliverables, ensuring clarity, completeness, and constructability prior to technical handoff and through defined design freeze milestones.

• Consultant Coordination: Manage day-to-day activities with interior consultants, external designers, and specialty vendors, reviewing their deliverables for alignment with design systems and project objectives.

• Budget and Schedule Alignment: Collaborate with Development Directors and Operations Managers to ensure design decisions align with approved budgets and schedules, evaluating aesthetic impacts of cost-driven revisions and participating in value discussions.

• Technical Interface: Coordinate with Technical Design during the transition from design development to construction documentation, reviewing technical drawings to confirm alignment with interior intent and supporting installation oversight to validate aesthetic execution.

• Issue Resolution: Identify and resolve design inconsistencies and interior design issues identified during construction, punch lists, and closeout phases, escalating material scope changes or deviations to the VP of Design.

• Governance and Reporting: Participate in the preparation of structured summaries and exhibits for executive or PSG-level review when design matters require broader decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design oversight and project operations. The emphasis on "implementing approved design vision," "coordinating consultants," and "aligning with budget and schedule" points to a role that manages the process of design execution rather than solely originating creative concepts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related design discipline.

Experience: 5-7+ years of professional experience in hospitality, mixed-use, resort, or large-scale interior design with direct project execution responsibility.

Required Skills:

• Interior Design Expertise: Proven ability to implement established design standards and concepts at the project level, including developing interior layouts and finish schedules.

• Project Execution: Direct experience in executing design visions from concept through design freeze and supporting installation.

• Consultant Management: Strong background in coordinating and managing external design consultants, specialty vendors, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Budget and Schedule Acumen: Solid understanding of budgeting, scheduling, and participating in value discussions to ensure design alignment with project financial and timeline constraints.

• Documentation Proficiency: Experience in preparing, coordinating, and tracking design deliverables, ensuring clarity and constructability.

• Detail Orientation: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and disciplined approach to managing complex projects within defined governance frameworks.

• Communication & Collaboration: Strong communication and collaboration skills, essential for working effectively with development, construction, and design teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting design through construction, installation, and punch list completion.

• Familiarity with technical drawing review and coordination with technical design teams.

• Experience in hospitality, mixed-use, or resort development environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is specific to project execution within relevant sectors, emphasizing practical application rather than theoretical design. The "preferred skills" suggest a candidate who can see a project through to completion, indicating a need for a holistic understanding of the development lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Execution Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 significant projects (hospitality, resort, or large-scale interiors) where you were responsible for implementing a defined design vision from concept to near completion.

• Design Deliverable Samples: Include examples of interior layouts, finish schedules, and key design documentation that demonstrate clarity, organization, and constructability.

• Consultant Coordination Examples: Highlight instances where you successfully managed and coordinated with external design consultants, showcasing communication strategies and problem-solving for design alignment.

• Budget & Schedule Impact Analysis: Provide examples or explanations of how you managed design decisions within budget and schedule constraints, including any value engineering or cost-saving measures implemented without compromising design intent.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrate how you collaborated with technical design, construction, and development teams, providing examples of how you facilitated smooth transitions and resolved conflicts.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Illustrate your process for translating a design brief or vision into actionable design phases, including key milestones and deliverables.

• Coordination Protocols: Detail your methods for establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with external consultants and internal stakeholders.

• Quality Assurance: Explain your approach to reviewing design documents and consultant deliverables to ensure alignment with standards, constructability, and project objectives.

• Change Management: Describe your process for managing design revisions, evaluating their impact on budget and schedule, and obtaining necessary approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on design execution and project management within development, a portfolio needs to showcase not just aesthetic sensibility but the ability to manage processes, coordinate teams, and deliver on project constraints. The emphasis is on the how of design implementation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) Plan with Company Match.

• Health & Wellness: Generous Health Plan with HSA Match.

• Relocation: Relocation Assistance provided for qualified candidates moving to Kauai.

• Transportation: Vehicle Reimbursement and Cell Phone Service Allowance.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible Paid Time-off.

• On-site Perks: Daily Company Lunches.

• Perks: Discounts at Company-owned Resorts and Golf Courses.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with expectations for on-site presence and potential for extended hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role with significant project execution responsibilities in a high-cost-of-living area like Hawaii. The inclusion of relocation assistance and vehicle reimbursement are significant benefits for an on-site role in Kauai.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Investment & Development, Hospitality, Resorts.

Company Size: Growing rapidly from ~25 to over 400 employees, with significant managed assets and a portfolio of large-scale development projects. This indicates a dynamic, fast-paced environment with increasing complexity and team specialization.

Founded: 2005. Over two decades of experience, building on proven expertise with purposeful innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will report to the Vice President of Design.

• This role will be embedded within a project team, working closely with Development Directors and Development Operations Managers.

• Collaboration will extend to external interior consultants, specialty vendors, and the Technical Design team.

Methodology:

• Vertically Integrated Approach: Reef Capital Partners manages investment, development, and operations, suggesting a cohesive, end-to-end project lifecycle.

• Data-Driven Decisions: While not explicitly stated for design, Reef's growth and success imply a focus on performance metrics and strategic decision-making across all business units.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on design standards, project execution, and coordination suggests a structured approach to development and design management.

Company Website: https://reefcp.applicantpro.com (Note: This appears to be an Applicant Tracking System URL, the actual company site might be www.reefcp.com, which is referenced in the input data.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as entrepreneurial, focused on building "something long-lasting and meaningful," and valuing employee health and well-being. The rapid growth suggests opportunities but also potential for evolving processes and structures. The "Expect the Best" motto implies a high standard for performance and quality.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level role, likely requiring 5-7+ years of experience. It sits above junior design positions and below executive design leadership. The responsibilities are focused on the execution and management of design within specific project parameters, rather than strategic portfolio-wide design direction.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Design, indicating a clear line of mentorship and oversight. Works collaboratively with other project stakeholders like Development Directors and Operations Managers, offering exposure to broader project management and development processes.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful execution of the Coco Palms project's interior design. This includes ensuring the design meets aesthetic, functional, budget, and schedule requirements, ultimately contributing to the project's overall success, guest experience, and financial performance. Their work directly influences the tangible user experience of the resort.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Leadership: Progression to Senior Design Manager, overseeing multiple projects or larger-scale developments, or moving into leadership roles within the design department.

• Development Management: Potential to transition into broader Development Management roles, leveraging design execution experience for overall project oversight.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in hospitality or resort design, becoming a subject matter expert within Reef's portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Developing a stronger understanding of construction, operations, and investment by working closely with these departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is typical for design professionals moving into more managerial and execution-focused roles within the development industry. The company's rapid growth and diverse portfolio suggest ample opportunities for advancement and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role at the Coco Palms development in Kapaʻa, Kauai, Hawaii. This implies a project-specific environment, potentially involving site visits and close collaboration with on-site teams.

Office Location(s): Kapaʻa, Kauai, HI. This is a unique, resort-focused location, offering a distinct work-life balance compared to a typical corporate office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with internal project teams (Development, Operations) and external design consultants. Expect a dynamic, project-driven workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software and project management tools will be necessary. The company's infrastructure likely supports these needs for effective design execution.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with project managers, construction teams, and potentially executive leadership during project reviews.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week), but the nature of development projects may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines, especially during design freeze or installation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in Kauai for a resort development is a significant factor. Candidates should be prepared for the lifestyle and logistical considerations of living and working in Hawaii, especially given the relocation assistance offered.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely with the VP of Design and potentially a Development Operations Manager. Focus on your project execution experience, consultant coordination skills, understanding of budget/schedule impacts, and ability to implement design standards. Expect questions about problem-solving in design execution.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a curated selection of your work, emphasizing projects that demonstrate your ability to execute a design vision, manage consultants, and navigate project constraints. Be prepared to discuss your specific role and contributions.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative approach, and alignment with Reef's values ("Expect the Best," focus on building something meaningful). This may involve meeting with other team members.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Execution: Showcase projects where you were instrumental in bringing a design to life, not just conceptualizing. Highlight your role in managing the process.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your workflow for design development, consultant management, and documentation. Use flowcharts or step-by-step explanations if possible.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate your success. For example, how did your coordination efforts save time or prevent budget overruns? How did you ensure brand standards were met?

• Problem/Solution: For each project, be ready to discuss a challenge you faced during design execution and how you overcame it.

• Relevance: Prioritize projects that are similar in scale and type (hospitality, resort) to Coco Palms.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to adapt a design due to budget cuts or schedule delays. Outline your approach to evaluating options and communicating trade-offs.

• Consultant Management Task: You might be asked how you would handle a situation where a consultant's deliverables are consistently late or not meeting quality standards.

• Budget Integration: Expect questions about how you balance aesthetic goals with budget realities and communicate these trade-offs to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh practical experience in design execution and project management. A portfolio that clearly articulates process, collaboration, and problem-solving in real-world development scenarios will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) is expected for creating and managing design documentation.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management platforms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project) and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack) for day-to-day coordination and communication.

• Budgeting & Financial Tools: Experience with spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for managing budgets, finish schedules, and cost tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly stated as a primary requirement for this role, the ability to analyze data related to project costs, schedules, and consultant performance using tools like Excel or basic BI platforms would be beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating clear, concise reports and presentations for stakeholders, likely using PowerPoint or similar presentation software.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Not directly applicable to this role's core design execution, but understanding how design impacts the guest experience, which is tracked in CRMs, is a plus.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how design documentation integrates with broader project management and construction documentation workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on tools used in the execution and management of design, rather than purely creative tools. Proficiency in project management and financial tracking software is as important as design software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Expect the Best": A commitment to high quality, excellence, and exceeding expectations in all aspects of work, from design execution to project delivery.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging initiative, innovation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving within defined project parameters.

• Building Something Meaningful: A focus on creating lasting, impactful projects that contribute to the company's legacy and the communities they serve.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While more explicit in investment, Reef's success suggests an underlying reliance on data to inform project decisions, including design trade-offs.

• Efficiency and Process: A structured approach to development and design management, emphasizing clear processes, coordination, and adherence to standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working collaboratively across design, development, and construction teams. The Design Manager acts as a key liaison.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and direct communication, especially for escalating issues and mediating cross-functional challenges.

• Feedback Culture: Implicit in a project-driven environment where design must align with multiple stakeholder needs and constraints. Regular reviews and feedback loops are expected.

• Stakeholder Alignment: A focus on ensuring all parties involved in the project understand and agree upon design intent, budget, and schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is a blend of high standards, entrepreneurial drive, and structured project execution. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a collaborative, results-oriented environment where quality and efficiency are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Vision and Constraints: The primary challenge will be translating the approved design vision into reality while strictly adhering to budget, schedule, and constructability requirements.

• Consultant Management: Effectively managing external consultants to ensure timely delivery of high-quality, aligned design documentation can be complex.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating differing priorities between design, development, and construction teams to maintain design integrity and project momentum.

• Remote Project Location: While relocation assistance is provided, adapting to island life and managing a project in a location with potentially longer lead times for materials or specialized labor can present logistical challenges.

• Evolving Project Needs: Projects of this scale often encounter unforeseen issues that require quick problem-solving and adaptation while staying true to the core design intent.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hospitality Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in the nuances of resort and hospitality interior design through practical application on a high-profile project.

• Development Project Lifecycle: Gain comprehensive experience across the entire development lifecycle, from design execution through construction and closeout, within a major resort project.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Enhance skills in project management, budget control, and stakeholder negotiation by working closely with development and construction teams.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced VP of Design and other senior development professionals within Reef Capital Partners.

• Exposure to Investment Strategy: Understand how design decisions impact investment returns and overall project viability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large-scale development projects, particularly in unique locations. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to build a career in resort development and design execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to implement a complex design vision under strict budget constraints. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, trade-offs, and communication.)

• "How do you ensure design consistency across multiple projects or phases managed by different consultants?" (Focus on standards implementation, quality control, and documentation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'Expect the Best' mean to you in the context of design execution for a resort property?" (Assess alignment with company ethos and quality standards.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with teams that may have different priorities, such as construction or finance?" (Evaluate teamwork, communication, and negotiation skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate for Impact: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your ability to execute a design vision, manage consultants, and deliver within project parameters. Prioritize hospitality or resort projects.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the initial design intent, your specific role in its execution, key challenges faced, how you overcame them, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Process: Clearly explain your workflow, from initial concept translation to final installation support. Use visual aids like process diagrams if helpful.

• Quantify Results: Use numbers where possible to demonstrate efficiency, budget adherence, or successful coordination.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled conflicts, and your understanding of the Coco Palms project's specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the design execution process, not just creative design principles. Emphasize your ability to manage projects, coordinate teams, and deliver results within specified constraints.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Reef Capital Partners applicant portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant hospitality or resort design projects, emphasizing your role in execution, consultant coordination, and project management. Showcase your ability to translate design intent into buildable deliverables.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5-7+ years of experience in project execution, detailing your responsibilities in budget management, schedule alignment, and cross-functional team collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design execution process, problem-solving strategies for common development challenges, and your approach to consultant management. Prepare to present your portfolio with a focus on process and outcomes.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Reef Capital Partners' portfolio, recent projects (especially Coco Palms), and their company values ("Expect the Best"). Understand their vertically integrated approach and its implications for design management.

⚠️ 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.