Floral Design Manager

HOUSTONIAN CAMPUS LLC
Full-timeHouston, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Floral Design Manager

Company: HOUSTONIAN CAMPUS LLC

Location: Houston, TX 77024

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Hospitality Operations / Creative Management

Date Posted: 2026-05-12

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Spearhead the strategic vision and operational execution for all floral design initiatives across a luxury campus environment, encompassing daily arrangements and high-profile events.

  • Lead and mentor a floral design team, fostering a culture of creativity, excellence, and exceptional guest experiences, while managing vendor relationships to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

  • Drive revenue growth through innovative floral product development, proactive sales ideation, and meticulous financial management, including budget development, P&L oversight, and inventory control.

  • Uphold and enhance the luxury brand reputation of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by maintaining the highest aesthetic standards, discretion, and professionalism in all floral operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a managerial level within a luxury hospitality context, requiring a blend of creative direction, operational oversight, and financial acumen. The emphasis on "luxury standard" and "discretion" suggests a high-touch environment where attention to detail and client satisfaction are paramount. The operational aspects include managing a physical inventory, coordinating logistics for events, and ensuring consistent quality, which are core to any operations role, albeit within a creative domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement comprehensive floral design strategies and operational methods for the hotel, Trellis, Club, and other campus areas, aligning with seasonal trends and brand aesthetics.

  • Design and execute visually stunning floral displays for a variety of occasions, including weddings, banquets, and daily arrangements, while also managing interior plant selections and maintenance.

  • Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with wholesale floral vendors and greenhouse suppliers to ensure a consistent, high-quality supply of materials and operational supplies.

  • Collaborate with clients and event planners to conceptualize, propose, and deliver professional floral designs for special events, including creating detailed proposals, floor plans, vision boards, and accurate pricing.

  • Oversee the end-to-end event management process, from initial client consultation and proposal development to on-site setup and teardown of floral installations.

  • Partner with social media and marketing teams to generate fresh, engaging content for digital platforms, and proactively identify opportunities to create new revenue streams through on and off-campus floral offerings.

  • Develop and manage departmental budgets, revenue targets, and expense controls, including creating pricing guides to meet markup goals and preparing monthly P&L reports.

  • Conduct regular inventories, establish optimal par levels for resale and operational supplies, and communicate financial performance effectively to the Director of Brand Strategy.

  • Supervise, train, and schedule the floral design team, ensuring adequate labor resource management and fostering a strong service culture through effective employee relations and communication.

  • Adhere strictly to all company policies and procedures, acting as a leader within the organization and performing other assigned duties to ensure operational excellence and safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and robust operational management. Key operational functions include strategic planning, vendor management, inventory control, financial oversight (P&L, budgeting, pricing), staff management, and event logistics. The emphasis on "luxury standard" and "guest experience" implies a strong focus on service delivery and quality assurance within these operational domains.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Floral Design, Horticulture, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in floral design management, with a proven track record of leading teams and managing floral operations within a high-end or luxury environment.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated exceptional creative and artistic floral design expertise, with a strong portfolio showcasing a range of styles and applications.

  • Proven ability to lead and manage a team, including staff training, scheduling, performance management, and fostering a positive work environment.

  • Strong vendor management skills, with established relationships and experience negotiating with wholesale floral, greenhouse, and operational supply vendors.

  • Proficient in financial management, including budget development, P&L oversight, expense control, inventory management, and establishing profitable pricing structures.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative visions, present professional proposals, and communicate effectively with clients, staff, and leadership.

  • Superior organizational and multitasking abilities, with a capacity to prioritize workload effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

  • Strong customer service orientation, with a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining friendly, cordial relations across all departments.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with design software for proposal creation, vision boards, and visual merchandising.

  • Knowledge of event planning software or tools for managing event logistics and client communications.

  • Experience in a luxury hospitality setting, understanding the unique demands and service expectations of high-end clients and venues.

  • Ability to drive a van/truck for off-property deliveries and on-site event setups.

  • Familiarity with social media content creation and marketing strategies for promoting floral services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a dual requirement for artistic talent and strong managerial/operational capabilities. The 5-10 years of experience, coupled with leadership and financial management skills, points to a mid-to-senior level operations role. The inclusion of "Microsoft Office Suite" is standard, but the preference for "design software" and "event planning software" highlights the tech stack relevant to this specific operational niche.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-10 distinct floral design projects, highlighting diversity in scale, style, and occasion (e.g., weddings, corporate events, daily arrangements, plant installations).

  • Detailed case studies for at least two significant event floral installations, documenting the creative process from client brief to execution, including challenges overcome and client satisfaction metrics.

  • Documentation of a past project demonstrating successful budget management and cost control, including examples of pricing strategies and their impact on profitability.

  • Evidence of team leadership, such as sample training materials, staff scheduling examples, or documented team performance improvements.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow diagrams or descriptive documentation of your approach to managing daily floral operations, from sourcing and receiving to arrangement creation and delivery.

  • Examples of inventory management processes, including methods for tracking stock, conducting regular inventories, and establishing optimal par levels for efficiency and waste reduction.

  • Documentation outlining your strategy for event floral setup and teardown, including logistical planning, team coordination, and on-site execution protocols.

  • Records of vendor relationship management, detailing how you source, vet, and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

  • Sample financial reports, such as P&L statements or budget tracking documents, that demonstrate your ability to manage departmental finances and report on performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Floral Design Manager role, the "portfolio" is heavily weighted towards visual and project-based evidence of creative and logistical capabilities. The "process documentation" aspect focuses on demonstrating structured approaches to core operational functions like inventory, vendor management, and financial oversight, which are critical for any operations role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Floral Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a luxury hospitality setting in Houston, TX, the estimated salary range is $70,000 - $95,000 annually. This estimate considers the responsibilities, required expertise, and the high-cost-of-living in a major metropolitan area like Houston, balanced with the specific demands of the floral industry.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

  • Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays, to promote work-life balance.

  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company matching contributions to support long-term financial security.

  • Opportunities for professional development, including workshops, training programs, and potential attendance at floral industry events or trade shows.

  • Access to employee discounts on hotel services, dining, and potentially floral products.

  • Employee assistance program (EAP) offering confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to revenue generation, budget adherence, or exceptional event execution.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position requiring a flexible schedule. Standard working hours may vary based on departmental needs, with a strong expectation of availability during weekends, holidays, and peak business demand times (e.g., Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas). Some work may be performed off-property for special events. The role is inherently demanding during event seasons.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in the specified location and industry, factoring in the experience level. The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in the hospitality sector in the US, tailored to support operations professionals. The working hours note emphasizes the non-standard, event-driven nature of this role, common in operations roles supporting events.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Hospitality & Events. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa operates within a highly competitive luxury market, demanding exceptional service standards, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating memorable experiences for a discerning clientele. This context shapes the operational priorities towards quality, brand consistency, and guest satisfaction.

Company Size: HOUSTONIAN CAMPUS LLC is part of a significant hospitality operation, likely employing several hundred staff members across various departments including hotel services, food and beverage, club amenities, and events. This size indicates a structured organization with established operational processes and interdepartmental collaboration needs.

Founded: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa was founded in 1981. This long history suggests a well-established brand with a deep understanding of its market, a stable operational framework, and a culture that likely values tradition, excellence, and long-term guest relationships.

Team Structure:

  • The Floral Design team is likely a specialized unit within the broader campus operations, possibly reporting through a Director of Brand Strategy or a Director of Events/Specialty Operations. The team size would typically range from a few designers to a small management team, depending on the volume of daily needs and events.

  • Reporting structure likely involves the Floral Design Manager overseeing floral designers, assistants, and potentially event setup crews. This role reports to a higher-level executive responsible for brand, marketing, or overall campus operations.

Methodology:

  • Data analysis and insights: While not a traditional data-heavy operations role, analysis would focus on sales trends, popular floral types, cost of goods sold (COGS), and event feedback to refine offerings and operational efficiency.

  • Workflow planning and optimization: Emphasis on creating efficient workflows for floral arrangement production, inventory management, and event setup/teardown to maximize quality and minimize waste and labor costs.

  • Automation and efficiency practices: Opportunities for efficiency might include optimized ordering systems, standardized production processes, and effective scheduling tools to manage labor resources.

Company Website: https://www.houstonian.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes the Floral Design Manager role within the luxury hospitality industry, emphasizing the operational implications of high service standards and brand reputation. The company's history and size inform the expected operational maturity and complexity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position. It requires significant experience in floral design and team leadership, with direct responsibility for strategic planning, financial oversight, and operational execution within a specialized department. The scope includes managing a P&L, driving revenue, and directly impacting the guest experience and brand image.

Reporting Structure: The Floral Design Manager typically reports to a Director-level executive (e.g., Director of Brand Strategy, Director of Operations, Director of Events). This structure places the role within the broader strategic decision-making framework of the organization, allowing for input on revenue-generating initiatives and brand enhancement.

Operations Impact: The Floral Design Manager's role has a significant impact on both revenue and brand perception. High-quality, innovative floral designs contribute directly to client satisfaction for events (weddings, banquets), driving repeat business and positive reviews. Daily floral arrangements enhance the overall guest experience in the hotel and club, reinforcing the luxury brand image and potentially influencing guest spending on ancillary services. Proactive sales ideas and efficient financial management directly contribute to departmental profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to move into broader operational management roles within the hospitality sector, such as Director of Events, Director of Food & Beverage Operations, or General Manager of a smaller venue, leveraging proven skills in team leadership, financial management, and client services.

  • Specialization and Leadership: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in luxury event floral design, potentially leading larger creative teams, managing multiple high-profile venues, or even consulting for other luxury brands.

  • Business Development: Potential to transition into roles focused on business development or sales within the luxury events or hospitality industry, using a deep understanding of client needs and service delivery to drive growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Floral Design Manager role not just as a creative position but as a critical operations management function within a luxury context, outlining clear paths for career progression based on demonstrated operational and leadership capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates in a hybrid environment that includes a dedicated floral design studio, on-site event venues, and various public spaces within the luxury campus (hotel lobby, event rooms, club areas), as well as occasional off-site client meetings or event locations.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is The Houstonian Campus at 111 N Post Oak Ln, Houston, TX 77024. This includes the floral studio, event spaces, hotel common areas, and club facilities. Off-site work may occur at client venues for consultations or event installations.

Workspace Context:

  • The floral design studio is the hub for creative work, arrangement preparation, and inventory management. It requires a functional and organized space, potentially with temperature controls to preserve floral freshness.

  • Event venues require adaptable workspace setup and teardown, sometimes involving significant physical effort and coordination with event teams.

  • Collaboration within the studio involves close teamwork among floral designers. Collaboration outside the studio involves extensive interaction with event planners, catering staff, hotel management, and marketing teams to ensure cohesive event execution.

  • The workspace is equipped with standard office technology for administrative tasks, but also specialized tools for floral design and potentially event logistics management.

Work Schedule: The schedule is flexible and demanding, requiring availability during evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak seasons and for major events. This operational demand is typical for roles supporting high-volume event businesses.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the physical and collaborative aspects of the work environment, emphasizing the need for adaptability and seamless integration with other campus operations, which is a key characteristic of on-site operational roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on relevant experience in floral design management, team leadership, and financial oversight.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will be invited for an interview, which will include a thorough review of their professional portfolio. This is a critical stage where candidates must visually showcase their design capabilities, project scope, and ability to manage complex floral projects. Expect questions about their creative process, problem-solving skills, and how they've managed budgets and client expectations.

  • On-site Assessment/Case Study: A potential second interview may involve an on-site visit, a practical design challenge, or a more in-depth discussion about operational strategies, vendor management, and team leadership. This might include a mock proposal creation or a scenario-based problem-solving exercise related to event logistics or budget constraints.

  • Final Interview: A final interview with senior leadership (e.g., Director of Brand Strategy) to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select high-impact projects that demonstrate a range of your skills, from intricate wedding bouquets to large-scale corporate installations and everyday arrangements. Prioritize projects that align with the luxury aesthetic of The Houstonian.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, provide context: client brief, challenges faced, your creative solutions, budget considerations, and the final outcome. Quantify success where possible (e.g., client satisfaction, budget adherence, revenue generated).

  • Showcase Operational Acumen: Include examples of how you managed vendors, controlled costs, managed timelines, and led your team through the project lifecycle.

  • Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. Be prepared to walk through it confidently and answer detailed questions.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Operational Scenarios: Prepare for questions or case studies involving managing a tight budget for a high-profile event, resolving a vendor issue at the last minute, motivating a team during a stressful period, or developing a new floral product line to increase revenue.

  • Financial Acumen: Be ready to discuss pricing strategies, markup goals, P&L management, and inventory control methods in detail.

  • Creative Vision: Articulate your design philosophy and how you stay current with floral trends, while also demonstrating an understanding of the client's needs and the brand's luxury positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for operations candidates on how to approach the interview and portfolio review process, emphasizing the unique demands of a creative operations role in luxury hospitality.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Floral Design Tools: A comprehensive set of professional floral tools including shears, knives, wire cutters, thorn strippers, pruners, and floral foam. Knowledge of specialized tools for large-scale installations or intricate designs may be beneficial.

  • Event Setup Equipment: Familiarity with handling and setting up various display structures, stands, vases, and potentially lighting elements for floral installations.

  • Delivery Vehicles: Experience operating and managing delivery vans or trucks for transporting floral arrangements and materials, including safe loading and unloading practices.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel for budget tracking, P&L reporting, inventory spreadsheets, and sales forecasting. PowerPoint for creating client proposals and internal presentations. Word for documentation and correspondence.

  • Design Software (Preferred): Experience with graphic design or event planning software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite for vision boards, specialized event design software) to create professional proposals, mood boards, and visual renderings for clients.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM System (Potential): While not explicitly mentioned, experience with a CRM system for managing client relationships, tracking sales leads, and managing event bookings would be advantageous for tracking sales and client interactions.

  • Inventory Management Software (Potential): Basic familiarity with or ability to learn inventory management systems to track floral stock, supplies, and cost of goods sold.

  • Communication Platforms: Proficiency in internal communication tools such as email, instant messaging (e.g., Slack, Teams), and potentially two-way radios for on-site coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is a blend of specialized creative/craft tools and standard business software. The emphasis is on practical application in managing inventory, finances, and client communications, with a preference for tools that enhance visual presentation and operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering flawless floral designs and seamless event execution, reflecting the high standards of The Houstonian. This means meticulous attention to detail in every arrangement and installation.

  • Guest-Centricity: Prioritizing the guest experience above all else, ensuring that floral offerings enhance memorable moments and contribute positively to the overall ambiance and luxury perception of the campus.

  • Creative Innovation: Encouraging a culture of continuous learning and creativity, staying abreast of floral design trends while also fostering unique and personalized approaches to meet client needs and elevate brand offerings.

  • Efficiency and Resourcefulness: Operating with a strong sense of fiscal responsibility, optimizing resource allocation, managing inventory effectively, and minimizing waste to achieve financial goals while maintaining quality.

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where team members share knowledge, assist each other, and work together cohesively to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: A collaborative approach that involves close partnership with Event Sales, Catering, Hotel Management, and Marketing teams to ensure that floral designs align with overall event themes, guest expectations, and brand messaging.

  • Client-Focused Partnership: Working closely with clients and event planners as a trusted advisor, translating their vision into actionable floral plans, and maintaining open communication throughout the planning and execution phases.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where floral designers share techniques, trends, and best practices, fostering continuous improvement and collective skill development within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are deeply intertwined with the luxury hospitality sector, emphasizing quality, guest experience, and collaborative execution, which are key operational drivers for success in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creativity with Constraints: The primary challenge is to maintain high levels of artistic creativity while adhering to strict budgets, client expectations, and operational timelines for events. This requires innovative problem-solving and effective resource management.

  • Seasonal Demand Fluctuations: Managing workflow, staffing, and inventory during peak seasons (holidays, wedding season) and maintaining consistent quality and service during slower periods. This necessitates robust planning and adaptable operational strategies.

  • Vendor Reliability and Quality Control: Ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery from wholesale floral vendors, and managing any issues that arise, which can directly impact event execution and client satisfaction.

  • Physical Demands and Event Logistics: The role involves significant physical exertion, including long hours on one's feet, lifting, and working in various conditions during event setups and teardowns. Managing the logistics of large-scale installations can also be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Floral Design Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops or masterclasses to learn new floral design styles, techniques, and sustainable practices.

  • Hospitality Operations Management: Exposure to broader hospitality operations through collaboration and potential cross-training, enhancing skills in event management, client relations, and P&L oversight.

  • Business and Financial Acumen: Development in areas such as advanced budgeting, financial reporting, strategic pricing, and revenue generation within the hospitality context.

  • Leadership and Team Building: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through formal training, mentorship, and managing a growing team, potentially focusing on developing future floral designers or operational leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses the inherent challenges of managing a creative operations role in a high-demand industry and outlines specific avenues for professional growth that leverage both creative and operational skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your approach to developing a floral design concept for a high-profile luxury wedding, balancing the client's vision with your creative expertise and budget constraints." (Focus on process, client management, and financial awareness.)

  • "How do you manage vendor relationships to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery of floral materials, especially during peak seasons? Provide an example of a time you had to resolve a vendor issue." (Focus on vendor management, problem-solving, and operational resilience.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What attracts you to The Houstonian's brand and its reputation for luxury hospitality? How would your floral design philosophy align with our established aesthetic?" (Focus on brand alignment and cultural fit.)

  • "How do you foster a strong service culture within your team and ensure that every floral arrangement or installation contributes to an exceptional guest experience?" (Focus on team leadership and guest-centric operations.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure for Impact: Begin with your most impressive and relevant projects. For each, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative and operational solutions, and the quantifiable results.

  • Highlight Operational Skills: Explicitly point out examples of budget management, vendor coordination, team leadership, and logistical planning within your project descriptions. Don't just show beautiful designs; show how you operationalized them.

  • Quantify Success: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact. This could include budget adherence percentages, client satisfaction scores, revenue generated from specific floral offerings, or cost savings achieved through efficient processes.

  • Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your choices. Treat it as a collaborative discussion to showcase your expertise and problem-solving abilities, rather than a mere presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This guidance helps operations candidates understand the depth of questioning and presentation expectations, focusing on how to demonstrate both creative talent and robust operational management skills during the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided application link on Paycom.

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight keywords and achievements related to floral design management, team leadership, event execution, budget management, and vendor relations. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to showcase operational impact.

  • Prepare your portfolio: Curate a visually compelling and operationally relevant portfolio that demonstrates your design skills, project management capabilities, and financial acumen. Be ready to present it digitally or in person.

  • Research The Houstonian: Familiarize yourself with their brand, services, and any recent events or news. Understand their commitment to luxury hospitality and how your role contributes to that vision.

  • Practice your responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your operational problem-solving, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with 5-10 years of floral design management experience. Must possess strong artistic skills, supervisory capabilities, and the physical stamina to handle demanding event setups.