Floral Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Floral Design Manager

Company: HOUSTONIAN

Location: Houston, TX 77024

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Operations - Hospitality & Event Management

Date Posted: 2026-05-12

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the strategic vision and operational execution of all floral design initiatives across the Houstonian campus, including the hotel, Trellis, and Club.

• Manages and develops a floral design team, fostering a strong service culture and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective floral arrangements.

• Cultivates and maintains robust vendor and wholesaler relationships to ensure a consistent supply of premium flowers and plants.

• Drives revenue generation through innovative floral offerings for daily arrangements, special occasions, and large-scale events like weddings.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while centered on floral design, has significant operational and revenue-generating responsibilities. It requires a blend of artistic talent, strong management capabilities, and a keen understanding of financial management and client relations within a luxury hospitality context. The "Operations - Hospitality & Event Management" category reflects this dual focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the comprehensive floral design vision for the hotel, Trellis, Club, and other campus areas, ensuring alignment with seasonal trends and brand aesthetic.

• Design and implement floral displays for internal and external events, including weddings, banquets, and special occasions, working closely with clients and event planners.

• Manage vendor relationships and wholesale procurement to guarantee an adequate and high-quality supply of flowers, plants, and operational materials.

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

• Supervise, train, and schedule the floral design team, fostering professional development and ensuring adequate labor coverage for daily operations and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on operational execution, financial oversight, and team leadership, which are critical in a managerial role within a luxury environment. The mention of P&L reporting and pricing guides indicates a direct link to revenue operations and financial management.

🎓 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 operations within a luxury hospitality or high-end event setting.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated creative and artistic floral design expertise, with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse arrangements and installations.

• Proven ability to manage and develop a team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.

• Strong financial acumen, including budget development, P&L management, expense control, and pricing strategy.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

• Exceptional customer service skills, focused on delivering a luxury guest experience.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn and utilize relevant design or event management software.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) for creating proposals, vision boards, and mood boards.

• Knowledge of plant care and interior plantscaping maintenance for property-wide applications.

• Experience with social media content creation and marketing collaboration for floral offerings.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, coupled with 5-10 years of management experience, positions this as a mid-to-senior level operations management role. The emphasis on financial management, vendor relations, and team leadership aligns with typical Revenue Operations or Sales Operations Manager expectations within specific industries.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of floral designs, from daily arrangements to large-scale event installations (weddings, banquets), demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and execution capability.

• Case studies or detailed project descriptions highlighting successful event floral design projects, including client collaboration, design rationale, budgetary considerations, and outcomes.

• Evidence of experience in managing floral inventory, including procurement strategies, stock management, and waste reduction initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of established workflows for floral design conceptualization, creation, and execution for various event types and daily needs.

• Examples of processes for vendor evaluation, selection, and relationship management to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

• Process flows for managing inventory, including ordering, receiving, storage, and utilization to minimize waste and optimize stock levels.

• Documented procedures for client consultation, proposal development, and contract management for special events.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Floral Design Manager role with significant operational and financial responsibilities, the portfolio should emphasize not only artistic talent but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, control costs, and deliver measurable results. This is crucial for demonstrating operational excellence and business acumen.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $95,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401k).

• Employee discounts on hotel services, dining, and floral arrangements.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in floral design and management.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to departmental revenue and profitability targets.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by departmental needs and peak event seasons (e.g., Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas). Some work may be performed off-property for special events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on industry benchmarks for a Floral Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Houston, considering the luxury hospitality sector and the significant management and financial responsibilities. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in the hospitality industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Luxury Hospitality & Real Estate Development. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa is renowned for its upscale amenities, exceptional service, and prestigious reputation within the Houston market. This environment demands a high standard of presentation and client satisfaction in all departments.

Company Size: The Houstonian is a well-established, large-scale luxury resort and private club, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals across its various divisions. This size implies a structured operational environment with clear departmental functions and cross-functional collaboration needs.

Founded: The Houstonian was founded in 1980, signifying a long-standing history and a deep-rooted commitment to maintaining its luxury brand and operational excellence over decades. This legacy suggests a culture that values tradition, quality, and sustained guest relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Floral Design team likely operates as a specialized unit within the larger Events, Facilities, or Brand Strategy departments.

• The Floral Design Manager reports to a Director-level executive, such as the Director of Brand Strategy or Director of Events, who oversees broader marketing and client experience initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making for inventory management, event planning, and financial forecasting, leveraging sales data and market trends.

• Emphasis on process optimization for efficiency in floral creation, setup, and teardown, particularly for high-volume periods and complex events.

• Adoption of best practices in customer relationship management to foster repeat business and positive reviews for floral services.

• Continuous learning and trend analysis to maintain a cutting-edge and appealing floral offering that aligns with luxury market expectations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes a luxury, established brand, implying a need for operational rigor, exceptional quality, and a focus on client experience. The role's integration into broader brand strategy and event management highlights its strategic importance beyond just design execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level to senior management position within the operations of a luxury hospitality environment. It requires a blend of specialized creative skills and robust operational management capabilities, including team leadership, financial oversight, and strategic planning. The scope extends beyond simple execution to encompass revenue generation and departmental profitability.

Reporting Structure: The Floral Design Manager will likely report to a Director-level executive (e.g., Director of Brand Strategy, Director of Events), who provides overarching guidance and strategic direction. This position also directly supervises a team of floral designers and assistants, managing their day-to-day activities and professional development.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the guest experience and the aesthetic appeal of the property, contributing significantly to the luxury brand perception. Furthermore, by driving revenue through event florals and daily arrangements, it directly influences the organization's financial performance. Effective management of budgets and vendor relationships also contributes to cost control and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a Senior Floral Design Director or Head of Floral Operations role, potentially overseeing floral services for multiple properties or a larger division.

• Transition into broader Event Management or Creative Director roles within the hospitality industry, leveraging transferable skills in project management, client relations, and team leadership.

• Specialization in high-end wedding and event floral design, potentially leading to freelance work or establishing an independent design studio, with the Houstonian providing a strong professional foundation and network.

• Opportunities for advanced training and certifications in floral design, business management, or event planning to enhance expertise and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential outlined reflects a common career trajectory for skilled managers in the hospitality sector, moving from specialized operational roles to broader leadership or entrepreneurial paths. The emphasis on transferable skills like financial management and client relations is key for career mobility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary workspace will be a dedicated floral design studio on the Houstonian campus. This studio is equipped for floral arrangement, storage (including refrigeration), and potentially client consultations. Additionally, the role requires frequent work across various campus locations (hotel lobbies, event spaces, outdoor areas) and occasional off-site event venues.

Office Location(s): The main operations are based at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, located at 111 N Post Oak Ln, Houston, TX 77024. This is a high-end, expansive property that serves as the central hub for all floral design activities and client interactions.

Workspace Context:

• The floral studio environment is dynamic, often fast-paced, and requires organization to manage inventory, tools, and ongoing projects efficiently. Temperatures may vary to ensure flower freshness.

• Collaboration is integral, with regular interaction with the floral team, event planners, sales staff, catering teams, and other operational departments to coordinate floral needs for events and daily property presentation.

• Access to essential tools, equipment, and potentially design software will be provided, supporting the creative and operational demands of the role.

Work Schedule: A flexible schedule is essential, requiring availability during evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during peak seasons (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas) and for scheduled events like weddings and banquets. The standard work week is 40 hours, but extended hours are common during busy periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description highlights the blend of creative studio work and hands-on event execution, emphasizing the need for adaptability and physical stamina. The flexible schedule is a critical operational requirement in the event-driven hospitality sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's creative and operational requirements. Candidates with strong visual portfolios and relevant management experience will be prioritized.

• First Interview: Typically conducted by the hiring manager (e.g., Director of Brand Strategy) and potentially an HR representative. This will focus on your background, management style, operational experience, and initial understanding of the Houstonian's brand.

• Creative/Operational Assessment: This may involve a practical design challenge or a detailed portfolio presentation where you discuss your approach to specific floral design scenarios, event planning, budget management, and team leadership. You may be asked to create a sample proposal or vision board for a hypothetical event.

• Final Interview: May include a meeting with senior leadership or a panel interview to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the Houstonian's luxury brand standards.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase a diverse range of your best work, emphasizing projects relevant to luxury events, weddings, and high-end hospitality. Include both artistic vision and successful execution.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your design concept, client consultation process, material selection, budget considerations, and the logistical challenges you overcame. Quantify results where possible (e.g., client satisfaction, revenue impact).

• Highlight Management Experience: Include examples of how you've managed teams, led projects, handled vendor negotiations, and controlled budgets. Use specific metrics or achievements to demonstrate your operational capabilities.

• Tailor to The Houstonian: Research The Houstonian's aesthetic, brand, and typical clientele. Align your portfolio presentation to show how your style and experience would complement their existing offerings and elevate their brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing floral arrangements for a specific event type (e.g., a gala, a wedding, a corporate function) considering theme, guest experience, and budget.

• Operational Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about managing inventory, handling last-minute changes, resolving team conflicts, or addressing vendor issues. Focus on process-oriented solutions and your ability to maintain quality under pressure.

• Financial Acumen: Practice discussing pricing strategies, cost management, and P&L responsibilities. Be ready to explain how you would develop pricing guides to meet markup goals and contribute to profitability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a thorough evaluation of both creative talent and operational/management capabilities. The portfolio and any practical assessments are critical for demonstrating the blend of skills required for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Floral Design Tools: A comprehensive set of professional floral tools including clippers, knives, wire cutters, floral foam, vases, and other arrangement supplies.

• Refrigeration Units: Commercial-grade floral refrigerators to maintain optimal freshness and longevity of flowers and plants.

• Delivery Vehicle: A van or truck for transporting floral arrangements and supplies for off-property deliveries and event setups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel for budget tracking, inventory management, and financial reporting; Word for proposals and communication; PowerPoint for presentations.

• POS System/Order Management Software: Experience with systems used for taking phone orders, processing payments, and managing daily customer orders.

• Inventory Management Software: Potentially used for tracking stock levels, managing supplier orders, and performing monthly inventories.

CRM & Automation:

• Event Management Software: May be utilized for managing client information, event details, proposals, and timelines for special events.

• Accounting Software: Familiarity with or ability to work with accounting software for P&L reporting and financial reconciliation.

• Internal Communication Tools: Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for team communication and coordination with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific design software isn't a strict requirement, proficiency in common business productivity tools like Microsoft Office is essential for operational and financial management. The role will likely involve using industry-specific tools for inventory and order management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering flawless floral designs and seamless event execution that upholds The Houstonian's luxury standards.

• Guest-Centricity: Prioritizing the guest experience through creative design, attentive service, and proactive problem-solving in all floral-related interactions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together efficiently, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging fresh ideas, staying abreast of design trends, and continuously seeking ways to enhance floral offerings and client value.

• Financial Stewardship: A responsible approach to budget management, resource allocation, and revenue generation to ensure departmental profitability and contribution to the company's success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with Event Sales, Catering, Marketing, and Property Operations to ensure cohesive event planning and property aesthetics.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and consistent communication within the floral team and with other departments to align on requirements, timelines, and potential challenges.

• Feedback Loop: Encouraging constructive feedback among team members and with stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in design quality and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values emphasize a high-performance, client-focused, and collaborative environment, typical of luxury hospitality. The integration of financial responsibility into operational values is key for a managerial role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Operational Demands: The primary challenge is to maintain a high level of artistic creativity while adhering to strict operational constraints, including budgets, timelines, and large-scale execution requirements.

• Managing Seasonal Peaks and Demand Fluctuations: Handling the intense workload during peak floral seasons (holidays, wedding season) and ensuring consistent quality and service levels requires robust planning and resource management.

• Sourcing and Maintaining High-Quality Product: Ensuring a consistent supply of fresh, high-quality flowers and plants, especially for specific or out-of-season requests, can be challenging due to supply chain variables and market availability.

• Team Development and Retention: Motivating and retaining a skilled floral design team in a demanding environment, and ensuring consistent training and skill development, is an ongoing operational challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Floral Design Workshops: Opportunities to attend specialized workshops or masterclasses focusing on cutting-edge floral design techniques, large-scale installations, and event-specific styling.

• Business and Operations Management Training: Access to courses or seminars focused on financial management, team leadership, supply chain optimization, and customer relationship management within the hospitality sector.

• Industry Conferences & Trade Shows: Participation in floral industry events and hospitality trade shows to network, discover new trends, and explore innovative products and services.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within The Houstonian or its parent organization, providing guidance on career progression and strategic leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role and demonstrate their problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities highlight the company's commitment to employee development within the operations and hospitality sphere.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a comprehensive floral design strategy for a luxury hotel property like The Houstonian, considering both daily aesthetics and major events." (Focus on strategic planning, trend analysis, and alignment with brand identity).

• "How would you manage a floral budget of $X for a large-scale wedding, ensuring profitability while meeting client expectations for a high-end event?" (Focus on financial acumen, pricing strategies, vendor negotiation, and cost control).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The Houstonian's brand and aesthetic, and how would your floral design philosophy complement it?" (Demonstrate research and understanding of luxury hospitality).

• "How do you ensure seamless collaboration between the floral team and other departments like Events, Catering, and Property Management?" (Focus on communication, cross-functional teamwork, and problem-solving).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation to tell a story for each project, highlighting the challenge, your creative solution, the execution process, and the successful outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data to illustrate success. This could include budget adherence, client feedback scores, revenue generated from specific floral offerings, or efficiency improvements in your processes.

• Demonstrate Operational Rigor: Beyond beautiful images, show your understanding of the operational aspects: logistics, inventory, vendor management, and team coordination.

• Engage and Interact: Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices, operational decisions, and how you would adapt your skills to The Houstonian's specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, operational expertise, financial management skills, and cultural fit for a luxury hospitality environment. The portfolio presentation advice emphasizes demonstrating both artistic talent and business acumen.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your most relevant work in luxury floral design, event installations, and team management. Ensure it includes examples of budget management and client proposal development.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight quantifiable achievements in floral design, operations management, team leadership, and financial oversight. Use keywords such as "floral design," "event management," "budget control," "vendor relations," and "team supervision."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, operational strategies, and financial management skills. Prepare specific examples demonstrating your ability to lead a team and deliver exceptional client experiences in a high-end setting.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Houstonian's brand, services, and target clientele. Understand their commitment to luxury and service excellence, and prepare to explain how your skills and experience align with their operational and aesthetic standards.

⚠️ 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.