Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: National Business Furniture

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Revenue Operations / Sales Operations / GTM Support (Design & Planning Focus)

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of Space Planning & Design professionals to deliver high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing workspace designs.

• Drive operational efficiency within the design department by managing workloads, optimizing processes, and leveraging data analytics for performance improvement.

• Collaborate closely with Sales teams to ensure seamless integration of design services into the sales cycle, directly supporting revenue generation and client satisfaction.

• Uphold and enhance design quality standards through rigorous checks, feedback mechanisms, and continuous training on industry-leading software and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily emphasize operational management, performance metrics, process optimization, and collaboration with sales, aligning it closely with Revenue Operations and Sales Operations functions that support a GTM strategy. The focus on CET, AutoCAD, and CAP software, alongside KPI reporting and workload management, points to a role critical for efficient sales enablement and revenue pipeline support.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage, coach, and develop the Space Planning & Design team, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and career development.

• Oversee the design queue and workload balancing to ensure timely project assignment and completion, meeting negotiated schedules and client expectations.

• Utilize dashboards and operational tools to monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), track team metrics, and report on performance against goals set by Senior Management.

• Analyze customer and sales feedback to identify workflow bottlenecks, process inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in design quality, quantity, and turnaround times.

• Implement and monitor quality assurance processes, including spec checks, feedback loops, and audits, to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all design outputs.

• Drive team optimization through data analysis and performance metrics, identifying trends to inform process improvements and enhance overall team efficiency and output quality.

• Ensure designers are proficient with the latest versions of CET, CAD/CAP software, and other technical design programs, coordinating necessary training and license acquisition.

• Manage outsourcing processes with vendor partners, ensuring adherence to deadlines, budgets, and project objectives.

• Act as a design subject matter expert, occasionally meeting with clients, preparing presentations on design capabilities, and actively promoting design services on key sales opportunities.

• Periodically undertake project work to support business needs and maintain hands-on understanding of design challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strong operational focus. "Manage workload balancing," "utilize dashboards and tools effectively to manage the work process, KPI reporting and metrics," and "Leverage data and performance metrics to identify trends, inform process improvements, and drive team optimization" are core RevOps/SalesOps functions. This role is about ensuring the design function operates as a highly efficient and measurable engine supporting sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in a design-related field, with a strong emphasis on commercial interiors or furniture specification.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of CET Designer, AutoCAD, CAP, and Spec software is essential for daily operations and team guidance.

• Team Leadership & Performance Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a design team, including setting clear objectives, providing constructive feedback, and conducting performance reviews.

• Operational Workflow Management: Skill in managing design queues, balancing workloads, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring efficient project throughput.

• Data Analysis & KPI Reporting: Ability to utilize dashboards, interpret performance metrics, and report on KPIs to drive process improvements and achieve team goals.

• Process Improvement: Demonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies in work processes and implement solutions to enhance quality, speed, and output.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts and operational strategies to diverse stakeholders, including clients, sales teams, and senior management.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address design challenges, workflow issues, and team performance obstacles.

• Commercial Furniture Industry Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of code implications, industry regulations, and best practices specific to the commercial furniture sector.

• General Software Proficiency: Strong command of standard office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, project management applications, and presentation software.

Preferred Skills:

• Commercial Furniture Experience: Direct experience within the commercial furniture industry.

• Salesforce Experience: Familiarity with CRM platforms like Salesforce for sales process integration and data tracking.

• NCIDQ Certification: National Council for Interior Design Qualification certification, signifying a high level of professional competence.

• Industry Affiliations: Active involvement in professional organizations such as IIDA (International Interior Design Association), ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), or IFMA (International Facility Management Association).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific design software (CET, AutoCAD, CAP) and industry certifications (NCIDQ) alongside management experience and KPI reporting highlights the hybrid nature of this role. It requires deep technical design expertise coupled with strong operational management acumen, typical of a GTM support function that bridges creative output with business objectives. The inclusion of "Commercial Furniture Knowledge" and industry affiliations suggests a need for domain-specific expertise critical for effective sales enablement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Process Optimization: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful management of design projects, highlighting how you improved efficiency, reduced turnaround times, or enhanced design quality through process implementation or refinement.

• Metrics-Driven Results: Quantify the impact of your management and process improvement efforts using relevant KPIs (e.g., project completion rates, design revision cycles, client satisfaction scores, team productivity metrics).

• System Implementation & Integration: Provide examples of how you've managed the implementation or optimization of design software (CET, AutoCAD, CAP) or integrated design processes with other sales/operational systems.

• Team Development Initiatives: Include evidence of your approach to team coaching, training, and performance management, demonstrating how you've fostered growth and accountability within a design team.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Portfolio should include examples of documented design workflows, with clear articulation of how these workflows were designed, implemented, and subsequently optimized for efficiency and quality.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase instances where you've led the implementation of new design tools, software features, or automated processes to streamline operations.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to establish metrics for design processes, track performance, and use this data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Design Manager" role with strong operational responsibilities, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase design aesthetics but, more importantly, demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage a process, lead a team, leverage technology, and drive measurable business results aligned with sales and revenue goals. The focus on case studies with quantified outcomes and documented process improvements is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match, aiding long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays, promoting work-life balance.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, and potentially support for industry certifications (e.g., NCIDQ), aligning with career growth in design and operations.

• Employee Discounts: Potential discounts on National Business Furniture products, benefiting employees and their networks.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Protection for employees and their families.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility for occasional project-specific needs or attendance at client meetings outside of standard hours. The focus will be on achieving departmental KPIs and project deadlines rather than strict adherence to hourly tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on national averages for similar roles and adjusted for the Milwaukee, WI location, considering the required experience and management level. The benefits listed are standard for a full-time role of this nature and are tailored to appeal to professionals in design and operations who value growth, security, and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Office Furniture & Interior Design Solutions. National Business Furniture operates within a competitive market that requires a blend of product expertise, design innovation, and efficient sales support to serve a diverse client base, from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Company Size: Mid-to-Large Enterprise (implied by scale of operations and potential for structured teams). This size suggests established processes, opportunities for specialized roles, and a robust operational infrastructure.

Founded: For nearly 50 years. This longevity indicates stability, deep market understanding, and a proven track record in the industry, suggesting a culture that values experience and established best practices.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The Design Manager leads a team of designers responsible for space planning, CAD work, and furniture specification. This team is a critical support function for the sales department.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to a Sr. Manager – Sales Operations, indicating a direct link between design operations and the broader sales and revenue enablement strategy.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with Sales teams, potentially Account Managers, and possibly Procurement or Vendor Management to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Operations: Emphasis on using dashboards, KPIs, and performance metrics to guide decisions, monitor progress, and drive team optimization.

• Process-Centric Workflow: Focus on defining, implementing, and continuously improving design workflows to ensure efficiency, quality, and timely delivery.

• Customer-Centric Design: While operationally focused, the ultimate goal is to support sales in creating inspiring and functional spaces for clients, requiring an understanding of client needs and feedback.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on inspiring spaces suggest a culture that values quality, client relationships, and innovation. The reporting structure to Sales Operations is a key indicator that this role is viewed as a vital component of the Go-To-Market strategy, not just a creative function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the operations and design support functions. It requires a blend of specialized technical design skills and robust people and process management capabilities. The scope includes direct team leadership and significant influence over operational workflows impacting revenue.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Sr. Manager – Sales Operations. This structure places the role squarely within the operational backbone supporting the sales organization, offering visibility into broader GTM strategies and performance metrics.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to enabling sales success. High-quality, efficient design services translate into faster sales cycles, increased client satisfaction, and potentially larger deal sizes. By optimizing design processes and team performance, this role directly contributes to revenue generation and operational efficiency for the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Management: Potential to grow into roles like Director of Sales Operations, Director of Design Operations, or a senior strategic role within the broader GTM organization.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like sales process optimization, CRM integration, or advanced analytics within the context of design and sales enablement.

• Leadership Development: Exposure to strategic planning, cross-functional leadership initiatives, and mentoring opportunities for aspiring design and operations professionals.

• Broader GTM Strategy Involvement: As part of Sales Operations, there's a chance to contribute to and learn about other aspects of the Go-To-Market strategy, such as lead management, sales enablement technology, and forecasting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical operational hub supporting sales. Growth opportunities are likely to involve expanding operational scope, taking on more strategic GTM responsibilities, or moving into higher-level leadership within operations or a related GTM function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at National Business Furniture's Milwaukee location. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaborative work, likely featuring design studios, meeting rooms, and individual workstations.

Office Location(s): 770 South 70th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This location is within a well-established business area, likely offering good accessibility for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration with Sales teams will likely be supported by open-plan areas, meeting rooms equipped with presentation technology, and shared design resources.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-leading design software (CET, AutoCAD, CAP), project management tools, and company-specific dashboards will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with direct reports, peers in Sales Operations, and potentially senior leadership, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the primary focus on meeting operational and project deadlines. While the role is on-site, the company's recognition of the importance of work-life balance through benefits like PTO suggests an understanding that productivity is key, not just hours clocked. Adaptability for client needs or critical project phases may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct supervision of design resources. This is common for management roles where team performance and quality control are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Sr. Manager – Sales Operations to delve into your leadership philosophy, operational management experience, problem-solving skills, and understanding of GTM support functions. Expect questions on team management, process improvement, and KPI utilization.

• Design/Operations Team Interview: Interaction with key team members (e.g., senior designers, sales operations specialists) to evaluate your collaborative style, technical design knowledge, and ability to mentor and guide a team.

• Case Study Presentation/Portfolio Review: A crucial stage where you will likely present selected projects from your portfolio, focusing on operational improvements, process optimization, and measurable results achieved through your leadership.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Director-level executive to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic solution (focusing on process/operational changes), and the quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced project turnaround by 15%", "Increased design accuracy by 20%", "Improved team throughput by 10%").

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight your role in managing teams, mentoring individuals, and driving operational excellence. This could include examples of performance improvement plans you've implemented or team training initiatives you've led.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your expertise with CET, AutoCAD, CAP, and other relevant software, explaining how you ensure your team maintains high technical standards.

• Align with Operations: Frame your design experience through an operational lens. Explain how your design decisions and process management contribute to sales enablement and revenue generation.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your work clearly and concisely, focusing on the most impactful projects that demonstrate your management skills and operational acumen.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenario: Be ready for a scenario-based question or a short case study asking how you would address a common operational challenge within a design team (e.g., managing a sudden spike in workload, improving a slow design approval process, addressing underperforming team members).

• Process Improvement Ideation: Prepare to brainstorm process improvements for a given design workflow, focusing on efficiency, quality, and scalability.

• Leadership and Conflict Resolution: Anticipate questions about how you handle team conflicts, manage underperformance, or motivate a team to achieve challenging goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and case studies is paramount for this role, as it bridges design expertise with demonstrable operational leadership and impact. Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their management style, process improvement methodologies, and the quantifiable results they have achieved.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CET Designer: Essential for configuration, specification, and rendering of furniture layouts. Proficiency in advanced features, customization, and troubleshooting will be expected.

• AutoCAD: For 2D drafting, technical drawings, and integration with other design software.

• CAP (Configura Application Platform) / Other Specification Software: Used for detailed product specification, BOM generation, and ensuring accuracy in ordering.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word (documentation), Excel (data analysis, reporting, budgeting), PowerPoint (presentations, client proposals), and Outlook (communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Dashboards & BI Tools: Likely proprietary systems or standard BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, though not explicitly mentioned) used for KPI tracking, performance monitoring, and reporting on team metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel): For ad-hoc data analysis, trend identification, and custom report generation.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce (Preferred): While listed as "Nice to Have," familiarity with CRM systems is highly beneficial for understanding how design requests originate from sales and how design project status might be tracked within the sales pipeline.

• Project Management Software: Tools for task management, workflow tracking, and team collaboration (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or internal systems).

• Potential Integration Tools: Understanding of how design software might integrate with CRM or ERP systems to ensure data flow and process automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role's technical requirement lies in the specific design software (CET, AutoCAD, CAP). However, proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, BI tools) and an understanding of CRM systems like Salesforce are critical for the operational and sales support aspects of the position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Optimization: A core value centered on continuously improving processes, reducing waste, and maximizing the output and impact of the design team.

• Accountability & Performance: Emphasis on clear goal setting, performance measurement, and taking ownership of outcomes, both individually and as a team.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success, particularly in supporting sales initiatives.

• Quality & Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality design work that meets client needs and upholds the company's reputation.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from data and metrics to inform strategies, identify areas for improvement, and measure success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to working with Sales, understanding their needs, and integrating design services seamlessly into the sales cycle to drive revenue.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging open and honest feedback among team members and with stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and professional development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where designers share best practices, learn from each other's projects, and contribute to a collective pool of expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, as inferred from the job description, likely balances a professional, results-oriented approach with a supportive team environment. The emphasis on "inspiring spaces" suggests a creative element, but the management structure points towards a strong operational discipline.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Demands with Operational Efficiency: Managing a team that needs to be both highly creative and extremely efficient, adhering to strict deadlines and performance metrics.

• Managing Diverse Skill Sets: Leading a team with varying levels of experience and technical expertise, ensuring everyone is performing at a high standard and receiving appropriate development.

• Driving Change and Process Adoption: Implementing new processes or software updates can be challenging; motivating a team to adapt and embrace change requires strong leadership and communication.

• Aligning Design with Evolving Sales Strategies: Staying abreast of changes in sales priorities, product offerings, and market trends to ensure design services remain relevant and supportive of GTM objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Training: Access to programs focused on management best practices, performance coaching, and strategic leadership.

• Operations & GTM Strategy Exposure: Opportunities to learn more about the broader sales operations landscape, including CRM management, sales enablement technologies, and revenue forecasting.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential to attend industry events (e.g., NeoCon for furniture) or pursue advanced certifications that enhance both design and operational expertise.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior operations leaders or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for management roles in operations-adjacent functions. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for career progression beyond pure design management into broader operational and strategic GTM roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you implemented a new process to improve team efficiency. What was the process, what were the results, and how did you manage team adoption?" (Focus on your process improvement methodology, data usage, and change management skills.)

• "How do you balance the creative needs of designers with the operational demands of meeting strict deadlines and KPIs? Provide a specific example." (Highlight your ability to manage competing priorities and lead a team effectively under pressure.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about National Business Furniture's approach to creating inspiring workspaces, and how would your design management style contribute to that mission?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your team and with cross-functional departments like Sales?" (Prepare examples of successful cross-functional projects and your communication strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear beginning (the challenge/objective), middle (your strategic solution, process, and team management), and end (quantifiable results and impact).

• Operational Focus: For each project presented, emphasize the operational aspects: how you managed the workflow, optimized resources, ensured quality control, and how the design's efficiency or implementation contributed to business goals.

• Data Visualization: Use charts and graphs to clearly present metrics and KPIs related to project timelines, budget adherence, team productivity, and client satisfaction.

• Leadership Storytelling: Weave in anecdotes that highlight your leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you motivated your team to achieve success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should strongly emphasize the intersection of design leadership and operational management. Candidates need to demonstrate they can think strategically about how design functions as a critical component of the GTM engine.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://takkt.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/NBF/job/Milwaukee-Wisconsin/Design-Manager_JR100765

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in team leadership, operational process improvement, KPI management, and proficiency with CET, AutoCAD, and CAP software. Prioritize case studies demonstrating quantifiable business impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your management experience, technical design skills, and any experience supporting sales or revenue-generating activities. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, operational strategies, and how you measure success. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to team management, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research National Business Furniture's mission, values, recent projects, and their position in the commercial furniture market. Understand their commitment to "inspiring spaces" and how your role contributes to this.

⚠️ 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.