Design Manager Full Time

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Vi Living

Location: Naples, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Operations Management

Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the implementation of resident standard and upgrade selection strategies within a luxury senior living environment.

• Act as a crucial liaison, facilitating seamless communication between project management, sales teams, and future residents.

• Manage client relationships through a personalized selection process for interior finishes and upgrades.

• Coordinate resident improvement work, including budgeting and construction oversight.

• Leverage strong computer proficiency in essential office software and familiarity with design/construction tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and qualifications lean heavily into a blend of client-facing project management within a construction/interior design context, specifically for residential upgrades. This role is less about pure design conceptualization and more about operational execution of design selections for residents.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Implement and manage the resident standard and upgrade selection strategy, guiding future residents through the customization process.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for residents during their selection phase, ensuring a positive and efficient experience.

• Collaborate closely with the Project Manager and Sales Team to align resident selections with project timelines, budgets, and overall development goals.

• Develop and maintain strong one-on-one client relationships, understanding individual needs and preferences for their new living spaces.

• Oversee the budgeting and construction coordination for all resident improvement work, ensuring projects are completed on time and within allocated financial parameters.

• Prepare and present design options and upgrade packages to residents, clearly communicating technical specifications and aesthetic possibilities.

• Maintain accurate records of all resident selections, budget changes, and project progress using Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications to ensure selections are feasible and comply with building codes and standards.

• Possess a basic understanding of construction methodology to effectively communicate with construction teams and address potential issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "resident standard and upgrade selection strategy" and acting as a "liaison between the Project Manager, Sales Team and future residents" indicates a strong operational component to this design role. The responsibilities extend beyond creative design into project execution, client management, and financial oversight within the context of residential construction and customization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree Required. Concentration in Interior Design or Architecture is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in Interior Design or a similar field is required. Background in residential upgrade selection or tenant development work is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to develop and maintain one-on-one client relationships with a focus on customer satisfaction.

• Proficiency in budgeting and construction coordination for residential improvement projects.

• Highly developed computer skills, specifically in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, for documentation and tracking.

• Basic knowledge of construction methodology and the ability to accurately read construction drawings and specifications.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills for effective interaction with residents, sales teams, and project managers.

• Strong presentation skills, including the ability to articulate design concepts and project details clearly.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with AutoCAD for design and drafting purposes.

• Experience in luxury interior design or high-end residential development.

• Proven networking abilities with local community leaders, organizations, and professionals.

• Established working relationships with local media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "knowledgeable about the operations, services and continuum of care in all venues in the community" is a critical differentiator for this role within a senior living context, suggesting that operational understanding of the community's services is as important as design acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse residential upgrade projects, highlighting the scope of work, client engagement, and final outcomes.

• Include examples of budget management and cost control for resident improvement projects, demonstrating financial acumen.

• Present examples of client communication and relationship management throughout the selection and implementation process.

• Demonstrate proficiency in reading and interpreting construction drawings and specifications within your portfolio.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to managing the resident selection process from initial consultation to final sign-off.

• Provide examples of how you track project budgets, manage vendor communications, and coordinate construction timelines.

• Illustrate your methods for ensuring client satisfaction and resolving any design or construction-related issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the client-facing and project coordination aspects, a portfolio demonstrating successful client management, budget adherence, and clear communication in residential upgrade projects will be crucial. The ability to translate resident preferences into actionable construction plans is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,923.33 - $88,641.75 USD per year. This range reflects the required experience level and the specific responsibilities of managing resident selections and upgrade budgets within a luxury senior living environment.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay

• Exceptional benefits package

• Generous Paid Time Off (accruing from day one)

• 401k with company match

• Paid maternity and paternity benefits

• Award-winning training and development programs

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Access to a luxury work environment

• Meaningful and rewarding work contributing to resident well-being

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. This is a full-time, on-site position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and aligns with a management-level role requiring significant client interaction, project coordination, and specialized knowledge in interior design and construction within a Florida market. The benefits package is comprehensive and targets employee well-being and professional development, which are attractive to operations and management professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Senior Living / Real Estate Development. Vi Living operates within the senior living sector, focusing on providing high-quality residences and care services. This industry demands a strong emphasis on resident well-being, customer service, and operational efficiency.

Company Size: Vi Living is recognized as a Great Place to Work and features on Glassdoor's 100 Best Companies list, indicating a medium to large organization with a strong focus on employee satisfaction and a positive work culture.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but Vi Living has established itself as a reputable provider in the senior living market, suggesting a history of growth and commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of a team that likely includes Project Managers, Sales Representatives, and potentially other design or construction professionals.

• This role will report to a senior leader within the development or operations department, overseeing the resident selection process.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes an award-winning training and development approach, suggesting a commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement for its employees.

• A focus on "meaningful and rewarding work" and a "luxury work environment" points to a culture that values employee contribution and provides a high-quality workplace.

• The operations at Vi Living likely prioritize resident satisfaction, operational excellence, and a high standard of living.

Company Website: https://jobs.viliving.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's recognition as a "Great Place to Work" and its inclusion on Glassdoor's list are strong indicators of a positive and supportive company culture, which is particularly important for roles involving significant client interaction and team collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level management position, requiring a minimum of 5 years of specialized experience. It involves significant responsibility for client satisfaction, project execution, and financial management within the design selection process.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Development, Director of Sales, or a senior operations manager, depending on the specific organizational structure within Vi Living's Naples location.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager directly impacts resident satisfaction and the perceived value of the living spaces. Successful execution of the upgrade selection process contributes to higher resident retention, increased revenue through upgrade sales, and a positive brand reputation for Vi Living.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in senior living interior design and upgrade strategies.

• Leadership Advancement: Opportunities to move into senior project management, sales leadership, or broader operational management roles within Vi Living.

• Skill Development: Access to award-winning training and development programs, tuition reimbursement, and on-the-job learning in a luxury environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "award-winning training and development" and "tuition reimbursement" suggests a strong commitment to employee growth, offering clear pathways for career advancement within the organization for those who excel in this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Luxury Work Environment. This suggests a modern, well-appointed office space designed to reflect the high standards of Vi Living's senior communities.

Office Location(s): Vi at Bentley Village, 2315 Leisure Lane, Naples, FL 34110. This location is within Collier County, Florida, known for its affluent demographic and high-end real estate.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, requiring close interaction with sales teams, project managers, and potentially residents.

• Access to necessary design and office technology, including computers, potentially design software, and presentation tools, is implied.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with residents during the selection process will be a key aspect of the daily workspace.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, full-time, on-site. While a structured schedule is provided, flexibility may be required to accommodate resident appointments and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "luxury work environment" and specific Naples, Florida location indicate a professional setting catering to a discerning clientele, which requires a high level of polish and customer service from all employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely review applications and resumes for minimum qualifications and relevant experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess experience in interior design, client relations, budgeting, and construction coordination. Expect questions about your approach to managing upgrade selections and resident interactions.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Presentation of your portfolio showcasing relevant residential upgrade projects. Be prepared to discuss your design process, client management strategies, budgeting skills, and how you handled challenges.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Potential interviews with members of the sales or project management teams to evaluate collaboration style and communication effectiveness.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss cultural fit and long-term contributions to Vi Living.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Highlight projects where you successfully managed budgets, improved resident satisfaction, and delivered high-quality upgrade implementations.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly outline your methodology for client consultations, selection presentation, budget tracking, and construction coordination.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate success (e.g., percentage of upgrades sold, budget adherence, client satisfaction scores).

• Tailor to Senior Living: If possible, include any experience or understanding of the unique needs and considerations for senior living environments.

• Visual Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to resident upgrade selections, budget constraints, and managing client expectations.

• Practice articulating your understanding of construction drawings and methodology.

• Develop clear talking points about your experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and any familiarity with AutoCAD.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "resident standard and upgrade selection strategy" and the liaison role suggests interviewers will probe deeply into your ability to manage the process of design selection, not just the creative aspect. Demonstrating proficiency in project management and client relations will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Word: For creating proposals, client communication, and documentation.

• Microsoft Excel: Essential for budgeting, tracking upgrade costs, managing project financials, and reporting.

• AutoCAD (Familiarity a plus): For reading and potentially creating/modifying construction drawings and specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems for managing client interactions and sales pipelines may be beneficial, though not explicitly required. The role involves managing client relationships, so any experience with client management tools is an asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Microsoft Word and Excel, along with AutoCAD as a plus, highlights the core technical competencies expected. Proficiency in these tools for operational management of design selections is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Resident-Centricity: A commitment to enhancing the living experience and satisfaction of residents through thoughtful design and selections.

• Excellence & Quality: Upholding high standards in design, construction, and client service, reflecting the luxury nature of Vi Living.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across departments (sales, project management) to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining ethical practices and a professional demeanor in all interactions.

• Efficiency: Streamlining the selection process to ensure timely project completion and client satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and a team-oriented approach are crucial, given the liaison role between sales, project management, and residents.

• A proactive style of engagement, anticipating resident needs and potential project roadblocks, will be valued.

• The ability to provide and receive constructive feedback to continuously improve processes and client experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of a "Great Place to Work" and a "luxury work environment" suggest a culture that fosters mutual respect, professional development, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Resident Preferences with Budget/Feasibility: Effectively guiding residents to make selections that align with their desires, budget constraints, and construction realities.

• Managing Multiple Resident Selections Simultaneously: Juggling the diverse needs and timelines of multiple future residents undergoing the selection process.

• Staying Current with Design Trends and Material Costs: Keeping abreast of evolving interior design trends and fluctuating material costs to advise residents effectively.

• Ensuring Seamless Integration with Construction Schedules: Coordinating design selections to integrate smoothly with the overall construction timeline to avoid delays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to award-winning training programs focused on senior living operations, design, and sales support.

• Industry Knowledge: Deepening understanding of the senior living market, construction processes, and interior design specific to this demographic.

• Professional Networking: Opportunities to build relationships with local architects, contractors, and suppliers.

• Career Advancement: Potential to grow into leadership roles within Vi Living's development or operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a unique challenge of blending creative design guidance with strict operational and financial management, requiring a candidate who is adept at both client relations and project execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for guiding a client through a complex upgrade selection process, from initial consultation to final sign-off."

• "How do you balance a client's desired upgrades with budget limitations and construction feasibility?"

• "Walk me through a challenging resident upgrade project you managed. What were the obstacles, and how did you overcome them?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Vi Living and our mission in senior living?"

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type, highlighting residential upgrade successes. For each project, clearly state the client's needs, your role, the budget, key design decisions, and the final outcome.

• Metrics: Quantify successes with data – e.g., "Managed upgrade selections for 15 residents, resulting in an average of $X in additional revenue per resident, while staying within Y% of projected budgets."

• Process Focus: Emphasize your operational process in managing selections, coordinating with teams, and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images of completed projects. If you have examples of drawings or specification sheets you worked with, include them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to demonstrate not just design aesthetic, but also your project management skills, client management abilities, and understanding of construction coordination and budgeting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Vi Living careers portal at https://jobs.viliving.com.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience in residential upgrade selection, client relationship management, budgeting, and construction coordination. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest residential upgrade projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your process, client management skills, and ability to handle budgets and construction coordination. Be ready to present this virtually or in person.

• Research Vi Living: Familiarize yourself with Vi Living's mission, values, and the specific offerings at Vi at Bentley Village. Understand their commitment to a "luxury work environment" and "meaningful and rewarding work."

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to client interaction, project management, and problem-solving in a design and construction context.

⚠️ 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.

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