Regional Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Regional Design Manager

Company: Pigott, Inc.

Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Operations

Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads and manages design departments across multiple physical locations (Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque), ensuring high-quality design output and client satisfaction.

• Drives the marketing and delivery of comprehensive design services, including space planning, feasibility studies, bid document preparation, and facility management.

• Oversees financial performance of the design department, monitoring billable percentages, accuracy, and expenses to ensure profitability and budget adherence.

• Develops and mentors the Eastern Iowa design team, actively participating in recruitment, performance reviews, and HR-related functions to foster a high-performing team environment.

• Contributes to strategic corporate planning and the development of sales strategies for design services, aligning departmental goals with overall company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Regional Design Manager," the core responsibilities heavily involve operational oversight, financial management, team leadership, and strategic contributions, positioning this role at the intersection of design expertise and operational management. The emphasis on "billable percentages," "accuracy results," and "quote-to-actual percentages" strongly indicates a need for operations-minded individuals who can drive efficiency and profitability within the design function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the Eastern Iowa design team, comprising interior designers across Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Dubuque locations, fostering a cohesive and productive regional team.

• Provide primary design direction for all project work undertaken by the Eastern Iowa design team, ensuring consistency in quality and adherence to client requirements and company standards.

• Market and promote all available design services, including but not limited to finish selection, density/feasibility studies, space planning, bid document preparation, facility management, inventory management, and rendering capabilities.

• Manage and monitor the Eastern Iowa design department's key performance indicators (KPIs) such as billable percentages, accuracy results, quote-to-actual percentages, and control all departmental expenses and billings.

• Estimate, write, and meticulously monitor the scope of work for design service contracts, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with client expectations and project objectives.

• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key clients, serving as a primary point of contact and ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and retention.

• Proactively manage the Eastern Iowa design workload, reallocating resources efficiently on a daily basis to meet project deadlines and client demands.

• Collaborate with the VP of Design Services on all personnel, HR, and staffing-related issues within the department, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions.

• Assist the VP of Design Services in developing strategic corporate plans for the design department, contributing insights and recommendations to shape future departmental direction.

• Support the development of the Eastern Iowa region's sales strategy, identifying opportunities for growth and contributing to revenue generation through design services.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, products, methods, promotional strategies, and technologies relevant to interior design and facility management.

• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to supporting the broader goals of the design department and the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on managing design output and operational performance. The inclusion of "marketing of all design services" and "development of Eastern IA's sales strategy" suggests that this role requires an individual who can not only lead a design team but also contribute to business development and revenue generation, a key aspect of GTM (Go-To-Market) operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in managing design teams and projects, with a strong understanding of operational workflows and team development.

• Proven ability to manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure profitable project delivery.

Required Skills:

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of design professionals across multiple locations, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Design & Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of interior design principles, space planning, and facility management. Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as CET Designer and AutoCAD is essential.

• Project & Financial Management: Expertise in managing project scopes, timelines, and budgets, with a keen eye for financial metrics like billable percentages and quote-to-actual accuracy.

• Client Relationship Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain strong, lasting relationships with key clients.

• Strategic Planning: Ability to contribute to corporate strategic planning and sales strategy development for design services.

Preferred Skills:

• Furniture Specification: Prior experience with furniture specification processes and vendor management.

• Facility Planning & Management: Deep knowledge of facility planning, inventory management, and operational efficiency within commercial spaces.

• Rendering & Visualization: Experience with rendering capabilities to present design concepts effectively.

• Bid Document Preparation: Skill in preparing comprehensive and accurate bid documents for design services.

• HR & Staffing Acumen: Familiarity with recruiting, interviewing, performance reviews, and HR-related functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both "design" and "management" suggests a need for candidates who possess strong technical design skills coupled with robust operational and leadership capabilities. The mention of specific software like CET and AutoCAD, alongside "furniture specification," points to a need for practical, hands-on design knowledge that can be translated into efficient operational processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant design projects, detailing the scope, client objectives, design solutions, and project outcomes. These should demonstrate your ability to manage projects from conception to completion.

• Team Leadership & Development Examples: Evidence of your approach to team management, including examples of team growth, performance improvement initiatives, or successful resource allocation strategies.

• Financial Management & Operational Efficiency: Documentation illustrating your experience in managing project budgets, tracking financial performance (e.g., billable hours, quote accuracy), and implementing process improvements to enhance departmental efficiency.

• Client Relationship & Business Development: Examples of how you have successfully managed key client relationships, secured new design service contracts, or contributed to sales strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Present examples of designed or optimized workflows for design projects, detailing how you ensure quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction throughout the process.

• Resource Allocation & Workload Management: Illustrate your methodology for managing and reallocating resources across multiple projects and locations to meet deadlines and optimize team capacity.

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Demonstrate your approach to tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for design teams, including metrics like billable percentages, accuracy rates, and expense management, and how you use this data for reporting and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase design aesthetics but also demonstrate a candidate's ability to manage operations, finances, and teams effectively within a design context. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the metrics and processes behind their achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, certifications, and training in design and management.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for personal and work-related challenges.

• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses tied to departmental and company success.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week. However, given the management responsibilities and potential for client needs, some flexibility may be required, including occasional evenings or weekends to meet project deadlines or address urgent client matters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by the company based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the specific scope of responsibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Office Furniture & Interior Design Solutions

Company Size: 50-200 Employees (as inferred from typical ATS data for companies of this nature and scope of operations)

Founded: 1945 (as inferred from public company data for Pigott, Inc.)

Team Structure:

• The Design department is structured regionally, with this role overseeing the Eastern Iowa design team (Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque).

• The Regional Design Manager reports to the VP of Design Services, indicating a clear hierarchy and a direct line to senior leadership.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on delivering "quality design work to clients in a timely manner, and within budget," highlighting a strong commitment to operational efficiency and client satisfaction.

• The company promotes a "OnePigott culture," emphasizing teamwork, collaboration, and a unified approach across all departments and locations.

• A commitment to continuous improvement is evident, with expectations for developing and maintaining position-specific procedures and process instructions.

Company Website: https://pigottnet.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Pigott, Inc. appears to be a well-established company in the office furniture and interior design sector. The "OnePigott culture" suggests a focus on internal collaboration and a unified approach to business, which is crucial for operational success in a multi-location environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into management, overseeing multiple teams and locations. It requires a blend of technical design expertise and strong operational leadership skills. It's positioned as a mid-to-senior level management role within the design function.

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct impact on revenue generation through the marketing and delivery of design services.

• Efficient management of design resources, budgets, and project timelines directly influences project profitability and client satisfaction, which are critical operational outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vice President of Design Services: This is explicitly listed as a potential growth opportunity, representing a natural upward progression for a high-performing Regional Design Manager.

• Director of Sales: The role's involvement in marketing design services and developing sales strategies could lead to transitions into sales leadership roles, leveraging design expertise to drive commercial success.

• Senior Design Strategist/Consultant: For individuals who wish to focus more on the strategic and consultative aspects of design rather than direct team management, opportunities may exist to move into more specialized senior roles.

• Operations Management: The operational oversight required for this role could also open doors to broader operations management positions within the company or in related industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Vice President of Design Services" and "Director of Sales" as growth opportunities indicates a clear career path for individuals who excel in this role, particularly those who can demonstrate strong operational and commercial acumen in addition to design leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based on-site and involves managing teams across multiple physical design studios or showrooms. The work environment is likely a combination of office-based work for administrative and strategic tasks, and potentially client-facing interactions or site visits.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will likely be collaborative, requiring interaction with design teams, sales staff, project managers, and potentially clients.

• Access to industry-standard design software and technology (e.g., AutoCAD, CET) will be critical for both the manager and their team.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, on-site position. While standard business hours are expected, the nature of managing multiple locations and client projects may necessitate flexibility to accommodate urgent needs or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and management of multiple locations suggest a need for strong organizational skills and the ability to travel between sites. The collaborative workspace context implies a dynamic environment where communication and teamwork are paramount for operational success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A phone or video call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the VP of Design Services or another senior leader to evaluate leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and understanding of design operations.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, team management strategies, and operational achievements. This may include a case study on process improvement or financial management.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key team members (designers, sales leads) to assess collaboration style, leadership impact, and ability to integrate with the existing team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive to discuss strategic vision and long-term fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., % increase in billable hours, % reduction in project costs, client satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Operational Processes: Showcase your ability to manage workflows, resources, and budgets. Detail how you ensure efficiency and quality in your design operations.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Use examples to illustrate your approach to team development, performance management, and conflict resolution.

• Tailor to Pigott: Research Pigott's core values ("OnePigott culture," professionalism, integrity) and the specific services they offer. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to align with these aspects.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, such as managing a team conflict, addressing a budget overrun, or developing a new sales strategy for design services.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Improvement Challenge: You might be asked to outline how you would improve a specific design process (e.g., lead generation for design services, project onboarding, resource allocation). Focus on data, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions about managing difficult team members, handling client escalations, or making tough resource allocation decisions under pressure.

• Strategic Thinking Exercise: Be ready to discuss your vision for growing the design services in Eastern Iowa or how you would adapt to new industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize both design acumen and operational management skills. A strong portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable results in project delivery, team leadership, and financial oversight will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CET Designer: Essential for furniture specification, space planning, and rendering in the contract furniture industry. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• AutoCAD: Standard for architectural drafting, space planning, and creating technical drawings.

• Revit (Potentially): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with BIM software like Revit could be an advantage for more complex architectural integration.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Comprehensive knowledge of Word, Excel (for financial tracking, reporting, and data analysis), PowerPoint (for presentations and client proposals), and Outlook (for communication and scheduling).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel/Google Sheets: For detailed financial tracking, budget management, and generating custom reports on billable hours, quote accuracy, and expense monitoring.

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot - potentially used by Sales): While not a direct tool for the Design Manager, understanding how design services integrate with the sales pipeline and client management via CRM is beneficial.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project - potentially used by Project Management): Familiarity with project tracking and resource management tools is helpful for cross-functional collaboration.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Reporting Tools: Pigott likely uses internal systems or custom dashboards for monitoring design department KPIs (billable percentages, quote-to-actual, expenses).

• HR/Staffing Software: For managing employee data, performance reviews, and recruitment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CET Designer and AutoCAD is non-negotiable. The ability to leverage Excel for robust financial and operational reporting will be critical for demonstrating effective management of departmental performance and driving efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism & Integrity: Upholding high standards in all business transactions and client interactions.

• Customer Focus: Providing prompt, courteous, and exceptional service to all internal and external customers.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a "OnePigott" mindset, partnering effectively across departments and locations to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Process Improvement: Continuously developing, maintaining, and improving position-specific procedures and process instructions to enhance service delivery.

• Accountability & Responsibility: Taking ownership of personal and professional development, and accepting responsibility for job performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work closely with sales, project management, and other departments to ensure seamless project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Open Communication: Encouraging proactive communication and a feedback exchange culture within the design team and across departments.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing performance metrics and financial data to inform decisions regarding resource allocation, process improvements, and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "OnePigott culture" suggests a strong emphasis on internal collaboration. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work effectively with diverse teams and contribute to a unified company mission, which is crucial for operational success across multiple locations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Locations: Effectively overseeing and unifying design teams across Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Dubuque requires strong remote management skills, consistent communication, and the ability to foster a cohesive regional culture.

• Balancing Design Creativity with Operational Constraints: Ensuring that design quality and innovation are maintained while strictly adhering to budgets, timelines, and profitability targets.

• Resource Allocation & Workload Management: Dynamically shifting resources to meet fluctuating project demands across different locations to prevent burnout or project delays.

• Driving Sales & Marketing Efforts: Proactively marketing design services and contributing to sales strategies in a competitive market, beyond traditional design responsibilities.

• Talent Development & Retention: Recruiting, developing, and retaining skilled interior designers in a competitive talent market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership & Management Training: Formal training programs or workshops focused on enhancing leadership, team management, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications in design, project management, or facility management.

• Exposure to Senior Leadership: Direct interaction with the VP of Design Services and other senior leaders provides invaluable mentorship and strategic business insights.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to learn about other operational functions within Pigott, such as sales, project execution, and finance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around operational execution in a multi-site environment and the dual responsibility of design leadership and business development. Growth opportunities are clearly defined, offering a structured path for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a design team across multiple geographically dispersed locations. How do you ensure consistency in service quality and foster a unified team culture?" (Focus on communication strategies, performance management, and team-building tactics for remote teams).

• "How do you balance creative design vision with the operational demands of budget adherence and profitability targets? Provide an example of a time you successfully navigated this challenge." (Highlight your understanding of financial metrics and process optimization in design).

• "Imagine you have two key clients with urgent, competing demands on your design team's resources. How would you prioritize and allocate resources to ensure both clients receive satisfactory service?" (Demonstrate your resource management and prioritization skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you align your leadership style with a company's core values, such as Pigott's 'OnePigott culture'?" (Research Pigott's stated values and prepare examples of how you embody teamwork, professionalism, and customer focus).

• "Describe your experience in HR functions like recruiting, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions. How do you approach developing and managing your team members?" (Showcase your HR acumen and people management philosophy).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Operations Focus: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Objective: Client's business and design goals.
  • Challenge: Operational constraints (budget, timeline, space).
  • Solution: Design approach and specific services provided.
  • Process: Your role in managing the project lifecycle, resource allocation, and team coordination.
  • Outcome: Quantifiable results (e.g., ROI, cost savings, efficiency gains, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Management & Financials: Dedicate specific slides or sections to demonstrating your team management approach and financial oversight capabilities, using data and metrics.

• Engage with Questions: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your decision-making process, problem-solving techniques, and how you drove specific operational or financial outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize not only design expertise but also strong operational management, financial acumen, and leadership capabilities. Candidates should be ready to discuss how they drive efficiency and profitability within a design context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Regional Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Pigott, Inc. careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects that demonstrate strong operational management, financial oversight (budget adherence, quote accuracy), and successful team leadership across multiple sites or complex projects. Include specific examples of how you managed resources and improved processes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords related to design management, operations, financial management (budgeting, P&L), leadership, CET Designer, AutoCAD, and client relationship management. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on operational and leadership scenarios. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your strategies for managing dispersed teams and driving business growth.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Pigott, Inc., its history, its "OnePigott culture," and its market position. Understand their core values and how your approach to operations management and design leadership aligns with their mission.

⚠️ 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.