Senior Design Manager, Commercial Furniture

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager, Commercial Furniture

Company: Open Plan Systems

Location: Richmond, VA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the Design Department, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality project deliverables.

• Provide technical leadership and administrative oversight for the CET Designer platform, including standards, templates, and product libraries.

• Foster a high-performing design team through effective leadership, coaching, and performance management.

• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies within the design function to support sales, engineering, and manufacturing.

• Act as a key liaison between the Design Department and other critical business units to ensure seamless project execution and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager with a strong emphasis on operational management and process optimization within the design function, rather than a client-facing design role. The focus is on leading a team, maintaining system integrity (CET Designer), and ensuring cross-functional alignment for efficient project delivery within a furniture manufacturing environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of design professionals, including assigning projects and managing workloads to meet deadlines and maximize productivity.

• Maintain and administer company CET Designer standards, templates, extensions, and product libraries, ensuring data integrity and consistency.

• Conduct performance coaching, provide training, and support employee development initiatives to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• Review design documentation, drawings, and specifications for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to company quality standards and best practices.

• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Customer Service to ensure seamless project execution from design to delivery.

• Support the estimating and quoting process by ensuring design accuracy, feasibility, and alignment with manufacturing capabilities.

• Recommend and implement improvements to design processes, workflows, and technology utilization to enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

• Monitor department performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and develop/maintain department procedures and documentation.

• Stay current on CET Designer updates, product changes, and internal operational processes that impact the Design Department's function.

• Foster a positive, team-oriented culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning within the Design Department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a management role focused on internal operations and process efficiency. Key areas include team leadership, system administration (CET Designer), quality assurance, and cross-functional collaboration, all aimed at optimizing the design output for manufacturing and sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Drafting, Engineering Technology, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent experience.

Experience: Minimum of five years of experience in commercial furniture design or a related field, with a minimum of two years in a supervisory or management capacity.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in CET Designer is mandatory for this role.

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams and driving performance.

• Strong understanding of commercial office furniture systems, manufacturing processes, and design principles.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills. Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD.

• Experience developing standardized processes and improving operational efficiency.

• Ability to build effective working relationships across multiple departments.

• Commitment to mentoring employees and building high-performing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "Advanced proficiency in CET Designer" is a critical technical skill for this operations-focused design management role. The emphasis on leadership, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration further defines the operational scope beyond pure design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of implemented process improvements within a design or manufacturing context, highlighting efficiency gains and error reduction.

• Demonstrate experience in managing and maintaining design software standards, templates, and product libraries, particularly for systems like CET Designer.

• Include documentation or case studies illustrating successful cross-departmental collaboration efforts that led to improved project delivery or operational outcomes.

• Provide evidence of leadership in driving team performance, process adherence, and quality assurance within a technical or design department. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for managing design projects from inception to manufacturing handover, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.

• Examples of standardized operating procedures (SOPs) developed for design team operations, quality checks, or system administration.

• Metrics and reporting frameworks used to track design department performance, workflow efficiency, and project completion rates.

• Case studies detailing the implementation and impact of process improvements or system enhancements within a design or manufacturing environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement" in the raw description, the nature of a Senior Design Manager role focused on operations, process, and team management strongly implies the need for candidates to demonstrate their capabilities through examples of process improvements, team leadership, and system administration in their application or during interviews. This section infers those expectations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• HRA Health Insurance

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Life Insurance

• Long Term Disability

• Short Term Disability

• 401K Program with company contribution (implied by "401K Program")

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a standard full-time schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is $60,000 - $80,000 for Richmond, VA. This range is on the lower end for a Senior Design Manager role with supervisory responsibilities in a manufacturing setting, especially considering the required technical expertise in CET Designer. A more competitive range for this level of experience and responsibility in the current market might extend to $85,000-$100,000+, depending on the specific company's compensation philosophy and the candidate's qualifications. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering typical employer-sponsored health, retirement, and income protection plans. The 401K program often includes a company match, which is a common incentive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Manufacturing and Distribution. Open Plan Systems positions itself as a manufacturer of quality office products at a competitive cost, alongside distributing seating, storage, and accessories.

Company Size: The description mentions a 400,000 sq ft showroom/admin building and a 10.8-acre manufacturing center, indicating a significant operational footprint. While exact employee numbers aren't provided, the scale suggests a medium to large enterprise within its niche.

Founded: Established in 2001, Open Plan Systems has over two decades of experience in the commercial furniture market, indicating stability and established operational processes.

Team Structure:

• The Design Department is a key functional unit within the company, responsible for technical design output that supports sales, engineering, and manufacturing.

• The Senior Design Manager will lead this team, which likely comprises designers and drafters proficient in CET Designer and potentially AutoCAD.

• Collaboration is expected with Sales (for quoting and client needs), Engineering (for product development and technical specifications), Manufacturing (for production feasibility and quality), and Customer Service (for post-sale support). Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on process and efficiency is evident, with requirements for workflow management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.

• The company aims to provide "unparalleled service, quality and savings," suggesting a customer-centric approach underpinned by efficient operations.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need to monitor department performance metrics and identify areas for improvement.

Company Website: https://openplan.isolvedhire.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a focus on value ("fraction of the cost," "savings") while maintaining quality and service. This suggests an operational culture that prioritizes efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and robust processes to deliver on these promises. The growth mentioned ("continue to keep growing!") implies a dynamic environment where operational improvements are likely valued.

📈 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 technical expertise in design software, strong leadership capabilities, and a strategic understanding of how design operations impact broader business objectives like sales, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, VP of Manufacturing, or a similar senior leadership role overseeing production and operational efficiency.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the company's ability to accurately quote, efficiently manufacture, and successfully deliver commercial furniture products. By ensuring quality, managing workflow, and optimizing design processes, this position directly contributes to cost control, production throughput, and customer satisfaction, all critical drivers of revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into broader operational management roles, such as Director of Operations or VP of Manufacturing, overseeing larger teams or multiple departments.

• Process Optimization Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in operations management, lean manufacturing principles, and workflow automation within the furniture industry.

• Strategic Operations: Involvement in strategic planning for design technology adoption, process re-engineering, and operational scaling to support company growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and management responsibilities indicate a clear path for career progression, particularly within operations or manufacturing leadership. The emphasis on process improvement and team development suggests opportunities for specialized growth in operational excellence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from a substantial facility in Richmond, VA, encompassing a showroom, administration building, and a large manufacturing center. This suggests a hybrid work environment where the Design Manager will be primarily on-site, interacting daily with design teams, manufacturing personnel, and administrative staff.

Office Location(s): 4700 Deepwater Terminal Rd. Richmond, VA 23234. This location is an industrial area, typical for manufacturing operations.

Workspace Context:

• The role involves working within a dynamic manufacturing and distribution environment.

• Daily interaction with design teams, likely in a shared office or studio space, fostering collaboration and direct oversight.

• Regular engagement with personnel from Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing, requiring on-site presence for effective communication and problem-solving.

• Access to necessary design software (CET Designer, AutoCAD) and standard office technology (Microsoft Office Suite) will be provided.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with the understanding that occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or address urgent operational needs. The on-site nature of the role necessitates adherence to a regular work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description strongly implies an on-site role due to the nature of managing a manufacturing design department and collaborating across departments. This is reinforced by the "On-site" AI-derived work arrangement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with CET Designer proficiency and management experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director of Operations or similar) to evaluate leadership style, operational approach, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the furniture manufacturing process. This stage may involve behavioral questions.

• Technical/Team Interview: Potentially a session with key design team members or peers from other departments (e.g., Engineering, Manufacturing) to assess technical acumen, collaboration style, and fit within the existing team dynamic. A demonstration of CET Designer capabilities might be requested.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final meeting with senior leadership to discuss role expectations, compensation, and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operations & Process: Highlight examples of how you've improved design workflows, increased efficiency, reduced errors, or implemented new processes within a design or manufacturing setting.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include case studies or examples of how you've led, coached, and developed technical teams to achieve departmental goals.

• CET Designer Expertise: Showcase your advanced proficiency with CET Designer, including any experience with template development, library management, or custom extension implementation.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide concrete examples of successful collaborations with Sales, Engineering, or Manufacturing, detailing the challenges, your role, and the positive outcomes.

• Metrics & Results: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use data to demonstrate the impact of your process improvements or team management efforts (e.g., "reduced project turnaround time by X%", "improved design accuracy by Y%").

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach managing a team of designers with varying skill levels.

• Anticipate questions about your strategies for maintaining CET Designer standards and product libraries.

• Prepare to outline your approach to collaborating with sales and manufacturing to resolve design-related issues or quote discrepancies.

• Consider how you would measure and report on the performance of a design department.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the operational focus of this role, interviewers will likely probe for practical experience in process improvement, team management, and technical system administration. A portfolio that clearly articulates these aspects, backed by quantifiable results, will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CET Designer: This is the core software for this role and requires advanced proficiency. Expect detailed questions about its administration, customization, and use in managing product libraries and templates.

• AutoCAD: Preferred knowledge, indicating its potential use for specific drafting tasks or integration with CET Designer workflows.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for general business operations, reporting, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, the role requires monitoring "department performance metrics" and identifying areas for improvement. This implies the use of internal reporting mechanisms or potentially basic data analysis in Excel or through CET Designer's reporting features. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for the Design Department's direct use in this description. However, understanding how the design output integrates with broader company systems (e.g., ERP for manufacturing, CRM for sales) would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: CET Designer is the critical technology. Proficiency here is not just about using it, but about managing its standards, libraries, and ensuring its effective application across the team. Any experience in creating or managing CET Designer templates, custom parts, or extensions would be highly valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Productivity: A strong emphasis on maximizing output, streamlining workflows, and minimizing wasted time or resources within the design process.

• Quality & Accuracy: Commitment to delivering precise, error-free design documentation that meets company standards and supports successful manufacturing.

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

• Accountability & Ownership: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their work, meet commitments, and contribute to the department's overall success.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset towards identifying opportunities to enhance processes, tools, and team performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing. This suggests a culture that values open communication and problem-solving across departmental lines.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback on processes and deliverables to drive quality and efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical tips, and operational insights within the design team and with partner departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "service, quality and savings" implies a culture that values operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. The mention of "keeping our customers satisfied" suggests that attention to detail and timely delivery are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Skill Sets: Leading a team that may have varying levels of experience and proficiency in CET Designer and other design tools.

• Maintaining System Integrity: Ensuring consistency and accuracy across a complex product library and template system within CET Designer, especially as product lines evolve.

• Balancing Speed and Accuracy: Meeting tight deadlines for quotes and production while maintaining high standards of design quality and accuracy.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Effectively communicating and coordinating priorities between Design, Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing, which often have competing demands.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with CET Designer updates, new furniture products, and manufacturing capabilities that impact the design process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CET Designer Training: Opportunities for specialized training in CET Designer administration, customization, or specific industry extensions.

• Operations Management Skills: Development in areas like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or broader supply chain and production management principles.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal or informal training in management, team building, performance coaching, and strategic planning.

• Industry Knowledge: Deeper understanding of commercial furniture design, materials, manufacturing processes, and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to become an expert in CET Designer administration and to significantly impact operational efficiency in a manufacturing setting. The challenges are typical for a management role in a production-oriented environment, offering substantial learning and growth potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing and developing a team of designers. How do you ensure accountability and foster continuous improvement?" (Focus on leadership, coaching, and performance management strategies.)

• "How would you ensure the integrity and accuracy of CET Designer standards, templates, and product libraries for a furniture manufacturer? Walk me through your process." (Highlight your technical oversight and system administration skills.)

• "Describe a time you had to resolve a conflict or align priorities between the design department and another department, such as sales or manufacturing. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving abilities.)

• "What metrics would you use to measure the performance and efficiency of a design department, and how would you use that data to drive improvements?" (Showcase your analytical and data-driven operations mindset.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Open Plan Systems, how do you see your role contributing to our mission of providing quality products at a competitive cost?" (Align your operational focus with the company's value proposition.)

• "What is your experience with fostering a team culture that emphasizes collaboration and accountability? How do you address underperformance?" (Assess your team leadership and cultural fit.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in commercial furniture design and the evolution of design software like CET Designer?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For any process improvement or team leadership example, clearly state the measurable results (e.g., time saved, error reduction, cost savings).

• CET Designer Focus: Dedicate a section or specific examples to your expertise in CET Designer administration, showing examples of templates, libraries, or problem-solving scenarios.

• Workflow Visualization: If possible, use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate process improvements you've implemented.

• Leadership Narrative: Frame your experience not just as an individual contributor but as a leader who enabled team success and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely focus on practical application of management skills, deep knowledge of CET Designer from an administrative and strategic perspective, and the ability to translate operational improvements into business value.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Open Plan Systems careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience in commercial furniture design, CET Designer proficiency (specifically mentioning advanced skills), and any supervisory or management responsibilities. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather examples of process improvements, team leadership initiatives, and any documentation related to CET Designer standards or workflows. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Research Open Plan Systems: Understand their product offerings, market position, and company values. Consider how your operational management skills can contribute to their goals of quality, service, and savings.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, problem-solving approaches, and how you would manage a design department focused on operational efficiency and cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ 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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