Senior Interior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Interior Design Manager

Company: Welltower™ Inc. (NYSE:WELL)

Location: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Interior Design & Project Management

Date Posted: June 11, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (Implied Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site (with up to 75% travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the planning, coordination, procurement, and execution of interior design initiatives across Welltower's global portfolio of wellness and healthcare real estate.

• Serve as a critical link between design vision and operational execution, managing vendor relationships, procurement logistics, budget alignment, and project timelines.

• Evaluate and advance value-add opportunities to strengthen resident experience, improve asset positioning, support revenue growth, and drive measurable return on invested capital (ROI).

• Translate design strategy into operational and financial outcomes, influencing stakeholders and leading complex initiatives with limited direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Interior Design Manager," the responsibilities and requirements clearly indicate a strong emphasis on project management, procurement, and financial accountability, aligning it closely with a "Senior Design Project Manager" role within a real estate investment context. The role requires a blend of creative oversight and rigorous operational execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and track all design-related purchase orders (POs), ensuring clear escalation paths and early risk identification.

• Communicate with vendors regarding product availability and PO status, negotiating solutions that protect schedule, quality, and budget.

• Maintain detailed records of products, vendor information, and shipment logistics, ensuring selected items align with design direction, specifications, budget, operator needs, and asset strategy.

• Coordinate delivery schedules with project managers, contractors, and receivers, overseeing white-glove deliveries and installations, and proactively resolving issues.

• Track shipments, resolve freight issues, damages, or backorders, and manage warehouse storage and inventory prior to installation.

• Support the Design Team during final installation and styling phases.

• Monitor purchasing forecast accuracy and communicate necessary adjustments to internal teams.

• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline procurement processes.

• Drive continuous improvement by identifying and implementing solutions to reduce costs and enhance efficiency while maintaining design integrity and resident/operator experience.

• Act as a solutions-oriented problem solver, proactively addressing challenges.

• Support alignment between Sales and Operations through regular review and analysis of sales budgets, design investment priorities, and value creation objectives.

• Lead analytics related to purchasing activities, including supplier stock availability, performance metrics, and purchasing trends, to recommend procurement and vendor strategies.

• Establish and manage the Procurement Schedule, securing commitments and ensuring timely project completion.

• Resolve issues related to scope of work disputes and change orders in collaboration with project stakeholders.

• Enter and process purchase orders from submitted requisitions for project-specific and general supply needs.

• Maintain accurate records of all goods ordered and received.

• Resolve vendor or contractor conflicts, grievances, and claims, including negotiation.

• Prepare and present reports on market conditions and merchandise costs, including make-versus-buy analysis.

• Assess and recommend value-add interior design opportunities across communities (e.g., amenity refreshes, model unit strategies, common-area repositioning) to improve marketability, resident experience, and operating performance.

• Partner with Asset Management, Operations, Sales, Development, Construction, and external operators to evaluate the business case for design investments, including scope, cost, timing, potential revenue impact, operational lift, and ROI.

• Create value-tracking tools and post-project learnings to measure outcomes, identify best practices, and inform future design and procurement strategies.

• Provide senior-level guidance to designers, project managers, vendors, receivers, and installation teams for consistent, urgent, and accountable project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant focus on procurement operations, supply chain management, and financial analysis within the context of interior design projects. This role requires a strong understanding of how design decisions impact operational costs, asset value, and revenue generation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field is typically expected for a senior-level role of this nature. Experience:

• 8+ years of project management experience within interior design, with a strong preference for experience in commercial, hospitality, senior housing, multifamily, or healthcare environments.

• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-phase projects involving cross-functional collaboration and senior stakeholder engagement.

• Experience developing or supporting capital planning, renovation, repositioning, or value-add business cases is preferred.

• Prior experience mentoring junior team members or serving as a project lead across multiple concurrent initiatives is preferred. Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of materials, furnishings, finishes, and FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) procurement processes.

• Highly organized with excellent time management and communication skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Strong analytical mindset and ability to drive data-informed decision-making, including evaluation of value-add opportunities, budget tradeoffs, vendor performance, and project ROI.

• Professional demeanor and ability to build effective vendor and internal team relationships.

• Ability to influence without direct authority and lead through ambiguity.

• Experience working with contracts, purchase orders, and design documentation, including scope development, change order review, and project closeout reporting.

• Demonstrated ability to present recommendations, project risks, and financial/design tradeoffs to leadership in a clear and actionable manner. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Smartsheet, Yardi, and procurement tracking systems.

• Experience with value engineering and cost-benefit analysis for design investments.

• Familiarity with capital planning processes and renovation project lifecycles.

• Understanding of market conditions and merchandise cost analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of design acumen and robust project management/procurement capabilities. Proficiency in specific software like Smartsheet and Yardi is crucial for operational efficiency and data management, particularly relevant for roles managing large portfolios. The "8+ years" suggests a role that requires seasoned professionals capable of independent decision-making and strategic input.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successfully managed interior design projects from concept to completion, highlighting procurement and vendor management aspects.

• Case studies showcasing the evaluation and execution of value-add interior design opportunities (e.g., amenity refreshes, model unit upgrades).

• Examples of how design initiatives have positively impacted asset positioning, resident experience, or operating performance.

• Evidence of analytical skills applied to project management, including budget tracking, ROI analysis, and cost-benefit assessments of design investments.

• Documentation of process improvements or SOPs developed for procurement or project execution. Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams illustrating the end-to-end interior design procurement process, from requisition to installation.

• Examples of project tracking mechanisms, potentially using tools like Smartsheet, to manage timelines, budgets, and vendor deliverables.

• Records of vendor performance evaluations and how these insights informed procurement strategies.

• Documentation of how design specifications were translated into actionable purchase orders and managed through logistics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should not only showcase aesthetic outcomes but also rigorously detail the operational and financial management of those outcomes. Candidates should be prepared to present case studies where they identified a design opportunity, built a business case (including ROI), managed procurement, and tracked the value creation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the "8+ years" experience requirement, senior-level project management in a specialized field, and the high travel percentage (up to 75%), a competitive salary range for a Senior Interior Design Manager in Canada (specifically Saskatchewan) would likely fall between CAD $100,000 - $150,000 annually. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for senior project managers in real estate development and design, adjusted for regional cost of living and the specific demands of managing a global portfolio. Benefits:

• Competitive Base Salary + Annual Bonus

• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays

• Employee Stock Purchase Program – purchase shares at a 15% discount

• Pension Scheme + Profit Sharing Program

• Tuition Assistance Program

• Comprehensive and progressive Medical/Dental/Vision options

• Professional Growth opportunities Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, but may require flexibility due to project deadlines, travel, and international coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is a benchmark; actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive, indicating Welltower's commitment to employee well-being and long-term investment. The high travel percentage suggests that the base salary should reflect the demanding nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate (Healthcare Infrastructure, Senior Living, Wellness Housing, Outpatient Medical Buildings)

Company Size: Large (1,000-5,000 employees, based on LinkedIn data for Welltower)

Founded: 2014 (Welltower)

Team Structure:

• This role likely sits within a broader Design, Development, or Asset Management department.

• The Senior Interior Design Manager will collaborate closely with internal teams such as Asset Management, Operations, Sales, Development, Construction, and external operators.

• There will be direct interaction with designers, project managers, vendors, and installation teams.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Director or VP of Design/Development/Asset Management. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Welltower emphasizes its data science platform and the Welltower Business System for superior operating results. This role is expected to contribute through analytics on purchasing activities, vendor performance, and ROI of design investments.

• Value Creation Focus: The company culture is driven by delivering long-term compounding per share growth and returns. Design investments are viewed through the lens of improving marketability, resident experience, and operating performance.

• Product Company in a Real Estate Wrapper: This suggests an innovative approach, treating real estate assets with the mindset of product development, focusing on user experience and continuous improvement.

• "The only easy day was yesterday": This mantra indicates a fast-paced, challenging, and ambitious work environment that values proactive problem-solving and resilience.

Company Website: https://welltower.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Welltower positions itself as an innovative leader in healthcare real estate, with a culture that values ambition, data-driven insights, and a product-centric approach. The "Senior Interior Design Manager" role is integrated into this framework, requiring a strategic mindset that links design execution to financial outcomes and operational efficiency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This is a senior-level position, requiring significant experience and the ability to lead complex initiatives with autonomy. It implies a move beyond execution to strategic input and oversight. The role demands not just managing projects but also identifying and championing value-add opportunities that align with the company's broader financial and operational goals. Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Interior Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP level executive within the Design, Development, or Asset Management functions.

• This role will have significant cross-functional interaction, influencing and collaborating with teams across Asset Management, Operations, Sales, Development, and Construction, as well as external operators. Operations Impact:

• The role has a direct impact on revenue growth and asset value through strategic interior design investments. By enhancing resident experience and improving asset positioning, the role contributes to increased occupancy, higher rental rates, and improved operational efficiency.

• The focus on ROI and value-add opportunities means this role is directly tied to Welltower's "North Star" of delivering long-term compounding per share growth and returns. Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles within Design, Development, or Asset Management, potentially managing larger teams or more complex portfolios.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape Welltower's interior design strategy and procurement best practices across its global portfolio.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like healthcare infrastructure design, senior living environments, or advanced procurement analytics.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and project managers, developing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a significant contributor to Welltower's strategic objectives, offering ample opportunity for career progression. The emphasis on analytical decision-making and ROI analysis provides a clear path for demonstrating impact and advancing within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• On-site role with significant travel (up to 75%). This suggests a hybrid approach where the individual will spend some time in an office environment for planning, collaboration, and administrative tasks, but will be frequently on-site at various properties for project oversight, installations, and stakeholder meetings. Office Location(s):

• While the job is posted with a placeholder location (Moose Jaw, SK, Canada), the company's portfolio spans the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. This implies that the "on-site" aspect could be tied to a primary office location or a home-based arrangement that requires frequent travel to various company properties. The specific office location might be flexible or tied to a major hub within Canada. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive collaboration with internal departments (Asset Management, Operations, Sales, Development, Construction) and external partners (vendors, operators, contractors). Expect a dynamic environment with frequent communication and stakeholder management.

• Technology & Tools: Access to essential office technology, project management software (e.g., Smartsheet), procurement systems, and potentially design software. The role demands proficiency in digital tools for tracking, analysis, and communication.

• Field-Oriented: The significant travel requirement means a substantial portion of the work will occur on-site at Welltower's properties, requiring adaptability to different environments and project stages.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time (approx. 40 hours/week), but the demanding nature of the role, extensive travel, and fast-paced culture ("The only easy day was yesterday") suggest that flexibility and willingness to work beyond standard hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines and address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" designation, coupled with 75% travel, indicates a role that is primarily field-based or requires significant travel from a home office, rather than a traditional fixed office setting for the majority of the work week. Candidates should be prepared for a demanding travel schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will likely review applications for minimum qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A focused discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or VP) to assess technical skills, project management experience, leadership capabilities, and understanding of procurement/financial aspects.

3. Portfolio Review & Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant projects. This could include a detailed case study of a complex interior design project, focusing on challenges, solutions, procurement strategies, budget management, and ROI.

4. Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Asset Management, Operations, or Development to assess collaboration skills and ability to align design with business objectives.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with Welltower's ambitious culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the business objectives, your specific role, the procurement process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, ROI, improved metrics).

• Focus on Process & Strategy: Detail your approach to project management, vendor selection, negotiation, budget control, and risk mitigation within the design procurement lifecycle.

• Showcase Value-Add: Highlight specific examples where you identified an opportunity for design to add value, built a business case, and executed it successfully.

• Demonstrate Analytical Skills: Be prepared to discuss how you used data to inform decisions, evaluate vendor performance, or analyze market trends.

• Tailor to Welltower: Research Welltower's portfolio and culture. Frame your experience in terms of how you can contribute to their mission of transforming real estate and driving returns.

Challenge Preparation:

• Procurement Scenario: Be ready for a hypothetical scenario involving a complex procurement challenge (e.g., supply chain disruption, budget overrun, vendor dispute) and outline your approach to resolving it.

• Value-Add Proposal: Prepare to outline how you would assess a property for value-add interior design opportunities and develop a business case for investment.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Practice articulating complex design and financial trade-offs to different stakeholder groups (e.g., a creative designer vs. a finance executive).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely probe deeply into the candidate's ability to manage complex projects, control costs, drive value, and collaborate effectively across diverse teams. A strong, data-backed portfolio is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Smartsheet is explicitly mentioned and is critical for tracking tasks, timelines, dependencies, and resource allocation across multiple projects.

• Procurement Tracking Systems: Experience with specific procurement software or platforms used for managing purchase orders, vendor contracts, and inventory. While not named, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with such systems.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, reporting, and communication (Excel for data analysis and budgeting, Word for documentation, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Yardi: Mentioned as a required proficiency, this is a comprehensive property management and accounting software that will be crucial for understanding asset performance, budget tracking, and financial reporting related to design investments.

• Excel: Advanced Excel skills are necessary for detailed financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting on purchasing activities, ROI, and vendor performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed as required, familiarity with CRM systems might be beneficial for understanding sales pipeline impacts or operator needs. Experience with automation in procurement processes (e.g., streamlining PO generation) would be a strong asset.

• Data Analysis Tools: General experience with data analysis and visualization tools would be advantageous for identifying trends and presenting insights effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Smartsheet and Yardi is non-negotiable. These tools are central to Welltower's operational and financial management. A candidate's ability to leverage these systems for data-driven decision-making will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership Mentality: Encouraged to "think like an owner" and take initiative, aligning with the "only easy day was yesterday" mantra. This translates to accountability for outcomes.

• Innovation & Fearlessness: Valuing bold, independent thinkers who are willing to innovate and challenge the status quo.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working across departments and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions are informed by data and analytics, with a focus on measured outcomes and ROI.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: Driving efficiency and seeking improvements in processes, costs, and operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is inherently collaborative, requiring seamless integration with Asset Management, Operations, Sales, Development, and Construction. Open communication and proactive alignment are key.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that likely encourages reviewing existing processes and providing constructive feedback for optimization.

• Knowledge Sharing: Expectation to share insights from project learnings, vendor performance, and market analysis to benefit the wider team and inform future strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Welltower's culture is designed for high performers who thrive in a dynamic, results-oriented environment. The Senior Interior Design Manager must be comfortable with ambiguity, possess strong influencing skills, and consistently demonstrate a commitment to driving value and efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Financial Constraints: Ensuring high-quality, on-brand design while adhering to strict budgets and delivering measurable ROI.

• Managing Global Supply Chains: Navigating complex logistics, vendor availability, and potential disruptions across different regions.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Influencing and gaining buy-in from diverse internal and external stakeholders with varying priorities.

• High Travel Demands: Maintaining effectiveness and work-life balance with up to 75% travel.

• Translating Strategy to Execution: Effectively bridging the gap between high-level design strategy and detailed operational execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Procurement Strategies: Gaining deeper expertise in global procurement, vendor negotiation, and supply chain optimization within the real estate sector.

• Financial Acumen: Enhancing skills in capital planning, ROI analysis, and business case development for large-scale investments.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead major projects, mentor junior staff, and potentially step into broader management roles.

• Industry Exposure: Working with a leading company in healthcare infrastructure provides exposure to cutting-edge trends and best practices in senior living and wellness real estate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role present significant opportunities for professional growth. Successfully navigating these challenges will build a strong foundation for future career advancement within Welltower or the broader real estate and design industries.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a creative design vision with significant budget constraints. How did you prioritize and achieve the best possible outcome?" (Focus on negotiation, value engineering, and trade-off articulation).

• "How would you approach identifying and evaluating value-add interior design opportunities for a senior living community facing declining occupancy?" (Demonstrate analytical approach, business case development, and ROI projection).

• "Walk me through your process for managing a complex FF&E procurement for a multi-site project, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and risk mitigation." (Highlight project management methodology, procurement expertise, and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure alignment between design intent, operational needs, and the overall asset strategy when working with multiple stakeholders?" (Emphasize communication, collaboration, and understanding of different business functions). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Welltower's mission and culture, particularly our 'product company in a real estate wrapper' approach and the 'only easy day was yesterday' mantra?" (Show research and alignment with Welltower's values).

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders without direct authority. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Assess influencing skills and ability to lead through ambiguity).

• "How do you measure the success of your interior design projects beyond aesthetics, particularly in terms of financial impact and operational efficiency?" (Focus on ROI, data-driven metrics, and business impact). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the Objective, Your Role, Challenges, Solution (including procurement specifics), Results (quantified ROI, operational improvements, resident satisfaction), and Key Learnings.

• Highlight Process & Tools: Explicitly mention your use of project management tools (Smartsheet), procurement systems, and analytical methods (Yardi data, Excel analysis) in your project execution.

• Focus on Value: Emphasize how your design decisions and procurement strategies directly contributed to the company's financial goals, asset value, or operational efficiency.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, budget management, vendor negotiations, and problem-solving strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate a strong blend of design sensibility, rigorous project management, financial acumen, and strategic thinking, all within Welltower's ambitious and results-oriented framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Interior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ultipro recruiting portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in project management, FF&E procurement, vendor relations, budget management, and ROI analysis within relevant industries (commercial, hospitality, senior living, healthcare). Use keywords from the job description such as "Smartsheet," "Yardi," "value-add," and "procurement."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects. For each, prepare a concise summary or case study detailing the project's scope, your responsibilities, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results (ROI, cost savings, operational improvements). Be ready to present this virtually or in person.

• Research Welltower: Thoroughly understand Welltower's business model, portfolio, company culture, and recent news. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their specific approach to real estate and how your skills will contribute to their "North Star."

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your project management, problem-solving, influencing, and analytical skills, especially in the context of design procurement and value creation.

⚠️ 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.