The Design Project Operations Manager acts as the operational and executional bridge between the design team, clients, vendors, and contractors. This multifaceted role not only oversees the lifecycle of design projects from concept through delivery but also manages the overall operations of the studio or firm, ensuring that both creative output and business infrastructure run smoothly. When the CEO is unavailable, this position steps in as the acting leader, maintaining business continuity and decision-making at the executive level.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Management & Delivery
oLead and manage the end-to-end execution of design projects, ensuring quality, timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met consistently.
oServe as the key liaison between internal design teams and external stakeholders including clients, vendors, and contractors, facilitating clear communication and accountability.
oMonitor project schedules, budgets, scopes, and milestones to ensure alignment with strategic and creative goals.
oManage procurement, production logistics, shipping, and on-site installations where applicable.
Studio & Business Operations
oOversee daily operations of the office/studio, including resource planning, team workflow, tools/software management functions.
oImplement and refine operational systems and processes to support scale, efficiency, and high-quality work.
oCoordinate cross-functional collaboration between design, finance, HR, and external partners.
oEnsure compliance with all internal policies, legal regulations, and vendor contracts.
Leadership & Strategic Support
oAct as the Leader operational right hand--supporting business planning, strategic initiatives, and internal decision-making.
oStep in as acting leader during periods of absence, ensuring continuity in leadership, external representation, and key approvals.
oProvide team mentorship and leadership, fostering a culture of accountability, creativity, and collaboration.
oRepresent the company in meetings, negotiations, and presentations when executive leadership is not present.
This role demands a unique blend of creative sensibility, operational discipline, and executive-level judgment. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver, a systems thinker, and a confident leader--capable of turning vision into reality while keeping both people and processes aligned.
Required Qualifications
oBachelor's degree in design management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
o5 to 10 years of experience in project management, operations, or studio management, ideally within a creative, design, or architecture environment.
oProven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
oFamiliarity with budgeting, cost estimation, and financial oversight of creative or construction projects.
oStrong understanding of design processes, creative workflows, and vendor/client management.
Core Skills
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Project Management:
Expertise in planning, executing, and delivering design projects on time and within budget.
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Operational Leadership:
Ability to build and improve internal processes, manage office logistics, and optimize workflows for efficiency and scalability.
o
Strategic Thinking:
Capable of seeing the big picture while managing day-to-day operations. Comfortable making executive-level decisions in the leader's absence.
o
Financial Acumen:
Competence in budgeting, forecasting, and financial tracking to ensure projects and operations remain profitable and sustainable.
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Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders and represent the company in external communications.
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Problem-Solving:
Strong critical thinking and the ability to anticipate, diagnose, and resolve issues under pressure.
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Leadership & Team Management:
Experience in supervising staff, mentoring team members, and maintaining a positive, high-performing workplace culture.
Preferred Qualifications
oMaster's degree in business, Design Management, or related discipline.
oPMP or other project management certification.
oExperience working in a design studio, creative agency, or architecture firm.
oFamiliarity with contract negotiation, vendor agreements, and risk management
Job Type: Full-time
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