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Design Manager - Interiors - Senior Level
Gensler đşđ¸ San Jose, California, United States of America
Lead complex, large-scale corporate interior projects from concept to completion while serving as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders. Manage multidisciplinary teams, oversee project financial performance, and drive business growth through new opportunities and strategic account leadership.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the lead design manager for complex, large-scale corporate interiors projects
- Manage large-scale, high-impact work (e.g., $1M+ fee, 100K+ SF, multi-phase or multi-stakeholder projects, or multiple concurrent large projects)
- Drive overall project vision, design excellence, and successful delivery across all phases
- Lead multiple concurrent projects, including high-value and multi-phase engagements
- Ensure alignment between design intent, client goals, and execution
- Act as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders
- Build, grow, and maintain long-term client relationships
- Provide account leadership (CR ownership) for key clients, identifying opportunities for expansion
- Navigate complex stakeholder environments and facilitate decision-making
- Generate new business opportunities and expand existing client relationships
- Lead and contribute to proposals, interviews, and pursuit strategies
- Partner with Marketing on lead generation, positioning, and storytelling
- Support sector growth initiatives (Tech Workplace, Advanced Tech, Critical Facilities, R&D/Labs)
- Own project financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability
- Develop and manage project schedules, work plans, and resource allocation
- Oversee preparation and negotiation of proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
- Review project accounting and manage billing processes
- Build, lead, and inspire high-performing, multidisciplinary project teams
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and career development for junior and mid-level staff
- Contribute to recruiting and team growth efforts
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance studio culture
- Guide coordination, documentation, and delivery to ensure quality and consistency
- Oversee quality assurance and technical review of project documentation
- Ensure compliance with building codes, accessibility standards, and project requirements
- Drive innovation in design process, tools, and delivery methods
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field
- 15+ years of design management experience within an architecture or design firm
- Proven success leading large, complex projects and multidisciplinary teams
- Strong client management and business development experience
- Expertise across all phases of project delivery
- Advanced skills in space planning, programming, and FF&E
- Strong knowledge of building systems, codes, and accessibility requirements
- Experience delivering financially successful projects
- Demonstrated leadership and mentorship capabilities
- Sustainable design experience preferred (LEED or similar)
- Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, 401(k), profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and biannual bonus opportunities
- Licensure support, exam reimbursement, and ongoing professional development
- Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
- Tuition reimbursement for certain eligible programs or classes
Key Skills
About Gensler
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 57 locations across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: To create a better world through the power of design. We believe the power of design can spark positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone. Gensler was named one of Forbesâ Best Large Employers in 2024, and our award-winning culture has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the Top 10 Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024. Our people-first philosophy is centered on the core ideas of diversity empowerment, impact, community, respect, and growth. You can learn more about our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace at https://www.gensler.com/about/inclusion. A note on recruitment: Gensler will never reac
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