Director of Design Operations
Job Description
Director of Design Operations
Project Focus: Luxury Residential Interior Design
If you’re a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on leader who understands how great design businesses run, not just how great design looks, this is an opportunity to shape the operational engine behind a growing luxury residential practice.
We are seeking an experienced and business-minded Director of Design Operations to lead and optimize the performance of our residential design division. This role sits at the intersection of design leadership, operations, and procurement, ensuring projects are executed efficiently, profitably, and to the highest design standards.
The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in interior design, paired with proven experience in team leadership, interior design development, financial oversight, and procurement management.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Business Performance
- Own the day-to-day operations of the residential design division, ensuring alignment with company goals, budgets, and growth targets
- Develop, implement, and refine operational processes that improve efficiency, profitability, and scalability
- Oversee project financials, including budgets, fee structures, and margin optimization
Team Leadership & Organizational Management
- Lead, mentor, and manage the interior design and procurement teams, fostering a high-performing and accountable culture
- Oversee team structure, staffing plans, and workload distribution to ensure efficiency across all active projects
- Build clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows across design, project management, and procurement functions
- Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities
Procurement & FF&E Operations
- Oversee all procurement operations, including vendor relationships, purchasing processes, and order management
- Ensure accurate and efficient FF&E specification, budgeting, tracking, and installation coordination
- Implement and optimize procurement systems, tools, and workflows to improve accuracy and reduce delays
- Manage relationships with vendors, workrooms, and suppliers to ensure quality, pricing, and reliability
- Partner with accounting on invoicing, cash flow, and purchasing schedules
Project Oversight & Delivery Excellence
- Maintain high-level visibility across all projects to ensure timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met
- Collaborate with project managers and design leads to proactively identify risks and resolve challenges
- Ensure consistency in project execution, documentation standards, and client experience
- Drive cross-functional alignment between design, procurement, and construction teams
Design Leadership
- Uphold and guide the overall design vision and quality standards of the firm
- Provide high-level design direction and review at key project milestones
- Support the design team in maintaining a cohesive, elevated aesthetic aligned with the luxury market
- Act as a senior resource for complex design or technical challenges without owning day-to-day design execution
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a senior leader in client relationships, ensuring a seamless and elevated client experience
- Support key client interactions, particularly in complex or high-value projects
- Partner with principals and business development teams to support growth and client retention
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field
- 10-14+ years of experience in high-end residential design, with increasing leadership responsibility
- Proven experience in operations, team leadership, and/or business management within a design firm
- Strong understanding of procurement processes, FF&E management, and vendor coordination
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, project financials, and operational performance
- Experience in design, documentation, and AI tools (AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, procurement platforms, AI platforms, etc.)
- Strong knowledge of construction documentation, detailing, and building processes Â
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Key Attributes for Success
- Operationally driven leader who understands both creative and business sides of a design firm
- Systems thinker who can build structure, process, and scalability
- Skilled at managing teams, workflows, and cross-functional collaboration
- Passion for delivering a high-touch, luxury client experience through operational excellence
For immediate review and consideration, contact: Ashley Levin -Â Ashley@InteriorTalent.com
Interior Talent, Inc
Since its founding in 2003, Interior Talent has evolved into one of the leading talent recruitment and retention firms for the Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Retail, and Manufacturing industries. Our defined area of expertise and ability to continually adapt to the unique needs of our clients allow us to provide focused, individualized service.
For all active Interior Talent job listings, please visit Jobs.InteriorTalent.com
- CONFIDENTIALITY & PROFESSIONALISM: We assist with the entire process so that looking into a new opportunity is discreet and confidential – we highly value your current position and will never do anything that would bring your future into jeopardy
- EXPERTISE: In the industry since 2003 - we are your advocate, and WE GET IT – we know making a career decision is difficult, and we’re here for you throughout the whole process
Meet Your Recruiter
Ashley Levin
Recruiter
Ashley brings a fresh marketing perspective to the team. Combining her marketing background with her recruitment experience and abilities, she wants every candidate to shine and puts her skills to work to assist them in doing so. Ashley’s recruitment depth spans across multiple industries including hospitality, technology, marketing, sales and more. This has allowed her to become an experienced talent strategist for candidates and clients alike. This University of Central Florida graduate loves to spend her time baking, creating new recipes and finding new techniques to create culinary delights. We are so lucky to indulge in her delightful trial treats in the office.
Share This Job:
Related Jobs:
Login to save this search and get notified of similar positions.About Beverly Hills, CA
Explore Interior Design and Architecture Jobs With Interior Talent
Interior Talent connects job seekers with firms that align with their skills, experience, and career goals. With our services and job posting platform, we make it easy to browse exclusive interior design jobs and architecture roles at top firms.
With multiple job boards online, it s easy to feel overwhelmed by listings that don t match your skills or career goals. Many platforms feature generic postings, making it difficult to identify relevant opportunities. Interior Talent simplifies the process by offering industry-specific job listings, career resources, and recruitment support to help you find roles that align with your experience and aspirations.
How Interior Talent Helps You Find and Land the Right Role
Searching for interior design jobs or roles in the architecture and engineering fields? You ve come to the right place. Since 2003, Interior Talent has successfully matched top candidates with the right firms. We specialize in architecture, interior design, and engineering, and have partnered with industry associations to give job seekers access to a broader range of interior architecture and design jobs.
Our architecture and interior design job board offers access to industry-specific listings, as well as career resources and expert guidance.
Industry-Specific Job Listings
Unlike general job boards, Interior Talent specializes in careers within the built environment. We focus on interior architecture and design jobs as well as roles in related fields, so you don t have to sort through unrelated listings. Our job board is regularly updated with new opportunities, making it easy to find the latest openings.
Access to Top Firms
Many of the best interior design and architecture jobs aren t publicly posted. Leading firms and industry associations work with Interior Talent. This empowers us to give job seekers access to roles they wouldn t find elsewhere. Whether seeking an entry-level interior design role at a startup or a senior position at an established company, we help you connect with the right firms.
Easy Application Process
Applying for interior design and architecture jobs should be simple. Our job board allows candidates to submit applications, resumes, and portfolios easily. Our team works to match job seekers with the most relevant opportunities based on their experience and career aspirations.
Personalized Career Support
A strong application makes a difference. We offer resume feedback, portfolio guidance, and interview preparation to help job seekers present themselves professionally. Our recruiters also provide insights into hiring trends and employer expectations, ensuring you are fully equipped to stand out among other applicants and leave a lasting impression.
Long-Term Career Guidance
Your career growth doesn t stop with one job. We stay connected, offering job market insights, salary trends, and professional development resources to help candidates advance over time. Whether you re looking for your first interior design job or your next leadership role, we provide ongoing support.
How To Apply for Interior Design and Architecture Jobs
Step 1: Find the Right Opportunity
Browse our interior design job board to explore open positions that match your experience, skills, and career interests.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You can apply directly through our platform by uploading your resume and portfolio. Our job board is designed to help architecture and design professionals connect, ensuring your application reaches the right hiring managers.
Step 3: Connect With a Recruiter
After you apply, our recruiters review your experience and career goals. We help identify the best job matches and guide you through the hiring process.
Step 4: Interview Preparation
We provide resume support, portfolio review, and interview coaching, ensuring you are fully prepared for discussions with employers. We also give insight into company culture and expectations to help you feel confident during the hiring process.
Step 5: Secure Your Next Role
Once you receive a job offer, we assist with salary negotiations, benefits discussions, and onboarding support to help you transition smoothly into your new role.
Advance Your Career With Interior Talent
Move forward in your career by applying for interior design jobs, architecture roles, and other industry opportunities through our job board. Whether you re looking for your first entry-level position, a new challenge, or your next leadership role, we re here to help. Apply to listings that interest you, or contact us for expert guidance.