Design Manager - Retail & Consumer Experience - Mid Level

Your Role 

At Gensler we take pride in our collaborative approach and one-firm-firm mindset to meet our client’s goals, objectives, and overall project vision. It is in this spirit and as a Design Manager, it will be your role to lead the team through the delivery of a variety of project types and sizes, across all phases within our Retail & Consumer Experience design studio.  

We are seeking a Design Manager with a passion for Retail & Consumer Experience design and management. Somehow who is passionate about the industry and has a distinct point of view around the future of our practice. This person has a depth of experience leading interior design and architect projects, as well as knowledge and experience in additional important components, like brand and digital design. We are seeking a true multi-disciplinary design project leader. 

As such, Design Management at Gensler is characterized by the five (5) essentials of the role: Client Engagement, Contract Compliance, Business of Design, Process Definition, and Team Integration. This includes, but is not limited to, serving as the main point of contact for the client through all project phases; managing the internal and external processes; and building efficient project teams while mentoring junior staff to encourage the highest level of design and client satisfaction.  

What You Will Do 

• Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimizing all potential opportunities 

• Maintain an awareness of existing clients’ business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends, and ensure that appropriate opportunities are identified to generate further demand for Gensler services. 

• Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of projects ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget 

• Lead and facilitate the overall cross-functional project team 

• Focus on the smooth management of the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees throughout the project life cycle 

• Prepare, communicate, and monitor project work plans, budgets, and deliverables for client and internal teams 

• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements 

• Manage multiple aspects of client, team and project coordination, including full documentation coordination with structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, civil and other consultants 

• Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation within our Retail & Consumer Experience leadership and Studio Director. 

• Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients 

• Contribute positively to Project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the studio’s delivery and financial objectives 

• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing  

• Work with the Design Director and the marketing team to ensure that the project story is documented, and that photography/videography is arranged, as needed. 

Your Qualifications 

• Design Management experience, preferably in the Lifestyle/Retail & Consumer Experience industry  

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture