Design Manager

BREAK GROUND ON A REWARDING CAREER WITH US!

The Sekisui House U.S. team is a proud builder of the SHAWOOD, Richmond American, Woodside, Holt, Hubble, and Chesmar brands.  We take great pride in being a member of Sekisui House, a global leader in homebuilding. This impressive, 60+ year old company has built over 2.6 million new homes designed to reflect and adapt to the changing needs of today's homebuyers. Drawing on Sekisui House's unparalleled history and superior service, we commit ourselves to a future where people around the world can live joyful lives in homes that are safe, secure, stylish and comfortable. 

We encourage a company culture that promotes professionalism, teamwork, health & wellness and work-life balance. If you are a results-driven professional with a passion for success, consider building a career with us.

Positive Work Environment & Culture

• Collaborative Team Culture: Join a supportive environment where teamwork and the open exchange of ideas are highly valued.
• Team Engagement: Participate in a variety of team-building events and social gatherings, such as company outings, holiday celebrations, and regular office socials. We support a healthy work-life balance and recognize the importance of time outside of work commitments. 

Overview & Position Summary
This position leads the daily operations of the design function, overseeing a team responsible for delivering high-quality architectural and interior design solutions across communities and product lines. The role guides short-term planning, workflow execution, and adherence to design standards that support business objectives. It ensures cross-functional alignment, promotes consistency in design practices, and strengthens collaboration between design, construction, purchasing, and sales teams.

Primary Responsibilities
• Lead, develop, and coach team members to achieve short-term design and operational goals
• Oversee creation, refinement, and maintenance of design standards, product offerings, and community design packages
• Direct workflow, schedules, and priorities to ensure timely delivery of design-related outputs
• Collaborate with construction, purchasing, and sales to confirm design feasibility and alignment with operational needs
• Review and approve design documents, recommendations, and solutions to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Evaluate design issues, analyze options, and implement solutions based on professional knowledge and business constraints
• Monitor team performance, provide guidance, and ensure adherence to organizational policies and procedures
• Facilitate communication across departments to resolve challenges involving multiple stakeholders or project areas
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, tools, and design outcomes

Education & Experience
Required:
• Minimum of 4–6 years of relevant experience in design, architectural, or related professional disciplines, or equivalent experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional certification
• Demonstrated experience leading or supervising professional and/or support employees
• Experience managing short-term operational objectives, workflows, and team performance
Preferred:
• Additional years of experience managing design teams in a multi-project or multi-division environment
• Advanced knowledge of design management practices, systems, and tools
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with construction, merchandising, or operational teams

Skills & Competencies
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• Advanced knowledge of residential design principles, standards, and homebuilding practices
• Ability to plan and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in complex situations
• Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration
• Proficiency in interpreting design documents, construction details, and community requirements
• Ability to guide decision-making and provide clear direction to team members
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to maintain quality standards while balancing business needs
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in a general office environment with regular interaction across departments. Occasional visits to design centers, model homes, and active construction sites are required to support design reviews and operational alignment. Limited travel may be required for meetings, site visits, or cross-functional collaboration.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Ability to use a computer and office equipment
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 20 pounds
• Ability to walk through model homes and construction sites as needed
• Ability to review and interpret printed and digital design documents

Comprehensive Benefits Package

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families: 

• Competitive Compensation: We provide a competitive compensation structure that rewards performance and results.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive coverage includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options, as well as Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Financial Future: Access a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Time Off: Our time-off benefits include vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and other leave types (bereavement, jury duty, FMLA, military leave).
• Insurance & Protection: Company-provided life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage are included. An employee assistance program (EAP) is also available. 
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts
• Homeownership & Financing: Take advantage of exclusive home purchase and financing discounts.
• Pet Insurance: Enjoy discounted group pet insurance rates.

If you are ready for more than a job and seek a career with one of the most respected organizations in the industry, we encourage you to connect with us. Please visit our website at www.richmondamerican.com for additional information.

Sekisui House U.S., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.