Commercial Furniture Dealer Design Manager

Description

About Henricksen

Henricksen (Oak Brook, IL) is a full-service contract furniture dealership specializing in office, healthcare, education, government, senior living, and hospitality spaces. In 1962, Henricksen opened its doors as a small, family-run dealership. Today, Henricksen is a leading national dealership with twelve offices in Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington, DC, and Wisconsin, 300+ full-time employees, and annual sales of $300+ million. With 300+ manufacturer partnerships, Henricksen offers an array of products from systems furniture, casegoods, seating, lounge, and conference furnishings to architectural solutions including modular walls, flooring, lighting, sound masking, and technology equipment. Henricksen is one of the largest privately-owned dealer partners of HNI in the United States. HNI’s furniture brands include Allsteel, Gunlocke, HBF, The HON Company, and Kimball International. 

Job Summary

We are seeking a Design Manager to work in our Milwaukee, WI office. The Design Manager will champion and execute Design team, department, and office priorities to advance business goals and outcomes. They will manage the Design team operations in compliance with department guidelines, core processes, and proven practices. They will optimize talent and wellbeing across the Design team through effective workload management, distribution, prioritization, and negotiation. They will foster engagement within and across departments, vendor partners, and clients to execute design projects and solutions. They will make investments that strengthen relationships and fuel the Design team performance, engagement, and growth. They will contribute to the overall quality of project delivery, engagement, outcomes, and service.

Responsibilities:

• Design Process Compliance. Engage with Design Leads and market leadership to maintain process standardization, ongoing development, and accountability of team. Monitor and ensure the delivery of quality design outcomes in alignment with design requirements and core process. Collaborate with Design leadership across offices to identify trends and recommended improvements. Contribute to and champion process improvement initiatives in collaboration with sales and customer service teams.
• Work Management. Secure effective workload distribution, balance, and prioritization across the team. Shift work assignments and teams to better leverage talent and improve engagement and outcomes. Monitor projects to remove roadblocks and provide resources, support, and tools required for success. Manage expectations and resources across sales support teams and Account Executives to effectively execute work and resolve intra and inter-department and office issues. Troubleshoot and escalate inquiries and issues proactively to expedite resolution and minimize risks, errors, and inefficiencies. Communicate across departments to stay current on updates and changes in pricing, products, and process.
• Team Operations Management. Foster and maintain team operations in alignment with department and office direction and guidelines. Collaborate across Design leadership and teams on initiatives and programs that drive engagement and targeted results. Manage and approve expenses, and vacation and time-off schedule ensuring adequate workload and holiday coverage and compliance. Make decisions and recommendations in alignment with department priorities and plans. Address performance and policy compliance issues in alignment with proven practices, seeking advice and support as needed.
• Team Performance and Growth. Collaborate with Human Resources and market leadership to support workforce planning priorities. Contribute to candidate selection and onboarding activities that promote team member integration and community development. Execute the performance management process and provide recommendations and ongoing feedback to effectively recognize performance and develop goals. Advocate for the wellbeing, growth, and interests of the team through informal and formal initiatives and programs. Model and reinforce a values-driven, inclusive culture across the team and office.
• Customer Relationship Management. Build and foster quality relationships across the organization and with key clients and partners. Represent and reinforce Henricksen brand in interactions with industry partners, vendors, and influencers. Leverage relationships and industry expertise to execute work in the best interests of all parties involved. Promote quality relationships to foster a sense of community.

Requirements

Qualifications – Education and Experience

Required: 

• Associate’s degree in interior design, architecture, or related field
• 7+ years’ experience in design, construction, and/or customer service role
• Successful track record in project and/or team management role
• Direct experience working in an office furnishings dealership, construction, or related service environment
• High proficiency in AutoCAD, CAP Studio or Project Matrix, Configura CET, and proven graphic layout skills
• Proven track record in customer facing environment (internal and external)
• Proven ability to execute complex, high-volume projects simultaneously in an organized, creative, and quality-driven way
• Conscientious and flexible, with a strong work ethic and problem-solving, process, and team orientation
• Possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills orientation
• Strong learning and coaching capabilities to foster continuous learning and professional development
• Proven track record of effective communication (written and verbal) and collaboration across various audiences, situations, and mediums
• Proficient in Microsoft Office365 applications (including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Preferred: 

• College degree in interior design, architecture, or related field from a CIDA accredited program
• NCIDQ and state certifications
• Experience supporting high volume sales executives
• Active membership in relevant associations 

Additional Information

Henricksen offers competitive wages based on skills and experience as well as comprehensive benefits packages. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Henricksen is fully committed to cultivating a culture that is inclusive and integrates its Core Values in every action, every interaction, and every decision that is made.