Director of Jean Stoffer Design

Position Title: Director of Jean Stoffer Design
Department: Design
Location: Onsite (NOTE: This role is full-time, remote Mondays and in-person Tuesdays - Fridays. Full-time remote applicants will not be considered)
Reports To: Grace Start, Principal Designer
Direct Reports: Yes

Position Summary:

The Director of Jean Stoffer Design provides operational leadership, team management, and strategic oversight for the design department. This role serves as the essential bridge between the creative vision established by the Principal Designers and the day-to-day execution of the design team. The Director ensures every project reflects the JSD aesthetic, meets high-quality standards, remains profitable, and delivers an unparalleled client experience from initial concept through final installation.

Essential Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage the design team, including Senior Interior Designers and Designers, providing mentorship, performance oversight, and career development.
• Oversee resource allocation and project assignments to ensure balanced workloads and optimal team utilization.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance work environment where teamwork is the standard and creative excellence is prioritized.
• Lead regular team meetings to track project progress, resolve roadblocks, and maintain design alignment.

Operational Excellence & Project Management

• Oversee the full design lifecycle for custom client projects, ensuring strict adherence to the JSD process from inquiry to final reveal.
• Takes the Lead Designer role on some projects
• Partner with leadership to translate the creative vision into actionable strategies, goals, and performance metrics for the design department.
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and profitability to ensure all projects are delivered within financial and temporal objectives.
• Optimize internal systems, workflows, and processes to improve departmental efficiency and communication.
• Available to travel, including driving for several hours or air travel to Market.

Client Experience & Brand Stewardship

• Ensure all design presentations and client communications reflect the Jean Stoffer Design brand voice and aesthetic standards.
• Act as the primary point of escalation for complex project or client issues, ensuring resolutions are handled with professionalism and brand alignment.
• Collaborate with Stoffer Home and Stoffer Home Cabinetry leadership to ensure seamless coordination across all brand entities.
• Protect the creative vision by developing and enforcing design standards and quality control protocols.

Creative Alignment

• Work closely with Grace Start to ensure all project concepts, material selections, and layouts remain true to the established creative direction.
• Oversee the selection and procurement of interior materials, furnishings, and custom cabinetry to ensure they meet the JSD standard of excellence.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, vendors, and technologies to maintain JSD's position as a leader in specialized design services.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field required.
• 8+ years of experience in high-end residential interior design, with at least 2–4 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Deep understanding of the full design lifecycle, construction processes, and high-end furnishings procurement.

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides, and related tools) required.
• Advanced knowledge of design software (e.g., AutoCAD) and project management platforms (e.g., Asana).
• Demonstrated experience generating, analyzing, and interpreting project data to support business decision-making.
• Proven ability to mentor a team, manage complex schedules, and balance creative vision with business objectives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to relate to diverse stakeholders and high-level clientele.
• Highly organized, independent problem solver, and motivated self-starter capable of navigating a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

Core Competencies:

Leadership: Ability to guide, mentor, and inspire a team to achieve design excellence.

Strategic Planning: Strength in translating leadership vision into actionable operational strategies.

Project Management: Ability to manage complex schedules, budgets, and profitability across multiple projects.

Brand Stewardship: Commitment to protecting and advancing the JSD aesthetic and brand voice.

Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain strong rapport with clients and cross-functional leadership.

Problem Solving: Aptitude for navigating complex project issues and providing effective resolutions.