Job Description Summary
The Senior Design Manager (SDM) is a key leadership role within the Branch Project Development (BPD) Design Team, responsible for overseeing interior planning, design development, client engagement, and coordination across all project phases. The SDM ensures that design solutions align with Raymond James standards, project objectives, and client requirements while collaborating closely with Project Management and Workplace Strategy teams.
Job Description
Responsibilities:
1. Design Development & Technical Expertise
The SDM is responsible for delivering comprehensive Design Development (DD) packages for each project, including:
- Approved space plans
- Equipment and furniture plans
- Power and data layouts
- Reflected ceiling plans
- Finish palettes, images, and specifications
- Furniture details and selections
- 3D model views, conceptual renderings, and visualization materials
- Stay informed on emerging AI‑enabled design, visualization, documentation, and workflow tools relevant to workplace planning and interior design.
- Evaluate and apply appropriate AI technologies to improve design efficiency, visualization quality, coordination accuracy, and client communication, while maintaining alignment with Raymond James standards.
- Partner with leadership and cross‑functional teams on the responsible adoption of AI tools, supporting continuous improvement of design processes and deliverables.
Required Software Proficiency:
AutoCAD, Revit (or SketchUp), Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Office
The SDM must be capable of analyzing, planning, designing, documenting, and managing interior non‑structural projects in compliance with applicable building codes, life‑safety standards, and corporate guidelines.
2. Project Design Leadership:
- Use workplace strategy guidelines and approved programs to develop space plans and layouts that align with Raymond James design standards.
- Ensure all new design standards, guidelines, and processes are consistently applied across all test fits and design deliverables.
- Translate client standards into functional design solutions through iterative test fits.
- Provide design direction and recommendations that address client business needs, operational requirements, and space optimization goals.
- Verify that all preliminary and final design concepts are safe, functional, code‑compliant, and aesthetically appropriate.
- Lead the development of finish selections and FF&E standards across multiple project types.
- Create and maintain Revit templates based on approved design standards.
- Produce conceptual-level Enscape renderings to support client understanding of proposed designs.
3. Client Management & Stakeholder Coordination:
- Serve as a primary design point‑of‑contact for internal and external clients.
- Manage client expectations throughout all phases, facilitating reviews, gathering feedback, and obtaining required approvals.
- Present design concepts and updates in formats that support strategic decision‑making.
- Guide clients in interpreting and applying design standards, branding elements, and workplace requirements.
- Participate in the development of client-specific design standards and branding materials.
4. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Project Integration:
- Coordinate closely with Project Management to align design milestones with overall project schedules, budgets, and deliverable timelines.
- Participate in project kickoff meetings, site assessments, milestone reviews, and construction coordination sessions.
- Provide timely design documentation to support permitting, vendor coordination, and construction activities.
- Maintain strong partnership with Workplace Strategy and Design Teams to ensure design consistency across the portfolio.
- Lead furniture coordination efforts, including detailed collaboration with the furniture dealer, architect, contractor, and internal teams to ensure accurate layouts, specifications, lead times, and installation planning.
- Oversee art package coordination, working directly with clients and vendors to curate, review, and approve artwork selections consistent with branding and design intent.
- Apply industry best practices and incorporate lessons learned from other supplier accounts.
5. Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement:
- Review and refine test fits, drawings, and design deliverables to ensure accuracy and alignment with project goals.
- Ensure consistent quality across all project types, from minor renovations to full‑scale buildouts.
- Support standardization of design tools, templates, processes, and visual communication standards.
Educational/Previous Experience Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Project Management, or related field.
• 3–5 years of direct experience in workplace, commercial interior, or architectural with demonstrated success managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Highly self-motivated and independent, with the ability to proactively drive projects forward, make informed decisions, and manage priorities with limited oversight.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders, external consultants, vendors, contractors, and branch clients.
- Strong team coordination and collaboration skills, supporting Design Managers, Project Managers, and cross-functional team members to ensure project goals, schedules, and deliverables are achieved.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy, quality, and attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify project challenges early and implement effective solutions.
- Client-focused mindset, with a commitment to delivering a positive experience while balancing business, budget, and design objectives.
- Proficiency in coordinating project documentation, design reviews, vendor communication, and project execution from concept through completion.
- Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
- This is a hands-on, execution-focused position requiring active day-to-day project coordination and delivery rather than strategic leadership of a large team.
• Previous experience working in a financial services firm or other corporate environment is strongly preferred
Licenses/Certifications
• Architectural license, Interior Design license, LED certification is a plus
Education
Bachelor’s: Architecture, Bachelor’s: Interior Design
Work Experience
General Experience - 3 to 6 years
Certifications
Travel
Less than 25%
Workstyle
Remote
The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave. Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.
At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.
We expect our associates at all levels to:
• Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
• Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
• Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
• Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
• Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm
At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates. When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.
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