POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Design leads Village Handcrafted Cabinetry's Design Department and is responsible for the performance, quality, and day-to-day operation of the team. This is a working leadership role that combines people leadership with hands-on design responsibilities.

The Director sets design standards, manages workflow, develops team members, and holds the department accountable for delivering accurate, innovative cabinetry designs on schedule. They also serve as the senior design resource for complex projects while partnering closely with Sales, Engineering, Production, Project Management, and Installation to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Success in this role requires a leader who can balance creativity with accountability, make sound business decisions, and build a high-performing team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Department Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the Design team while setting clear expectations for quality, productivity, and customer service.
• Hold team members accountable for performance through regular feedback, performance reviews, coaching, and corrective action when necessary.
• Make recommendations regarding hiring, promotions, disciplinary action, and staffing needs.
• Balance workloads across the team to meet project deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
• Build a collaborative environment where designers take ownership of their work and support one another.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruiting, onboarding, employee development, and performance management.

Design Leadership

• Establish and maintain Village Handcrafted Cabinetry's design standards.
• Personally lead high-profile, technically complex, or custom cabinetry projects.
• Review and approve designs before Engineering release to ensure accuracy, functionality, and manufacturability.
• Serve as the department's senior design resource, providing guidance on challenging layouts and customer requests.
• Stay current on cabinetry trends, materials, finishes, hardware, and design software, recommending improvements that strengthen Village's products and services.
• Conduct field measurements and verify site conditions when required.
• Ensure design intent is accurately communicated through Engineering and Production.

Department Operations

• Manage the daily workflow of the Design Department.
• Assign projects based on workload, complexity, and designer experience.
• Monitor department capacity and adjust priorities to meet business needs.
• Ensure projects move through design, approvals, Engineering, and Production on schedule.
• Develop and improve department processes that increase efficiency, reduce rework, and improve communication.
• Monitor department performance using established metrics and implement corrective actions when needed.

Customer & Business Support

• Meet with homeowners, builders, architects, designers, and trade partners as needed to support project success.
• Guide customers through cabinetry layouts, product selections, finishes, and custom solutions.
• Resolve escalated design issues while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Support business development efforts through client presentations, showroom tours, networking events, and strategic customer meetings.
• Oversee the showroom to ensure displays reflect Village's craftsmanship, capabilities, and current product offerings.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with Sales, Estimating, Engineering, Production, Project Management, and Installation to ensure projects move efficiently from concept through installation.
• Resolve design-related issues quickly to minimize delays and production errors.
• Participate as a member of the leadership team by contributing to department planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and company objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Construction Management, Industrial Design, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience

• Eight or more years of experience in custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, interior design, or a related industry.
• Five or more years leading or supervising design professionals.
• Experience managing multiple custom projects simultaneously.
• Strong background working with Sales, Estimating, Engineering, and Production teams.
• Demonstrated success developing employees and improving department performance.

Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced proficiency with Cabinet Vision or similar cabinetry design software.
• Strong understanding of residential construction and custom cabinetry manufacturing.
• Excellent space planning and design skills.
• Strong leadership and performance management abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business software.

PHYSICAL EXPERIENCE

• Ability to travel to client homes, construction sites, and project locations.
• Ability to navigate active construction sites, including stairs, ladders, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work in office, showroom, manufacturing, and construction environments.

COMPANY STANDARDS

• The employee will represent the Company in a positive, professional manner with fellow employees and within the communities served.
• The employee will encourage and maintain teamwork throughout the company and will communicate all pertinent information in a timely and effective manner.
• The employee will endeavor to maintain our integrity by embracing high ethical standards and adhering to company policies.
• Consistently demonstrates Company's Guiding Values of Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Integrity, Teamwork, and Community.