Interior Design & Client Services Manager

Interior Design & Client Services Manager James Monroe Homes — Lexington, KY Position Summary The Interior Design & Client Services Manager is responsible for leading and managing the James Monroe Homes Design Center while guiding homebuyers through the selections process for their new homes. This role blends interior design expertise, client consultation, sales support, and operational coordination to ensure an exceptional customer experience and accurate execution of selections throughout construction. This position also oversees design selections for spec homes and model homes, including finishes, furnishings, fixtures, and décor, ensuring that homes reflect current market trends and company standards. The ideal candidate combines strong design ability with organization, sales confidence, and a passion for delivering outstanding client experience. This position is based in Lexington, KY and requires periodic travel to communities, job sites, model homes, and vendor locations. Key Responsibilities Design Center Leadership & Management • Manage daily operations of the Design Center, ensuring it is organized, current, visually appealing, and aligned with company branding. • Maintain and update sample libraries, displays, and product offerings to reflect current trends and vendor availability. • Coordinate with vendors to source new materials, finishes, and options while maintaining quality and value standards. • Monitor design offerings to ensure alignment with construction feasibility, budgets, and company margins. • Maintain and update content of the Online Design Center as an effective and efficient tool for current and prospective clients • Evaluate and refine the Design Center layout to support a seamless and organized selection process for homebuyers. • Develop and implement processes that improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction during the selections process. • Coordinate material availability, lead times, and product updates. • Participate in vendor meetings, showroom visits, and product training opportunities. • Evaluate new products and design trends to improve company offerings. Homebuyer Design Consultations & Selections • Lead homebuyers through interior and exterior design selections to personalize their homes. • Educate buyers on available features, upgrades, pricing, timelines, and construction considerations. • Educate buyers on the benefits of the options and enhancements available. • Confidently present upgrade options and opportunities to enhance the home while delivering value to the customer. • Build rapport and trust with clients to create a positive and memorable experience. • Prepare and finalize selections documentation, change orders, pricing requests, and specifications for production. • Ensure selections are accurate and complete for implementation. • Coordinate and schedule all design appointments with timely follow-up and communication. Sales Support & Revenue Enhancement • Partner with the sales team to support the homebuyer journey from contract through selections completion. • Identify opportunities to increase option sales through thoughtful recommendations and design expertise. • Maintain awareness of pricing structures, upgrade margins, and profitability goals. • Assist with promotional initiatives, community launches, and marketing presentations related to design offerings. Spec Home & Model Home Design • Complete the interior and exterior design selections for all spec homes, including finishes, colors, fixtures, and materials. • Design and coordinate model home interiors, including but not limited to flooring, paint palettes, cabinetry, lighting, furniture, artwork, and décor. • Work within established budgets while maximizing visual impact and market appeal. • Curate and acquire furnishings, décor and accessories for the model homes as well as design and implement the layout, placement, installation and set-up the same. • Periodically refresh model homes to maintain a current and competitive presentation. • Collaborate with marketing to ensure model homes align with branding and buyer demographics. Construction & Production Coordination • Collaborate closely with the production team to ensure selections are installed correctly and meet design intent. • Clarify specifications and resolve discrepancies between selections and field execution when needed. • Assist in reselection when the original selection is discontinued. Customer Experience & Client Services Support • Serve as a key touchpoint for homeowners during the build process related to selections and design questions. • Help maintain a smooth and positive customer experience from contract through closing. • Provide guidance and education regarding materials, finishes, and maintenance expectations. Warranty & Post-Closing Support • Support the customer service and warranty team with homeowner questions and concerns related to warranty items • Assist with communication regarding product care, maintenance expectations, manufacturer information, and warranty coverage for design-related components. • Provide coordination support for warranty service items to help ensure timely resolution and homeowner satisfaction. • Offer general guidance to homeowners after closing as needed to help address questions and maintain a positive customer experience. • Complete periodic updates of the JMH homeowner manual. Qualifications • 3–5+ years of experience in interior design, residential construction, homebuilding, or design center operations. • Degree in Interior Design or related field preferred. • Experience working with homebuyers or clients in a consultative environment. • Strong knowledge of residential finishes, materials, and design principles. • Sales confidence and ability to recommend upgrades effectively. • Excellent organization and project coordination skills. • Strong communication skills — written, verbal, and visual. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction or CRM software systems. • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Preferred Experience • Production home builder or design center experience. • Model home merchandising or staging experience. • Familiarity with construction processes and terminology. • Experience with MarkSystems or similar software. • Knowledge of budgeting and purchasing for design projects. Personal Attributes • Creative with strong design intuition and attention to detail. • Professional, confident, and customer-focused demeanor. • Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented. • Strong relationship builder with clients and vendors. • Positive attitude and team mindset. • Ability to balance creativity with practicality and deadlines. Compensation & Benefits • Competitive salary based on experience. • Participation in company Profit Incentive Plan for Team Growth. • 401(k) with employer match. • HRA health benefit program. • Paid vacation and sick leave. • Opportunities for advancement and professional growth. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $55,000.00 - $62,500.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) • 401(k) matching • Paid time off • Profit sharing • Referral program • Retirement plan Experience: • Interior Design: 2 years (Required) Work Location: In person