Brand Design Manager

About the position

Gensler Chicago Office has an opportunity for an experienced Design (Project) Manager to work within our brand team, where you’ll oversee the development and execution of experiential graphics, signage and wayfinding, and brand-identity work. The brand team at Gensler works in a range of project types both with internal clients, who consist of architects and interior designers, and a broad spectrum of external client sectors. In addition to project work, you’ll be an integral part in supporting the team’s operations and business development efforts–assisting with staff planning, tracking team financial metrics, proposal development, and setting standards and protocols for our team’s work.

Responsibilities

• Manage multi-disciplinary design team workload; collaborating closely with Design Director to provide oversight on the development and execution of experiential graphics, signage and wayfinding and branding
• Perform as a point of contact on projects for clients, vendors, and teams
• Manage coordination between various project teams, studios and offices
• Interact with internal team members, project managers, and representatives from accounting
• Support the development of proposals and collaborate in the strategic development of new business
• Create and manage project scopes, budgets and workplans
• Track and manage project billing review and invoicing
• Track staff assignments to ensure key milestones and responsibilities are met
• Manage project staff planning; ensuring hours are adequate per workload and budgets
• Source base drawings, information, and other content/assets for use on project work
• Assist with preparation of project presentations for client review
• Record and distribute minutes from project meetings
• Follow up with client on feedback, information needed and other open items
• Support preparation of bid documentation and manage process to source vendor pricing
• Review and coordinate issuance of design intent documentation and production artwork
• Manage and coordinate implementation process, working with designer(s) on review of vendor shop drawings, samples and mockups; participation on coordination calls with contractors, consultant and fabrication partners; and ongoing communication with all parties
• Coordinate on-site visits and punch-list documentation during implementation
• Coordinate and collaborate with architects, interior designers, and other project consultants as needed throughout project lifecycle
• Manage communication with external project manager, consultant(s) and vendor(s)
• Lead project close-out process for file archiving purposes
• Assist with development of various in-house resources and standards

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional experience
• 3+ years of experience in environmental/experiential graphic design
• Bachelor’s degree in design related program
• Experience with managing projects and design teams
• Experience communicating directly with clients
• Understanding of architectural scales and drawings
• Thorough understanding of project process from start to finish
• Thorough understanding of ADA guidelines and other Code requirements for signage
• Ability to coordinate directly with contractors, fabricators and vendors
• Experience with proposal writing and pitch presentations is a plus
• High-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Apps and MS Office Suite
• Skills in Sketch Up, Revit, AutoCAD a plus
• Ability to self-manage workload and responsibilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent communication skills (verbally and written)
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Fearless Go-Getter Attitude

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs
• Flex spending
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• 401k
• Profit sharing
• Employee stock ownership
• Twice annual bonus opportunities
• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
• Tuition reimbursement for certain eligible programs or classes