Product Designer / Project Manager

Kehoe Designs Inc • Chicago, IL

91d • $29

About The Position

The Project Manager is responsible for managing custom build and hospitality projects as assigned. Duties include but are not limited to: supporting the design process; rendering designs; sourcing, pricing and purchasing materials; coordinating production, construction, and installation; acting as a liaison between the company and the client; and overseeing projects through completion. The Project Manager reports to and receives direction from the Director of Production and may take direction from the President of the Company, the Chief Creative Officer, the Hardgoods Buyer, the Product Designers and the Hospitality Team.

Requirements

• 2-3 years’ experience in project management, design purchasing and pricing (particularly in a creative or event décor industry).
• Excellent computer skills and Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly Excel.
• Excellent project management, organizational skills, attention to detail and good follow-up skills.
• Excellent decision making skills; takes ownership of projects.
• Excellent math skills; ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Excellent decision making, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Excellent interpersonal, tact and diplomacy and conflict management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent ability to deal with pressure, competing demands and deadlines.
• Knowledge of event management software a plus.
• Knowledge of event/floral design helpful.
• Some travel required.

Responsibilities

• Manages custom build and hospitality design build projects as assigned to ensure projects stay on track and within budget and are completed on time.
• Establishes overall project timelines and milestone goals that ensure projects move along according to established deadlines and expectations.
• Collaborates with Director of Production and the Hospitality team to establish production, construction and installation timelines to ensure projects are completed on time.
• Supports the design process by overseeing designs to provide consultation related to potential build considerations and obstacles, and timelines needed to complete production/construction.
• May assist in custom build design and provide alternative design component options based upon budgetary guidelines.
• Creates design and site renderings, and floor plans to support the design, construction and installation process.
• Sources, prices and purchases products to support design/project specifications and requirements.
• Strives to locate the best quality product at the most favorable purchase price.
• Calculates costs, margins, and profits and communicates them to Production, Sales and the Hospitality team.
• Establishes pricing for products and custom builds according to margin targets and within established budgets.
• Makes good decisions and solves any problems effectively to achieve successful results.
• Acts as a liaison with the client to ensure client’s needs and expectations are met and communication is timely and accurate.
• Provides excellent internal and external customer service with a positive attitude, tact and diplomacy.
• Follows up on arriving products with Processing and Receiving departments.
• Communicates product status and custom build status with Buyers, Production and Sales in an organized and timely fashion.
• Develops processes to inform Buyers and Sales on changing product availabilities.
• Recommends process changes to improve productivity, efficiencies, safety and quality.
• May assist with CNC Router operation in the absence of the Router Technician.
• May attend tradeshows to research and purchase new products.

Benefits

• Hourly wage: $29 per hour
• Overtime pay will be provided for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek at 1.5x the regular rate of pay, in compliance with Illinois labor laws.
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options available full-time.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): In compliance with Illinois State Law.
• Training & Development: Opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
• Flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend availability.
• Safe and supportive work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees