Design Manager

VenorTalent; Bedford; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Nova Scotia is seeking a Design Manager to shape beautiful, buildable homes. This role involves leading design direction, managing teams, and ensuring practical and innovative designs. Candidates should have at least 5 years of residential design experience and a diploma in Architecture. The position requires creativity, leadership, and engineering knowledge to deliver exceptional living spaces.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in residential home design or architecture.
• Proficient in industry-standard design tools such as AutoCAD and SoftPlan.
• 3+ years leading a residential design team.

Responsibilities

• Define creative vision and direction for home designs.
• Lead full design process from sketches to finalized drawings.
• Manage design pipeline and timelines.

Skills

Creativity

Leadership

Attention to Detail

Project Management

Education

Diploma in Architecture design

Tools

AutoCAD

SoftPlan

Job description

Venor is proud to partner with Cresco in their search for a Design Manager to join their growing team in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

We are looking for a skilled Design Manager who thrives on shaping homes that are as beautiful as they are buildable—and isn’t afraid to roll up your sleeves to make it happen.

Cresco has been shaping communities for decades through innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship. Driven by a passion for building vibrant, inclusive, and livable spaces, they have played an integral role in developing neighborhoods throughout Nova Scotia. Since 1989, Cresco has redefined residential construction, consistently delivering high-impact projects marked by precision, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

As the Design Manager, you are not just a visionary, but a doer: someone who leads design direction while staying deeply involved in the day-to-day details of plan development, drafting, and coordination. In this role, you’ll take ownership of design from concept through construction, applying both creativity and construction know-how to ensure our homes are not only well-designed but also practical, cost-effective, and ready to build—guiding aesthetics, functionality, and market alignment. You’ll collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners, making both creative decisions and strategic calls that directly shape the look and feel of our residential communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the creative vision and direction for home designs, ensuring alignment with our brand, buyer expectations, and architectural standards.
• Champion innovative yet practical design ideas that stand out in a competitive market.

Hands-on Design & Technical Execution

• Lead the full design process—from sketches and spatial planning to finalized drawings.
• Apply construction knowledge to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and code-compliant.

Project & Team Management

• Manage the design pipeline and timelines, coordinating across internal departments and external consultants.
• Provide direction and feedback to drafting or design support teams, ensuring design intent is carried through accurately.
• Work closely with sales, marketing, and construction teams to ensure each home design meets customer needs and build requirements.
• Serve as the point of contact for all design-related decisions and updates.

Market & Trend Insight

• Monitor design trends, materials, and innovations in residential architecture to inform new product development.
• Translate market data and buyer feedback into forward-thinking design strategies.
• Utilize design software such as AutoCAD and SoftPlan to create and update plans.
• Track versions, revisions, and status updates to align with construction partners and internal stakeholders.

What You Bring

You have at least 5 years of experience in residential home design or architecture, with a strong portfolio that showcases both creative vision and technical execution. You hold a diploma in Architecture design or a related field, and you’re proficient in industry-standard design tools such as AutoCAD, SoftPlan, and digital presentation software. You have 3+ years of proven experience leading a residential design team, with clear accountability for both creative direction and execution.Your deep understanding of residential construction methods, materials, and codes allows you to design homes that are both innovative and buildable. You’re a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who excels at managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of quality.

With a collaborative leadership style and clear communication skills, you’re confident in guiding both the creative process and the tactical execution—and you’re passionate about creating spaces that people truly want to live in. You’ll lead meetings, make decisions, and stand behind the work. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who takes accountability seriously and knows that great design happens through teamwork, clarity, and follow-through.

At Venor and Cresco, we embrace a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, we welcome your application. We all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing in unique perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities.

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Erika Hildebrand at [e-mail] or Andrea Murray via [e-mail].

Venor is an Atlantic Canadian recruiting firm specializing in recruitment solutions, executive search, career transition & outplacement services.

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