Design Studio Manager

Regional Group; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

EQ Homes is seeking a Design Studio Manager to lead the Design Studio team, ensuring an exceptional customer experience while driving profitability. The role oversees purchaser selections, upgrades, model home merchandising, and cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Purchasing, Production, and Construction teams.

Through strong leadership, process improvement, and trend-driven design, the Design Studio Manager delivers inspiring spaces and supports the successful execution of every

Qualifications

• Experience leading design studio teams and driving customer-focused outcomes.
• Proven ability to coach and mentor staff with clear performance expectations.
• Strong scheduling, onboarding, and workflow management skills.
• Ability to collaborate across Sales, Purchasing, Production and Construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, guide, and mentor Design Studio Consultants and Coordinators.
• Oversee team scheduling, workload, and design studio deadlines.
• Prepare pricing requests and manage design selection packages.
• Collaborate with Sales, Purchasing, Estimating and Production teams.
• Manage model homes, finishes, and merchandising to maximize revenue.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Mentoring

Scheduling

Onboarding

Workflow

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Job description

About Us:

At eQ Homes, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional level of craftsmanship and customer service, from the moment you meet us to the day you receive your keys. We are with you every step of the way to ensure that your home buying path is a comfortable and memorable one. We consistently create visionary, award-winning communities that lead the way in home innovation and sustainable living initiatives.

Our core values guide everything we do, grounded in a shared commitment to doing the right thing. They include:

• People
• Elevate
• Passion

We want our employees to feel great about their jobs, and that means encouraging growth and advancement, listening to employee feedback, recognizing a job well done, giving back, and adopting a culture of trust and respect.

About the Role:

eQ Homes is looking for a Design Studio Manager leads the Design Studio team, ensuring an exceptional customer experience while driving operational excellence and profitability. This role oversees purchaser selections, upgrade opportunities, model home merchandising, and cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Purchasing, Production, and Construction teams. Through strong leadership, process improvement, and a keen eye for design trends, the Design Studio Manager delivers inspiring spaces, maximizes revenue opportunities, and supports the successful execution of every homebuyer journey.

Key Responsibilities:

Staff Leadership & Clarity

• Lead, coach, guide, and mentor Design Studio Consultants and Coordinators, creating an environment of accountability, continuous learning, and professional growth.
• Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback, coaching, and development support.
• Oversee team scheduling, workload, and Design Studio selection deadlines to ensure commitments are met.
• Provide clarity on roles, operational workflows, policies, and onboarding documentation.
• Identify ongoing coaching, training, and development opportunities across the team.

Profitability & Operations

• Prepare pricing requests, process upgrade documents, and execute purchase orders accurately.
• Finalize and sign off on all completed Design Studio selection packages.
• Leading & identifying upgrade opportunities for the Design Studio and collaborating with the Purchasing & Estimating Manager to execute.
• Directly with the Purchasing & Estimating Manager to maintain an accurate Product Library
• Provide exterior color packages for product lines.
• Collaborate with the Production Manager on selection deadlines to align with construction schedules.
• Support cross-functional workflows across purchasing, drafting, construction, and warranty teams.

Customer Experience & Selections

• Lead high-margin purchaser design selection appointments.
• Maintain complete, precise purchaser files including all communication and correspondence history.
• Review for accuracy and sign off on all Design Studio Selection packages and addendums
• Collaborate closely with the Sales Manager to ensure top-tier customer experiences and cross-departmental alignment.

Merchandising & Suppliers

• Partner and meet regularly with suppliers to review new options and keep studio selections fresh.
• Manage physical Design Studio samples and maintain outstanding overall presentation appeal.
• Develop exterior colour packages and review product line interior/exterior designs.
• Select finishes, stage, and merchandise inventory homes for mass demographic appeal.

Model Homes & Sales Centre

• Manage the design, finish selections, furniture purchasing, and staging for all model homes, inventory units, and sales centers.
• Direct internal teams and external design partners to create award-winning model home designs.
• Partner with leadership to showcase high-margin finishes in model spaces that drive revenue back to the Design Studio.

Continuous Improvement

• Prepare, maintain, communicate and refine internal workflows, policies, and administrative procedures.
• Collaborate with the Director of Sales & Design to implement cost‑saving techniques and optimize studio operations.
• Continuously research emerging interior design trends and identify new products to expand selections and maximize profit margins.
• Identify opportunities for growth and/or improvement in processes

About You:

• Willingness and ability to perform daily physical labour
• Clean driving record (drivers abstract will be required)
• Maintains to do lists and reports to supervisor on a daily basis
• Hard working while maintaining attention to detail at all times
• Understanding of MOL requirements and the importance of reporting structure as relates to Health and Safety
• People-centric focus: You pursue lifelong learning, actively share new perspectives, empower, and inspire others.
  
• Commitment toElevate: You set new standards in ways that surprise and delight stakeholders, redefine industry norms and set new benchmarks for success.
  
• Passion: You take pride in your work, overcome obstacles, and constantly seek to be the best.

Why Join Us:

• We are actively pursuing portfolio growth opportunities, ensuring continuous development and advancement.
• We take pride in shaping real estate in Ottawa for over 60 years.
• Enjoy competitive pay and incentives.
• Thrive in a supportive environment with ample growth opportunities to nurture your career.

This position is to fill one (1) existing vacancy.

EQ Homes is an equal‑opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace environment. We are committed to cultivating a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our community, including individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation or support during any stage of our recruitment and selection process, we will collaborate with you to address your needs.