Design Center Manager - Scottsdale, AZ

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThe Design Center Manager will lead and oversee the operations of the Design Center for Optima’s newest luxury condominium development, Optima McDowell Mountain. This critical role is responsible for delivering an exceptional and highly customized design experience to condominium buyers, ensuring their vision is realized while maintaining alignment with Optima’s design standards, budgets, and construction timelines. 
 
The Design Center Manager will manage a team of Design Center Associates and work closely with buyers, architecture, buyer coordination, construction, and vendor partners to coordinate the selection, documentation, and installation of customized finishes and options. This position serves as the face of Optima to our buyers during one of the most meaningful aspects of their home purchase. 
 
 
About Optima 
Optima is a privately-held real estate firm with offices in Illinois and Arizona. For more than 40 years, Optima has been developing, designing, building and managing striking urban and suburban luxury residential communities. From the beginning, Optima aimed to reinvent housing by integrating the functions involved in new construction within one company. Optima controls and executes every aspect of the process in-house – development, design, construction, sales and management – for a dynamic system that offers greater focus and flexibility. Optima is committed to delivering extraordinary living through design, innovation, sustainability and management.  
 
 
Responsibilities 

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the Design Center, ensuring a seamless, premium experience for buyers. 

• Supervise and develop a team of Design Center Associates to deliver superior service and guide buyers through the selection process. 

• Personally engage with buyers to advise, guide, and coordinate highly customized design selections, balancing buyer preferences with feasibility, budgets, and construction timelines. 

• Coordinate and communicate across multiple internal and external stakeholders including the architecture team, buyer coordination, construction, and trade vendors. 

• Maintain a thorough knowledge of all available finishes, fixtures, appliances, and customization options, while continually sourcing and curating options that reflect Optima’s brand and vision. 

• Utilize processes and tools to manage the complexity of highly customized units efficiently and accurately. 

• Serve as an ambassador for the Optima brand, delivering a professional, personable, and solutions-oriented presence throughout all buyer interactions. 

• Track and report on buyer selections, deadlines, budgets, and overall progress to internal teams. 

• Resolve issues that arise during the selection or installation phases with diplomacy and urgency. 

• Ensure the Design Center showroom is maintained to the highest standard and showcases the full breadth of available options. 

 
 
Key Competencies and Attributes 

• Complexity Management: Ability to handle a high volume of detailed and variable buyer selections while maintaining accuracy and composure. 

• Stakeholder Coordination: Skilled at navigating competing priorities among buyers, internal teams, and vendors, aligning everyone toward common goals. 

• Sales & Client Service : Confident, persuasive, and empathetic communicator who instills trust and enthusiasm in buyers while supporting their vision within practical constraints. 

• Organized & Detail-Oriented: Exceptional organizational skills to manage timelines, documentation, and communication across multiple buyers and units simultaneously. 

• Design Expertise: Strong aesthetic sensibility and knowledge of materials, finishes, and design trends in luxury residential real estate. 

 
Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field . 

• 5+ years of experience in a design center, interior design, or similar buyer-facing role, ideally within residential or condominium development. 

• Prior leadership experience managing a small team is strongly . 

• Proven track record of delivering exceptional client service in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. 

• Knowledge of luxury finishes, materials, and appliances. 

• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. 

• Proficiency with design software and tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp) and project management systems . 

 
 
Benefits 

• At Optima, we believe benefits should be meaningful, competitive, and supportive of your whole life. As a Leasing Consultant, you’ll enjoy:100% Company-Paid Medical Plan Option 

• 401k with Employer Match 

• Paid Parental Leave 

• Paid Time Off & Holidays 

• A beautiful, design-forward workplace and dynamic team environment 

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