Creative Design Manager Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Are you an energetic design leader ready to make the next move in your career and shape a rapidly growing, woman-owned firm? Crimson Design Group invites you to bring your creative expertise to Columbus, Ohio—a city experiencing remarkable growth and offering a rich, family-friendly environment.

About Crimson Design Group

At CDG, we have spent the past two decades transforming spaces into extraordinary experiences. As a premier interior design firm in Columbus, we specialize in innovative design for residential, commercial, multi-family, and senior living projects. Our commitment is to deliver bold, beautiful interiors that capture the signature “Crimson Experience.”

Position Overview

As Director of Design, you will lead our design teams and oversee projects from concept to completion, serving as a central hub for the firm. You will set the creative vision, ensure project excellence, and foster client relationships that reflect our commitment to innovative design.

This position is located in the Columbus, Ohio area. We have a hybrid work environment. It is primarily on-site (4 days a week) and WFH on Fridays

This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Inspire and mentor a team of designers, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture where people continually grow and thrive.
• Develop and implement strategies that strengthen morale, productivity, performance, and profitability.
• Ensure all projects meet financial objectives and client expectations.

Design Direction

• Establish and maintain the creative vision for key projects, aligning with client aspirations and CDG’s aesthetic standards.
• Oversee project timelines and budgets, ensuring timely, cost-effective delivery.

Client Relationships

• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships that drive satisfaction and repeat business.
• Collaborate with clients to translate their ideas into innovative design solutions.
• Identify opportunities to cross-sell and up-sell additional Crimson Design Group services and expanded project scopes.

Project & Process Management

• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Implement process improvements and performance metrics that drive continuous enhancement.
• Conduct client and job-site visits as needed to support projects across our markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or a related field, or equivalent professional experience; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years in a design role, including 5+ years in team management.
• Proficiency in design software such as Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• ASID or NCIDQ certification preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership with a focus on team development and client satisfaction.
• Ability to travel within U.S., as needed.

Who You Are

• Decisive Creative Leader and Collaborative Team Builder: Sets the creative direction, sees the bigger picture, and aligns design strategy with business goals—while mentoring and building an inclusive, “we”-centered team that stays ahead of industry trends.
• Client-Focused Innovator: Understands client needs and translates them into bold, innovative solutions, building lasting relationships through exceptional communication and responsiveness.
• Strategic, Results-Oriented Thinker: Balances creative vision with practical business considerations, using processes and metrics to deliver projects on time, on budget, and with exceptional quality.
• Detail-Oriented: Maintains high standards for design quality, accuracy, and execution, with close attention to both creative and operational details.
• Charismatic Communicator: Excels at articulating design concepts and strategy to clients, team members, and stakeholders, with strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Passion-Driven and Enthusiastic: Brings energy, optimism, and a love for design for every project. Motivates and inspires others through their passion for excellence.
• Adaptable & Growth-Minded: Navigates shifting priorities with a calm, drama-free demeanor, brings energy and optimism to every project, and continually pursues professional growth.

Why Join Crimson Design Group?

• Creative Leadership: Guide a passionate team in crafting award-winning designs that set industry standards and captivate clients.
• Strategic Influence: Collaborate with executives to shape the firm’s creative direction and drive future business success.
• Vibrant Culture: Embrace our core values—Excellence, Crimson Spirit, Life Lived Well, and Growth Mindset—in a supportive, dynamic, woman-owned and led environment. (And yes—we’re known to throw one heck of a party.)

Life in Columbus, Ohio

• Thriving Design Scene: Columbus is an emerging hub for design, arts, and culture—a place that values creativity and gives you a platform to lead.
• Affordable Luxury: Enjoy big-city amenities with a cost of living that lets you live well. Your dream home and a vibrant lifestyle are within reach.
• Rapid Growth: Columbus is among the largest U.S. cities and the second-largest in the Midwest, with a population approaching one million.
• Economic Expansion: The region is attracting major investment—including Intel’s multibillion-dollar semiconductor campus—positioning Columbus as an emerging tech hub.
• Cultural Richness: A thriving arts scene, diverse dining, and abundant parks make Columbus a vibrant place for individuals and families alike.
• Corporate & Educational Excellence: Institutions such as Battelle, Abbott, Cardinal Health, Nationwide Insurance, and The Ohio State University offer deep career and educational opportunities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary with an opportunity for bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer match after one year of service.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays and a week off at the end of December.
• A key role in scaling a premier design firm with a national reputation for excellence.

Crimson Design Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, service-member status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, or any other classification protected under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered, and such convictions will not automatically disqualify a candidate.