Project + Design Operations Manager

Responsibilities

The Project & Design Operations Manager will coordinate the company-wide EOS rollout and maintain visibility into priorities, commitments, and leadership action items. They will also partner with the VP of Design to manage project schedules, track designer capacity, and improve workflows across the business.

Requirements

Candidates should have approximately 4–7 years of experience in project management, resource management, or strategic planning. Strong proficiency in Excel, project management systems, and the ability to influence teams without direct authority are essential.

Skills

• Project management
• Operations management
• Resource planning
• Capacity planning
• Strategic planning
• Budgeting
• Data analysis
• Reporting
• Workflow optimization
• Stakeholder management
• Excel
• Entrepreneurial Operating System
• Ninety.io
• Process improvement

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Paid sick time
• Paid company holidays
• Birthday holiday
• Monthly cell phone reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

About this role

Project & Design Operations Manager
Help turn great design and big plans into consistent execution.
Emerald Design Works is looking for a hands-on project and operations leader to report to the CFO, help roll out our Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and partner closely with the VP of Design to keep projects and people on track.
This is not a role where you simply update project schedules. You’ll build visibility, spot issues early, and help teams deliver what they commit to.
The Questions You’ll Help Answer
Are our EOS priorities, Rocks, and action items moving forward?
Which design projects are coming next, and when must the work happen?
Who has the capacity and right skills to take on each project?
Are projects on schedule, and where are the bottlenecks?
How do actual design hours compare with estimated hours, and what should we change?
What You’ll Own
Coordinate the company-wide EOS rollout with the CFO, including milestones, follow-through, and adoption of Ninety.io
Maintain visibility into Rocks, scorecards, priorities, commitments, and leadership action items
Partner with the VP of Design to create and maintain project schedules, milestones, and assignments
Track designer workload, availability, and upcoming demand; flag capacity gaps and scheduling conflicts
Compare budgeted versus actual design hours, identify variances, and help improve future estimates and project delivery
Build project, capacity, and utilization reporting that supports timely decisions
Improve handoffs, workflows, and project-management discipline across Design and the broader business
What We’re Looking For
You’re organized, proactive, analytical, and comfortable influencing teams without being their direct manager. You can bring structure without adding bureaucracy.
Approximately 4–7 years of project management, PMO, resource management, strategic planning, or related experience
Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, dependencies, and stakeholders
Experience with resource and capacity planning, time tracking, and budget-versus-actual reporting
Strong Excel and project-management systems skills; comfortable creating useful dashboards
Hands-on experience with EOS and Ninety.io is a significant plus
Experience in interior design, architecture, engineering, construction, or other project-based professional services is a plus
Why Emerald
We’re building a national commercial interiors company around one idea: exceptional design deserves exceptional delivery.
You’ll work directly with the CFO and closely with Design leadership to help shape how we plan work, measure performance, and execute as we grow.
The anticipated title is Project & Design Operations Manager, but we care more about fit and capability than a rigid title.
Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
Supporting your health and well-being every step of the way.
Paid Time Off
Time to rest, recharge, and return inspired.
Paid Sick Time
Because taking care of yourself and your family matters.
9 Paid Company Holidays—Including Your Birthday
We believe life's milestones deserve to be celebrated.
Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement
Helping you stay connected wherever work takes you.
Professional Development Opportunities
Continuous learning, new experiences, and opportunities to grow alongside a team that values curiosity and excellence.
A Collaborative Culture
Work alongside talented professionals who value craftsmanship, trust, and white-glove service.

About Emerald Design Works

Interior Design · 11-50 employees · headquartered in Chicago, IL · founded 2026