Director of Design and Project Management

Merrill Gardens - Director of Design & Project Management Are you passionate about creating thoughtful, high-quality spaces that elevate resident experience? Do you enjoy leading complex renovation projects from concept to completion while balancing design, budget, and operations? If so, Merrill Gardens invites you to apply for our Director of Design & Project Management role.Family means everything to us. We are a fifth-generation family business that values community, connection, and long-term commitment to our team members. For over 30 years, we've built an environment where employees and residents thrive together. Join our family and apply today!We offer: Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, FSA, life insurance)Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 remote)Generous PTO (holidays, vacation, personal days)401(k) with company match and immediate vestingCompany-paid disability insuranceAdditional perks including fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, tuition support, and transit benefitsA stable, growing company with advancement opportunitiesWhat You'll Do:Design LeadershipLead design direction for remodels, refurbishments, and interior upgrades across communitiesPartner with external designers and make independent design decisions aligned with brand standardsDevelop and maintain design guidelines and finish standardsProject ManagementOversee projects from concept through completion, including scope, budget, and timelineCoordinate with Regional Maintenance and Operations to ensure smooth executionManage vendors, contractors, and consultants to deliver quality resultsCapital Planning & OperationsPartner on annual and long-term CapEx planningIdentify cost efficiencies and scalable solutions across communitiesBalance design vision with operational needs and minimal disruptionBrand & Stakeholder LeadershipEnsure design supports resident experience, safety, and accessibilityServe as a trusted partner to leadership and translate technical concepts into clear plansInfluence decisions through collaboration and expertiseAcquisitions & Development CollaborationPartner with Acquisitions, Finance, and Development teams to support the evaluation of new investment and development opportunities.Participate in on-site due diligence, identifying physical risks, hidden CapEx exposure, and opportunities for operational or design-driven upsideProvide design and construction perspective during underwriting to ensure budgets, timelines, and project assumptions are realistic and aligned with Merrill Gardens standards and operating model.Collaborate with Development team and third-party partners on early-stage programming, space planning, and finish level decisionsSupport external partner conversations by articulating design vision, refurbishment strategies, and capital planning approach in a clear, credible manner.Ensure alignment between pre-acquisition assumptions and post-close execution to drive accountability and performance.What You Bring: Bachelor's degree in interior design, architecture, construction management, or related field (advanced degree preferred)10+ years of experience in multi-site design, renovation, or project managementExperience in senior living, hospitality, multifamily, healthcare, or similar industriesStrong knowledge of construction, budgeting, CapEx, and vendor managementProficiency in Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and/or Revit preferredExcellent communication, problem-solving, and project management skillsAbility to manage multiple projects and work independentlyAbility to travel up to 30%Physical Requirements: Regular computer use, sitting, and occasional standing/walking, able to lift up to 20lbs., push/pull up to 20lbs. required. Reasonable accommodations available.The pay range for this position will vary based on qualifications and experience. Hiring at the maximum is not typical to allow room for growth. Bonus Target of 15%.Join Merrill Gardens and help shape spaces that enhance the lives of our residents while building a meaningful career.Yes, You Can have a meaningful career!Merrill Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer.