CET Design Manager in Ronkonkoma, New York at Lab Crafters Inc.

About Us:

Lab Crafters is the premier manufacturer of laboratory furniture systems, casework, seating, fume hoods, and custom solutions for the life sciences, biotechnology, and higher education. Our mission is to create state-of-the-art laboratory environments by providing innovative products and solutions tailored to support emerging and changing scientific processes and technology.

• Lead, manage, and develop the CET design team to ensure exceptional project execution and client satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain design standards, workflows, best practices, and quality control procedures.
• Review and approve design drawings, specifications, layouts, renderings, and installation documents.
• Provide creative direction and technical guidance to designers throughout the design process.
• Champion innovative workplace design solutions aligned with industry trends and client objectives.
• Confidently present design concepts, solutions, and recommendations to clients, Account Managers, and internal stakeholders.

• Serve as the primary resource for designers regarding furniture applications, product specifications, and design-related questions.
• Conduct furniture pre-checks and quality reviews to ensure design accuracy and compliance.
• Verify installation drawings, field verification requirements, and project documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturer standards, client specifications, and industry requirements.
• Maintain consistency and quality across all project deliverables.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance design quality and efficiency.

• Manage and maintain CET standards, libraries, symbols, templates, and configuration settings.
• Develop and optimize workflows to maximize productivity and design accuracy.
• Provide CET software training, troubleshooting, and ongoing support to the design team.
• Ensure the team remains proficient in current CET capabilities and best practices.

• Maintain comprehensive and current knowledge of furniture products, applications, and manufacturer offerings from key vendor partners.
• Ensure products are specified appropriately to meet client requirements, budget objectives, and manufacturer standards.
• Guide designers in product selection, application, and specification strategies.
• Stay informed of industry trends, product innovations, and manufacturer updates.

• Oversee project schedules, deliverables, resource allocation, and design workloads.
• Coordinate multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines and client expectations are met.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Project Management, Installation, Operations, and Leadership teams.
• Partner with executive leadership on strategic initiatives and special projects as assigned.

• Recruit, onboard, train, mentor, and evaluate design staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and establish individual development plans.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth.
• Provide ongoing coaching in design processes, product knowledge, workplace design principles, and CET proficiency.
• Balance team workloads and staffing requirements to support operational objectives.

• Develop and deliver training programs, presentations, and educational materials for design teams.
• Introduce and implement new processes, tools, and best practices to improve operational effectiveness.
• Promote adherence to established design methodologies and project standards.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance departmental procedures to improve quality, efficiency, and client outcomes.

• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic business initiatives and special projects.
• Support organizational goals through cross-functional partnerships and process improvements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• BFA, BA or BS in interior design, architecture and planning from an accredited college or equivalent combination of education and industry experience.
• 8-10 years of design experience in contract furniture working with cross functional teams including a proven track record of training or mentoring others.
• Demonstrated skill using 2D/3D software, AutoCAD, CET Designer and Microsoft Suite. Possess a high level of graphic presentation skills.
• Understanding of building systems, building codes, electrical, cabling and meeting ADA compliance with furniture.
• Mastery in navigating and curating solutions from an expansive product portfolio, including furniture systems, ancillary, accessories, and bespoke.
• Innovative Problem-Solver: Able to address unique challenges in workplace design and find creative solutions that align with the company’s vision.
• Team Player: Work well as a member of a group, understand your role, welcome collaboration, hold yourself accountable, accept feedback gracefully, maintain flexibility, uphold a positive attitude, and commit to the team.
• Self-Starter: Actively seeks out ways to assist team without being told
• Teaching Skills: Demonstrate patience and guide designers to develop their ability to understand the designer role. Ability to give constructive feedback and follow-up to ensure the designer understands.
• Communication Skills: Strong communicator and able to present design processes in training and design meetings.
• Reliable, good work ethic, and high integrity.

EEO STATEMENT:

Lab Crafters, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or other characteristic protected by law.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

*Sponsorship is not available for this position*

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance