Design Studio Manager

About KB Home

KB Home is one of the largest and most recognized homebuilders in the United States and has built over 650,000 quality homes in our more than 60-year history. Today, KB Home operates in 45 markets from coast to coast. What sets KB Home apart is the exceptional personalization we offer our homebuyers from those buying their first home to experienced buyers allowing them to make their home uniquely their own, at a price that fits their budget. As the leader in energy-efficient homebuilding, KB Home was the first builder to make every home it builds ENERGY STAR certified, a standard of energy performance achieved by fewer than 10% of new homes in America, and has built more ENERGY STAR certified homes than any other builder. An energy-efficient KB home helps lower the cost of ownership and is designed to be healthier, more comfortable and better for the environment than new homes without certification. We build strong, personal relationships with our customers so they have a real partner in the homebuying process. As a result, we have the distinction of being the #1 customer-ranked national homebuilder in third-party buyer satisfaction surveys. Build your career with KB Home. Learn more.

JOB SUMMARY: The Director/Manager of Studio is responsible for the daily operations of the Studio and all activities geared toward profitability and efficiency. Oversees the design studio team, setting up procedures, processes and assuring the design studio meets cycle time goals and maintains CSI scores that meet or exceed company standards. Interprets intimate financial knowledge of the business plan, related to design studio functions, into actionable strategy. Demonstrates a keen understanding of the brand/division's position in the market relative to competitors, including factors such as option pricing. Communicate project updates regularly to management and cross functional teams such as the status of each buyer, potential issues, risks, etc. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships interdepartmentally, by managing their concerns in a prompt, courteous and effective manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Performance Optimization:

• Designs and implements performance-boosting procedures aligned with company and division policies.

• Drives the studio's sales process, achieving VC and operating margin goals.

• Manages staffing by conducting interviews, offering hiring recommendations, and providing career development.

• Fosters a positive, motivating, and challenging work environment, promoting exceptional Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) performance.

• Builds strong relationships with Sales, Purchasing, Construction, Customer Service, Marketing, Processing, and Mortgage departments for seamless collaboration.

Customer Champion:

• Champions CSI and company standards, regularly reporting results to senior leadership.

• Resolves escalated customer service issues promptly and effectively.

• Ensures timely resolution of any homebuyer concerns.

Product & Pricing Precision:

• Collaborates with relevant teams to ensure correct system reflection of all options, including pricing and availability per plan.

• Conducts regular audits of KB Home's database and plan listings for accuracy.

• Identifies and communicates discrepancies to responsible departments.

• Stays informed of competitor pricing through routine benchmarking.

Effective Communication & Reporting:

• Submits weekly reports to upper management, covering key metrics such as appointments, conversions, option selections, VC data, CSI scores, and other relevant information.

• Leads and facilitates New Community meetings and process changes sessions with consultants and vendors.

• Provides clear product information and implementation strategies during meetings.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Certifications/Licenses

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required

• Four Year College Degree preferred

• Retail Management certifications and/or licenses preferred

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years proven retail or management experience

• Prior experience managing direct reports preferred

• Home building or related industry preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong experience in delivering high quality customer service programs.

• Understands market and industry trends.

• Demonstrated management capabilities including personnel selection, employee development and training.

• Ability to connect with people and develop and maintain professional relationships.

• Action oriented, with the drive to push sales to successful closure.

• Proven ability of being customer centric by seeking solutions from the customer's perspective.

• Strong verbal & written communication, with the ability to take complex concepts and communicate accurately and persuasively.

• Proven ability to lead and execute effective training sessions or conduct strong oral presentations.

• Strong ability to work within a team-setting, inclusive of other's ideas, and a willingness to cooperate.

• Makes quick and accurate decisions based heavily on facts, data and/or metrics.

• High level proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Work Requirements

• Work 8-hour days with flexibility for additional work hours when necessary.

• Conduct business in a professional and ethical manner to potential buyers, trade partners, and coworkers to reinforce goodwill and profitability for the company.

Find out why KB Home is attracting and retaining the best employees! If you are interested and qualified, please apply now. KB Home provides above average compensation packages and earnings potential, full benefits, an outstanding 401K matching program, bonus plans and amazing promotional opportunities. KB Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse work team. Diversity is important to KB Home!