Design Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

About us:

Imperia Lake Union is a catering company and event venue that provides inclusive event services, from planning to decor, coordination to florals. As a small business, Imperia is locally owned and operated as a certified LGBTQ, certified Woman- and Veteran-owned business. With 8 full-time employees and various staff, we work hard, build strong bonds based on respect for each other's work ethic and capabilities, and have a great time.

Job Summary:

The Event Design & Floral Manager reports directly to the Director of Events to sell, plan and execute the decorative event elements for Imperia Lake Union, a private venue, caterer, and florist. Events are primarily on-site, but deliveries and off-site events may become regular. This role works directly with clients, staff, and vendors. A unique aspect of this role is that our floral/décor pipeline comes directly from our event rentals, and we work as a team to sell and produce the design aesthetic for the client. We are a small business and work hard but have fun doing it! The Event Design & Floral Manager has strong independent work skills while collaborating, communicating, and planning with the Imperia team.

Main Duties:

• Design, Execute and Install current, on-trend florals, tablescapes and decorations (all ambiance) for 1-4 events each week, including weddings, milestones, corporate events, celebrations of life, and workshops
• Manage efficient and high-quality sales, inventory, purchasing, processing/prep, and production
• Meet and work with clients to create and sell custom design, floral orders and décor for their events. This means providing elevated client sales interactions, including deftly and accurately responding to inquiries while anticipating needs, giving decor/floral sales tours, creating estimates, performing follow-up on leads and proposals, finalizing sales, and providing after-event client communications and post-event reports
• Manage costs and budget internally, in client contract, and when ordering; successfully maintain profit margin
• Hire and manage 1-2 freelance and/or part-time support during high season
• Follow established standard operating procedures, tasks, and schedule for client interactions and stewardship processes
• Successfully coordinate and liaise with vendors to build lasting professional relationships
• Provide accurate and timely rental quotes and rentals to clients while tracking wholesale quote and cost for Imperia
• Order, pick up and process florals
• Collaborate effectively with the Imperia Team for each event in a timely and professional manner
• Manage inventory and maintain floral department at a high standard of cleanliness and organization
• Advise on floral and decor pricing, menu, marketing images and packages
• Work with owner to maintain look-book and moodboards (sales guide, Pinterest and/or website image folders)
• Guarantee all floral and decorative services provided to clients meet a high standard of excellence
• Take photos and videos of production and final product for social media posting
• Utilize software to track, communicate and process all recipes and events. This includes Tripleseat event software and reports, MS Excel, MS Forms, Adobe Express, and Outlook
• Other Duties as assigned to support Imperia (especially in off-season)

Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years experience creating custom small and large arrangements, installations, and ambiance (including bouquets, arches, flower walls, and centerpieces)
• 3+ years experience in sales, converting sales and upsells by using client vision to prepare and close proposals
• Excellent Communication Skills internally (staff) and externally (clients)
• Creative, Positive, Reliable and Organized
• Strong time, resource and physically demanding work management
• Inventory, Purchasing and Budget Management
• Valid Drivers License, comfort driving floral van, and reasonable driving record (record to be pulled during interview process)
• Strong skills with Outlook, Excel, and Adobe Express or similar creative software.

Routine Physical Requirements:

• Lifting and carrying up to 40 lbs
• Bending, using ladders, and standing for long periods of time
• Floral tool use
• Driving van for floral pickup & order delivery
• Loading/unloading orders
• STAIRS – Floral Studio and Décor Elements are 1-2 flights of stairs below the main ballroom and will be scaled multiple times per day while carrying items

Salary & Hours

• FT Salary Position $52,000-65,000 DOE per year, + commission after 1 year
• Located in Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle
• Set daytime weekly schedule of Wednesday to Sunday or Tuesday to Saturday, with flexed Nights, Weekends, Holidays, and occasional extended hours depending on events. Not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Benefits:

• Simple IRA Plan with Employer Match
• 75%-paid Employee Medical and Dental Plan
• Minimum 1% commission on all Gross Sales after 1 year with the company
• 80 hours paid vacation each year
• Paid federal holidays (if an event occurs on a holiday and staff must work, then a day within the same pay period may be taken as a comp day with pre-arranged coverage).
• Flex policy for work/life balance

If you are a dynamic team player with a passion for creating unforgettable events, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume detailing your relevant experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• Floral Design: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Seattle, WA 98102 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person