Proposals & Design Manager (Remote)

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

Job Description

We are seeking a Proposal & Design Manager to join our team. In this role, you will oversee the entire design process, from concept development to project completion. The primary focus is on fostering a collaborative and creative environment where the team of educational designers can thrive and deliver high-quality work. This role will ensure that the team meets customer and internal cross-functional team expectations, adheres to project timelines and produces designs that align with the company’s vision and brand expectations. Applicants should have excellent communication skills, along with the ability to work collaboratively across departments. The ideal candidate is also proactive and self-motivated. 

A day on the job looks like this: 

• Lead and manage a team of educational classroom designers, providing guidance, support and mentorship 
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture to ensure high-quality 3-D layouts and design solutions 
• Oversee the conceptualization and development of 3-D classroom layouts, ensuring alignment with educational goals, spatial requirements and aesthetic standards 
• Design and implement training programs for new hires, ensuring a smooth onboarding process 
• Continuously develop and enhance the skills of the team through ongoing training opportunities 
• Handle customer calls, addressing inquiries and concerns, and providing expert guidance on design solutions 
• Collaborate with the Sales team to problem-solve and tailor designs to meet specific customer requirements 
• Manage resource allocation efficiently, ensuring optimal utilization of team members’ skills and time 
• Work closely with project managers to prioritize tasks and ensure timely delivery of proposals and designs 
• Collaborate with Sales representatives to understand customer needs and contribute to the development of winning proposals 
• Utilize data-driven insights to make informed decisions, optimizing operational processes and resource …