Upward On

New Development Design Manager

Upward On  •  New York City, NY (Onsite)  •  22 days ago
Apply
AI can make mistakes so check important info. Chat history is never stored.

Job Description

About the Opportunity

This is an opportunity for a design-forward real estate professional to join a highly active New Development team at an established firm. This role sits at the intersection of design, development, and leasing—working across the full lifecycle of a project, from pre-development through launch and stabilization. You will play a key role in shaping the product before it hits the market and ensuring it performs once it does.

About the Company

Our client is an established and highly active real estate firm with a strong presence in the New York City new development space. The team partners with top-tier developers on residential projects, bringing a thoughtful, market-driven approach to design, positioning, and leasing strategy.

Role & Responsibilities

Pre-Development & Product Strategy

  • Review architectural floorplans and provide feedback on layout, flow, proportions, and overall livability
  • Advise on unit mix, bedroom configurations, and pricing strategy based on market data and comparables
  • Identify design and functionality issues early and collaborate with architects to resolve

Design & Finishes

  • Review and advise on interior finish packages, including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, lighting, and appliances
  • Ensure finishes align with target market, price point, and competitive positioning
  • Contribute to overall design direction and assist in curating materials and palettes

Amenity Programming

  • Advise on amenity mix, layout, and programming based on target renter/buyer profile
  • Evaluate amenity strategy in the context of cost, usage, and market demand
  • Support the development of lifestyle-driven offerings that enhance marketability

Project Coordination & Execution

  • Partner with developers, architects, and internal teams throughout the lifecycle of each project
  • Prepare advisory materials, presentations, and recommendations for client use
  • Conduct site visits during construction and model unit build-out

Launch & Marketing Support

  • Support project launch across listing platforms, ensuring accuracy in pricing and unit details
  • Collaborate with marketing teams on positioning, messaging, and creative assets
  • Assist with broker previews, launch events, and ongoing leasing/sales support
  • Act as a point of coordination across teams to ensure alignment and execution

Qualifications

  • 3–7+ years of experience in new development, real estate, interior design, architecture, or a related field
  • Direct experience working with floorplans, layouts, and interior finishes
  • Strong understanding of the residential development lifecycle
  • Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings
  • Design-forward mindset with a strong understanding of what drives leasing/sales performance
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to present ideas clearly and confidently
  • Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Proficiency with design and presentation tools (Adobe, Bluebeam, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Real estate license or willingness to obtain

Compensation, Hours, Location

  • Full-time position
  • Location: New York City
  • Compensation commensurate with experience (range 75K - 85K)
  • Comprehensive benefits package
Upward On

About Upward On

Upward On is a Talent Acquisition Firm that specializes in the Real Estate Industry. What sets Upward On apart from a traditional Executive Search firm is the personalized attention to the search, and the time taken to vet potential candidates before presenting to the employer. In addition to decades of personal relationships that have been cultivated, Upward On also has an impressive success rate at making successful and fruitful strategic partnerships between companies and employees.

Industry
HR & Recruiting
Company Size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
New York
Year Founded
2017
Social Media