Manager, Interior Planning & Design Standards
***This is a remote/work from home position. Hire must be able to work eastern time zone business hours.
Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
The Manager of Interior Planning & Design Standards serves as a strategic bridge between facility planning/programming and interior design execution. This role leads the development and application of system-wide interior environments by integrating planning principles, operational workflows, and design standards into scalable, cost-effective solutions.
This role ensures interior design decisions support project programming, capital planning, cost alignment, and long-term operational performance, while elevating user experience and brand consistency. The position provides leadership to interior design resources and partners, including direct supervision of interior design staff.
Essential Job Functions
1. Interior Planning Integration & Programming Support
Partner with Planning & Preconstruction to integrate interior design into facility programming and space planning efforts
Translate clinical, operational, and workflow requirements into interior planning strategies and design criteria
Support early project phases including: Functional programming; Space standards development; & Planning narratives and room typologies
Ensure interior design concepts align with project scope, budget, and phasing strategies
2. System-Wide Interior Standards Leadership
Lead development, governance, and continuous improvement of interior finish and environment standards
Align standards with: System branding; Clinical and operational requirements; & Lifecycle durability and maintenance considerations
Expand standards beyond finishes to include: Room-level design applications; Planning-driven typologies (e.g., exam rooms, patient rooms, support spaces); & Developing space planning programming standards or templates.
Serve as SME for material performance, application, and standardization
3. Design Oversight & Consultant Coordination
Guide external architects and interior designers to ensure alignment with planning intent and system standards
Provide guidance and oversight to project teams rather than direct project leadership.
Review design deliverables across phases for: Programming alignment; Standards compliance; & Cost and constructability
Provide direction where standards require project-specific adaptation or innovation
Act as a key participant in design charrettes/kick-off and milestone reviews
4. Furniture, Artwork & Signage (FAS) Leadership
Provide strategic oversight (not just execution) of: Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E); Artwork programs; & Signage and wayfinding systems
Ensure FAS decisions are: Integrated with programming & space functionality, and consistent with brand & user experience goals
Guide development of prototypes and repeatable solutions for system-wide deployment
5. Cost Planning & Preconstruction Alignment
Collaborate with cost and planning teams to: Develop conceptual budgets for interiors and FAS, and validate alignment with system cost benchmarks
Identify opportunities for: Standardization; Value optimization; & Bulk purchasing strategies
Contribute to preconstruction decision-making and estimating inputs, consistent with department cost governance practices
Develop and manage budgets related to interior finishes (as applicable) and FAS packages
6. Procurement Strategy & Vendor Management
Oversee procurement approach for interiors and FAS: Define bid packages & scopes, and support vendor selection & evaluation
Coordinate with system purchasing strategies and group purchasing organizations
Ensure procurement aligns with project schedules, budgets, and standardization goals
7. Leadership & Team Development
Directly supervise interior design staff
Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and workload prioritization
Establish workflows that integrate design staff with: Planning teams; Project management; & External consultants
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
8. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as primary liaison for interior environments across: Planning and Preconstruction; Design and Construction project teams; Clinical and operational stakeholders; & Brand, compliance, and facilities teams
Facilitate decisions that balance: User experience; Operational efficiency; & Cost and constructability
This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Licensing/Certification
Professional licensure or certification (Registered Architect, NCIDQ) (Preferred)
Education
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design or related field (Required)
Work Experience
8–12+ years of combined experience in: Architectural planning/programming (strongly preferred) or Interior design within healthcare or complex commercial environments (Preferred)
Demonstrated experience integrating planning, design standards, and project delivery (Preferred)
Experience working within or alongside design & construction / preconstruction teams (Preferred)
Experience in overseeing design consultants and mentoring staff (Preferred)
Desired Skills
Hard/Tech Skills:
Strong expertise in facility planning, programming, and space typologies
Deep understanding of interior materials, finishes, and FF&E systems
Ability to connect design decisions to cost, operations, and lifecycle performance
Proficiency in interpreting drawings, specifications, and planning documents
Strong financial and cost-awareness mindset
Proficiency in design and documentation tools (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe, MS Office)
Soft/Interpersonal Skills:
Attention to detail
Communication across technical and non-technical stakeholders
Acceptance of authority
Critical thinking
Collaboration/Teamwork
Conflict resolution
Active listening
Relationship building
As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
What we offer
Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support
Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email [email protected]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]