Studio Manager

Company Overview:

Ashton Woods is more than just a home builder. From the sale of our first home in 1989 to recently being named Builder of the Year by Builder Magazine, our focus has always been on blazing new trails and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in homebuilding. Ashton Woods, the #1 private home builder in the United States, markets its homes through its two award-winning brands, Ashton Woods and Starlight Homes. The Ashton Woods brand is known for designing thoughtfully curated, inspired homes for people who love design. The Starlight Homes brand builds homes specifically for the first-time homebuyer, offering affordable homes with well-executed designs and quality finishes for buyers looking to make the dream of home ownership a reality. The company’s commitment to innovation and continually evolving to meet the needs of the market is a key reason we are one of the most celebrated homebuilders in the nation, winning hundreds of national and local industry awards in product and community design, architecture, merchandising, sales, marketing, and customer service.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Ashton Woods sells new homes in Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio and Tampa.

KEY FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Studio Operations: Driving option sales and creating revenue is the primary objective of this position, but the means to achieving this goal is crucial: The Studio Manager is responsible for articulating the Studio vision and inspiring the Studio team and trade partners to deliver upon this vision. Ultimately, the Studio Manager serves as the ambassador for the Studio brand. In addition, ensures all Studio appointments are facilitated and executed according to construction and financial timelines predetermined at contract. Overall Studio efficiency is a priority. While appointments will traditionally be facilitated by Design Consultants, the Studio Manger must be prepared and able to facilitate as necessary. The Studio Manager is expected to take a balance of appointments.
• Business Analysis: Achieve sales results by conducting weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual analysis of Studio business, reacting with a strong sense of urgency and an action-oriented approach. Utilizes detailed reports to optimize option assortment, merchandise samples and drive sales margins. Recognizes and understands the implications of new business/design trends and works to implement new options as needed.
• Business Planning: Drive successful results by creating annual Studio business plan that include various business metrics to be met the following year. The SM is also responsible for creating annual budgets, operational and service roadmaps as well as, quarterly team incentives and teambuilding.
• Physical & Virtual Merchandising: Create and maintain innovative and organized options and displays that inspire the customer to buy. Ensure merchandising is effective and relevant, maintained and updated as necessary (feature current samples, eliminate discontinued product, immediately replace damaged samples/displays). Because technology supports the selling process, we must also be able to demonstrate options via the web, I Pad, etc. The Studio Manager should support technology objectives by working with trade partners to develop aps or web pages tailored for each option category. As ongoing maintenance is crucial, the Studio Manager should schedule regular maintenance time to ensure all technology supported selling programs and tools are current.
• Hiring and Training/Development: Hiring and retaining talented designers is a core job responsibility. Continued education in the design field is paramount to success, and ample time must be set aside for research, seminars, trade shows, forums, site visits, and training sessions with designers and trade partners. The Studio Manager must not only remain current on design trends, but also be able to articulate the importance of these trends to division leadership and buyers. The SM is responsible for ensuring that all Studio staff have successfully completed all required AW and Studio training modules, as well as conducting quarterly assessments to ensure the learning is being applied to daily business.
• Supports overall divisional goal to sell homes:
  • Supports sales teams by coordinating innovative special events or previews hosted by the Studio. Partners with Sales & Marketing Managers to develop Studio promotions that support local trends and consumer needs, develops quarterly sales incentives for Studio customers; works with marketing team to maintain a “photography portfolio” of closed homes, which designers can utilize to demonstrate installed options.
  • Engages with internal purchasing department to promote our consumers as a priority by offering appropriately priced options and the right assortment. Effectively communicates the need for new product as well as the need to right size option categories, driving increased customer satisfaction and higher option revenue. Makes recommendations to convert non-standard options to permanent option catalog items as necessary.
  • Facilitates the AW Collection program, maintaining and creating (as needed) collections based on the target market and communities. As facilitator, the Studio Manager is the point person for AW collections in a specific division/community and will partner with other team leaders to successfully incorporate collections into specified communities.
• Liaison for Corporate Approved Design Firms: Promotes Ashton Woods’ design initiatives within model homes and coordinates model options to ensure new innovative options are showcased. Ensures options, space plan and merchandising are appropriate to targeted BP level or demographic. Works closely with Centro Stile team to ensure all models meet the brand requirements.
• Ensures a Positive Customer Experience: Views The Studio as not just a space, but a holistic experience, from the moment a customer walks through the door throughout the entire selection process. Communicates with buyers during appointments to ensure a positive experience and intervenes as necessary if a challenge develops during the option selection process. Recognizes The Studio as an integral part of the customer journey.
• Supports AW Marketing: Alongside hosting events and previews to drive sales, the Studio Manager will also create impactful blogs, participate in Public Relations and other general marketing initiatives.

KEY SKILLS/EXPERIENCED REQUIRED

• 10 years’ business management. Residential interior design or retail / construction experience a plus
• College degree in business or related field
• 10 years of team leadership
• Demonstrates solid understanding of core design principles and color concepts
• Ability to sketch and think three-dimensionally to illustrate design concepts
• Displays strong knowledge of interior finishes, including wood species, natural stone and hardware
• Computer-savvy (Excel, CAD) and ability and desire to learn how to design with new technology
• Highly organized and analytical, while also creatively-minded
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Motivates and trains others with passion and confidence
• Strong work ethic, takes initiative, learns and applies new information quickly
• Maintains a professional image as the face of Ashton Woods to the consumer
• Personable, adaptable and flexible in working schedules based on customer buyer/demand