The Role
We’re looking for a Design Operations & Procurement Manager to take the operational and administrative weight off the principal’s plate — managing procurement workflow, vendor relationships, billing coordination, and day-to-day project logistics so the design and client-facing work can stay where it belongs.
This is a long-term role for someone who likes ownership, runs a tight ship, and can be trusted to keep projects moving without hand-holding. You’ll work directly with the principal across a small portfolio of high-end residential projects, owning the operational backbone of the studio so the business can continue designing beautifully and growing thoughtfully.
This role is best suited to someone who genuinely enjoys operations, procurement, coordination, and keeping complex projects moving — rather than someone primarily seeking a creative design position.
What You’ll Do
Manage procurement workflow end-to-end: prepare clean purchase orders, place orders via company credit card, track confirmations and lead times, and ensure accurate, timely delivery across all active projects. (Wire transfers are handled by the principal — your role is to prepare ready-to-execute POs and hand them off.)
Coordinate with vendors and maintain relationships consistent with the caliber and professionalism of the firm.
Monitor order issues proactively, including delays, damages, missing items, freight coordination, and vendor follow-up — ensuring problems are resolved efficiently and communicated clearly.
Coordinate with our receiving warehouse to maintain inventory accuracy and strategically manage installation logistics and project
What You Bring
3+ years of experience in interior design, procurement, merchandising, project management, or related operational roles, ideally involving procurement coordination and/or project management responsibilities; experience with luxury or high-end residential projects is strongly preferred.
Working proficiency in Studio Designer, including proposals, purchasing, status tracking, and invoicing coordination.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated — you take ownership and don’t require close supervision to deliver.
Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously and shifting priorities when needed.
Someone who notices details before they become problems, communicates clearly and professionally, and takes pride in creating calm, organized systems behind the scenes.
Based in New York City, Studio KEM is a boutique interior architecture and design firm specializing in high-end residential projects across the country. We focus on turnkey interior design, guiding clients seamlessly from concept and planning through installation and completion with a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach.
