Design Studio Manager

Posted on: 2009-03-12

Karen D. Ruck 10646 El Este Avenue, Fountain Valley, California 92708 714.785.8659 [email protected] SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Strong analytical and planning skills, combined with the ability to coordinate the efforts of many to meet organizational goals. Productive and efficient work habits without supervision. Self-motivator with high energy and a solid history of purchasing and sales success. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE A solid background in Residential Homebuilding and Design Studio Management EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE Design Studio Manager - November 2002 to December 2008 Beazer Homes, Southern California Complete business plan responsibilities for Southern California Design Studio operations for national residential homebuilder. Managed inventory of residential spec homes (sold and unsold), for sale option offerings (including purchasing and contract management), construction schedules, trade partner installations and the sales/escrow process through successful close of escrow. Successfully grew optional to three locations, managing ten employees. Addressed the changing homebuilding market by reducing option costs with trade partner negotiations 10% on average, implementing special monthly promotions (options on sale) and developed a highly successfully package option sales strategy. Major accomplishments include: • Exceeded budgeted net profits and monthly per unit revenue yearly • Consistently placed in top five Design Studios nationally (profits/unit revenue) • Implemented direct buy of flooring materials • Successfully re-organized staff to one location serving all of Southern California Office Manager/ Executive Assistant - February 1997 to October 2002 Western Pacific Housing/D.R. Horton, Culver City Directly involved with all activities of Los Angeles/Ventura County Division, building on average 450 houses per year. Successfully grew office from start up to 80 plus employees. Designed and managed several office remodels while office retaining normal business hours. Relocated office to larger facility and supervised design and tenant improvements in new location. Responsible for all human resources and payroll issues for all employees. Managed all administrative staff. Worked closely with all vice presidents to exceed business plan goals. Office Manager/ Executive Assistant - July 1991 to February 1997 MJ Brock & Sons (Brock Homes, a Ryland Company), Laguna Hills and Woodland Hills Directly involved with all activities in established Laguna Hills location and transferred to start up division in Woodland Hills. Promoted four times during tenure. Worked closely with Division President on land acquisition, sales and marketing and operation activities. Handled all human resource and payroll issues for employees. Managed administrative staff, handled all workmen’s compensation claims and the safety program for office and off-site staff. Office Manager/ Sales Administrator - October 1990 to July 1991 Greenfield Environmental, Huntington Beach and Garden Grove Provided support to regional manager, sales manager and six technical salesmen in a full service environmental waste management company. Tenant Improvement Coordinator/ Construction -December 1987 to October 1990 O’Donnell, Armstrong, Brigham & Partners, Irvine Promoted from receptionist to provide administrative support and coordinate activities of tenant improvement project managers and shell project manager in an industrial development company. EDUCATION Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa - 1987 to 1991 Undergraduate studies with heavy concentration on visual arts.