Great Northern Builders, Inc.

Location: South Berwick, ME

Build with purpose. Lead with integrity.

At Great Northern Builders, Inc., you'll find steady, meaningful work, a supportive team, and leaders who value craftsmanship, integrity, and balance. We're a woman-owned, award-winning general contracting company specializing in high-quality residential remodeling, additions, and custom builds throughout the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

We pride ourselves on being ethical, authentic, and deeply knowledgeable, a team that communicates openly, follows through on commitments, and works together to deliver beautiful, lasting results. Our company operates with the Entrepreneurial Operating System, ensuring structure, accountability, and growth opportunities at every level.

We're looking for a creative, organized, and detail-oriented Designer to support clients through the design and selections process, helping translate ideas, priorities, and project goals into thoughtful, well-documented design decisions.

Our Core Values

Well-Built -- Beyond industry standards; beautiful, lasting work
Ethical -- Grounded in integrity. Accountable in every action
Authentic -- Honest words. Consistent actions. Real relationships
Positive Traction -- Progress through challenges; momentum with purpose
Deeply Knowledgeable -- Craftsmanship rooted in skill, growth, and curiosity.

If you value transparency, craftsmanship, and teamwork, and take pride in doing things the right way, this is the place to do your best work.

Role Overview

The Designer role focuses on guiding clients through design decisions, finish selections, documentation, and coordination from contract through construction. Working closely with clients, Project Managers, vendors, trade partners, and the internal team, you will help ensure that design intent is clearly communicated, selections are accurately documented, and decisions are made in alignment with project scope, budget, and schedule.

This role requires strong design sensibility, excellent communication, comfort with technology and documentation systems, and the ability to manage detailed information across multiple active projects.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Selections

Guide clients through the design and selections process for remodeling, addition, and custom build projects
Help clients make thoughtful, practical design decisions that align with their goals, budget, and project scope
Coordinate finish, fixture, appliance, cabinetry, tile, lighting, flooring, hardware, paint, and other material selections
Prepare and organize design concepts, selections, inspiration images, samples, and supporting documentation
Confirm product specifications, lead times, availability, and suitability for each project
Identify long-lead items and communicate risks early
Prepare and send selection documents to clients for review and approval
Follow up on outstanding approvals to keep projects moving forward
Keep projects aligned with schedule through timely execution of design and selection decisions

Documentation & Coordination

Ensure all selections and design decisions are clearly documented, approved, and aligned with project scope and budget
Request, track, and organize vendor quotes for selection items as needed
Upload and organize digital project records, including quotes, specifications, approvals, invoices, drawings, images, and product information
Maintain accurate and accessible project information across multiple active projects
Assist in maintaining selection schedules, design deadlines, and required documentation
Provide paper copies of information as needed for site use
Support overall project organization through strong follow-through and attention to detail

Procurement & Ordering Support

Prepare approved selections for ordering
Coordinate with the internal team to ensure orders are placed accurately and on time
Track order status, deliveries, and lead times as needed
Proactively communicate backorders, delays, substitutions, and product changes
Coordinate with Project Managers to support timely deliveries to job sites

Systems & Field Support

Utilize project management software, including JobTread, to manage selections, documentation, and communication
Ensure digital project information is accurate, current, and easy for the team to access
Assist with scanning, measuring, photographing, and documenting existing conditions in the field as needed
Support field teams with clear design documentation and product information

Team, Client & Vendor Coordination

Communicate design and selection details clearly to clients, Project Managers, trade partners, and vendors
Confirm specifications and design intent with Project Managers and field teams
Coordinate showroom visits, vendor meetings, and sample requests as needed
Build strong relationships with vendors, showrooms, trade partners, and clients
Help ensure that design decisions support a smooth and efficient build process

Qualifications

Experience in residential design, interior design, selections, remodeling, showroom sales, construction coordination, or a related field preferred
Ability to design floor plans and elevations (non-structural) in design software preferred.
Strong design sense and familiarity with residential finish materials
Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple active projects, decisions, and deadlines
Strong communication skills with clients, team members, vendors, and trade partners
Comfort discussing budgets, options, timelines, and practical project constraints
Strong comfort with technology and digital systems; JobTread experience a plus
Ability to learn and use field documentation tools, including scanning or measuring technology
Proficient with spreadsheets, email, and ability to learn new software
Self-directed, dependable, proactive, and solutions-oriented

Personal Qualities

Creative, organized, and detail-oriented without losing sight of the bigger picture
Calm and solutions-oriented when plans shift
Strong follow-through and ability to keep decisions moving without needing constant direction
Collaborative and team-oriented
Comfortable working directly with clients and helping them feel supported through the process
Takes pride in accuracy, communication, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way

Salary & Benefits

Full-time, W-2 employee
Pay: $65,000-$80,000 annual salary, depending on experience
Paid Time Off: 2 weeks to start; additional 5 days PTO after 2 years
Paid Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving + Friday after, Christmas Day, and half-day Christmas Eve when applicable
Retirement: SIMPLE IRA with 3% company match after 90 days
Health Insurance: Employee premium covered up to $500/month
Life, Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance: Provided at no cost to employee
Dental & Vision Insurance: Provided at no cost to employee
Ongoing training and continuing education opportunities
Discretionary, performance-based bonuses

Why Work With Us

This is a challenging and rewarding role. At Great Northern Builders, you'll join a team that values honesty, professionalism, creativity, and continuous growth. If you take pride in thoughtful design, clear communication, managing details, and helping projects and people move in the right direction, you'll thrive here.

Great Northern Builders, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, military status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

Great Northern Builders

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