Home Staging Project Lead

Transition Home Staging is hiring a Home Staging Project Lead in Arlington Heights, IL. This is a hands-on design and leadership position combining creative work with team direction. The Project Lead takes ownership of staging projects from initial consultation through design planning, inventory selection, installation, and client follow-up. The role involves actively designing spaces, selecting furnishings, moving and styling inventory, and working alongside Assistant Stagers rather than supervising from a distance. The Project Lead is accountable for both the final appearance of staged properties and the efficiency of the team executing the work.

Responsibilities include conducting occupied staging consultations and vacant property walk-throughs to evaluate homes from a buyer's perspective. The Project Lead identifies selling challenges, recommends improvements to marketability, determines which rooms to stage, and communicates recommendations clearly to Realtors and sellers. This role develops staging recommendations and quotes based on project scope, inventory needs, labor, and timelines while maintaining company profitability standards and keeping accurate project information in company systems.

The Project Lead develops the overall design direction for both occupied and vacant projects, selecting furniture, rugs, artwork, accessories, and décor suited to the property, target buyer, and price point. This includes hands-on work during inventory selection and picking, making confident design decisions within approved scope and budget, and coordinating with the Warehouse Lead. During installations, the Project Lead leads and directs Assistant Stagers, clearly communicating design direction and expectations, while maintaining responsibility for the finished design. The Project Lead helps train new Assistant Stagers in company design and staging standards and provides coaching to develop their skills.

Field leadership duties involve overseeing occupied and vacant installations from start to finish, making onsite design decisions and solving unexpected challenges. The Project Lead manages projects within approved scope and timeframe, maintains quality standards and property protection, and ensures installations are photo-ready. Communication responsibilities include serving as the primary staging contact for assigned projects, explaining recommendations professionally, setting clear expectations with Realtors and sellers, handling questions and project changes, and building strong client relationships.

Applicants must have professional experience in home staging, interior design, merchandising, styling, or a related field. A strong portfolio demonstrating design ability is required. Candidates need an excellent eye for scale, balance, proportion, color, and composition, with the ability to visualize and execute complete rooms. Strong leadership and teamwork skills are essential, along with excellent organization and time management. Confident decision-making and problem-solving abilities are required, as is professional communication and the capacity to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Additional requirements include comfort using technology and learning new systems, basic knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, and reliable transportation (SUV or larger preferred). The position requires a flexible daytime schedule accommodating changing real estate timelines. The successful candidate must be able to lift approximately 35-50 pounds, move staging inventory and furniture, climb ladders as needed, and be comfortable with the physical demands of staging work. A resume showing relevant staging, interior design, merchandising, or similar experience and a portfolio or photos demonstrating staging, design, or styling ability are required for consideration.

Transition Home Staging is an award-winning staging company serving the North and Northwest suburbs of Chicago, specializing in both occupied and vacant properties. The company approaches staging beyond decoration, analyzing each property through a buyer's eyes to improve marketability, highlight best features, and create emotional connections.

Applications must include a resume and portfolio to be considered.