The Design Manager is responsible for leading and managing the technical design function within the practice. This role oversees a team of Design Leads and design staff, ensuring work is properly assigned, resources are effectively utilized, and project deliverables meet established quality and design standards. The Design Manager serves as the steward of design excellence by implementing, maintaining, and enforcing design processes, technical standards, and quality control procedures across all projects.
The Design Manager works closely with Project Managers, Practice Leaders, and Discipline Leaders to ensure consistent delivery, efficient utilization of resources, and high-quality technical outcomes that support organizational goals and client satisfaction.
The Impact You'll Make:
Design Leadership & Team Management
Lead, mentor, and develop Design Leads and technical staff.
Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures for design teams.
Facilitate staff development, technical growth, and succession planning.
Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among design teams.
Support recruiting, onboarding, and retention of design personnel.
Manages day-to-day personnel administration of direct reports, including timekeeping, expense approvals, performance evaluations, employee development, and other routine personnel matters in accordance with company policies
Resource Planning & Workload Management
Coordinate and balance workload across Design Leads and technical teams.
Assign design resources based on project needs, technical capabilities, and staff development objectives.
Monitor team utilization and proactively address workload imbalances.
Collaborate with Project Managers to forecast staffing needs and identify resource constraints.
Design Standards & Technical Excellence
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve design standards, procedures, and best practices.
Ensure consistent application of organizational CAD, BIM, engineering, and design standards.
Lead implementation of technical tools, templates, and standard processes.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and design consistency.
Serve as the technical authority for design execution and delivery practices.
Quality Control & Quality Assurance
Own and maintain the organization's design quality control program.
Establish and enforce QC review procedures and documentation requirements.
Conduct periodic audits of project deliverables to verify compliance with standards.
Ensure design reviews are completed at established project milestones.
Track quality metrics, lessons learned, and corrective actions to continuously improve performance.
Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and technical excellence.
Project Delivery Support
Partner with Project Managers to support successful project execution.
Provide technical oversight on complex or high-risk projects.
Assist in resolving technical challenges and design conflicts.
Support proposal development, staffing plans, and project execution strategies.
Ensure design deliverables align with client requirements, contract obligations, and regulatory standards.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Quality issues and design rework are minimized.
Design standards and QC processes are consistently followed.
Project deliverables are completed on time.
Staff resources are effectively allocated across projects.
Technical staff demonstrate growth, engagement, and retention.
Design reviews and audits are completed with positive results.
Process improvements are implemented and embraced by the team.
Professional Growth & Career Development
The Design Manager role provides a pathway for expanded leadership responsibilities within project delivery and business operations. Individuals in this position are encouraged to develop project management competencies, including project planning, scope management, financial performance, client communication, and risk management.
As part of professional development, Design Managers may:
Serve as Deputy Project Managers on complex assignments.
Lead internal project delivery initiatives and multidisciplinary coordination efforts.
Participate in project financial reviews, forecasting, and resource planning.
Support client communications and stakeholder engagement activities.
Develop proficiency in project management tools, processes, and best practices.
Transition into Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Operations Leader, or Practice Leadership roles as experience and capabilities expand.
This growth opportunity allows Design Managers to leverage their technical leadership experience while gaining the project delivery and business management skills necessary for broader organizational leadership positions.
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