Assistant Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Project Design Manager

Company: The Haskell Company

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Project Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: August 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports senior design leadership in executing project management functions for design initiatives, focusing on efficient workflow and project lifecycle management.

• Develops, monitors, and updates project design schedules, ensuring timely delivery and advising project teams on schedule adjustments.

• Manages the pre-qualification of design consultants and fosters strong, trust-based working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ensures adherence to safe work practices and facilitates thorough design document reviews to uphold project quality objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Assistant Project Design Manager, suggesting a focus on supporting senior project and design leaders. The responsibilities indicate a blend of project coordination, stakeholder management, and an understanding of the design and construction lifecycle, which aligns with a GTM (Go-To-Market) or operations support function within a company like Haskell, which operates in the construction and engineering sector. The emphasis on "design operations" is derived from the core duties of managing design processes, schedules, and consultant relationships.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute delegated project management tasks for design initiatives, acting as a key support for the Design Manager, Senior Design Manager, or Director of Design.

• Take ownership of the execution within specific practice areas, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to project scope.

• Develop, monitor, and maintain comprehensive project design schedules, incorporating efficient sequencing and proactively communicating any necessary changes to the project team.

• Manage the pre-qualification process for design consultants, ensuring that only qualified and suitable partners are engaged for projects.

• Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and impactful project communications, both verbally and in writing, to various stakeholders.

• Cultivate and nurture positive working relationships with existing clients and internal/external partners, establishing a foundation of trust and reliability.

• Champion and ensure commitment to safe work practices throughout the design documentation phase and in the field, aligning with company safety policies.

• Facilitate and meticulously monitor design document reviews, ensuring that all project quality objectives are consistently met and maintained.

• Utilize standard project management tools and techniques, ensuring compliance with all company policies from the proposal stage through to project closure.

• Regularly review project financial performance in collaboration with design leadership, developing a strong understanding of cost accounting practices and forecasting methodologies.

• Solicit input from relevant practice areas for the development of fee proposals and requests for change orders or additional services, ensuring comprehensive and accurate submissions.

• Undertake travel as required to project sites, client meetings, or other business-related locations to support project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive approach to project management within the design context, including schedule management, consultant oversight, financial review, and client relationship building. This suggests the role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple facets of a project simultaneously, typical of operations roles supporting complex project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Architecture (preferred).

Experience: Approximately 7 years of progressive experience in a design discipline, leading to independent, senior-level design responsibilities.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables effectively.

• Design Management: Experience overseeing design processes, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring design quality.

• Schedule Development & Monitoring: Proficiency in creating, tracking, and updating project schedules, with the ability to identify and mitigate delays.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of cost accounting principles and financial forecasting for project budgets.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for clear stakeholder engagement and reporting.

• Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

• Safety Compliance: Commitment to and understanding of safe work practices in design and field environments.

• Design Review Facilitation: Skill in organizing and leading design review sessions to ensure quality objectives are met.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Intermediate proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, analysis, and presentations.

• Time Management: Exceptional ability to manage changing schedules, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Independent Work & Team Collaboration: Capacity to work autonomously and contribute effectively within a team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Professional Registration or Eligibility: Licensed or eligible for professional licensure in a relevant engineering or architectural discipline.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification: Desired, indicating a formal understanding of project management methodologies.

• Knowledge of Architectural & Engineering Systems: Familiarity with diverse systems relevant to projects (e.g., facilities, processes, packaging systems).

• Blueprint Production Software Proficiency: Knowledge of software used for blueprint production and integration requirements for full project modeling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a strong foundation in engineering/architecture with substantial project management experience. The preference for professional registration and PMP certification indicates a role that values formal expertise and a structured approach to project delivery, aligning with best practices in operations and project management. The inclusion of specific software knowledge points to the technical demands of the role within a design-focused operations context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented examples of project schedules developed and managed, showcasing sequencing, milestone tracking, and any critical path analysis.

• Case studies demonstrating successful management of design consultant pre-qualification and engagement processes.

• Evidence of clear and concise project communication artifacts (e.g., status reports, meeting minutes, client correspondence) that highlight effective stakeholder management.

• Examples of financial review documentation, illustrating an understanding of cost accounting and forecasting for design projects.

• Documentation showcasing adherence to safety protocols and facilitation of design reviews that met project quality objectives. Process Documentation:

• Workflows illustrating the process of developing, monitoring, and updating project design schedules, including communication protocols for changes.

• Documentation outlining the methodology for pre-qualifying and selecting design consultants.

• Examples of standard operating procedures for conducting design document reviews and ensuring quality assurance.

• Templates or examples of project financial review reports and forecasting models.

• Records of how standard project management tools and company policies were integrated into project execution from proposal to close-out.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Assistant Project Design Manager role, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of project management principles within a design context is crucial. This includes showcasing the ability to manage schedules, consultants, finances, and quality assurance processes. The emphasis should be on tangible outputs and documented processes that reflect efficiency and adherence to industry standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Assistant Project Design Managers with 7 years of experience in Mexico City, the estimated salary range is $45,000 - $70,000 USD annually. This estimate considers the cost of living, typical compensation for project management roles in the engineering and construction sector in Mexico, and the specified experience level.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and training, including support for PMP certification.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.

• Access to company-sponsored employee assistance programs.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and attend to urgent client needs, potentially involving occasional overtime or adjusted schedules to accommodate project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the role, experience level, and location. A direct search for "Assistant Project Design Manager salary Mexico City" or "Project Manager construction salary Mexico" on reputable salary aggregation sites (e.g., Glassdoor, Salary.com, LinkedIn Salary) would provide more precise, up-to-date figures. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in multinational companies, tailored to support operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering Services. Haskell is a recognized national leader in providing integrated design-build services for a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, distribution, manufacturing, and healthcare. Their operations involve complex project lifecycles from initial concept and design through to construction and commissioning.

Company Size: The Haskell Company is a large enterprise, typically employing over 1,000 professionals, indicating a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for specialization within operations.

Founded: Founded in 1967, Haskell has a long history and established reputation, suggesting a stable work environment with a deep understanding of industry best practices and a culture that values experience and long-term relationships.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to a Design Manager or Director, indicating a hierarchical structure within the design and project management departments.

• The Assistant Project Design Manager will likely work within a project-specific team, collaborating with architects, engineers, construction managers, and other project stakeholders.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close interaction with estimators, procurement specialists, safety officers, and client representatives to ensure holistic project delivery. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through responsibilities like financial performance reviews and schedule monitoring, suggesting a focus on metrics and analytical approaches.

• Workflow optimization is key, as evidenced by the need for efficient schedule sequencing and process adherence from proposal to close-out.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed through standard project management software and integrated systems that support the design-build process.

Company Website: https://careers.haskell.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Haskell's established presence and focus on integrated design-build suggest a culture that values strong project execution, collaboration, and a commitment to quality and safety. For operations professionals, this means working within a well-defined framework that prioritizes efficiency and client satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at an intermediate to senior-intermediate level, often termed an "Assistant Manager" or "Senior Specialist" in operations. It requires a solid foundation of experience (7+ years) and the ability to manage significant project components independently while supporting higher-level management. The scope involves direct responsibility for specific project areas and contributing to overall project success through diligent execution and coordination.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Project Design Manager reports to a Design Manager, Senior Design Manager, or Director of Design. This structure provides clear lines of authority and mentorship, offering exposure to strategic decision-making and senior leadership practices within the design and project management functions.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on project success by ensuring efficient design processes, adherence to schedules and budgets, and maintaining client satisfaction. Effective project management in design operations is critical for Haskell's ability to deliver complex construction projects on time and within budget, directly influencing profitability and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Advance into a full Project Design Manager role, or specialize further in areas like BIM management, cost control, or specific project types (e.g., food processing facilities).

• Leadership Development: Progress to Senior Project Design Manager, Director of Design, or potentially into broader program management roles, leading larger teams and more complex initiatives.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to gain PMP certification, develop expertise in advanced project management software, and deepen knowledge in specific engineering or architectural systems through company-sponsored training and project experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a critical stepping stone for individuals aiming for senior project management or leadership positions within the engineering and construction sector. The emphasis on structured processes and mentorship provides a strong foundation for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Mexico City, likely within a professional office setting at Paseo de la Reforma No. 1015, Torre A-403. This implies a corporate office environment conducive to project planning, client meetings, and administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Mexico City, Mexico, a major business hub offering access to a diverse talent pool and extensive professional networks.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with fellow project managers, design professionals, and support staff.

• Access to standard office technology, including computers, communication tools, and potentially specialized design and project management software, is assumed.

• Regular interaction with design teams, construction personnel, and client representatives will be a key aspect of the daily work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature of the industry, flexibility is expected. This may involve occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical project deadlines, respond to site issues, or accommodate client needs, particularly during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major metropolitan area like Mexico City suggests a dynamic work environment. Professionals in operations roles here often benefit from the access to resources and collaboration opportunities inherent in such a setting, balanced with the demands of project-specific timelines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in project management and design coordination.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your project management experience, understanding of design processes, and how you've handled responsibilities such as schedule development, consultant management, and financial reviews. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your background.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a scenario-based question or a brief case study related to managing a project timeline, resolving a design conflict, or addressing a budget concern. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite will also be evaluated.

• Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to discuss your understanding of Haskell's values (Team, Excellence, Service, Trust) and how you approach collaboration, problem-solving, and client engagement. This is also where they assess your fit with the team and company culture.

• Final Interview (Potentially): With senior leadership, to confirm overall fit and discuss strategic aspects of the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Management Case Studies: Select 2-3 key projects where you played a significant role in design project management. For each, clearly outline the project scope, your specific responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., schedule adherence, budget savings, quality improvements).

• Schedule Management Examples: Showcase examples of project schedules you developed and managed. Highlight your ability to use scheduling tools, sequence tasks efficiently, and communicate changes effectively.

• Communication & Reporting: Include samples of professional project communications, such as status reports, executive summaries, or client correspondence, demonstrating clarity and impact.

• Process Documentation: If available, provide examples of process improvements you've implemented or documented procedures you've followed for tasks like consultant pre-qualification or design reviews.

• Tailor to Haskell: Research Haskell's project types and tailor your examples to demonstrate relevant experience, such as in food and beverage, distribution, or manufacturing facilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions like: "How would you handle a situation where a critical design consultant is falling behind schedule?" or "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between design quality and project budget."

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would optimize a design schedule or improve the efficiency of design reviews.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you build and maintain trust with clients and project teams, especially when delivering difficult news.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's practical project management skills, technical understanding of design and construction, and cultural alignment with Haskell's values. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating these capabilities effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with project management platforms like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for schedule development, tracking, and resource allocation.

• Design Software Integration: Understanding of how blueprints and project models are produced and integrated using software like AutoCAD, Revit, or other BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, and the ability to coordinate with teams using these systems.

• ERP/Financial Systems: Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) or financial management systems for reviewing project costs, forecasting, and managing change orders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills for data analysis, financial modeling, forecasting, and creating reports.

• Business Intelligence Tools (Potentially): Exposure to BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating dashboards and visualizations of project performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Experience in using CRM systems for managing client relationships, tracking project opportunities, and coordinating communications.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documents, drawings, and correspondence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role leans heavily on project management and design-related software, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite for day-to-day operations and reporting. An understanding of how these systems integrate to support the design-build lifecycle is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Team: A strong emphasis on collaboration, respect for all individuals involved in business dealings, and fostering open communication channels within project teams and with external partners.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering world-class quality and ensuring safety in all aspects of work, coupled with a drive for continuous improvement and innovation in processes and outcomes.

• Service: A passion for providing exceptional service to both internal stakeholders (colleagues, other departments) and external clients, with a focus on creating superior value through project delivery.

• Trust: Upholding high ethical standards, personal accountability, transparency in dealings, credibility with stakeholders, and ensuring fairness in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to actively collaborate with architects, engineers, construction managers, estimators, and procurement specialists to ensure seamless project execution.

• Process Review Culture: An environment that encourages the review of established processes for efficiency and effectiveness, with an openness to feedback and suggestions for improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of lessons learned, best practices, and insights across project teams to enhance collective expertise and drive operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Haskell's stated values—Team, Excellence, Service, Trust—are fundamental to its operational ethos. For an Assistant Project Design Manager, embodying these values means being a reliable, collaborative, quality-focused, and ethical contributor to project success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Competing Priorities: Balancing the demands of multiple projects, tight deadlines, budget constraints, and client expectations requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Effectively managing relationships and communications with diverse stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and external consultants, each with potentially different objectives.

• Ensuring Design Quality and Safety: Maintaining high standards for design accuracy and safety compliance in a fast-paced project environment, requiring meticulous attention to detail and proactive risk management.

• Adapting to Evolving Project Requirements: The ability to adapt to scope changes, unforeseen site conditions, or evolving client needs while minimizing impact on schedule and budget.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications like PMP, which are highly valued in the industry.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specific engineering or architectural systems, BIM software, or advanced project management tools through training programs and project assignments.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Exposure to senior project leaders and opportunities for mentorship, providing pathways to develop leadership skills and advance into management roles within Haskell.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle significant project management challenges in a supportive environment. The company's structure and commitment to development suggest a clear path for growth for ambitious operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach developing a project schedule for a complex design-build project to ensure maximum efficiency and minimize risk?" Discuss your methodology for task sequencing, critical path identification, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a challenging situation where you had to influence a key stakeholder (client, consultant, or internal team member) to adopt a particular approach to a design or project management issue. How did you build trust and achieve your objective?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design consultant misses a key deliverable, jeopardizing the project timeline. Walk me through your step-by-step process for addressing this issue, including communication, mitigation, and potential solutions."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, how do Haskell's core values (Team, Excellence, Service, Trust) align with your own professional principles and how would you demonstrate them in this role?"

• "Describe your preferred team dynamic and how you contribute to a collaborative work environment, especially when working with diverse groups like architects, engineers, and construction personnel."

• "How do you measure the success of your project management efforts beyond just on-time and on-budget delivery? What metrics are most important to you in assessing operational effectiveness?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Case Studies: For each project presented, clearly define the "Situation," "Task," "Action," and "Result" (STAR method). Focus on your direct contributions and quantifiable achievements.

• Visual Aids: Use simplified schedule excerpts, process flow diagrams, or key report summaries to illustrate your points visually. Avoid overwhelming the interviewer with too much detail.

• Highlight Operations Impact: Emphasize how your project management approach contributed to operational efficiency, cost savings, quality improvements, or enhanced client satisfaction for Haskell's typical project types.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss how you've used specific project management software or tools to achieve project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for this interview involves not only understanding project management fundamentals but also demonstrating how you apply them within the context of Haskell's industry and values. Your portfolio should serve as tangible evidence of your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through The Haskell Company's careers portal at careers.haskell.com, referencing Job ID 7029.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in project management, design coordination, schedule development, and stakeholder engagement, using keywords from the job description such as "design management," "project scheduling," "cost accounting," and "Microsoft Office." Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and results whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills in managing design projects, including examples of schedules, communication artifacts, and any process improvements. Be ready to present these concisely, focusing on your role and the outcomes.

• Research Haskell: Familiarize yourself with Haskell's project portfolio, company values, and recent news. Understand their approach to integrated design-build and how this role contributes to their operational success.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common project management and behavioral questions, focusing on demonstrating your problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and alignment with Haskell's culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Haskell Company before making application decisions.