Design Manager – A/E – Los Angeles, CA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – A/E

Company: CMTS LLC

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Design & Project Management (A/E)

Date Posted: August 05, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the planning, coordination, and management of architectural and engineering (A/E) design processes for large-scale K-12 capital improvement programs, focusing on delivering high-quality educational facilities.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the District, external design professionals (architects, engineers), and project stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project objectives.

• Oversee multiple capital improvement projects from the initial planning and conceptualization phases through to the final design documentation, ensuring adherence to functional program requirements, budgetary constraints, and legal/regulatory compliance.

• Drive the selection and engagement of architectural firms based on qualifications and performance, and provide them with clear direction on project goals, standards, schedules, and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical component of GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy execution within the public sector, specifically focusing on the operational delivery of infrastructure that supports educational services. The Design Manager acts as a key operational bottleneck/enabler, ensuring that the physical assets (schools) are designed efficiently and effectively to meet future user needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage, develop, and coordinate the District's Architectural and Engineering (A&E) design processes, ensuring all plans align with functional program requirements, budgetary objectives, environmental considerations, and applicable legal requirements.

• Oversee the selection process for architectural firms, establishing criteria based on qualifications and demonstrated performance to ensure the best fit for each specific project.

• Provide clear, consistent, and detailed direction to architects regarding project goals, objectives, District standards, site requirements, established schedules, and budgetary allocations.

• Establish and manage an effective and efficient design review process, ensuring that project designs meet overall District goals, educational standards, and building requirements.

• Review and approve design changes, meticulously tracking their impact on project budgets and timelines to maintain financial and schedule integrity.

• Monitor the planning and design progress of multiple capital improvement projects, including engineering repair and critical repair initiatives, providing regular findings, recommendations, and status updates to District leadership.

• Foster design solutions that maximize value for budgeted funds, ensuring that functional needs of the District, local community, and environmental sustainability are met.

• Collaborate closely with District staff, architects, consultants, and project teams to ensure seamless coordination and timely project completion.

• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize process management, stakeholder coordination, and risk mitigation within the design phase of capital projects. This aligns with core Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles of ensuring efficient workflows, clear communication channels, and adherence to established standards to achieve successful outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering from a recognized college or university is mandatory. Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of full-time paid professional experience managing facilities design or the planning and coordination of capital projects. This experience must encompass overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience specifically supporting the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects. Required Skills:

• Architectural and Engineering Design Management: Proven ability to oversee and direct complex A&E design processes for large-scale projects.

• Project Planning & Coordination: Expertise in developing and executing project plans, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and managing dependencies effectively.

• Budgeting & Financial Management: Strong capability in managing project budgets, reviewing cost estimates, and controlling design expenditures.

• Scheduling & Timeline Management: Proficiency in developing, monitoring, and managing project schedules to ensure timely delivery of design milestones.

• Contract Administration: Deep understanding of contract negotiation, management, and administration for A&E services.

• Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate diverse teams of professionals, including consultants and internal staff.

• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of effectively engaging with stakeholders at all levels.

• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of relevant building codes, legal requirements, and District standards applicable to educational facilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect issued by the California State Architectural Board.

• Valid Professional Engineer license issued by the California State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

• Experience with K-12 capital improvement programs.

• Familiarity with public agency procurement processes.

• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for licensure (Architect or PE) suggests a need for deep technical understanding and professional accountability, akin to how specialized operations roles might require specific certifications or advanced technical skills in areas like Salesforce Administration or HubSpot Operations. The emphasis on managing multiple projects simultaneously highlights the need for robust organizational and prioritization skills, crucial for any operations professional.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex capital projects managed from inception through design completion, detailing your role and contributions.

• For each project, provide clear documentation of:

  • Project Scope & Objectives: Clearly defined functional requirements and project goals.
  • Budget Management: Evidence of budget adherence, cost control measures, and management of design changes.
  • Schedule Performance: Demonstration of meeting or exceeding project timelines and key design milestones.
  • Design Review Process: Examples of how design reviews were conducted and issues resolved.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Samples or descriptions of communication strategies with District staff, architects, and consultants.

• Quantify achievements wherever possible, using metrics related to cost savings, schedule improvements, or successful compliance with standards. Process Documentation:

• Prepare to articulate your methodologies for:

  • Architect Selection: Detail your process for identifying, vetting, and selecting A&E firms.
  • Design Process Management: Explain your approach to managing the end-to-end design lifecycle, from concept to construction documents.
  • Risk Management: Describe how you identify and mitigate risks within the design phase of capital projects.
  • Quality Assurance: Outline your strategy for ensuring design quality and compliance with District standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio would typically include case studies on process optimization, system implementation, revenue growth initiatives, or efficiency improvements, with clear metrics and ROI. This role's portfolio focus on project lifecycle management, budget control, and stakeholder coordination is analogous to demonstrating operational excellence in managing complex workflows and resource allocation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $179,000.00 – $189,000.00 annually. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: CMTS offers 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, providing robust coverage for employees and their families.

• Income Protection: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage ensure financial security for employees and their dependents.

• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan is available, facilitating long-term financial planning.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off (PTO) is provided, encouraging rest and personal time.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities for professional development are offered, supporting continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Career Advancement: Clear career advancement pathways are available, promoting long-term growth within the organization.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely aligning with the typical 40-hour work week. Specific daily hours will be confirmed during the interview process, with an emphasis on on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level design management role in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles, reflecting the significant responsibility and specialized expertise required. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the 100% company-paid health insurance, is a strong indicator of a company that prioritizes employee well-being and retention. For operations roles, benefits like professional development budgets, access to advanced training platforms, and performance-based bonuses are often highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering Services, specifically supporting Public Education Infrastructure. CMTS LLC plays a vital role in the operational delivery of educational facilities, a critical segment within the broader government and public sector.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the context of supporting "one of the nation's largest K-12 capital improvement programs" suggests a significant operational scale, likely indicating a medium to large organization with established processes and a substantial workforce.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's involvement in extensive capital improvement programs implies a history of stable operations and a proven track record in project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Capital Programs or Project Management division, reporting to a Director or VP of Design/Construction.

• The team is expected to be composed of other project managers, design coordinators, construction managers, and administrative support staff.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close working relationships with District facilities staff, procurement departments, legal counsel, and external architectural and engineering firms. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, the need to manage budgets, schedules, and compliance suggests a strong reliance on data analysis for project tracking and reporting.

• Process Optimization: The role involves managing and refining the design review and selection processes to improve efficiency and outcomes.

• Standardization & Compliance: A key focus is ensuring adherence to District standards, legal requirements, and best practices in A&E design and project delivery.

Company Website: www.cmtsllc.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on large-scale public infrastructure projects implies a culture that values long-term impact, accountability, and adherence to stringent regulatory frameworks. For operations professionals, this translates to an environment where process discipline, meticulous documentation, and strategic planning are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level, requiring extensive experience and a proven track record in managing complex A&E design processes. It represents a significant step beyond project management into a strategic oversight role for design initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Design, Director of Capital Programs, or a similar senior leadership position within CMTS LLC's project delivery division. They will manage external A&E consultants and collaborate closely with internal District stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the successful delivery of educational facilities, which are critical to the operational effectiveness of the school district. Efficient and high-quality design ensures that educational programs can be delivered effectively, on time, and within budget, thereby maximizing the return on public investment and supporting the core mission of education.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Design, Director of Capital Programs, or Vice President of Operations, overseeing larger portfolios or broader operational functions.

• Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, educational facility planning, or complex infrastructure projects.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working on diverse project types and collaborating with various departments within the District and CMTS LLC.

• Professional Development: Access to training, certifications, and industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends in A&E design and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in this sector often involves a progression from technical design roles to project management, and then to strategic oversight of design programs. This mirrors career ladders in operations, where individuals move from analyst roles to management and then to strategic leadership positions focused on optimizing business processes and driving revenue growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment. It's likely a professional office setting within CMTS LLC's Los Angeles headquarters or a dedicated project office for the K-12 capital program.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA 90045-5637. This location provides access to a major metropolitan hub with extensive transportation networks and a large pool of professional talent.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with internal team members, external consultants, and District representatives.

• Access to project management software, design review tools, and standard office technology is expected.

• The environment will be fast-paced and demanding, typical of large-scale capital improvement programs, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases or deadlines. Flexibility may be required to attend meetings or site visits at various times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for direct collaboration and oversight, which is common in operational roles where physical presence is sometimes necessary for team management, site inspections, or critical process execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications against the core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve into your experience, project management philosophy, and understanding of A&E design processes. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your portfolio.

• Panel Interview: You may meet with a panel of stakeholders, including District representatives, senior project managers, and potentially architects or engineers. This stage assesses your ability to collaborate, communicate, and navigate complex project dynamics.

• Case Study/Presentation: A potential exercise where you might be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or address a hypothetical design management challenge. Focus on your process, decision-making, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or phase. Use a consistent format for each project, including an overview, your specific role, key challenges, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results.

• Highlight Process & Impact: Don't just list projects; explain your process for managing them. Emphasize how your actions led to successful outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, improved design quality).

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Managed a $50M school renovation project, delivering it 5% under budget by implementing a rigorous change order review process."

• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio showcases experience relevant to K-12 educational facilities and public sector projects.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful projects and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common design management challenges, such as scope creep, budget overruns, consultant performance issues, or conflicting stakeholder requirements.

• Process Mapping: Be ready to verbally map out your preferred process for selecting an architect, conducting design reviews, or managing design changes.

• Leadership Style: Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, how you motivate teams, and how you foster collaboration among diverse groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and case studies is highly relevant for operations roles, where demonstrating quantifiable results and process improvements is key. This suggests the hiring team values tangible evidence of problem-solving and execution capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Design Software Familiarity: While not a hands-on design role, understanding and ability to review drawings from CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) is beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and managing large volumes of project documentation, RFIs, submittals, and change orders.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Estimating Software: Experience with tools used for cost estimating and budget tracking.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret project status reports, financial reports, and performance dashboards.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for data analysis and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data flows and is managed within an organizational system is important. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or similar organizational databases could be advantageous for tracking project financials and resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, this section would typically detail specific CRM platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot), marketing automation tools (Marketo, Pardot), data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), and potentially ETL or integration platforms. The focus here is on project lifecycle management tools rather than sales/marketing operations tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountability: A strong sense of responsibility for project outcomes, ensuring designs are delivered on time, within budget, and to high standards.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively with diverse teams, fostering open communication and mutual respect among District staff, consultants, and internal teams.

• Quality & Excellence: A dedication to achieving the highest standards in architectural and engineering design, ensuring facilities are functional, safe, and conducive to learning.

• Efficiency: A focus on optimizing processes, managing resources effectively, and delivering projects in a cost-effective manner.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, particularly in procurement, contract administration, and stakeholder interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with stakeholders to provide updates, address concerns, and ensure alignment.

• Problem-Solving Focused: Approaching challenges collaboratively, seeking solutions that benefit the project and the District.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing and receiving feedback constructively to improve design processes and project outcomes.

• Partnership Approach: Viewing relationships with architects, engineers, and District staff as partnerships aimed at achieving shared goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration, accountability, and quality is standard across many professional environments, but for operations roles, these values often translate into a data-driven, process-oriented approach to achieving business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Complex Projects: Juggling the demands of numerous large-scale capital projects simultaneously, each with its own unique set of challenges and stakeholders.

• Navigating Public Sector Procurement: Working within the often complex and lengthy procurement processes of public agencies, ensuring compliance while maintaining project momentum.

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Reconciling diverse stakeholder needs, budget constraints, and schedule pressures to achieve optimal project outcomes.

• Ensuring Design Quality & Compliance: Maintaining high design standards across all projects while ensuring adherence to evolving building codes, District standards, and educational requirements.

• Managing Consultant Performance: Effectively overseeing and guiding external architectural and engineering firms to ensure they meet contractual obligations and project expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in areas like risk management, value engineering, and stakeholder negotiation.

• Public Infrastructure Expertise: Deepening knowledge of the specific needs and challenges of designing educational facilities and public infrastructure.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior staff and develop leadership capabilities for larger program management roles.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying current with innovations in architectural design, engineering, construction technology, and sustainable building practices through professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Similar to operations roles, the challenges here involve managing complexity, optimizing processes under constraints, and driving performance through effective leadership and strategic planning. Growth opportunities focus on expanding scope, deepening expertise, and advancing into leadership positions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting an architectural firm for a major K-12 capital project. What criteria are most important, and how do you ensure a fair and effective selection?" (Focus on your structured approach, evaluation metrics, and stakeholder involvement.)

• "How do you manage design changes that impact the project budget and schedule? Walk me through a challenging situation and how you resolved it." (Highlight your change management process, communication strategies, and decision-making rigor.)

• "What is your philosophy on design review? How do you ensure that designs meet both functional requirements and District standards while also promoting innovation?" (Emphasize your process for review, collaboration with stakeholders, and ability to balance competing objectives.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CMTS LLC and our work on K-12 capital improvement programs?" (Research the company's mission, recent projects, and values. Connect your passion for public education infrastructure.)

• "How do you foster collaboration among diverse teams, including District staff, architects, and engineers, especially when there are differing opinions?" (Discuss your communication style, conflict resolution skills, and emphasis on shared goals.)

• "How do you ensure accountability for project delivery within your teams and with external partners?" (Talk about setting clear expectations, performance monitoring, and consequences for non-compliance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in managing A&E design for large-scale public facilities.

• Focus on Process & Results: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the process you used to overcome them, and the specific, quantifiable results achieved (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, design quality improvements).

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with minimal text. Incorporate diagrams, timelines, or budget summaries where appropriate to illustrate your points.

• Tell a Story: Frame your presentations as narratives that highlight problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and successful execution.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific aspects of your projects, your decision-making rationale, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions are designed to assess strategic thinking, process management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving capabilities, all critical for high-level operations roles. The emphasis on portfolio presentation underscores the value placed on demonstrating tangible achievements and operational methodologies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the CMTS LLC careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing A&E design for large capital improvement programs, particularly in the public sector or educational facilities. Ensure each project clearly outlines your role, the process you followed, the challenges encountered, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the specific keywords and experience requirements mentioned in the job description, such as "architectural and engineering design management," "capital projects," "budgeting," "scheduling," "contract administration," and "K-12 facilities." Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and percentages.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively. Be ready to articulate your project management methodologies, decision-making processes, and leadership style.

• Research CMTS LLC: Understand the company's mission, its role in supporting public education infrastructure, and its commitment to design excellence. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

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