Design Manager AE- M&O

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager AE- M&O

Company: Triangle DeCon Services, Inc.

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Project Management (Capital Projects)

Date Posted: August 05, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for capital improvement projects, ensuring alignment with functional programs, budgetary constraints, and legal requirements.

• Drive the successful execution of multiple concurrent projects, including critical repairs and modernizations, by effectively managing architects, consultants, and district stakeholders.

• Ensure all facility designs adhere to Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) standards, building codes, and specific DSA (Division of State Architect) requirements.

• Implement and refine robust design review processes to maximize project value, cost-effectiveness, and long-term durability for educational facilities.

• Act as a key liaison between design professionals, district administrators, and community stakeholders to facilitate clear communication and achieve project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "M&O" in the job title likely refers to "Maintenance and Operations," indicating a focus on the upkeep, repair, and modernization of existing facilities, which is a critical aspect of operations for large public institutions like LAUSD. This role is crucial for ensuring the long-term functionality and safety of educational infrastructure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the architectural and engineering (A&E) design process for capital improvement projects, ensuring adherence to LAUSD's functional program, budgetary allocations, environmental regulations, and legal mandates.

• Coordinate and oversee the progress of multiple concurrent projects, including engineering repairs and critical infrastructure upgrades, through effective collaboration with architects, external consultants, and internal District personnel to guarantee timely completion.

• Direct the building design process to ensure full compliance with LAUSD's established standards and guidelines, working closely with design professionals and various District administrators to confirm that new and modernized facilities meet both educational program requirements and stringent building code standards.

• Develop, implement, and maintain a structured process for the selection of architectural firms, evaluating qualifications and performance capabilities to ensure the best fit for each specific capital project.

• Provide clear, consistent, and strategic direction to architectural firms regarding project goals, objectives, design standards, site constraints, scheduling timelines, and budgetary limits.

• Establish and manage an efficient and effective design review process to ensure that all project designs align with and meet the overarching goals and objectives set forth for each initiative.

• Ensure that capital improvement projects deliver maximum value for the allocated budget, are appropriate for their intended use, and are enduring in their ability to meet the functional needs of the District, the local community, and environmental sustainability goals.

• Meticulously review design modifications and change orders to ensure projects remain within the approved budget, proactively identifying potential cost overruns and recommending mitigation strategies.

• Monitor the status of project planning and design development, preparing and presenting comprehensive reports detailing findings, actionable recommendations, and project updates to relevant stakeholders.

• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute to broader team and organizational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, compliance, and stakeholder coordination, typical of large public sector operations. The role requires a blend of technical design oversight and project management acumen, with a keen eye on budget and schedule adherence within a regulated environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering. Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of full-time paid professional experience in managing facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects that encompassed overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.

• A minimum of 4 years of the required experience must specifically involve the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex capital improvement projects from conception through completion, including scope, budget, schedule, and resource allocation.

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing architectural and engineering design processes, ensuring compliance with codes, standards, and project requirements.

• Contract Administration: Strong understanding of contract development, negotiation, and management for A&E services and construction.

• Budget Management & Cost Estimating: Demonstrated ability to develop, monitor, and control project budgets, including accurate cost estimation and value engineering.

• Scheduling: Proficiency in developing and managing project schedules, identifying critical path activities, and mitigating delays.

• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of building codes, California Division of State Architect (DSA) requirements, and LAUSD-specific standards.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Excellent ability to collaborate effectively with architects, consultants, district administrators, community members, and internal teams.

• Technical Proficiency: Solid understanding of architectural and engineering principles relevant to K-12 educational facilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Licensure: A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or as a Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

• Public Sector Experience: Specific experience with large public agencies, particularly K-12 school districts, is highly advantageous.

• Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate terms and conditions with design firms and contractors.

• Risk Management: Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks.

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for reporting, presentations, and inter-departmental coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (8+ years, with 4 in public education) and the preference for professional licensure underscore the complexity and responsibility of managing capital projects for a large public entity. The emphasis on DSA requirements is critical for California-based public school construction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed documentation of at least 2-3 significant capital improvement projects managed, showcasing the full project lifecycle from planning and design through construction completion. Each case study should clearly outline the project's scope, objectives, challenges, your specific role, and the achieved outcomes.

• Design Review Examples: Samples or descriptions of design review processes implemented, demonstrating how you ensured compliance with codes, standards, and functional requirements. Highlight specific instances where design reviews led to significant improvements or cost savings.

• Budget & Schedule Management Documentation: Evidence of budget tracking, cost control measures, and schedule management tools or reports used. Include examples of how you managed budget constraints and mitigated schedule delays.

• Contract Administration Samples: Examples of contract documents, change order management, or performance evaluations related to A&E services or construction contracts.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Clearly illustrate workflows for project initiation, design team selection, design review, and change order management. Emphasize process efficiency and stakeholder input integration.

• Compliance Frameworks: Detail how you ensure adherence to LAUSD standards, building codes, and DSA requirements throughout the design process. This could include checklists, approval matrices, or audit procedures.

• Performance Measurement: Outline methods for tracking and reporting on project performance, including key metrics related to budget adherence, schedule milestones, design quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, particularly in capital projects, a portfolio demonstrating hands-on experience in managing complex processes, mitigating risks, and achieving measurable outcomes is crucial. The emphasis here is on showcasing structured approaches to design management, compliance, and financial oversight within the public sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in a high cost-of-living area like Los Angeles, managing complex capital projects for a public entity, the estimated annual salary range is $120,000 - $160,000. This range is an estimation and may vary based on the specific terms of the contract with LAUSD, the candidate's exact qualifications, and final negotiation.

Benefits:

As this position is a full-time role with