Design Manager - A/E Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - A/E Services

Company: The Greenridge Group

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Project & Construction Management (Operations)

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (8+ Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the entire lifecycle of complex capital improvement projects, from initial planning through design finalization, ensuring alignment with programmatic, budgetary, and regulatory objectives.

• Drive efficient design processes by providing clear direction and oversight to architectural and engineering (A/E) teams, fostering collaboration and adherence to District standards.

• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks by meticulously reviewing design changes and their financial and programmatic impacts, maintaining project integrity.

• Serve as a key liaison for stakeholders, delivering regular, insightful updates and recommendations on project progress, design evolution, and compliance.

• Contribute to the strategic selection of A/E partners, evaluating firms based on their qualifications, capacity, and demonstrated ability to meet project specific requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for the successful execution of public sector capital improvement projects, requiring a blend of technical design oversight, robust project management, and strong stakeholder communication skills. The focus on educational facilities and public agencies signifies a need for understanding specific compliance and procurement processes within these sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the end-to-end design process for capital improvement and critical repair projects, ensuring all projects align with program goals, budget constraints, environmental standards, and regulatory mandates.

• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, effectively coordinating with external architects, consultants, engineers, and internal District personnel to ensure seamless design progression.

• Ensure strict adherence to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Facilities Services Division's established standards, guidelines, and best practices throughout the building design phases.

• Provide architects and design consultants with precise direction regarding project objectives, scope definition, required standards, critical path scheduling, site-specific considerations, and budget parameters.

• Conduct and facilitate comprehensive design review meetings, ensuring all project stakeholders are aligned and that designs meet or exceed overall project objectives and quality benchmarks.

• Diligently review proposed design modifications, assessing their potential impact on project budgets, timelines, and functional requirements, and provide recommendations for approval or rejection.

• Monitor the progress of planning and design activities, identifying potential delays or deviations from the plan, and proactively provide timely updates, actionable recommendations, and comprehensive reports to project stakeholders.

• Support the formal evaluation and selection process for architectural and engineering firms, assessing proposals and qualifications against established performance criteria and District needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on management approach, requiring the Design Manager to actively steer the design process rather than merely supervise. The integration of contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling into the experience requirement suggests the need for a holistic understanding of project delivery beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• A minimum of 8 years of full-time professional experience in managing facilities design, planning, and coordinating capital projects.

• This experience must encompass core responsibilities in design development, contract administration, cost estimating, and project scheduling.

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

• Proven expertise in Design Management for complex capital improvement initiatives.

• Strong proficiency in Project Management methodologies and tools, with a focus on the design phase.

• Solid understanding of Construction Management principles and their integration with design processes.

• Demonstrated ability to manage Capital Improvement Projects from inception to completion.

• Experience in Contract Administration, including review and oversight of A/E contracts.

• Competency in Cost Estimating and budget management for design and construction phases.

• Proficiency in Project Scheduling and timeline management for design deliverables.

• Knowledge of Architectural Design principles and processes.

• Understanding of Engineering Design principles and coordination requirements.

• Familiarity with Regulatory Compliance specific to public sector construction and educational facilities.

• Skill in Design Coordination among multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

• Ability to prepare and present clear Stakeholder Reporting and project updates.

• Experience in Facilities Planning and strategic space utilization.

• Expertise in Public Sector Project Management and procurement processes.

• Experience conducting effective Design Reviews and providing constructive feedback. Preferred Skills:

• California-registered Architect (RA).

• California-licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

• Advanced degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.

• Experience with specific LAUSD design standards and protocols.

• Proficiency in BIM (Building Information Modeling) software and workflows.

• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and LEED certification processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between minimum and preferred qualifications highlights the value placed on professional licensure in California. The emphasis on educational facilities experience is a critical differentiator, suggesting that candidates with public school project backgrounds will have a significant advantage due to familiarity with unique stakeholder needs, funding mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successfully managed design processes for large-scale capital improvement projects, showcasing clear project initiation, planning, execution, and close-out phases.

• Case studies detailing how you've ensured projects meet programmatic requirements, budget constraints, and stringent regulatory compliance, with specific examples of metrics used for tracking.

• Evidence of experience with A/E selection processes, including proposal evaluation criteria, contract negotiation oversight, and performance management of design consultants.

• Examples of effective stakeholder communication and reporting, illustrating how complex design information was translated for various audiences (e.g., District officials, community members, technical teams). Process Documentation:

• Documentation of established processes for managing design reviews, including checklists, meeting agendas, and follow-up procedures to ensure all comments are addressed.

• Examples of workflow diagrams or process maps illustrating the design coordination between architectural, engineering, and specialized consultants, highlighting key decision points and handoffs.

• Documentation of how you've tracked and managed design changes, including change order logs, impact analyses, and approval processes, with a focus on maintaining project scope and budget control.

• Records of how you've ensured compliance with District standards and relevant building codes, potentially including review matrices or compliance checklists used during the design phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase a portfolio that not only highlights completed projects but also details the specific processes and systems employed to manage design effectively within a public sector context. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating how decisions were made, risks were managed, and stakeholders were engaged throughout the design lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 8+ years of experience in Los Angeles, California, managing large-scale public sector projects, a competitive salary range is estimated between $110,000 - $150,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of the role, the complexity of LAUSD projects, and the cost of living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is derived from aggregated data from various compensation platforms (e.g., Glassdoor, Salary.com, LinkedIn Salary) for similar roles in the specified geographic region and industry. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the Greenridge Group's internal compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid monthly premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, with 50% coverage for dependents.

• Life Insurance: Substantial company-paid coverage of up to $50,000.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual of up to 80 hours per year, with increased accrual rates based on employee tenure, promoting work-life balance.

• Paid Sick Leave: 10 days of paid sick leave annually, exceeding the industry average and supporting employee well-being.

• Paid Holidays & Additional Leave: 9 standard paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, a paid day off for your birthday, and extra paid leave for jury duty, bereavement, and voting time.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with a competitive company match of up to 4% (100% of the first 3% contributed, 50% of the next 2%).

• Professional Development Support: Assistance with tuition costs, professional licenses, and certifications to encourage career growth.

• Attractive Referral Bonus: A high-value employee referral program offering $5,000–$10,000, dependent on the level of the referred hire.

• Client Shutdown Days: Additional paid time off corresponding with client office closures.

• Work Equipment: Provision of a laptop as needed for the role.

• Cell Phone Stipend: A $100 monthly stipend for eligible roles, supporting communication needs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands and deadlines. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at project sites or District offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is exceptionally robust, particularly the 100% employer-paid premiums for employee health coverage and the comprehensive PTO and holiday structure, which are significant advantages for attracting and retaining talent in the competitive Los Angeles market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Consulting, Government & Public Sector. The Greenridge Group operates as a prime contractor and consulting firm, specializing in Project and Construction Management for major public-sector agencies. Their focus on impactful public infrastructure projects, particularly within educational settings, defines their market niche and operational ethos.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify exact company size, but the nature of being a prime contractor for large public agencies suggests a medium to large-sized firm with established processes and significant project capacity.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: A medium to large firm typically offers more structured career paths, robust HR support, and a wider array of projects, but may also involve more hierarchical decision-making.

Founded: The company was founded in 2001. This signifies over two decades of experience, establishing a solid reputation and deep understanding of the public sector project management landscape, particularly within California.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role is part of the A/E Services team, likely comprising other design managers, project managers, and support staff focused on the planning and design phases of capital improvement projects.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leadership position within The Greenridge Group's project management hierarchy, potentially a Program Manager or Director of A/E Services. They will, in turn, manage external A/E consultants and coordinate with internal District personnel.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands extensive collaboration with architects, engineers, consultants, LAUSD Facilities Services Division staff, project stakeholders, and potentially community representatives. This necessitates strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate diverse perspectives and achieve project consensus.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role requires analyzing project data, design submissions, budget reports, and schedules to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for optimization.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on streamlining the design review and approval processes, ensuring efficient handoffs between disciplines and timely resolution of issues to maintain project momentum.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, leveraging project management software and digital tools for document control, communication, and progress tracking is essential for managing multiple complex projects efficiently.

Company Website: https://www.greenridgegrp.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's longevity and specialization in public sector projects, particularly for LAUSD, indicate a stable work environment with a focus on long-term relationships and adherence to established protocols. Understanding the specific needs and reporting structures of public agencies will be crucial.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Senior Level position, characterized by significant responsibility for managing critical project phases and external partners. It requires a seasoned professional with a strong track record in design management and capital project execution, capable of independent decision-making and strategic oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level project or program manager within The Greenridge Group. They will have direct oversight of external A/E consultants and will need to effectively influence and collaborate with various stakeholders within LAUSD's Facilities Services Division.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is direct and substantial, impacting the successful and efficient delivery of public infrastructure. Their ability to manage design effectively directly influences project cost, schedule, quality, and functionality, ultimately shaping the learning environments for thousands of students and ensuring compliance with public funds usage.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to advance into Senior Design Manager roles, Program Management, or Director-level positions within The Greenridge Group, overseeing larger portfolios or broader project scopes.

• Specialization & Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in educational facility design, public sector project delivery, or specific technical areas (e.g., sustainability, complex renovations). Leadership opportunities may include mentoring junior staff and leading A/E selection committees.

• Industry Recognition: Contributing to high-profile public projects can enhance professional reputation and open doors to further leadership roles within the construction and project management sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in this context is typically linear within a firm like Greenridge, moving from managing individual projects to overseeing multiple projects or programs. The emphasis on public sector work means that developing a strong understanding of public procurement, stakeholder management, and regulatory compliance is key to long-term growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily On-site, requiring a significant presence at project sites, District facilities, and potentially a Greenridge Group office in the Los Angeles area. While some administrative tasks might be done remotely, the core responsibilities necessitate in-person engagement.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Los Angeles, California. This implies frequent travel to various LAUSD facilities and project sites across the district, which is geographically extensive.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic work environment involving frequent meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, and LAUSD officials. Collaboration is key to resolving design challenges and ensuring project alignment.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard project management software, potentially BIM platforms, document management systems, and communication tools will be provided or expected. Proficiency in these tools is essential for efficient workflow management.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with project teams, both internal to Greenridge and external consultants, will be a daily occurrence. This fosters a strong sense of shared responsibility and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule of approximately 40 hours per week is expected. However, the nature of project management, especially in the public sector, can involve extended hours or weekend work during critical phases, design milestones, or to address urgent issues. Flexibility and a commitment to project deadlines are important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is critical. Candidates must be comfortable with regular site visits, client meetings, and the hands-on oversight required for managing complex construction projects. The extensive geographic scope of LAUSD projects means travel within the Los Angeles area will be a significant component of the work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications, focusing on years of experience, educational background, and specific project types managed.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion with hiring managers or senior operations leaders covering your experience in design management, project lifecycle, contract administration, cost control, and scheduling. Expect questions about your approach to managing A/E teams, resolving design conflicts, and ensuring regulatory compliance for public projects.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio highlighting a complex capital improvement project you managed. This will focus on your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the project outcomes, particularly concerning design efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions designed to assess your collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and how you align with The Greenridge Group's values and the demands of working with public sector clients like LAUSD.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on LAUSD Context: Tailor your portfolio examples to showcase experience with public sector clients, educational facilities, or similar large-scale government projects. Highlight your understanding of their specific needs and constraints.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the project's scope and budget, the challenges encountered, the specific actions you took, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, improved design quality, successful regulatory approvals).

• Process-Oriented Documentation: Include examples of design review processes, A/E selection criteria, stakeholder communication plans, or risk mitigation strategies you've developed or implemented. Show how you manage, not just what you managed.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Select case studies that clearly illustrate your ability to identify and resolve complex design or project management issues, demonstrating your analytical and decision-making skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "How would you handle a situation where an A/E firm is consistently missing deadlines?" or "What steps would you take if a critical design issue arises just before construction is set to begin?"

• Practice articulating your design management philosophy and how you ensure projects meet both technical requirements and client expectations.

• Familiarize yourself with common public sector procurement and project delivery challenges, particularly those relevant to educational institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, emphasizing practical experience and the ability to articulate your management strategies. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates a clear understanding of public sector project dynamics and a proven track record of successful design management will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (including BIM 360), Oracle Aconex, or similar systems for document control, RFI management, submittals, and overall project tracking.

• Design Software Familiarity: While not a designer, understanding and navigating Building Information Modeling (BIM) software such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or Bentley Systems products is highly beneficial for design coordination and review.

• Scheduling Software: Expertise in Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project for developing, monitoring, and analyzing project schedules, especially for complex capital projects.

• Contract Management Systems: Experience with systems or processes for managing A/E contracts, change orders, and payment applications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize project management software reporting features, Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, charts), and potentially business intelligence tools for analyzing project performance data (budget, schedule, scope).

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or interpreting project status reports and dashboards for executive-level stakeholders, highlighting key performance indicators (KPIs) and critical project metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Client Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding how client relationship management principles apply to managing public sector agency relationships is valuable.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with automating routine processes within project management software (e.g., submittal review workflows, RFI routing) to improve efficiency.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different project management and design software systems can integrate to ensure seamless data flow and reduce manual data entry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack will likely be centered around robust project and construction management platforms designed for large-scale public projects. While direct design software skills aren't mandatory, a strong understanding of how these tools function and integrate with project management is essential for effective oversight.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding the highest ethical standards in managing public funds and project processes, ensuring transparency in all dealings with clients, consultants, and stakeholders.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and functional educational facilities that meet or exceed project specifications and community expectations.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong, collaborative relationships with clients (LAUSD), design teams, and construction partners to achieve shared project goals.

• Efficiency & Accountability: Driving efficient processes and holding oneself and project teams accountable for meeting project objectives, timelines, and budgets.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to enhance design, construction, and project management practices, while learning from each project to improve future outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Communicative: Regularly engaging with all project stakeholders to anticipate issues, provide updates, and ensure alignment.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on identifying problems and collaboratively developing practical, effective solutions that keep projects on track.

• Respectful & Professional: Maintaining professional demeanor and fostering an environment of mutual respect among all project participants, regardless of role or organization.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing project data and performance metrics to inform decisions and justify recommendations, ensuring a rational and objective approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to public service, given the focus on public sector projects. Expect a team that values collaboration, clear communication, and a results-driven approach to project delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Navigating the complex needs and expectations of various LAUSD departments, community groups, and internal Greenridge teams, all while ensuring project objectives remain paramount.

• Budgetary & Schedule Constraints: Working within often tight public sector budgets and aggressive schedules, requiring astute cost control and proactive schedule management to avoid overruns.

• Regulatory Complexity: Ensuring full compliance with LAUSD's specific standards, California building codes, and other relevant public sector regulations, which can be intricate and subject to change.

• Coordination of Multiple Disciplines: Effectively integrating the work of numerous architects, engineers, and specialized consultants, ensuring their efforts are synchronized and aligned with the overall project vision.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Public Sector Training: Access to training focused on public agency project management, LAUSD-specific protocols, and advanced construction law or contract management.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional licenses (RA, PE) or certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CCM (Certified Construction Manager).

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced senior project managers and program directors within The Greenridge Group, gaining insights into strategic decision-making and leadership.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Working on significant capital improvement projects provides invaluable experience and builds a robust portfolio for future career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges will revolve around managing the inherent complexities of public sector projects, particularly within a large school district. The growth opportunities are substantial for those who can demonstrate proficiency in navigating these challenges and consistently deliver successful outcomes.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing the design phase of a large-scale capital improvement project. What are the critical control points?"

  • Preparation: Outline your methodology from project initiation to design completion, emphasizing milestones, key deliverables, review processes, and risk mitigation strategies.

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between multiple A/E firms and internal stakeholders on a complex project?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your communication plan, meeting cadence, reporting structure, and conflict resolution techniques. Provide examples of how you've managed diverse teams.

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a significant design change that impacted the project budget or schedule. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Select a relevant case study from your experience. Structure your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on your analytical process, decision-making, and communication.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The Greenridge Group and our work with public sector clients like LAUSD?"

  • Preparation: Research the company website, recent projects, and any public statements. Understand their mission and values, especially their focus on public infrastructure.

• "How do you approach managing relationships with government agencies and ensuring compliance with their standards?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your experience with public procurement, regulatory frameworks, and client management. Highlight your understanding of the unique demands of public sector work.

• "Describe a situation where you had to balance competing priorities or stakeholder demands on a project."

  • Preparation: Prepare an example that showcases your negotiation skills, ability to prioritize, and how you achieve consensus while staying true to project objectives.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your experience relevant to LAUSD and capital improvement design management.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly define your responsibilities and contributions within each project.

• Showcase Process: Illustrate the methodologies, tools, and processes you used to manage the design lifecycle, from planning and A/E selection to design review and closeout.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate project success – budget adherence, schedule performance, quality improvements, stakeholder satisfaction, regulatory approvals secured.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your projects, your decision-making process, and how you handled specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of public sector project management, strong leadership in design oversight, and a proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships. Your portfolio should be a tangible representation of these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workable platform.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Design Management," "A/E Services," "LAUSD," "Capital Improvement Projects," "Contract Administration," and "Public Sector." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select and organize case studies that best showcase your experience managing design for large capital projects, especially in educational or public sector environments. Ensure it clearly articulates your role, processes, and project outcomes.

• Research The Greenridge Group & LAUSD: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly their work with LAUSD. Familiarize yourself with the scope and challenges of LAUSD facilities projects.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions related to design management, project execution, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving, using your professional experience and portfolio examples.

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