Design Manager - Architectural and Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Architectural and Engineering

Company: CLMI Group, LLC

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Management / GTM Operations (with a focus on Project Delivery & Infrastructure)

Date Posted: August 05, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end design process for architectural and engineering (A/E) services within a large public educational institution, ensuring alignment with functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal mandates.

• Drive the successful completion of multiple capital and repair projects by effectively coordinating with external design professionals, consultants, and internal district stakeholders.

• Implement and refine design review processes to ensure new and modernized facilities meet stringent educational, building standards, and district-specific guidelines.

• Lead the selection process for architectural firms, ensuring alignment with project needs, performance standards, and budgetary constraints.

• Act as a primary liaison between the district and A/E service providers, translating district objectives into actionable design briefs and monitoring progress against established timelines and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "Design Manager," its core functions of managing complex projects, coordinating external vendors, ensuring compliance with standards, and driving delivery align closely with GTM Operations, specifically in roles focused on program delivery, infrastructure management, or project operations within large organizations. The emphasis on "A/E Services" points to a specialized operational role managing the lifecycle of design and construction projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Lifecycle Management: Manage the full lifecycle of architectural and engineering projects, from initial concept and functional programming through design development, contract administration, and final closeout, ensuring all phases adhere to district standards and regulatory requirements.

• Vendor & Consultant Coordination: Establish and maintain strong working relationships with architectural firms, engineering consultants, and contractors, providing clear direction on project objectives, standards, site considerations, schedules, and budgets.

• Design Process Oversight: Develop, implement, and continuously improve the district's design review process, ensuring that all architectural and engineering plans meet educational program needs, building code compliance, accessibility standards, and sustainability goals.

• Budgetary Control & Cost Management: Monitor project budgets closely throughout the design and planning phases, identifying potential cost overruns early and implementing strategies to manage design changes effectively while maximizing value for invested funds.

• Compliance & Standards Enforcement: Ensure strict adherence to Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) standards, guidelines, and policies for all new construction and modernization projects, serving as the primary point of contact for design-related compliance matters.

• Stakeholder Communication & Reporting: Regularly report on project planning and design status to senior leadership, providing findings, recommendations, and crucial updates on progress, risks, and budget adherence.

• Firm Selection & Procurement: Lead the process for identifying, evaluating, and selecting architectural and engineering firms based on their qualifications, experience, and demonstrated ability to meet project performance standards and district requirements.

• Problem-Solving & Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify and address design-related challenges, scope creep, and potential risks, developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies to keep projects on track and within scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities detail a critical operational function within a large public sector entity. The emphasis on managing external vendors (architects, engineers), ensuring compliance with specific institutional standards (LAUSD), and overseeing project budgets and timelines are hallmarks of a robust operations management role, particularly in capital projects or infrastructure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

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

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex A/E projects from inception to completion, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.

• Architectural & Engineering Design Principles: Strong understanding of architectural and engineering concepts, building codes, construction methods, and design best practices.

• Contract Administration: Expertise in managing contracts with external design firms and consultants, ensuring scope adherence and performance standards.

• Cost Estimating & Budget Management: Proficiency in developing and managing project budgets, performing cost estimations, and controlling expenditures for design services.

• Scheduling & Timeline Management: Skill in developing and maintaining project schedules, coordinating timelines with various stakeholders, and ensuring timely project milestones.

• Regulatory Compliance: Deep knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, accessibility standards (e.g., ADA), and environmental compliance requirements relevant to public facilities.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Excellent ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse groups, including architects, engineers, district administrators, maintenance staff, and community members.

• Design Review & Quality Assurance: Experience in establishing and executing robust design review processes to ensure quality, functionality, and compliance.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Public Sector Project Experience: Extensive experience working with public agencies, particularly K-12 school districts or similar educational institutions.

• Facilities Planning: Understanding of long-term facilities planning and capital improvement program management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements, particularly the 4 years in educational facilities, alongside the preferred professional licensure, suggest a role that demands significant technical expertise and proven experience in public sector project delivery. The "10+ years" AI-derived experience level reflects the combination of general project management and specialized educational facility experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed case studies showcasing management of architectural and engineering design projects, particularly those within educational or public sector environments.

• Process Optimization Examples: Documentation demonstrating how you've improved design processes, vendor selection, or review methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, or improve project outcomes.

• Budget & Schedule Management: Evidence of successful budget adherence and on-time project delivery for complex design initiatives.

• Compliance Documentation: Examples of ensuring projects meet specific regulatory, building code, or institutional standards.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Demonstrations of effective communication and coordination with diverse stakeholder groups in project delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase understanding of designing and optimizing workflows for project initiation, A/E selection, design review, and change order management.

• Implementation & Automation: While direct automation might be less applicable in traditional A/E design management, demonstrate experience with project management software and systems that streamline collaboration and information flow.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you've tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) for design projects, such as design cycle time, budget variance, number of design revisions, and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role managing complex design projects, a portfolio should highlight not just the end product but the process of achieving it. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies for vendor selection, design review, budget control, and compliance, backed by concrete examples of their impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $155,000 - $165,000 Annually

Benefits:

• Health Care Plan: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid public holidays.

• Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance, as well as life insurance.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $155,000 - $165,000 annually for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Los Angeles, California, is competitive and aligns with industry benchmarks for senior-level project management and specialized design leadership roles in high-cost-of-living areas, especially within public sector organizations that often offer stable compensation and comprehensive benefits. The extensive benefits package is typical for full-time positions in the United States, particularly within larger organizations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction / Engineering / Government & Public Sector / Education

Company Size: CLMI Group's presence on LinkedIn suggests a company size that facilitates managed projects for large entities like LAUSD. While specific numbers are not provided for CLMI Group directly in the input, their role as a contractor for LAUSD (a massive public school district) implies they operate within a framework that values structure, compliance, and large-scale project execution.

Founded: CLMI Group's founding date is not explicitly stated, but their engagement with LAUSD indicates a level of established experience and operational maturity.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: This role is embedded within the Facilities Services Division, specifically the Maintenance & Operations/A&E Services unit of LAUSD, likely reporting into a Director or Senior Manager of A&E Services.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Design Manager will collaborate extensively with internal district administrators, facilities staff, project managers, and external parties including architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role involves managing direct reports or project teams comprising architects, engineers, and project coordinators, while reporting upwards to senior management within the Facilities Services Division.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using project data (budgets, schedules, performance metrics) to inform decisions and drive project outcomes.

• Process Standardization: Commitment to establishing and adhering to standardized design and project management processes to ensure consistency and quality across LAUSD facilities.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages collaborative approaches to resolving design challenges and operational issues.

Company Website: https://www.clmigroup.com/ (Derived from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: CLMI Group acts as a service provider, likely a consulting or project management firm, for LAUSD. Understanding this dynamic is key: the Design Manager will be expected to uphold LAUSD's standards while managing CLMI's internal resources and external partners to deliver on those requirements. The "Operations" aspect is about managing the delivery of A&E services for LAUSD.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, often considered a Principal or Director-track role within a project delivery or infrastructure operations function. It requires significant experience in managing complex, high-stakes projects and a deep understanding of regulatory environments.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a higher-level executive within LAUSD's Facilities Services Division (e.g., Director of A&E Services or Deputy Superintendent of Facilities). The Design Manager, in turn, will likely manage a team of project managers, architects, or engineers responsible for specific project portfolios.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a profound impact on the district's operational capabilities and long-term infrastructure. Their work directly influences the functionality, safety, and efficiency of educational facilities, impacting the learning environment for thousands of students and staff, as well as the district's long-term capital investment strategy. Successful management of design projects ensures that LAUSD can provide modern, effective, and compliant learning spaces.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of A&E Services, Senior Director of Facilities Planning, or executive positions within LAUSD's facilities management.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like sustainable design, educational facility modernization, or large-scale infrastructure program management.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to professional development opportunities, industry conferences, and mentorship programs focused on public sector project management and facilities leadership.

• Broader Program Management: Potential to transition into managing larger, more complex capital programs encompassing multiple design and construction streams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a pivotal point in a career focused on public sector infrastructure and facilities management. The growth path is clearly defined within large organizations like LAUSD, moving from managing individual projects to overseeing entire divisions or programs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, primarily based at the Los Angeles Unified School District facilities. It involves a mix of office-based work for planning, review, and administration, and site visits to ongoing or proposed project locations.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California, United States, specifically within the LAUSD facilities. This implies working within a large, bureaucratic, and dynamic urban educational environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will necessitate frequent interaction with internal LAUSD departments (Facilities, Maintenance, Operations, Educational Programs) and external design consultants. Expect a dynamic environment with a high volume of communication.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, MS Project), and potentially specialized A/E design software for review purposes.

• Team Interaction: Daily opportunities for collaboration with peers, direct reports, and senior management, focusing on project coordination, problem-solving, and strategic planning for district facilities.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time management role. However, project demands may occasionally require flexibility or extended hours to meet critical deadlines, particularly during design review milestones or urgent issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature for LAUSD facilities is crucial. Candidates should be prepared for the realities of working within a large public sector organization, which often involves navigating established processes and protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess minimum qualifications (experience, education).

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on A/E design management experience, project examples, budget control, scheduling, and compliance knowledge. Expect questions about specific projects managed.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of selected case studies from the candidate's portfolio, demonstrating their approach to design management, problem-solving, and stakeholder coordination. This is a critical stage.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of leadership style, collaboration skills, ability to work within a public sector environment, and alignment with LAUSD's values and CLMI Group's operational ethos.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or hiring managers to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the scope, your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, compliance achievements).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize how you managed the design process, including vendor selection, design reviews, change order management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate success. For example, "Managed a $10M modernization project, delivering 5% under budget and 2 weeks ahead of schedule."

• Tailor to LAUSD: If possible, subtly reference how your experience aligns with the specific needs and challenges of a large school district.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional visuals (diagrams, charts, photos if appropriate) to support your presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to design disputes, budget crises, or stakeholder conflicts. Outline your problem-solving approach.

• Process Improvement Ideas: Think about how you might improve LAUSD's current A/E design processes, drawing on your experience.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage difficult conversations with architects, community members, or internal departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates must be able to articulate their experience through tangible examples that showcase their operational expertise in managing complex design projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (which integrates BIM 360 and PlanGrid), Oracle Primavera P6, or Microsoft Project is highly beneficial for managing project timelines, documents, and communication.

• A/E Design Software (Review): Familiarity with viewing and commenting on CAD drawings, BIM models (e.g., Revit, Navisworks), and PDF mark-up tools. Direct design work is not expected, but the ability to critically review these outputs is essential.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation, contracts, and plans.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for budget tracking, cost analysis, schedule updates, and data manipulation.

• Business Intelligence/Dashboard Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel dashboards for creating reports and visualizations on project status, budget adherence, and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Less Direct): While not a sales role, understanding how client relationship management principles apply to managing relationships with external A/E firms and internal stakeholders is valuable.

• Workflow Automation (Conceptual): Understanding how to streamline processes through digital tools, even if not directly implementing automation scripts. This could involve utilizing features within project management software for automated notifications, approvals, or reporting.

• Integration Tools (Conceptual): Awareness of how different project management and financial systems might need to integrate to provide a holistic view of project performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis here is on tools that support project management, documentation, financial tracking, and stakeholder communication within a construction and design context. Direct design software proficiency is less critical than the ability to manage and review outputs from these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountability & Ownership: A strong commitment to taking ownership of projects and delivering on commitments, both internally and externally.

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, particularly with vendors and public funds, and maintaining open communication.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued to achieve shared project goals.

• Efficiency & Value: A dedication to optimizing processes and resources to deliver maximum value for the district and its stakeholders.

• Commitment to Education: A genuine understanding and dedication to supporting the mission of providing excellent educational facilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Engaging stakeholders early and often to ensure alignment and address concerns before they escalate.

• Process-Oriented: Relying on established processes and documentation to guide collaboration and decision-making.

• Solution-Focused: Approaching challenges with a focus on finding practical and effective solutions, rather than assigning blame.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively working to bridge gaps between different departments and disciplines (e.g., design, construction, operations, education) to ensure holistic project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a large public entity like LAUSD, and by extension its contractors like CLMI Group, often emphasizes process, compliance, and collaboration. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Bureaucracy: Working within a large public sector organization can involve complex approval processes, multiple layers of management, and established protocols that require patience and strategic navigation.

• Balancing Competing Interests: Juggling the diverse needs and expectations of various stakeholders—students, teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and regulatory bodies—while adhering to budget and schedule constraints.

• Managing Scope Creep: Preventing uncontrolled expansion of project scope, which can lead to budget overruns and schedule delays, requires strong negotiation and change management skills.

• Ensuring Quality & Compliance: Consistently meeting high standards for design quality, safety, and regulatory compliance across numerous projects in a demanding environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying current with new building codes, educational facility best practices, and sustainability requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Public Sector Project Management: Deepen expertise in the unique methodologies, procurement processes, and compliance requirements of public sector capital projects.

• Large-Scale Program Management: Gain experience managing portfolios of projects that contribute to district-wide strategic infrastructure goals.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills in managing teams, influencing stakeholders, and driving strategic initiatives within a large organization.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge trends in educational facility design, sustainable construction, and educational technology integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role—managing complexity, bureaucracy, and diverse stakeholders—also represent significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in operations and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting an architectural firm for a complex educational facility project. What key criteria do you prioritize?" (Focus on structured evaluation, compliance, and value.)

• "How do you ensure that design projects remain within budget and on schedule, especially when faced with unexpected challenges or change requests?" (Highlight proactive monitoring, risk assessment, and change control processes.)

• "Walk me through a challenging design review you conducted. What were the issues, how did you address them, and what was the outcome for the project?" (Demonstrate analytical skills, problem-solving, and communication.)

• "How do you foster collaboration between design teams, construction teams, and district stakeholders to achieve project goals?" (Emphasize communication strategies, conflict resolution, and team building.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about LAUSD's facilities planning and capital improvement programs? How does your experience align with their needs?" (Show research into LAUSD's initiatives and demonstrate relevant experience.)

• "How do you approach working within a large, established public sector organization like LAUSD, with its specific protocols and decision-making processes?" (Address understanding of bureaucracy and ability to navigate it effectively.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or demands from different stakeholders. How did you resolve it?" (Assess negotiation, prioritization, and conflict-resolution skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your range of experience, from new construction to modernization, and highlight different challenges you've overcome.

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

• Quantify Results: Use data to support your achievements (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, stakeholder satisfaction metrics).

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to detail how you managed the design process, including vendor selection, design reviews, and risk mitigation.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decisions, methodologies, and any challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily focus on demonstrating a structured, process-driven approach to managing complex A/E projects within a public sector context, backed by concrete examples from the candidate's portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and prepare your portfolio to highlight your most relevant experience in managing architectural and engineering design projects, with a strong emphasis on educational facilities or public agency projects. Showcase at least two detailed case studies demonstrating your project management, budget control, and stakeholder coordination skills.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 8+ years of relevant experience, specifically calling out the 4 years in educational facilities. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Manager," "A/E Services," "Capital Projects," "Contract Administration," "Cost Estimating," and "Scheduling." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodologies, design review processes, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Be ready to discuss specific projects from your portfolio and how you navigated challenges. Prepare to answer scenario-based questions related to budget management, schedule adherence, and compliance.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CLMI Group and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Understand LAUSD's mission, its facilities department structure, and any recent capital improvement initiatives. 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.

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