Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Acciona

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction & Design Management

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design management function within the Bids and Tenders team, focusing on large-scale construction projects.

• Drive the Value Engineering process, identifying and developing optimizations and Alternative Technical Concepts to enhance project proposals.

• Act as a crucial interface between Estimating, Design Consultants, and Construction Teams, ensuring alignment and optimal design solutions.

• Manage design deliverables and program throughout the tender phase, ensuring compliance with project specifications and technical provisions.

• Potential opportunity to transition to the project team upon successful award, offering a direct impact pathway from bid to execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Bids and Tenders team, indicating a strategic focus on pre-construction design strategy and optimization. The emphasis on Value Engineering and Alternative Technical Concepts highlights the need for innovative problem-solving and cost-efficiency in design proposals. The potential transition to project execution offers a unique career trajectory for operations professionals interested in seeing their design strategies come to life.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage external design consultants throughout the tender phase, ensuring clear communication and deliverable alignment.

• Facilitate seamless interface management between internal disciplines (Estimating, Construction) and external Designers to produce optimal and integrated design solutions.

• Lead the Value Engineering process by developing and presenting design optimizations and Alternative Technical Concepts that enhance project competitiveness and value.

• Critically review design proposals against technical provisions, contract documents, and current design standards to ensure compliance and quality.

• Develop, manage, and track the design schedule from inception through to the delivery of technical submittals and design agreements.

• Assess design risks associated with RFPs and develop robust mitigation strategies to be incorporated into tender submissions.

• Develop and implement standardized design management procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency across tender processes.

• Liaise closely with the Bid Director, providing regular status updates and insights on the design progress and strategic approach.

• Contribute to the 'design strategy' and overall bid approach, influencing the technical direction of proposals.

• Ensure appropriate design resources are allocated effectively throughout the tender lifecycle to meet program demands.

• Develop comprehensive scopes of service for key design stages, outlining deliverables and responsibilities.

• Monitor design progress against the program, reporting variances and proactive solutions to the project team.

• Coordinate the activities of the design team, contractors, and statutory bodies, ensuring compliance with all applicable environmental requirements.

• Ensure the design process adheres to all relevant compliancy issues, current legislation, standards, and codes of practice.

• Manage the change control system, ensuring all design changes are accounted for, authorized, and implemented in coordination with the Project Manager and client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive and strategic role in the pre-construction phase. Key areas include managing external consultants, driving value engineering, risk assessment, and ensuring design compliance. The integration with estimating and construction teams points to a highly collaborative GTM (Go-To-Market) operations function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of demonstrated experience in managing design processes for large and complex civil construction projects.

• Proven experience in Design & Build (D&B) and Alternative Finance Projects (AFP), or similar complex infrastructure delivery models.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and coordinating design efforts across multiple disciplines.

• Value Engineering: Proficient in identifying cost-saving opportunities and proposing technical optimizations without compromising quality or scope.

• Civil Engineering Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of civil disciplines including roadway design, structures, drainage systems, pavement engineering, and geotechnical principles.

• Tender Management: Ability to effectively manage design aspects within the tender lifecycle, meeting strict deadlines and proposal requirements.

• Contract Review: Skill in reviewing contract documents to identify design obligations, risks, and technical requirements.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Capability to identify design-related risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.

• Construction Management Principles: Understanding of construction processes and how design translates into buildable solutions.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively interact with internal teams, external consultants, and clients.

• Technical Coordination: Proficiency in coordinating technical aspects across various project stakeholders.

• Project Scheduling: Experience in developing and managing design schedules to ensure timely delivery.

• Change Control Systems: Familiarity with implementing and managing change control processes for design modifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Engineer (P.E.) designation.

• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and other advanced design technologies.

• Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance requirements relevant to construction projects.

• Experience with Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs) and their integration into bid proposals.

• Familiarity with project finance and delivery models beyond traditional Design-Bid-Build.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a degree is required, the emphasis on demonstrated experience and specific technical knowledge in civil disciplines is crucial. The preferred P.Eng/P.E designation suggests a desire for licensed professionals who can provide technical assurance. The inclusion of D&B and AFP experience indicates a need for understanding complex project procurement and delivery methods.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Strategy Case Studies: Showcase examples of how you developed and implemented innovative design strategies for complex infrastructure projects during the tender phase.

• Value Engineering Proposals: Present detailed case studies of successful Value Engineering initiatives, outlining the problem, proposed solution, cost savings, and impact on project feasibility.

• Technical Compliance Documentation: Include examples of design reviews, compliance checks, and how you ensured designs met technical specifications and regulatory standards.

• Risk Mitigation Plans: Demonstrate your ability to identify design-related risks and present structured plans for their mitigation, including examples of their successful implementation.

• Design Program Management: Showcase how you've managed complex design programs, including scheduling, resource allocation, and stakeholder reporting.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Procedures: Provide examples of documented design management processes you've developed or implemented, focusing on workflow, approvals, and quality assurance.

• Value Engineering Frameworks: Illustrate your approach to establishing and executing a Value Engineering framework within a tender environment.

• Change Control Protocols: Demonstrate your understanding and practical application of change control protocols for design modifications, including documentation and authorization workflows.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Workflows: Outline how you've established effective workflows for collaboration between design teams, estimating, construction, and other internal/external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, demonstrating practical application of design management principles, value engineering, and risk mitigation in a tender context. Candidates should be prepared to present specific case studies that highlight their problem-solving skills, technical acumen, and ability to drive efficiency and compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary

• Relocation Assistance (where relocation is required and approved)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Short-term Disability

• Long-term Disability

• Tuition Reimbursement

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week, typical business hours. However, due to the nature of tender deadlines, occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required during critical periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable salary aggregators and industry surveys for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. Benefits are comprehensive, aligning with industry standards for large corporations. The mention of potential extended hours is typical for tender-focused roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Development & Construction, Renewable Energy, Water Management. Acciona is a global leader in developing regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society and promotes sustainable development.

Company Size: Over 65,000 employees globally. This indicates a large, established organization with robust processes and significant project capacity.

Founded: Acciona has a long history, with its origins tracing back over a century, establishing it as a deeply experienced and stable player in the global infrastructure market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be an integral part of the Bids and Tenders team, a specialized unit focused on securing new projects.

• This team typically works closely with Estimating, Commercial, Legal, and Project Execution departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Acciona emphasizes leveraging data and analytics to inform design choices, value engineering proposals, and risk assessments within tenders.

• Collaborative Workflow Planning: The company promotes cross-functional collaboration to ensure all aspects of a bid are integrated and optimized.

• Innovation and Sustainability Focus: A core aspect of Acciona's methodology is the pursuit of innovative and sustainable solutions, which should be reflected in design strategies and value engineering proposals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's commitment to sustainability and regenerative infrastructure is a key differentiator. Operations professionals in this role should be prepared to align design strategies with these company values and demonstrate how proposed solutions contribute to a better planet. The global scale suggests opportunities for diverse project exposure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and project development lifecycle, specifically within the pre-construction/bidding phase. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and strategic thinking.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Bid Director or Head of Bids and Tenders. They will manage a team of design consultants and liaise with various internal departments, including Estimating, Construction, and Commercial teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly influences the success of bid submissions. Effective design management and value engineering can lead to more competitive proposals, increased win rates, and profitable project awards. Their contributions are critical in shaping the technical and commercial viability of potential projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Execution Leadership: A clear path exists to transition into a Project Management or Design Management role on awarded projects, overseeing the execution phase.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific civil disciplines or in advanced project delivery models like Design & Build or Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

• Senior Bid Management: Progression to Bid Director or similar leadership roles within the Bids and Tenders department.

• Technical Expertise Development: Continuous learning and development in cutting-edge design technologies, sustainable construction practices, and innovative engineering solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a distinct career path from pre-construction strategy to project execution. The emphasis on complex infrastructure and sustainable development provides opportunities for significant professional growth and impact within a leading global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Acciona's Atlanta office, suggesting a professional corporate environment. This likely includes dedicated office-style workspaces designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia, United States. This location provides access to a major metropolitan area with a strong construction and engineering industry presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to foster collaboration among bid team members, with meeting rooms and shared workspaces facilitating discussions on design strategies and proposals.

• Technological Resources: Access to the necessary design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided to support the demanding tender process.

• Interdisciplinary Interaction: The role requires constant interaction with various team members across different functions, promoting a dynamic and interconnected work environment.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM EST), Monday to Friday. However, the demanding nature of tender submissions may necessitate flexibility, including occasional overtime, late nights, or weekend work to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in a corporate office setting emphasizes teamwork and direct communication, crucial for the fast-paced environment of bid management. The Atlanta location offers a strategic base within a key US market.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Bid Director or hiring manager focusing on experience in design management, value engineering, and tender processes. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: A potential practical exercise or case study requiring the candidate to analyze a design scenario, propose value engineering solutions, or outline a design management plan for a hypothetical project. This is where portfolio examples will be highly relevant.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key members of the Bids and Tenders team, Estimating, or Construction departments to assess collaboration style and technical synergy.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss strategic fit, long-term vision, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, clearly articulate the impact of your design management or value engineering efforts using quantifiable metrics (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule improvements, risk reduction percentages).

• Highlight Process: Clearly outline the methodology and processes you followed in each example, demonstrating your systematic approach to design management and problem-solving.

• Tailor to Acciona: Emphasize projects and solutions that align with Acciona's focus on sustainability, regenerative infrastructure, and innovation.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by skill demonstrated (e.g., Value Engineering, Risk Management, Design Coordination). Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Have detailed talking points ready for each portfolio piece, anticipating questions about challenges faced, decisions made, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Value Engineering Exercise: Practice identifying potential cost savings and technical improvements in typical infrastructure project components (e.g., roadways, drainage, structures). Think about alternative materials, construction methods, or design configurations.

• Design Strategy Outline: Be ready to quickly sketch out a high-level design strategy for a given project type, considering constructability, cost, schedule, and sustainability.

• Risk Identification: Practice identifying common design risks in infrastructure tenders and proposing mitigation steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge but practical application through their portfolio and case studies. The interview process is structured to assess technical capability, strategic thinking, and collaborative potential within the high-stakes tender environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar for reviewing and understanding design drawings.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms like Autodesk Revit or Navisworks for model coordination, clash detection, and visualization.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management tools for scheduling, task tracking, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial modeling (for value engineering), and report generation.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating dashboards and presenting design progress and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and sharing large volumes of project documentation and design files (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with communication and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements aren't explicitly listed, proficiency in standard design, project management, and collaboration software is essential for effective design management in a tender environment. The ability to analyze data in Excel and potentially visualize it is also key for value engineering and reporting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Transparency: Upholding ethical standards in all bid submissions and design decisions, ensuring honest representation of capabilities and solutions.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and cooperative environment where all team members contribute to the collective success of the bid.

• Innovation and Excellence: Continuously seeking better, more efficient, and sustainable design solutions to meet and exceed client expectations.

• Accountability and Ownership: Taking responsibility for design deliverables, risk management, and the overall success of the design component within the tender.

• Sustainability Focus: A deep commitment to developing infrastructure that has a positive environmental and social impact, aligning with Acciona's core mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with estimating, construction, commercial, and legal teams to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to bid development.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and frequent communication channels with all stakeholders, including external consultants, to address issues promptly and keep everyone informed.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging an environment where feedback is shared openly and constructively, leading to continuous improvement in design strategies and processes.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: Approaching challenges collaboratively, focusing on finding practical and effective solutions that benefit the project and the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acciona's strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices will permeate the team culture. Operations professionals are expected to embody these values, driving not only technical excellence but also responsible and forward-thinking design solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Competing Priorities: Balancing the demands of multiple design disciplines, stakeholders, and tight tender deadlines simultaneously.

• Navigating Complex Technical Requirements: Ensuring designs meet intricate technical specifications, regulatory standards, and client expectations across large-scale projects.

• Driving Value Engineering Buy-in: Persuading stakeholders and clients to adopt proposed optimizations and Alternative Technical Concepts that may deviate from initial plans.

• Mitigating Design Risks: Proactively identifying and managing potential design flaws or oversights that could impact project cost, schedule, or safety.

• Keeping Pace with Innovation: Staying abreast of new design technologies, materials, and sustainable construction methods to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Engineering Courses: Opportunities to enhance technical expertise in specialized civil engineering fields.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications like PMP or relevant design-specific credentials.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in events focused on infrastructure design, construction technology, and sustainable development.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced leaders within Acciona for guidance on career progression and technical development.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of large-scale, complex infrastructure projects offers broad learning experiences across different sectors and geographies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that foster professional growth. Overcoming these challenges provides invaluable experience, preparing individuals for more senior leadership roles within Acciona's global operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully led the Value Engineering process on a major construction bid. What was the project, what optimizations did you propose, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, quantifiable results, and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you approach coordinating design efforts across multiple external consultants and internal teams (Estimating, Construction) during a tender phase?" (Highlight your communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skills.)

• "Walk us through your process for assessing and mitigating design risks on a large infrastructure project tender." (Emphasize proactive identification, structured mitigation, and documentation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your role contributing to Acciona's mission of developing regenerative infrastructure and promoting sustainability?" (Connect your design approach to the company's core values.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration among diverse technical professionals." (Showcase your teamwork and leadership style.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "The Problem-Solution-Result" Framework: For each case study, clearly outline the initial problem or challenge, the design solution or process you implemented, and the tangible results achieved (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction).

• Visual Aids: Use simple, clear diagrams, charts, or screenshots from your portfolio to illustrate complex design concepts, workflows, or data. Avoid overly cluttered slides.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying "improved efficiency," say "reduced design review time by 15%."

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your information succinctly. Be prepared to elaborate on any part of your portfolio but avoid reading directly from slides.

• Tailor to the Role: Select portfolio examples that most closely align with the responsibilities and requirements of the Design Manager role at Acciona, emphasizing civil infrastructure, value engineering, and tender processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific, quantifiable examples from their experience. The interview will focus on assessing practical application of skills, strategic thinking, and alignment with Acciona's values. Demonstrating an understanding of the tender lifecycle and its pressures is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experience in design management, value engineering, civil engineering disciplines, and tender processes for large infrastructure projects. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "Design & Build," "Alternative Technical Concepts," "Risk Assessment").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your capabilities in design strategy, value engineering, and tender management. Ensure each case study clearly articulates the problem, your solution/process, and the quantifiable results.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Practice outlining design strategies and value engineering proposals for hypothetical infrastructure projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to risk management and stakeholder coordination under pressure.

• Research Acciona: Familiarize yourself with Acciona's recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and company values. This will help you articulate your alignment during interviews and tailor your responses.

⚠️ 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.