Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Balfour Beatty

Location: El Segundo, California, United States; Santa Ana, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Project Management (Focus on Construction Operations)

Date Posted: 2026-06-19T08:00:00

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with a strong emphasis on Design-Build)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate the design and permitting processes for design-build projects, ensuring alignment with owner requirements, constructability, and cost control.

• Drive project pursuits, including RFP/RFQ responses, GMP development, and cross-functional team coordination.

• Proactively monitor design progression, identify changes, and manage cost impacts to maintain project budgets.

• Foster collaboration between design teams, trade partners, internal operations, and owners to achieve project objectives.

• Uphold Balfour Beatty's commitment to quality, safety, and efficient project delivery within the construction operations framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and requirements indicate a role deeply embedded within construction operations, specifically focusing on the pre-construction and design integration phases of design-build projects. The emphasis on constructability, cost control, and coordination with operations teams places this role at the intersection of design and operational execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead project pursuits by managing the overall design RFQ/RFP response, developing the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), and coordinating internal operations teams, design partners, and trade contractors.

• Coordinate and monitor the completeness of designs against RFP requirements and contractual obligations throughout pursuits and design phases, developing and managing deliverable schedules.

• Oversee Design-Build Program verification and reconciliation during the proposal phase in collaboration with trade partners and the design team.

• Consistently monitor design progression for changes and cost impacts, including the identification and preparation of owner-directed enhancements and management of cost trends, communicating impacts to all relevant parties.

• Understand conceptual estimating and its relationship to conceptual design, identifying when design direction deviates from the project budget and working with estimating and design teams to mitigate challenges.

• Review and coordinate trade partner estimates to ensure scope and budget alignment during the proposal and design phases.

• Participate in interviews for new project pursuits, representing Balfour Beatty's design and project management capabilities.

• Engage in contract negotiations with owners, designers, and trade contractors, understanding scope and contractual obligations to manage project expectations.

• Develop and manage a design and permit schedule that integrates directly with owner needs, agency requirements, and the overall construction schedule, resolving impacts quickly.

• Actively review design development and contract documents for quality and constructability, facilitating coordination with operations and field staff for input on construction sequencing and methodology.

• Organize and lead meetings with owners, regulators, and project team members, documenting decisions, actions, and outcomes, and ensuring timely completion of design deliverables.

• Adapt to project needs, potentially performing other management assignments such as preconstruction management or project management on projects with different delivery methods.

• Exercise sound, independent judgment, maintain a level temperament, and effectively communicate and implement detailed project goals, reporting project status and goals to corporate leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong strategic thinking in project acquisition and a hands-on approach to managing the design lifecycle within a construction operations context. Emphasis is placed on proactive risk management, cost control, and stakeholder communication, crucial for successful design-build project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

• Equivalent combination of training and/or related experience may be acceptable.

• DBIA Certification or a demonstrated desire to obtain DBIA Certification within 1-year of employment is highly preferred.

• Professional licensure as either an Architect or Engineer is a plus. Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience working on design projects with design teams.

• Proven experience working directly with owners and/or owner's representatives.

• Substantial experience in design-build pursuits, including the development of pursuit submissions/responses and GMPs.

• Experience in developing and analyzing cost estimates and contract documents.

• Experience in construction administration and/or construction project management.

• Experience working on large-scale design-build projects; fast-tracked project experience is a plus. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage the design process from conceptualization through execution for complex construction projects.

• Project Coordination: Expertise in integrating design, estimating, operations, and trade partners to achieve cohesive project delivery.

• Permitting Processes: Strong understanding of local and state permitting requirements and the ability to manage the permitting timeline effectively.

• Cost Control & Estimating: Proficiency in conceptual estimating, GMP development, cost trend analysis, and contract document review for financial alignment.

• Constructability Review: Ability to critically assess designs for buildability, sequencing, and operational efficiency in collaboration with field teams.

• Contract Negotiation: Experience in negotiating contracts with owners, designers, and trade contractors, ensuring clear scope and obligations.

• Scheduling Software Proficiency: Experience with project management and scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar).

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal skills, and public speaking ability for stakeholder engagement and reporting.

• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve design-related issues, cost challenges, and schedule impacts proactively.

Preferred Skills:

• Design-Build Expertise: Deep understanding of the nuances and best practices of design-build project delivery.

• Bidding Experience: Additional experience in the bidding process for construction projects.

• Fast-Track Project Experience: Familiarity with managing projects where design and construction overlap significantly.

• DBIA Certification: Holding or actively pursuing the Design-Build Institute of America certification.

• Architectural/Engineering Licensure: Possessing a PE or RA license enhances credibility and technical understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design understanding, project management rigor, and strong commercial acumen essential for design-build operations. The experience requirements point towards a senior-level role requiring significant exposure to complex project lifecycles and client-facing responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design-Build Project Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 significant design-build projects managed from pursuit through design completion, detailing your specific role, challenges, and outcomes.

• RFP/RFQ Response Examples: Include anonymized excerpts or summaries of successful pursuit responses you have managed, highlighting your contribution to the design and GMP development.

• Cost Management Documentation: Provide examples of how you have managed design-related cost impacts, including change order mitigation strategies or value engineering proposals.

• Schedule Integration Examples: Demonstrate how you have integrated design schedules with construction schedules, showing examples of schedule development and proactive issue resolution.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Workflow: Outline your systematic approach to managing the design process, from initial client engagement to final design package for construction.

• Risk Management Framework: Detail your methodology for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with the design phase of construction projects.

• Stakeholder Communication Plan: Illustrate your strategy for effective communication and collaboration with owners, design teams, trade partners, and internal operations stakeholders.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for Design: Describe your process for ensuring design quality and constructability reviews align with project requirements and operational standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that clearly articulates their experience in managing the design lifecycle within the specific context of design-build construction projects. The focus should be on demonstrating process ownership, problem-solving capabilities, and quantifiable results in terms of cost, schedule, and quality adherence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,000 annually

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with company match to support long-term financial goals.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications (e.g., DBIA), and continued education to enhance skills in design management and construction operations.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Essential protection for employees and their families.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to project success and company profitability.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time) with potential for extended hours based on project demands and deadlines. Flexibility may be required to attend meetings outside of standard business hours or during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the stated $130,000-$160,000 annual compensation. This estimate is derived directly from the job posting's explicitly stated range for the Southern California region, considering the experience level (8+ years) and the specialized nature of Design Management within the construction industry. Benefits are standard for a large, established construction firm like Balfour Beatty.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure. Balfour Beatty is a leading international infrastructure group specializing in construction services, support services, and infrastructure investments. They are involved in a wide range of projects, from transportation and utilities to buildings and renewable energy.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (likely 10,000+ employees globally, with a significant presence in the US). This size indicates a robust organizational structure, established processes, and ample resources for project execution and professional development.

Founded: 1909. With over a century of history, Balfour Beatty brings a wealth of experience, stability, and a deep understanding of the construction lifecycle and its operational demands.

Team Structure:

• Operations-Centric: The Design Manager will be a key interface between the design community and the core construction operations teams. This role likely reports into a senior project executive, director of operations, or a dedicated preconstruction/design management leadership role.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect to work closely with project executives, senior project managers, construction superintendents, estimators, schedulers, procurement specialists, and business development teams.

• Design Integration: Collaboration with external architectural and engineering firms is fundamental, requiring effective management of consultants and their deliverables.

Methodology:

• Design-Build Focus: Balfour Beatty heavily utilizes the design-build delivery method, emphasizing integrated project teams, early contractor involvement, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations likely rely on robust project management software, cost tracking systems, and scheduling tools to inform decisions and monitor progress.

• Safety & Quality Emphasis: A strong commitment to safety protocols and quality assurance is paramount in all construction operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Balfour Beatty's long history and large scale suggest a structured environment where operational efficiency, project controls, and robust process management are highly valued. The Design Manager role is critical for ensuring that design is effectively translated into successful construction outcomes, bridging the gap between planning and execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level specialist within the pre-construction and project delivery framework. It requires a strong technical foundation, extensive project experience, and the ability to manage complex relationships and processes. It's a critical link in the operational chain, ensuring projects are designed for successful and efficient construction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the operations or preconstruction department, such as a Director of Design Management, VP of Operations, or a Senior Project Executive. They will, in turn, manage relationships with external design teams and coordinate internal project teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a significant impact on the success of construction operations by:

• Controlling Costs: Ensuring designs align with budgets from the early stages prevents costly changes and rework during construction.

• Improving Schedule Performance: Facilitating timely design progression and constructability reviews helps maintain project schedules and avoid delays.

• Enhancing Quality & Safety: By ensuring designs are constructible and safe, the role directly contributes to the quality of the final product and the safety of the construction site.

• Mitigating Risk: Proactively identifying and addressing design deficiencies and owner requirement gaps reduces contractual and operational risks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management: Progression to Senior Design Manager or Director of Design Management, overseeing larger, more complex projects or a portfolio of projects.

• Project Executive/Director: Transition into broader project leadership roles with P&L responsibility for major construction projects.

• Preconstruction Leadership: Move into leadership roles within the preconstruction department, shaping the company's approach to project acquisition and design integration.

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific project types (e.g., transportation, healthcare, high-rise) or delivery methods.

• Formal Training & Certification: Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications like DBIA, PMP, or LEED, further enhancing expertise and marketability within construction operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Balfour Beatty, as a large infrastructure firm, offers clear career pathways. The Design Manager role is a vital stepping stone, providing exposure to all facets of project delivery and enabling growth into broader operational leadership or specialized design management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role within Balfour Beatty's Southern California offices (El Segundo or Santa Ana). This environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary tools for project management and design coordination.

Office Location(s): El Segundo, CA and Santa Ana, CA. These locations serve the dynamic Southern California construction market, known for its large-scale infrastructure and building projects. Proximity to clients and project sites is typical.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment will likely foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and access to project teams.

• Technology-Rich: Expect access to robust project management software, BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, design software, and communication platforms essential for managing complex construction projects.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with internal project teams, estimators, schedulers, and leadership will be a core part of the daily work. Site visits to active project locations will also be a requirement for constructability reviews and progress monitoring.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, but the nature of construction project deadlines and client demands means flexibility to work extended hours, attend early morning or late afternoon meetings, and potentially travel to project sites is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is geared towards efficient project execution within the construction industry. While primarily office-based, the role necessitates significant interaction with field operations and project sites, requiring adaptability and a willingness to be present where needed to ensure design-construction alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager (likely a Director of Design Management or Operations leader) focusing on technical skills, project experience, and understanding of design-build processes.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other Design Managers, Project Managers, or senior operations staff to assess collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and fit within the existing team.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of their work, focusing on a specific design-build project, or complete a hypothetical scenario related to design coordination, cost impact analysis, or schedule management.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive (e.g., VP of Operations) for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by key responsibilities (pursuits, design management, cost control).

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your role, the project’s scope, key challenges, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule adherence, reduction in RFIs). Use metrics relevant to construction operations.

• Showcase Design-Build Expertise: Highlight specific contributions to the design-build process, such as early contractor involvement strategies, value engineering during design, or effective interdisciplinary coordination.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Include examples where you successfully navigated complex design issues, cost overruns, or schedule conflicts, detailing your thought process and the resolution.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful projects for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design-Build Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a scenario involving a design change request mid-design, a conflict between design documents and trade partner input, or a significant cost increase identified during design.

• Cost Analysis: Practice explaining how you would analyze the cost impact of design changes and present mitigation strategies to owners and internal teams.

• Schedule Integration: Prepare to discuss how you would develop and manage a design schedule that seamlessly integrates with an overall construction schedule, especially for fast-tracked projects.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would manage disagreements between design consultants, field operations, and owners regarding design decisions or constructability issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess a candidate's ability to think strategically about project acquisition and operationally about design execution. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates success in design-build environments will be crucial for advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (formerly BIM 360), or similar comprehensive construction management suites.

• Scheduling Software: Strong command of Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project for developing and managing complex project schedules.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with BIM platforms such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or Bentley solutions for design visualization, clash detection, and coordination.

• Estimating Software: Experience with estimating tools like PCL Estimating, Timberline, or similar for developing and reviewing cost estimates.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, sharing, and tracking project documents, drawings, and submittals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Tracking Tools: Systems for monitoring project costs, forecasting, and managing budget variances.

• Performance Dashboards: Ability to utilize or contribute to dashboards that track key project metrics (schedule, budget, safety, quality).

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal CRM/Project Pursuit Tools: Familiarity with systems used for tracking potential projects, client relationships, and bid opportunities.

• Communication Platforms: Proficient use of Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external team communication.

• Document Collaboration Tools: Platforms like SharePoint or Google Workspace for collaborative document creation and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard construction management and design software is essential. The ability to leverage technology for efficient project coordination, cost control, and schedule management will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to ensuring the safety of all personnel on project sites and in the office. This value drives operational decision-making and process implementation.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in all business dealings, from client interactions to subcontractor relationships.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common goals, valuing contributions from all levels and disciplines.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for the highest quality in all aspects of work, from initial design to final project delivery, driving continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Encouraging new ideas and methods to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Teams: Balfour Beatty emphasizes working within integrated teams, where all stakeholders (owner, designer, builder) collaborate closely throughout the project lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and frequent communication to proactively identify and resolve issues, share information, and ensure alignment.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback and continuous learning, using lessons learned from past projects to inform future operations.

• Client-Centric Approach: A focus on understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships based on trust and delivering successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely reflects the demands of the construction industry: a strong emphasis on safety, a results-oriented approach to project delivery, and a collaborative spirit essential for managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Design Scope Creep: Effectively controlling changes to design scope that can impact budget and schedule, requiring strong negotiation and documentation skills.

• Balancing Owner, Designer, and Constructor Needs: Navigating competing priorities and ensuring the final design satisfies all parties while remaining constructible and cost-effective.

• Coordinating Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively managing communication and expectations across diverse groups including owners, architects, engineers, trade contractors, and internal operations teams.

• Adapting to Evolving Construction Technologies: Staying current with advancements in BIM, prefabrication, and other technologies that impact design and construction processes.

• Navigating Regulatory Environments: Understanding and managing compliance with local building codes, zoning laws, and permitting requirements across different jurisdictions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• DBIA Certification Support: Company sponsorship and guidance to achieve DBIA certification, a key credential in the design-build industry.

• Advanced Project Management Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on project controls, risk management, and leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend events like ENR FutureBuild, World of Concrete, or DBIA national conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within Balfour Beatty's operations and design management teams.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to learn about other facets of construction operations, such as estimating, scheduling, or field supervision, through project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges common to large-scale construction operations, particularly in the design-build space. Balfour Beatty's commitment to professional development suggests a supportive environment for addressing these challenges and fostering career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a design-build pursuit, from initial RFQ to GMP development. What are the critical checkpoints?"

• "How do you ensure constructability is addressed effectively throughout the design process, especially when working with external design teams?"

• "Walk me through a time you identified a significant cost impact due to a design decision. How did you manage it, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you balance the owner's vision, the designer's intent, and the operational realities of construction?"

• "Describe your experience with developing and managing design schedules that integrate with overall construction timelines. What tools or methods do you use?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Balfour Beatty's approach to design-build projects?"

• "How have you contributed to a culture of safety and quality in your previous roles?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a challenging stakeholder. How did you manage the relationship and achieve project goals?"

• "How do you stay updated on industry best practices and new technologies in construction design and management?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as stories, highlighting the challenge, your role in addressing it, the actions you took, and the successful results.

• Visual Aids: Use slides with clear visuals (renderings, site photos, process diagrams) to support your narrative. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Focus on Design-Build: Emphasize your specific contributions and experience within the design-build delivery model.

• Quantifiable Metrics: Be ready to discuss specific numbers related to budget, schedule, RFI reduction, or other performance indicators.

• Concise Delivery: Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within any time limits and clearly conveys your expertise and value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of strategic thinking in project acquisition, robust operational understanding of construction, strong leadership and communication skills, and a proven track record in design-build environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Balfour Beatty careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 8+ years of experience in design management, specifically within design-build projects, and your proficiency with construction operations and project controls.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your experience with RFQs, RFPs, GMPs, constructability reviews, and project management/scheduling software. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a compelling portfolio showcasing 2-3 key design-build projects, demonstrating your management of design processes, cost impacts, and stakeholder coordination. Be ready to present specific examples of your work.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Balfour Beatty's recent projects, company values, and their stated commitment to safety and innovation in construction operations. Understand their approach to design-build.

⚠️ 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.