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: Operations - Design & Construction Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-19

Experience Level: 8+ Years (Inferred from requirements)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manages the design and permitting processes for design-build projects, ensuring quality, on-time delivery, constructability, and cost control.

• Integrates with owners, builders, trades, and the design team to achieve project objectives.

• Plays a key role in project pursuits, including proposal development, GMP creation, and team coordination.

• Monitors design progression, identifies cost impacts, and proactively resolves budget challenges.

• Facilitates constructability reviews and coordinates input from operations and field staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is heavily focused on the operational aspects of design delivery within a construction context. The emphasis on "design-build" and integrating with "operations teams" and "trade partners" highlights a need for a candidate who can bridge the gap between conceptual design and practical execution, aligning with core Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles of process efficiency, cross-functional collaboration, and outcome-driven results. The role requires a blend of technical design understanding and strong project management and operational oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead or assist in project pursuits, including managing design RFQ/RFP responses, developing Guaranteed Maximum Prices (GMPs), and coordinating design teams, trade partners, internal operations, and marketing efforts.

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

• Oversee Design-Build (D-B) 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, identifying and preparing owner-directed enhancements and managing cost trends.

• Communicate and document noted changes and cost impacts with all relevant parties, actively working with the team to reconcile cost issues.

• 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 and engage in contract negotiations with owners, designers, and trade contractors.

• Develop and manage a design and permit schedule that integrates with owner needs, agency requirements, and the 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 sequencing, methodology, and buildability.

• Organize and lead meetings with owners, regulators, and project team members, documenting decisions and ensuring action items are progressing.

• Coordinate on-time completion of additional design deliverables resulting from meetings with the Owner and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

• Adapt to project needs, potentially performing other management assignments such as preconstruction 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 core responsibilities emphasize a strong project lifecycle management approach, from pursuit through execution. The integration of "operations teams" and "trade partners" suggests a need for candidates who can manage complex stakeholder relationships and ensure alignment across different functional areas, a critical skill in Revenue Operations and Sales Operations for driving cohesive GTM strategies. The focus on cost control, schedule management, and risk mitigation through design oversight directly translates to operational efficiency and financial performance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• An equivalent combination of training and/or related experience may be accepted. Experience:

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

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

• Experience with large-scale design-build projects.

• Experience in construction administration and/or construction project management. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in project management and scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Procore).

• Strong understanding of design-build project delivery methods and processes.

• Expertise in managing design and permitting processes, including familiarization with regulatory requirements.

• Ability to develop and analyze cost estimates, understand conceptual estimating, and manage budget trends.

• Skilled in contract negotiation with owners, designers, and trade contractors.

• Proven ability to review contract documents and identify potential design deficiencies and constructability issues.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders (owners, designers, field staff, marketing, etc.).

• Strong interpersonal and supervisory skills, including public speaking ability.

• Ability to organize and lead meetings, document outcomes, and track action items.

• Sound, independent judgment and problem-solving capabilities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing and executing GMPs for design-build projects.

• Familiarity with fast-tracked project delivery.

• Bidding experience.

• DBIA Certification or a demonstrated desire to obtain it within one year of employment.

• Professional licensure as an Architect or Engineer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend technical design knowledge with robust project management and operational oversight capabilities. Candidates should highlight experience with specific project management and scheduling software, as this is critical for operational efficiency and reporting. The emphasis on DBIA certification points towards a commitment to best practices in Design-Build delivery, aligning with a proactive and process-driven operational mindset.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successful design-build project pursuits, detailing your role in proposal development, GMP creation, and stakeholder coordination.

• Present case studies demonstrating your ability to manage design and permitting processes from initiation to completion, highlighting on-time delivery and quality outcomes.

• Include documentation of how you've integrated design with construction operations, emphasizing constructability reviews and input from field staff.

• Provide examples of cost control measures and how you've managed design changes and budget impacts, illustrating your financial oversight and problem-solving skills. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and managing comprehensive project schedules, including design, permitting, and construction integration.

• Detail your approach to coordinating and monitoring design completeness against RFP requirements and contractual obligations.

• Illustrate how you facilitate meetings, document decisions, and track action items to ensure project momentum and stakeholder alignment.

• Showcase examples of your ability to review and reconcile trade partner estimates and ensure scope and budget alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should not just list projects but demonstrate a systematic approach to managing complex design and construction processes. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies for cost control, schedule integration, and stakeholder alignment, mirroring the structured approach expected in operations roles for driving efficiency and predictable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Balfour Beatty offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

• Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Opportunities for professional development and training (e.g., DBIA certification support)

• Potential for bonuses and performance-based incentives (details may vary) Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week (typically 40 hours), with potential for extended hours based on project demands and deadlines.

• The role is primarily on-site, requiring active presence in the El Segundo and Santa Ana offices and at project locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $130,000 - $160,000 annually for a Design Manager in Southern California is competitive and aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced professionals in this sector. Factors influencing placement within this range include specific experience, certifications (like DBIA), and overall qualifications. Benefits typically offered by large construction firms like Balfour Beatty are comprehensive, supporting employee well-being and long-term financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees) - Balfour Beatty is a global leader in infrastructure and construction. This scale implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for significant project involvement.

Founded: 1909 (Balfour Beatty plc) - With over a century of history, the company has a deep-rooted understanding of the construction industry, emphasizing stability, experience, and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a project-specific team, reporting to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager.

• This team will include representatives from operations, estimating, procurement, legal, and potentially marketing.

• Close collaboration with external design consultants (architects, engineers) and trade partners is fundamental.

• The role requires effective integration with field operations teams to ensure constructability and execution alignment. Methodology:

• Balfour Beatty emphasizes a rigorous approach to project delivery, focusing on safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Design-build methodology is a core focus for this role, requiring seamless integration between design and construction phases.

• Data-driven decision-making is crucial, utilizing project management software, scheduling tools, and financial reporting for performance tracking.

• Continuous improvement through lessons learned and process refinement is a key aspect of their operational philosophy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Balfour Beatty's size and long history suggest a professional, process-oriented environment where operational excellence is valued. The emphasis on design-build indicates a collaborative culture that bridges traditional silos, requiring strong communication and integration skills from the Design Manager.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level position, typically requiring 8+ years of experience. It sits at the intersection of design, project management, and operational execution within the construction industry.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior project leadership (e.g., Project Director, Senior Project Manager) and will coordinate design teams and trade partners. They are responsible for managing external design consultants and ensuring their work aligns with project objectives and internal operational capabilities.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring designs are constructible, within budget, and delivered on schedule. Their ability to manage risks early in the design phase prevents costly rework and delays during construction, directly contributing to profitability and client satisfaction. Effective design management is critical for the operational efficiency of the entire construction process.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., infrastructure, buildings) or delivery methods (e.g., advanced design-build strategies).

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to roles such as Senior Design Manager, Director of Design Management, or potentially transition into Project Executive or General Manager roles overseeing multiple projects.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications like DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) or professional licensure (PE, AIA) if not already held, supported by the company.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Potential to gain broader experience in preconstruction, estimating, or project management on non-design-build projects, leveraging transferable skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear career progression path within the construction industry, moving from managing design on individual projects to overseeing design strategy for larger programs or business units. The emphasis on DBIA certification highlights a commitment to developing specialized expertise, which is highly valued in operations roles for driving efficiency and best practices.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/On-site. The role requires significant time spent in Balfour Beatty's offices in El Segundo and Santa Ana, California, as well as potential visits to project sites.

Office Location(s): El Segundo, CA and Santa Ana, CA. These locations serve the broader Southern California region for project pursuits and management.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace will be an office environment, facilitating collaboration with project teams, designers, and administrative staff.

• Access to project management software, scheduling tools, and communication platforms will be standard.

• Regular site visits may be required, necessitating an understanding of construction site safety protocols and work environments.

• The role demands active participation in meetings, both in-office and potentially at client or consultant locations. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, but flexibility will be required to meet project deadlines, client demands, and critical design milestones.

• This may involve occasional work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly during project pursuits or critical design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is typical for construction management positions, emphasizing the need for direct oversight and collaboration. The hybrid aspect suggests a balance between focused office work and essential engagement with project stakeholders and sites, requiring strong time management and adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a Talent Acquisition Specialist will review applications for basic qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Project Director or Senior PM) to assess technical skills, experience, and fit for the role and team. Expect questions about your design management approach, project experience, and problem-solving abilities.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key internal stakeholders (e.g., estimating, operations leads) and potentially external partners to evaluate collaboration style and cross-functional integration capabilities.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of past projects or a hypothetical case study related to design management, cost control, or schedule integration.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for a final assessment of strategic fit and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design-Build Success: Showcase projects where you managed the full design-build lifecycle, emphasizing your role in integrating design with construction operations.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate your impact on quality, schedule adherence, and cost savings. For instance, "Managed design process for X project, resulting in Y% cost savings through constructability reviews and proactive issue resolution."

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate your systematic approach to managing design, permitting, cost estimation, and stakeholder communication. Explain the tools and methodologies you employ.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Include specific examples of challenges you faced (e.g., design conflicts, budget overruns) and how you resolved them effectively.

• Tailor to Balfour Beatty: Research Balfour Beatty's recent projects and values. Frame your experience and portfolio to align with their stated priorities, such as safety, sustainability, and innovation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Integration Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would integrate a new design concept with existing construction operations on a fast-tracked project.

• Cost Control Strategy: Outline your approach to managing design changes and cost impacts, including communication strategies with owners and design teams.

• Stakeholder Management: Describe how you would manage differing opinions or conflicting priorities between the owner, design team, and trade partners.

• Schedule Alignment: Prepare to discuss how you ensure design and permitting schedules align with overall construction timelines and what steps you take to mitigate delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on practical application of design management principles within a construction context. Candidates should prepare to articulate their methodologies for process optimization and risk mitigation, drawing parallels to operational excellence. A strong portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable results and a systematic approach will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (Revit, BIM 360), Oracle Aconex, or similar. Essential for document control, collaboration, and project tracking.

• Scheduling Software: Advanced skills in Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project are critical for developing, managing, and analyzing complex project schedules.

• Design Software Familiarity: While not a designer, understanding the capabilities and outputs of architectural and engineering software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Civil 3D is beneficial for reviewing documents and coordinating with design teams.

• Estimating Software: Familiarity with estimating software (e.g., CostX, Sage Estimating) or the ability to interpret estimates generated by such tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Management Systems: Experience with systems for tracking project costs, managing change orders, and forecasting financial performance.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports on design progress, schedule status, budget adherence, and risk assessments for various stakeholders.

• Data Analysis: Skill in analyzing project data to identify trends, potential issues, and opportunities for improvement in design and construction processes.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding how project pursuits and client relationships are managed (potentially within a CRM or project pursuit system) is advantageous.

• Collaboration Platforms: Effective use of tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or email for seamless communication and document sharing across dispersed teams.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based document repositories for efficient storage, retrieval, and version control of project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-specific software is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools, advanced scheduling software, and integrated construction management platforms, as these are the operational backbone of large construction projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in construction, expecting all team members to prioritize safe practices and foster a safety-conscious environment.

• Quality & Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality results in design and construction, meeting or exceeding client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across internal departments and with external partners to achieve shared project goals.

• Integrity & Ethics: Conducting business with honesty and adhering to the highest ethical standards in all dealings.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and delivering on commitments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration between design, estimating, operations, procurement, and legal teams to ensure seamless project execution.

• Proactive Communication: Regular and transparent communication with owners, designers, and trade partners is essential to manage expectations, resolve issues, and maintain project momentum.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback, encouraging open dialogue about design constructability and potential operational improvements.

• Partnership Approach: Fostering a collaborative partnership with trade contractors and design consultants to leverage collective expertise and achieve optimal project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Balfour Beatty's values likely mirror those of leading construction firms, emphasizing safety, quality, and integrity. The collaborative style required for this Design Manager role is crucial for bridging the gap between design intent and operational reality, ensuring alignment and efficiency across all project stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design & Budget: Constantly balancing creative design solutions with stringent budget constraints and GMP targets, requiring strong negotiation and cost-management skills.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple design streams concurrently on large-scale or fast-tracked projects, demanding exceptional organizational and prioritization abilities.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder interests (owner, design team, trades, internal operations) and ensuring alignment on project goals and solutions.

• Regulatory Hurdles: Managing complex permitting processes and ensuring compliance with evolving local and national regulations.

• Technological Adaptation: Staying current with advancements in design software, BIM, and project management technologies to maintain operational efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• DBIA Certification: The company supports obtaining and maintaining DBIA certification, a key differentiator in design-build expertise.

• Advanced Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on project management, contract negotiation, risk management, and advanced construction technologies.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced senior project leaders and design directors within the organization.

• Diverse Project Exposure: Working on a variety of project types and sizes provides continuous learning and exposure to different challenges and solutions.

• Leadership Development: Potential pathways to take on greater leadership responsibilities, managing larger teams and more complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant but offer excellent opportunities for professional growth. By successfully navigating these complexities, individuals can develop highly sought-after skills in project leadership, operational efficiency, and risk management, directly applicable to advanced operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Integration: "Describe your process for integrating design development with construction operations on a design-build project to ensure constructability and cost-effectiveness." (Focus on your systematic approach, stakeholder involvement, and risk mitigation strategies.)

• Cost Management: "Walk me through a situation where a design change significantly impacted the project budget. How did you identify the impact, communicate it, and work with stakeholders to reach a resolution?" (Prepare a STAR method example highlighting your analytical skills, communication, and negotiation abilities.)

• Stakeholder Coordination: "How do you manage conflicting priorities or disagreements between the owner, design team, and trade partners to keep a project on track?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, focusing on finding mutually beneficial solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Balfour Beatty's approach to design-build projects, and how does your experience align with our values?" (Research recent projects, company mission, and values related to safety, quality, and collaboration.)

• "How do you ensure your design management approach contributes to the overall operational efficiency and profitability of a project?" (Connect your responsibilities to key operational metrics like budget adherence, schedule predictability, and risk reduction.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design management strategy due to unforeseen circumstances or changing project requirements." (Showcase your flexibility, problem-solving, and ability to pivot effectively.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project presented, clearly define the project's scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved results. Detail your methodologies for design coordination, cost tracking, schedule management, and stakeholder communication.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize your ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including internal operations staff, external designers, and trade partners.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the tangible impact of your work on project success.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, technical challenges, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a proactive, process-driven approach to design management that directly contributes to operational efficiency and project success. Candidates should be ready to articulate their methodologies and quantify their impact, drawing on specific project examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with design-build projects, project management software, scheduling, cost control, and contract negotiation. Use keywords from the job description, such as "design management," "constructability review," "GMP development," and "stakeholder coordination."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your most relevant projects, focusing on design-build delivery. Be ready to articulate your role, methodologies, and quantifiable achievements in areas like cost savings, schedule adherence, and quality control.

• Research Balfour Beatty: Understand their company culture, values, recent projects (especially in Southern California), and their approach to design-build. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on demonstrating your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills in a construction operations context.

⚠️ 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.