Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: BCCI (part of STO Building Group)

Location: Salt Lake City, UT, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Operations - Construction Design Management

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid to Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage external design companies through all phases of design for a high-volume portfolio of government and private sector projects.

• Ensure seamless integration of design intent, constructability, cost control, and owner expectations from preconstruction through project execution.

• Act as the primary liaison between the architect team, owners, and internal teams, facilitating clear communication and alignment.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design schedules that integrate with permitting, procurement, and construction timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and context strongly align with a Construction Operations role focused on the preconstruction and design phase of projects. The emphasis on constructability, budget alignment, and interdisciplinary collaboration positions this as a critical operational function within the construction lifecycle. The target company, Layton Construction (a part of STO Building Group), operates in a sector where efficient design management is paramount to successful project delivery and revenue realization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee external design consultants, serving as an active project leader throughout all design phases.

• Act as the primary point of contact and day-to-day collaborator with the architect team, ensuring design intent aligns with constructability and project goals.

• Execute a systematic process for documenting and finalizing design phases to effectively manage owner expectations and control changes.

• Establish design priorities and objectives for each phase of the design process, ensuring clear direction and scope.

• Develop and maintain a detailed design schedule that interfaces with and supports permitting, procurement, and all subsequent construction phases.

• Collaborate closely with the estimating team to ensure budgets are organized, assumptions are clearly defined, and cost implications of design decisions are understood.

• Successfully transfer all budget and design information to the operational execution team, ensuring a smooth handover and clear control of the work.

• Convert the owner’s vision into a constructible design solution that aligns with the overall project scope, budget, and schedule.

• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with various stakeholders, including upper management, owners, designers, vendors, government agencies, and trades.

• Thoroughly understand and document the owner’s needs, goals, and specific requirements for each project.

• Record and manage change order decisions with owners and trade partners, ensuring proper documentation and communication.

• Conduct technical and operational risk assessments, advising on potential risks, opportunities, and hazards associated with the design.

• Strategically develop the external design team, focusing on risk management and aligning with company qualifications and standards.

• Lead and encourage internal and external teams to achieve or exceed project goals, while implementing and promoting the company’s policies, regulations, and guidelines.

• Mentor, manage, and evaluate the performance of the Design Phase Team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design oversight and project management, critical for ensuring operational efficiency and project success in construction. The role requires strong leadership and client-facing skills, typical of senior operations roles in large contracting firms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Estimating, or a closely related field. Equivalent relevant experience will also be considered. Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of related construction industry experience, with a background in general contracting, owners’ representative roles, design-build firms, architecture firms, or engineering firms.

• Experience supporting complex project portfolios, particularly in industrial/cold-storage, mission-critical facilities, or similar specialized sectors, is strongly preferred. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in guiding design processes and coordinating design efforts to align project outcomes with owner expectations.

• High-level knowledge of construction methodologies and design principles within the construction industry.

• Demonstrated ability to interface effectively between design and preconstruction phases to control costs and maintain budget integrity.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a strong emphasis on client-facing interactions and relationship management.

• Proven organizational skills, capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously across various national locations.

• Ability to make sound decisions and solve problems effectively, particularly under pressure or when faced with unexpected changes or delays.

• Experience functioning effectively within diverse, cross-functional team settings.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities at a senior level, with the ability to develop followership and influence change.

• Adaptability to evolving project requirements based on collaborative feedback and changing project dynamics.

• High degree of business acumen and decisiveness.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within teams, with strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong presentation, public speaking, and facilitation skills. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts.

• Familiarity with industrial/cold-storage, mission critical, or other complex project portfolios.

• Proficiency with design and project management software. Software Skills:

• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Google Drive/Workspace

• Bluebeam

• Familiarity with Revit, AutoCAD, and Autodesk Forma.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of technical construction knowledge, project management acumen, and strong interpersonal and leadership skills. The explicit mention of specific software like Bluebeam, Revit, AutoCAD, and Autodesk Forma indicates a need for candidates who are not only managers but also technically conversant with the tools used in modern design and construction processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of design phases for complex construction projects, showcasing an understanding of the full project lifecycle from conceptualization to execution.

• Provide case studies or examples of how you have effectively translated owner visions into constructible designs that met scope, budget, and schedule requirements.

• Showcase experience in coordinating with estimating teams and managing design budgets, including examples of cost control strategies implemented during the design phase.

• Illustrate your process for documenting and locking in design phases to manage owner expectations and control change orders, highlighting your change management methodology.

• Present examples of how you have successfully transferred design and budget information to operational execution teams, ensuring a smooth handover and clear project control. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your methodologies for establishing design priorities and objectives for each phase of design.

• Detail your approach to developing and maintaining design schedules that integrate seamlessly with permitting, procurement, and construction phases.

• Outline your process for conducting technical and operational risk assessments related to design, and how you advise on potential risks and opportunities.

• Describe your experience in building and maintaining strong working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including owners, designers, vendors, and trades, emphasizing communication protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio isn't just about visual design but about demonstrating a robust process for managing complex construction design phases. Candidates should be ready to articulate their methodologies, showcase problem-solving skills through case studies, and highlight their ability to manage budgets and timelines within the construction lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the 7+ years of experience requirement, senior-level responsibilities, and the Salt Lake City location, a competitive annual salary range for a Design Manager in this industry is estimated to be between $110,000 - $150,000. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

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

• Long-term Disability Insurance

• Short-term Disability Insurance

• Critical Illness Insurance

• Accident Insurance

• Hospital Indemnity Insurance

• Home & Auto Insurance options

• Family Support services

• Pre-tax Paid Parking/Public Transportation benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Time Away Benefits

• Paid Holidays

• Group Legal services

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• Identity Theft Protection

• Pet Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required based on project demands and deadlines, which is common in the construction industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 7+ years of experience in major US metropolitan areas, considering the specific demands of the construction sector. The extensive list of benefits provided by Layton Construction is a significant component of the total compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (General Contracting)

Company Size: Over 1,500 construction professionals across the US. As part of the STO Building Group, the combined entity has over 4,000 employees.

Founded: Layton Construction was founded in 1953. STO Building Group was formed through the aggregation of multiple construction firms.

Team Structure:

• This role operates within Layton's National Building Group, supporting a high-volume portfolio of government and private sector projects.

• The Design Manager will lead and mentor a "Design Phase Team," working closely with estimators, project managers, and other operational leads.

• Collaboration is key, involving frequent interaction with architects, owners, vendors, government agencies, and trade partners. Methodology:

• Layton Construction champions "The Layton Way," focusing on delivering predictable outcomes through honesty, unity, safety, and quality of work.

• The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to project management, ensuring alignment between design intent, constructability, cost control, and owner expectations.

• Process optimization is central, with a focus on documenting and locking in design phases, managing change, and ensuring a seamless transfer of information to execution teams.

Company Website: https://www.laytonconstruction.com/ and https://stobuildinggroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's strong emphasis on core values like "honesty, unity, safety, and quality" and their commitment to "The Layton Way" suggests a culture that values integrity, teamwork, and predictable project outcomes. Being part of the larger STO Building Group provides the stability and resources of a major national contractor while maintaining a localized operational focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position within the construction operations domain. It requires significant experience in managing complex design processes and leading cross-functional teams. The role is pivotal in the project lifecycle, bridging the gap between initial design concepts and constructible execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the National Building Group, such as a Director of Preconstruction or a VP of Operations. They will, in turn, manage and mentor the Design Phase Team.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on project profitability and client satisfaction. By ensuring design intent aligns with constructability and budget, they mitigate risks, reduce costly change orders, and optimize resource allocation. Their work is critical for laying the foundation for successful project execution and achieving the company's revenue and quality targets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., industrial, mission-critical) or advanced design technologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress into roles such as Director of Preconstruction, Director of Design Management, or Executive Project Director, overseeing larger portfolios or divisions.

• Cross-functional Transition: Opportunities to move into broader project management, operations leadership, or business development roles within the STO Building Group.

• Professional Development: Access to industry conferences, certifications, and internal training programs focused on construction management, design technology, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step for operations professionals aiming for leadership in the construction sector. The growth trajectory is clear, moving from managing design phases to overseeing entire project portfolios or operational units.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining office-based collaboration with potential for on-site project visits.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the expectation of travel across the country for project-specific needs.

Workspace Context:

• The role demands a collaborative office setting where interaction with design teams, estimators, and project management staff is frequent.

• Access to standard office technology and software (MS Office, Google Workspace, Bluebeam) is essential. Familiarity with advanced design software like Revit and AutoCAD is also crucial for understanding and guiding technical discussions.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior leadership, clients, and external partners are integral to the role. Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, though project deadlines and critical design phases may necessitate extended hours or weekend work. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in managing personal schedules, balanced with the need for on-site presence and collaborative meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is common in construction management, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and site visits with the flexibility afforded by modern work arrangements. Candidates should be prepared for travel as a key component of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess alignment with the experience and skills required, with a specific focus on construction project portfolios.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, project management philosophy, and leadership style, particularly concerning design management. Expect questions about your approach to constructability reviews and budget control.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve meeting with other design managers, project executives, or key operational leaders. You might be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or discuss your approach to specific design challenges.

• Final Interview: A conversation with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase the breadth and complexity of projects managed. Highlight your role in each project, focusing on the design phase.

• Case Studies: Select 2-3 key projects for in-depth case studies. For each, detail the initial owner vision, design challenges, your solutions (especially regarding constructability and cost), key decisions made, and the ultimate project outcomes. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence).

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate your methodologies for design coordination, risk management, scheduling, and change management. Demonstrate how you ensure alignment between design intent, budget, and constructability.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you leverage tools like Bluebeam, Revit, or AutoCAD in your design management process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge where you might need to propose solutions for constructability issues, budget overruns, or schedule delays.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would communicate complex design decisions or manage conflicts between owners, architects, and trades.

• Strategic Thinking: Consider how you would approach developing a design schedule for a large, multi-phased project or how you would implement "The Layton Way" in your daily operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and case studies is crucial for this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their practical experience in managing the design lifecycle and their ability to translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Essential for daily communication, reporting, financial analysis, and presentations. Excel proficiency is critical for budget tracking and analysis.

• Google Drive/Workspace: For collaborative document creation, sharing, and project management.

• Bluebeam Revu: A critical tool for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management in construction, often used for reviewing drawings, specifications, and submittals.

• Revit: For understanding and coordinating BIM models, reviewing design clashes, and facilitating constructability reviews.

• AutoCAD: For reviewing and understanding 2D design drawings and plans.

• Autodesk Forma (formerly Spacemaker): Emerging tool for early-stage design analysis and optimization, indicating a forward-looking approach to design technology.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, proficiency in using data from project management and design software for reporting on budget adherence, schedule progress, and risk mitigation is expected. CRM & Automation:

• Less emphasis on traditional CRM, but strong project management software skills are implied for tracking project progress, documentation, and communication logs. Familiarity with project management platforms used in construction (e.g., Procore, BIM 360) would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified software stack indicates a need for a technically proficient candidate who can leverage modern design and project management tools to enhance operational efficiency and project outcomes. Bluebeam and BIM-related software (Revit, AutoCAD, Forma) are particularly important for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Honesty, Unity, Safety, Quality: These are the foundational values of Layton Construction ("The Layton Way"). Operations professionals are expected to embody these principles in their daily work, decision-making, and interactions.

• Predictable Outcomes: A strong focus on delivering consistent, reliable project results. This means rigorous planning, proactive risk management, and meticulous execution.

• Collaboration: A culture that emphasizes teamwork and shared responsibility across departments and with external partners. Open communication and mutual respect are key.

• Client-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and meeting owner expectations, ensuring client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: While grounded in traditional values, the company also embraces new technologies and methodologies (like Autodesk Forma) to enhance efficiency and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with estimating, project management, and field operations teams. A collaborative approach to problem-solving and knowledge sharing is essential.

• Process Review Culture: A willingness to engage in constructive feedback loops with design teams, estimators, and project managers to refine processes and improve outcomes.

• Open Communication: Direct and transparent communication is valued, especially when managing stakeholder expectations and resolving design or constructability issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values provide a strong framework for understanding the expected behaviors and operational approach. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they align with and uphold these values in a demanding construction environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and priorities of owners, architects, internal teams, and regulatory bodies requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Navigating Complex Design & Constructability Issues: Identifying and resolving design conflicts or constructability challenges early in the process to prevent costly rework or delays.

• Coordinating National Projects: Effectively managing design processes across multiple projects located in different regions, each with unique requirements and timelines.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with and integrating new design software and methodologies into established workflows.

• Maintaining Budgetary Control: Ensuring that design decisions align with project budgets and effectively managing change orders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Technology Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in BIM software (Revit, AutoCAD) and explore emerging tools like Autodesk Forma.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining industry-recognized certifications (e.g., PMP, CCM).

• Leadership Development Programs: Training focused on enhancing leadership, team management, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Participation in events related to construction design, technology, and project management to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced senior leaders within Layton Construction and the broader STO Building Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in large-scale construction projects, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to reconcile conflicting design intentions with constructability requirements. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and collaboration.)

• "How do you ensure alignment between the owner's vision, the architect's design, and the project budget throughout the design phases?" (Highlight your understanding of the interplay between scope, cost, and design intent.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing and managing a design schedule that effectively integrates with permitting and construction timelines." (Emphasize your organizational skills and project planning methodology.)

• "How do you manage change orders and owner expectations during the design phase of a complex project?" (Demonstrate your change management process and communication strategies.)

• "Describe your experience in leading or mentoring a design team. What is your leadership philosophy in a project context?" (Showcase your leadership style and team development approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your approach to design management aligning with Layton Construction's core values of honesty, unity, safety, and quality?" (Connect your experience to their stated values.)

• "How would you foster collaboration between external design consultants and internal project teams to ensure predictable outcomes?" (Discuss your strategies for cross-functional teamwork.)

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of constructability reviews early in the design process, and how do you ensure they are effectively implemented?" (Demonstrate your understanding of operational efficiency in design.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conciseness: Focus on 2-3 impactful projects. For each, clearly define the challenge, your role, the solution, and the quantifiable result.

• Process-Oriented: Don't just show the finished product; explain the how. Detail your methodologies for coordination, risk assessment, scheduling, and stakeholder communication.

• Tool Integration: Be ready to discuss how you utilized specific software (Bluebeam, Revit, AutoCAD) to achieve project goals or solve problems.

• Impactful Storytelling: Frame your experiences as narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills, leadership, and ability to drive successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of construction operations, a proven ability to manage complex design processes, and strong leadership and communication skills that align with the company's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in construction project design management, preconstruction, estimating, and working with external design consultants. Quantify achievements related to cost control, schedule adherence, and successful project delivery.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your ability to manage design phases, ensure constructability, control costs, and collaborate with stakeholders. Be ready to present these case studies, focusing on your process and impact.

• Research "The Layton Way": Understand the company's core values (honesty, unity, safety, quality) and their emphasis on delivering predictable outcomes. Prepare to discuss how your professional approach aligns with these principles.

• Practice your interview responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills in a construction context. Be ready to discuss your experience with the specified software tools.

⚠️ 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.