Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Cumming Group

Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Project Management (Operations Adjacent)

Date Posted: August 5, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage the end-to-end design process for capital projects within a large public school district, ensuring alignment with educational, budgetary, and regulatory requirements.

• Coordinate and direct Architects, consultants, and internal district personnel to ensure the timely and compliant completion of multiple complex projects, including new construction and modernization.

• Uphold and enforce district-specific design standards and guidelines, leveraging deep technical knowledge of architectural and engineering principles.

• Drive process efficiency and value maximization by establishing robust design review procedures and selecting qualified architectural firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "Design Manager," its responsibilities heavily overlap with critical operational functions in project management, stakeholder coordination, and process adherence within the construction and facilities management sector. The focus on managing projects on behalf of a large public entity like LAUSD necessitates strong operational discipline, budget control, and regulatory compliance, making it highly relevant to operations professionals seeking roles with significant project oversight and process management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead the architectural and engineering (A&E) design process for educational facilities, ensuring compliance with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) standards, functional programs, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal mandates.

• Manage multiple concurrent projects, including critical repairs and modernization initiatives, by effectively interacting with architects, consultants, and district stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within scope.

• Establish and implement a systematic process for selecting the most suitable architectural firms for each project, evaluating qualifications, experience, and ability to meet performance objectives.

• Provide clear, consistent, and strategic direction to architectural teams regarding project goals, objectives, design standards, site utilization, schedules, and budgets.

• Develop and maintain an effective and efficient design review process to rigorously assess designs against project objectives, functional needs, and the mandate to provide maximum value for budgeted funds.

• Diligently review all proposed design changes to ensure the project remains within established budget parameters and to mitigate any potential cost overruns.

• Proactively monitor project planning and design development status, preparing and presenting comprehensive reports on findings, recommendations, and overall project progress.

• Perform other assigned duties critical to the successful execution of design management within the district's capital improvement programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a need for strong project lifecycle management, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation, all hallmarks of effective operations management. The emphasis on "ensuring compliance with LAUSD's standards and guidelines" and "providing maximum value for dollars budgeted" points to a process-driven approach essential for operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering is required.

Experience: Minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience managing facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects. This experience must encompass overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities. At least four (4) years of this experience must be specifically with the planning, design, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agencies.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership in the education sector's design and planning, with specific experience managing projects under the Division of State Architect (DSA) jurisdiction.

• In-depth knowledge of the design and inspection processes mandated by the Division of State Architect (DSA).

• Strong technical proficiency in architectural and engineering principles relevant to educational facilities.

• Proven ability to provide senior-level leadership for the planning, programming, and design phases of complex educational facility projects.

• Expertise in contract administration, cost estimating, and project scheduling for large-scale capital projects.

• Robust understanding of local regulatory requirements and building codes pertinent to public construction in California.

• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of effectively liaising with architects, consultants, district administrators, and community representatives. Preferred Skills:

• A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board.

• A valid Professional Engineer license by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

• Experience with project management software and tools for tracking progress, budgets, and schedules.

• Familiarity with sustainable design principles and LEED certification processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific experience with DSA projects and educational facilities underscores the need for specialized knowledge, common in many operational roles within public sector or heavily regulated industries. The preference for professional licensing indicates a desire for individuals with a deep understanding of the technical and legal frameworks governing design and construction, crucial for operational compliance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 significant capital projects managed from inception to completion, detailing the scope, budget, timeline, and your specific role in design oversight.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide documentation or descriptions of processes you implemented or improved for design review, consultant selection, or change order management, highlighting efficiency gains or cost savings.

• System Implementation Evidence: If applicable, include examples where you utilized project management information systems (PMIS) or other digital tools to manage design data, track progress, or facilitate collaboration.

• ROI Demonstration: Quantify the impact of your design management efforts, such as cost savings achieved through value engineering, schedule adherence, or avoidance of regulatory penalties.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping, analyzing, and optimizing design workflows, from initial programming and conceptualization through detailed design and construction documentation.

• Implementation & Automation: Show evidence of implementing design management processes or leveraging technology to streamline the design review and approval cycles.

• Measurement & Analysis: Present examples of how you tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design quality, budget adherence, schedule performance, and compliance, and how this data informed decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role managing complex public projects, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate a methodical approach to design management, emphasizing process, efficiency, and measurable outcomes. Operations professionals are often evaluated on their ability to standardize and improve processes, so highlighting these aspects is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $106,800.00 - $142,400.02 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• 401(k) Matching Contributions

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Short-term Disability Insurance

• Long-term Disability Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, standard business hours are expected, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines and critical operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and competitive for a Design Manager role in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles, especially within the public sector context. The benefits package is robust, offering standard but comprehensive coverage typical for a large consulting firm, which operations professionals often value for stability and well-being. The explicit mention of 40 hours/week but implicit need for flexibility aligns with operational demands where project timelines can necessitate extended work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Consulting / Project Management. Cumming Group operates within the dynamic and demanding construction and real estate development sectors, focusing on providing expert project and cost management services. This industry requires meticulous planning, rigorous execution, and strong stakeholder alignment.

Company Size: Cumming Group is a rapidly growing firm, recognized as a top 10 fastest-growing consultancy in the United States, with over 60 offices globally and a significant workforce. This size suggests a company with established processes but also a culture that fosters agility and growth opportunities.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly provided, the company's rapid growth and global presence indicate a mature yet expanding organization with a strong track record in project management.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the A&E Services division, likely working within a larger project management or client services team.

• Reporting structure is expected to be to a senior project director or executive within Cumming Group, with direct oversight of architectural and engineering consultants for LAUSD projects.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be extensive, involving district administrators, facilities staff, other project managers, construction teams, and external design professionals. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Decisions will be driven by project performance data, budget adherence, schedule tracking, and compliance metrics.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on structured design review processes, consultant selection protocols, and change management procedures to ensure efficiency and quality.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, leveraging project management software and digital collaboration tools is implicit for managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Company Website: https://www.cumming-group.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Cumming Group's positioning as a fast-growing, top-ranked consultancy implies a professional, results-oriented environment. For operations professionals, this means a focus on efficiency, scalability, and delivering measurable value to clients, particularly large public entities like LAUSD, which have complex operational needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the project and design management sphere, akin to a mid-to-senior level operations manager in a specialized field. It requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic oversight. The scope involves managing significant capital projects for a major public institution, indicating a high level of responsibility and impact.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior leadership within Cumming Group, likely a Director or Vice President overseeing client services or specific market sectors. They will, in turn, manage external design consultants and collaborate closely with LAUSD's internal project teams and administrators. This structure allows for both strategic guidance from above and hands-on management of project execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly influences the functionality, cost-effectiveness, and long-term value of educational facilities for LAUSD. Successful design management translates into optimized operational efficiency for schools, adherence to public budgets, and compliance with critical safety and educational standards, thereby impacting thousands of students and staff.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in educational facility design and project management, potentially leading to roles focused on specific project types (e.g., STEM labs, specialized learning environments) or larger, more complex program portfolios.

• Leadership Development: Progress into senior management roles within Cumming Group, such as Program Director, Senior Vice President, or leadership positions within specific geographic regions or market sectors.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain exposure to other areas of project management, such as construction management, cost control, or strategic planning, broadening skill sets for diverse operational leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for operations-minded professionals to move from project-specific management to broader program oversight and strategic leadership within a growing, reputable firm. The emphasis on public sector projects can also open doors to specialized operational roles in government or large institutional clients.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, working directly with the client, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), in their downtown Los Angeles facilities. This implies a professional office environment within a large public institution.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is downtown Los Angeles, CA, United States, a major urban hub with extensive public transportation options.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace involving frequent interaction with LAUSD personnel, fellow Cumming Group project managers, and external architectural and engineering consultants. This requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and potentially specialized design and document management systems will be provided or expected to be utilized.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for collaboration will be high, with regular meetings, design reviews, and site visits contributing to a hands-on, engaged work experience.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of project management and client service, flexibility may be required to attend critical meetings, address urgent design issues, or meet project milestones, especially during peak phases of design or review.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is crucial for effective client engagement and project oversight, particularly within a large public agency. Operations professionals often thrive in environments where direct interaction and clear communication channels facilitate efficient project execution and problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience with DSA projects, and relevant educational facility management.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your project management methodology, leadership style, and understanding of the design process. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your portfolio.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve meeting with other project managers, A&E representatives from LAUSD, or senior Cumming Group leadership. You might be presented with a hypothetical design challenge or asked to walk through a complex case study from your portfolio, focusing on your problem-solving approach and operational decision-making.

• Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with executive leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with Cumming Group's client service standards.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your experience with DSA, educational facilities, public sector clients, and complex capital projects. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Process-Oriented Narrative: For each project, don't just state what you did; explain how you did it. Detail your role in managing the design process, the specific methodologies you employed, and how you navigated challenges.

• Highlight Operations Impact: Emphasize how your design management contributed to cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, and overall operational efficiency for the client. Use metrics to demonstrate ROI.

• DSA Expertise Showcase: Clearly articulate your understanding and experience with DSA compliance, including specific examples of how you ensured projects met these stringent requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problems: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common design challenges, such as budget conflicts, scope creep, consultant performance issues, or unexpected site conditions. Focus on your systematic, data-driven approach.

• Process Improvement Proposals: Be ready to suggest improvements to the design management process for a public school district, demonstrating your understanding of operational best practices.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical and operational concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving significant project and process management, the interview will likely scrutinize your practical application of skills. A well-structured portfolio that highlights process, problem-solving, and quantifiable results will be critical. Demonstrating an understanding of LAUSD's operational context and DSA requirements will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms for managing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6). Experience with these tools is essential for tracking progress and managing complex project lifecycles.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation, blueprints, and specifications (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, BIM 360 Docs).

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools that facilitate team communication and collaboration, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar enterprise solutions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Cost Control Software: Experience with tools for financial tracking, cost estimating, and budget management within capital projects.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret performance reports and dashboards to track design progress, budget adherence, and compliance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding client relationship management principles is key for working with LAUSD. Experience with client communication platforms and potentially contract management systems is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with how workflow automation can streamline design review processes, approvals, and communication, even if not directly configuring the systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list specific software, a Design Manager in this context would be expected to be proficient with standard project management and document control systems common in the construction and A&E industries. Highlighting experience with tools used for large-scale capital projects and public sector clients will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of project outcomes, particularly crucial when managing public funds and serving a large educational community.

• Efficiency & Value: A commitment to delivering projects on time, within budget, and with optimal value for the investment made by the district. This aligns with core operations principles of resource optimization.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering strong working relationships with all stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and internal teams, to ensure seamless project execution.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing project data, performance metrics, and compliance information to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement in design and project management processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with diverse teams (e.g., LAUSD facilities, construction managers, legal, finance) to ensure all project aspects are coordinated and aligned.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback and constructive critique of design and project management processes to identify areas for enhancement and ensure best practices are followed.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of lessons learned and best practices across projects and teams to build collective expertise and improve future project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on growth and client service suggests a dynamic and professional culture. For operations professionals, aligning with values of integrity, efficiency, and collaboration is essential for success in managing complex, public-facing projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Managing projects for a large public entity like LAUSD involves complex approval processes, stringent regulations, and extensive stakeholder communication, requiring patience and strong procedural adherence.

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Juggling budget constraints, demanding schedules, diverse stakeholder needs, and evolving educational requirements presents a constant challenge in optimizing design outcomes.

• Ensuring DSA Compliance: Maintaining strict adherence to the Division of State Architect's rigorous standards and inspection processes for every project demands meticulous attention to detail and proactive engagement.

• Managing Consultant Performance: Effectively overseeing and motivating multiple architectural and engineering firms to meet performance standards, deadlines, and quality expectations requires strong leadership and contract management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized construction management credentials.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to industry events and training focused on the latest trends in educational facility design, construction technology, and public sector project management.

• Mentorship & Leadership Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within Cumming Group and opportunities to develop leadership skills for managing larger teams and more extensive project portfolios.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are inherent to large-scale public infrastructure projects. Overcoming these challenges provides substantial growth opportunities for operations professionals looking to deepen their expertise in complex environments and develop robust leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a large public school district like LAUSD. How do you ensure alignment between educational needs, budget, and regulatory compliance?" (Focus on structured methodologies, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Walk me through a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between different stakeholders on a design project. How did you facilitate a resolution and ensure project success?" (Highlight communication skills, negotiation tactics, and focus on project objectives.)

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine a critical design element is found to be non-compliant with DSA regulations late in the process. What steps would you take to address this, and how would you minimize impact on the schedule and budget?" (Emphasize systematic troubleshooting, impact analysis, and proactive communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Client Focus: "Cumming Group prides itself on client service. How would you ensure LAUSD, as the client, feels supported and informed throughout the design process?" (Showcase client-centric approach and communication strategies.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal working relationship with architectural consultants and internal district project teams. How do you foster a collaborative and productive environment?" (Focus on leadership, clear expectations, and mutual respect.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a design management process beyond just budget and schedule? What operational metrics do you prioritize?" (Discuss KPIs related to quality, compliance, long-term facility performance, and value.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each key project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define the project's context, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took (especially regarding process and problem-solving), and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Emphasize Process & Methodology: Detail the specific design management processes you followed, including consultant selection, design reviews, change order management, and DSA compliance checks. Explain why these processes were effective.

• Quantify Operations Impact: Clearly articulate cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, or efficiency improvements. Use numbers and percentages to demonstrate ROI and operational effectiveness.

• Tailor to LAUSD/DSA: Prepare to discuss how your experience is directly applicable to the unique challenges and requirements of managing projects for LAUSD and complying with DSA regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of project lifecycle management, regulatory compliance (especially DSA), and operational efficiency within the context of public sector construction. Your portfolio should serve as evidence of your systematic approach and ability to deliver tangible results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned design management position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and portfolio to prominently feature your experience with large-scale capital projects, educational facilities, public sector clients, and specifically, your expertise with California's Division of State Architect (DSA) requirements. Highlight any projects that involved significant process improvement or cost-saving initiatives.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your eight years of professional experience in facilities design/capital project management, with at least four years in educational facilities or similar public agencies. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "DSA Compliance," "Capital Projects," "Contract Administration," and "Cost Estimating."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodology, leadership style, and problem-solving approaches using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your ability to manage design processes, ensure compliance, and achieve operational efficiencies.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cumming Group's project portfolio, company values, and their work with public entities. Understand the mission and operational context of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to demonstrate how your skills can directly benefit their capital improvement programs.

⚠️ 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.