Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Cumming Group

Location: Seattle, WA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Project Management / Design Management (Infrastructure/Transportation)

Date Posted: 2026-07-31

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Option Available

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design management of complex, concurrent transportation sector projects, focusing on rail and light rail infrastructure.

• Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, guiding them through comprehensive design review processes and ensuring adherence to project objectives.

• Drive the agency's design process for A&E services, ensuring alignment with functional programs, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal requirements.

• Act as a key liaison between architects, consultants, agency personnel, and internal teams to ensure timely and successful project completion.

• Uphold and enforce compliance with established agency standards and guidelines throughout the design lifecycle, ensuring modernized structures meet building standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the infrastructure and transportation consulting sector, specifically supporting public transit projects for Seattle's Sound Transit agency. The emphasis on "State of Good Repair" projects indicates a focus on maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure, requiring a strong understanding of lifecycle management and operational efficiency in design. The hybrid/remote flexibility suggests a modern work environment, but the core responsibilities are heavily client-facing and require on-site presence for critical design oversight and team management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the complete design deliverables for multiple, concurrent transportation sector projects, including rail and light rail initiatives.

• Supervise and guide a team of design professionals and other project staff throughout the entire design review and execution process.

• Develop, coordinate, and manage the agency's Architectural & Engineering (A&E) services design process to ensure projects meet functional program, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Oversee and direct multiple projects by effectively interacting with Architects, consultants, and agency personnel to ensure timely completion and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Ensure design processes and outcomes comply with agency standards and guidelines, collaborating with design professionals and administrators to meet building standards requirements for new and modernized structures.

• Provide clear, consistent direction to Architects regarding project goals, objectives, standards, site considerations, schedules, and budgets.

• Establish and implement effective and efficient design review processes to ensure designs align with overall project goals and objectives, maximizing value and meeting community and environmental needs.

• Review and approve design changes to ensure projects remain within budget and scope, while maintaining functional integrity.

• Monitor project planning and design status, generating reports on findings, recommendations, and project updates for senior management and stakeholders.

• Perform other assigned duties as necessary to support project success and organizational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant emphasis on process management and team leadership within the design phase of large-scale transportation projects. The role requires a blend of technical oversight (ensuring compliance with standards) and project management (budget, schedule, stakeholder communication). The "State of Good Repair" context implies a need for detailed understanding of existing systems and the challenges of upgrading them without disrupting ongoing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering.

• A Master's degree in Architecture or Engineering is strongly preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of full-time, paid professional experience managing the design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects. This experience must encompass overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.

• Eight (8) years of the required experience must be specifically with the design, planning, and construction of transportation projects. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in Design Management for large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly within the transportation sector.

• Strong understanding of transportation project types, including rail and light rail systems.

• Demonstrated ability in design review processes and managing A&E consultant services.

• Proficiency in contract administration, cost estimating, and project scheduling for capital projects.

• Experience in capital project planning and coordination from concept through design completion.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for stakeholder engagement and team leadership.

• A valid Licensed Architect credential by the state of Washington is mandatory. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with public transit agencies or government infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with "State of Good Repair" project methodologies and challenges.

• Advanced knowledge of project management software and design collaboration tools.

• Experience in team leadership and mentorship of design professionals.

• Master's degree in Architecture or Engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Washington State Licensed Architect is a critical qualification, indicating a need for deep understanding of local building codes, regulations, and architectural practices. The extensive experience requirement (10+ years, with 8 in transportation) signifies this is a senior-level role demanding significant technical and managerial expertise. The mention of "A&E services" points to the need for managing external design consultants effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful management of complex transportation design projects, highlighting process improvements and efficiency gains.

• Documentation of project lifecycle management, from initial concept and planning through design completion and coordination with construction phases.

• Examples of design review processes implemented, showcasing how standards and guidelines were enforced and how issues were resolved.

• Evidence of budget management and cost control within design phases, including how design changes were managed to stay within financial parameters.

• Visual representations of project plans, schedules, and cost estimates managed, demonstrating organizational and analytical capabilities. Process Documentation:

• Detailed examples of workflow design and optimization strategies employed in past design management roles.

• Documentation of system implementation or integration related to design coordination or project management tools.

• Methodologies used for measuring and analyzing design performance against project objectives, budget, and schedule.

• Examples of process documentation created for design review, compliance checks, or A&E consultant management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is crucial for a Design Manager role, especially in consulting. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to manage intricate processes, lead teams, and deliver complex design solutions within strict constraints. The emphasis on "State of Good Repair" projects suggests that portfolios should ideally include examples of renovation, upgrade, or modernization projects, not just new builds.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $138,600.00 - $194,066.69 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 coverage

• Long-term disability coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role offers a hybrid or remote schedule flexibility, allowing for a blend of on-site and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role in a major metropolitan area like Seattle, especially within the specialized transportation and infrastructure consulting sector. The inclusion of 401(k) matching and comprehensive disability coverage are significant benefits for long-term employee financial security. The hybrid/remote flexibility is a key differentiator, appealing to candidates seeking work-life balance while working on high-impact projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management / Project Management Consulting (Specializing in Infrastructure and Transportation)

Company Size: Large (Likely 1,000+ employees, given global offices and ENR rankings)

Founded: The exact founding date is not provided, but Cumming Group is described as one of the fastest-growing consultancies with over 60 offices globally. This suggests a well-established, rapidly expanding organization with a significant market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of design professionals, architects, engineers, and potentially project coordinators focused on transportation projects.

• This team will operate within a larger project management structure, collaborating closely with project directors, cost managers, and site supervisors.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close interaction with client representatives (Seattle's Sound Transit agency), external A&E consultants, and potentially other Cumming Group specialists. Methodology:

• Cumming Group emphasizes a data-driven approach to project and cost management, focusing on delivering maximum value for budgeted funds.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially in managing concurrent projects and ensuring design processes are efficient and effective.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely leveraged where possible, though the core of this role involves human-led design oversight and team management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cumming Group's positioning as a top-ranked, rapidly growing consultancy implies a culture that values high performance, client satisfaction, and professional development. The emphasis on global reach and diverse projects suggests an environment where experienced professionals can tackle challenging, impactful work. The specific client relationship with Sound Transit means understanding public sector project dynamics and requirements is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Lead Professional. This role is for an experienced professional who can independently manage complex design processes, lead teams, and serve as a primary point of contact for clients and consultants. It sits at a critical juncture between design conception and project execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within Cumming Group, such as a Director of Operations, Project Director, or a Vice President overseeing the transportation sector. They will, in turn, manage a team of design professionals.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring that designs are technically sound, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with client objectives. Effective design management minimizes risks, reduces costly changes during construction, and ultimately contributes to the successful delivery of critical transportation infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential advancement to Director-level positions, overseeing larger portfolios of projects or entire service lines within the transportation or infrastructure sector.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of transportation design (e.g., transit systems, signaling, station design), project controls, or client relationship management.

• Leadership Expansion: Taking on more significant leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to the strategic direction of Cumming Group's design services.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Potential to move into broader project management roles or contribute to other complex construction projects within Cumming Group's diverse portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial career progression for a licensed architect or engineer with a strong project management background. The focus on a specific, high-demand sector (transportation infrastructure) provides a clear path for specialization and leadership within Cumming Group and the broader industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/Remote work arrangement available, suggesting a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The office environment itself is likely professional and geared towards consulting, with meeting rooms, collaborative workspaces, and individual workstations.

Office Location(s): Seattle, WA. Specific office details are not provided, but it will be a professional office setting conducive to client meetings and team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant interaction with internal teams, A&E consultants, and client representatives, necessitating a collaborative workspace that facilitates discussions and problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, design collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized BIM (Building Information Modeling) or CAD software suites will be available.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design review sessions, and informal discussions with colleagues to foster a cohesive and productive work environment.

Work Schedule: While the role offers hybrid/remote flexibility, the core responsibilities involving design oversight and client interaction may require specific availability during standard business hours (e.g., 8 AM - 5 PM Pacific Time) to ensure seamless coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote aspect is a significant perk, allowing for a better work-life balance. However, candidates should anticipate needing to be present in Seattle for key meetings, client interactions, and team collaborations as required by project needs and client demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience, and licensure.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience with transportation design management, team leadership, and project execution. Expect questions related to your approach to managing A&E services and complex design challenges.

3. Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where you will present a selection of your most relevant work from your portfolio. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be prepared to discuss specific design challenges, your methodologies for ensuring compliance and budget adherence, and how you have led teams.

4. Team/Stakeholder Interview: Interviews with potential team members or key stakeholders (e.g., client representatives from Sound Transit, senior project managers) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication effectiveness.

5. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership to confirm suitability and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in transportation design management, especially rail/light rail and "State of Good Repair" projects.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the processes you implemented (design review, A&E coordination, budget control), the solutions you developed, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, compliance achieved).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your experience leading design teams, mentoring professionals, and managing consultant relationships.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly explain your methodology for design review, ensuring compliance with standards, and managing design changes within budget.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data wherever possible to illustrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Reduced design change orders by 15%" or "Ensured project remained 5% under budget").

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to answer hypothetical questions about managing difficult design issues, resolving consultant conflicts, or handling scope creep.

• Technical Scenarios: Prepare to discuss specific technical aspects of transportation design or challenges related to existing infrastructure upgrades.

• Leadership Scenarios: Think about examples of how you've motivated teams, managed performance, and fostered collaboration in challenging project environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most crucial part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing compelling case studies that directly address the requirements of managing transportation design projects and leading design teams. Focus on demonstrating practical application of A&E management, cost control, and compliance within the transportation sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with platforms such as Procore, Oracle Aconex, Deltek, or similar enterprise-level project management solutions for tracking project progress, documentation, and communication.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Trimble Connect, or similar platforms for managing design files, facilitating reviews, and enabling collaboration among distributed teams and consultants.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project for scheduling, Excel for cost analysis and data management, Word for documentation, and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Estimation Software: Familiarity with industry-standard cost estimation tools (e.g., RSMeans, specialized transportation cost databases).

• Scheduling Software: Expertise in Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project for developing and managing complex project schedules.

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from various sources to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the design process.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design project data integrates with broader client management systems or project portfolio management tools might be beneficial.

• Familiarity with document management systems and workflows for efficient handling of design submittals, RFIs, and change orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager in this context is heavily weighted towards project management and design collaboration tools. Proficiency in systems used for managing large-scale capital projects, particularly in transportation and infrastructure, is essential. Experience with BIM and other advanced design technologies would be a significant asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of clients like Sound Transit, delivering exceptional service and value.

• Excellence in Delivery: A drive for high-quality outcomes, ensuring designs are technically sound, compliant, and executed efficiently.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering an environment where open communication, mutual support, and shared problem-solving are paramount across all disciplines and levels.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, consultants, and colleagues.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methodologies to enhance design processes, project outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative style, working closely with cost estimators, schedulers, construction managers, and client representatives to ensure a cohesive project approach.

• Process Review Culture: An open environment for discussing and refining design processes, encouraging feedback from team members and consultants to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across projects and teams to elevate collective capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cumming Group's emphasis on growth and client success suggests a culture that rewards high performance and proactive engagement. The role of Design Manager is central to fostering collaboration among diverse project stakeholders, ensuring that all parties are aligned towards common project goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Concurrent Projects: Juggling the demands of several large-scale transportation projects simultaneously requires exceptional organizational skills and prioritization.

• Navigating Public Sector Requirements: Working with agencies like Sound Transit involves understanding complex procurement processes, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder management unique to public infrastructure.

• Balancing Design Quality with Budget/Schedule: The constant challenge of ensuring design excellence while adhering to strict budgetary and timeline constraints.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively managing and motivating a team of professionals with varied backgrounds, expertise, and potential differing opinions on design approaches.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying abreast of new technologies, building codes, and sustainability requirements within the rapidly changing transportation sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization in Transportation Infrastructure: Deepen expertise in specific areas like transit systems, signaling, station design, or sustainable infrastructure practices.

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Pursue certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized certifications relevant to infrastructure or transportation project management.

• Leadership Training: Access to leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities within Cumming Group to hone management and strategic thinking skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend industry events, learn about emerging trends, and build professional networks within the transportation and construction management sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. Successfully navigating these challenges will position the Design Manager for senior leadership roles within Cumming Group or the broader infrastructure development industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process for large-scale transportation projects, specifically focusing on rail or light rail." (Prepare to discuss your methodology for A&E coordination, design reviews, and compliance.)

• "How do you ensure a design remains within budget and schedule while maintaining high quality and meeting all functional requirements?" (Focus on your cost control, change management, and risk mitigation strategies.)

• "Walk us through a challenging design issue you encountered on a past project and how you resolved it, including your role in team leadership." (Be ready with a specific STAR method example.)

• "How do you manage and motivate a team of architects and engineers, especially when dealing with tight deadlines or conflicting priorities?" (Highlight your leadership style, communication techniques, and team-building strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Cumming Group and why are you interested in working with us?" (Research the company's recent projects, values, and growth.)

• "How do you see your experience aligning with the needs of Seattle's Sound Transit agency and 'State of Good Repair' projects?" (Tailor your responses to demonstrate understanding of public transit and infrastructure maintenance.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture." (Emphasize collaboration, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the tangible results (cost savings, schedule improvements, compliance achieved).

• Showcase Process: Detail the specific design management processes you implemented and why they were effective.

• Highlight Leadership: Explain how you led teams, managed consultants, and facilitated communication.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well and stays within the allocated time. Be prepared for in-depth questions about each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their technical expertise as a licensed architect but also their strong project management capabilities, leadership skills, and ability to navigate the complexities of public infrastructure projects. The portfolio presentation is key to showcasing practical application of these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://cumminggroup.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CGC/job/Seattle-WA/Design-Manager_JR103450

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that specifically highlights your experience in transportation design management, rail/light rail projects, and "State of Good Repair" initiatives. Ensure it demonstrates your process for A&E coordination, budget management, and compliance.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of capital project management experience, with at least 8 years in transportation. Clearly list your Washington State Architect license and any relevant Master's degree. Use keywords from the job description like "Design Management," "Transportation Projects," "A&E Services," and "Contract Administration."

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering scenario-based questions related to design challenges, team leadership, and budget/schedule control. Prepare a compelling narrative for your portfolio presentation, focusing on quantifiable achievements and your strategic approach.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Cumming Group's projects, values, and their role in the infrastructure consulting market. Understand the scope and importance of Seattle's Sound Transit agency and the "State of Good Repair" program.

⚠️ 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.