Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: MAAS Companies

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations Management / Project Management (Capital Projects)

Date Posted: 2026-09-23

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage the end-to-end design process for capital projects within the LAUSD Facilities Services Division, ensuring adherence to program scope, budget, schedule, and regulatory compliance.

• Lead and coordinate multiple architectural and engineering design firms, providing clear direction and strategic oversight to achieve project objectives.

• Conduct rigorous design reviews to ensure alignment with LAUSD's educational, building, and environmental standards, mitigating risks and optimizing project outcomes.

• Oversee critical approvals, including those from the Division of the State Architect (DSA), ensuring projects meet all state-mandated requirements for public school construction.

• Develop and present comprehensive status reports, providing actionable findings and recommendations to stakeholders for informed decision-making on planning and design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and requirements strongly align with a senior Project Manager focused on the design and planning phases of large-scale capital construction projects, particularly within the public education sector. The role emphasizes operational oversight of design processes, vendor management, and regulatory compliance, which are critical functions within a robust GTM or Capital Projects Operations framework. The focus on "managing the design process" and ensuring projects stay "inside the program, the budget, the schedule, and the environmental and legal requirements" highlights a strong operational and strategic component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of design for assigned capital projects, from initial programming and conceptual design through the development of detailed construction documents.

• Lead and mentor multiple architectural, engineering, and consulting firms simultaneously, ensuring clear communication of project goals, standards, site requirements, timelines, and budget constraints.

• Conduct thorough design reviews, evaluating submissions against LAUSD's specific educational, functional, and building standards, and provide constructive feedback for iterative improvements.

• Proactively review design changes and proposed modifications to maintain project scope and budget integrity, preventing cost overruns and schedule delays.

• Serve as the primary liaison for coordinating and securing necessary approvals from the Division of the State Architect (DSA) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

• Prepare and deliver regular, detailed status reports on planning and design progress, including critical findings, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations for executive review.

• Facilitate collaboration between design teams, District staff, and other stakeholders to ensure integrated project delivery and successful outcomes.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of design standards and best practices within the Facilities Services Division.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly operational, focusing on process management, vendor oversight, risk mitigation, and stakeholder coordination. These are core functions of effective operations management within capital project environments. The emphasis on "ensuring plans stay inside the program, the budget, the schedule, and the environmental and legal requirements" directly points to a need for strong process adherence and performance management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of full-time professional experience in managing facilities design, or planning and coordinating capital projects that included overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling.

• A minimum of 4 of those years must be specifically focused on the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or projects for similar public agencies. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in managing the complete design lifecycle for capital construction projects.

• Strong understanding of architectural and engineering principles, construction methods, and materials.

• Demonstrated ability to select and manage external design consultants effectively.

• Proficiency in developing and executing clear design direction and project briefs.

• Experience in conducting detailed design reviews against stringent educational and building standards.

• Skill in reviewing and approving design changes, with a focus on budget and schedule impact.

• Thorough knowledge of the Division of the State Architect (DSA) review and approval process for public school construction.

• Excellent technical writing and reporting skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings and recommendations clearly.

• Exceptional judgment and decision-making capabilities for managing multiple complex projects simultaneously. Preferred Skills:

• Current California Certificate of Registration as an Architect.

• Current California Professional Engineer (PE) license.

• Direct experience with modernization and repair projects on active school campuses.

• Hands-on experience with cost estimating and detailed scheduling during the design phases.

• Familiarity with project management software and collaboration platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly emphasize experience in managing large-scale, regulated construction projects, particularly in the public education sector. The blend of technical design knowledge and strong project/operations management skills is critical for this role. The emphasis on DSA approval and experience with active campus projects points to a specialized operational niche.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least two (2) significant capital projects managed from the design phase through to the construction document completion.

• For each project, clearly articulate the initial programming objectives, design challenges, and key decisions made.

• Detail the processes used for selecting and managing architectural and engineering firms, including contract administration aspects.

• Present evidence of successful budget and schedule management during the design phase, highlighting any critical interventions or adjustments.

• Demonstrate experience with regulatory compliance, particularly the Division of the State Architect (DSA) approval process, with specific examples of how challenges were overcome. Process Documentation:

• Include examples of design briefs or project direction documents provided to external consultants.

• Showcase sample design review reports or checklists used to evaluate submissions against standards.

• Provide an example of a status report or presentation used to communicate project progress, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Illustrate how design changes were reviewed, approved, and integrated into project documentation while managing scope and budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this nature, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to design management, vendor oversight, and regulatory compliance is essential. The focus should be on process, methodology, and measurable outcomes in budget, schedule, and quality. A strong portfolio will highlight the candidate's ability to operationalize complex design projects within a public sector framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $167,000 to $183,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance offered at a low cost to employees.

• 401k retirement savings plan.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package of three weeks per year.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) provided at no cost to employees, with a 3% Safe Harbor contribution that vests immediately on day one. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically involving a 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level Design Manager or Capital Projects Manager in the Los Angeles area, especially within the public sector. The benefits package, particularly the immediate vesting of the 3% Safe Harbor contribution and the company-wide ESOP, indicates a strong employee-focused compensation strategy that goes beyond standard offerings, aiming for long-term employee retention and wealth building. This is a significant differentiator for candidates seeking stability and ownership.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management / Program Management for Educational Facilities. MAAS Companies operates within a critical segment of the public infrastructure sector, focusing on the development and modernization of educational institutions. This industry demands rigorous adherence to regulations, meticulous planning, and a strong commitment to public service.

Company Size: MAAS Companies has established itself over nearly 40 years, managing over $10 billion in projects for more than 50 educational institutions across California. While an exact employee count isn't provided, its long tenure and extensive project portfolio suggest a significant, well-established organization with a substantial operational footprint.

Founded: MAAS Companies was founded nearly 40 years ago, signifying a long-standing presence and deep expertise in the field of educational facilities management and construction. This history implies stability, a proven track record, and a robust understanding of the sector's unique challenges and opportunities.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Facilities Services Division of LAUSD, which focuses on planning, designing, and building district infrastructure. The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger team of project managers, designers, and administrative staff dedicated to capital improvement projects.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Director or Senior Manager overseeing multiple projects and design managers. Collaboration is expected with architects, engineers, consultants, LAUSD staff, and potentially other internal departments like procurement and legal.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly with teams involved in project execution, budget oversight, and regulatory compliance to ensure integrated project delivery. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implicitly required, given the need to manage budgets, schedules, and compliance metrics. The role demands analytical skills to assess design submissions and project status.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to managing multiple design projects efficiently, ensuring timely progress and adherence to standards.

• Automation and efficiency are likely encouraged where applicable, though the core of the role involves human oversight and expert judgment in design review and vendor management.

Company Website: maasco.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on educational facilities, coupled with its long history and employee ownership model, suggests a culture that values stability, long-term commitment, and employee well-being. The emphasis on managing significant public projects implies a professional, deadline-driven, and compliance-oriented operational environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position within the capital projects and facilities design domain. It requires significant experience in overseeing complex processes, managing external vendors, and ensuring regulatory compliance. It sits at a critical juncture between initial planning and the execution phases of construction projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level manager within the LAUSD Facilities Services Division or MAAS Companies' project management structure. They will, in turn, manage and direct the work of external design firms (architects, engineers, consultants).

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a profound impact on the success of capital projects by ensuring designs are optimized for functionality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance. Effective management of the design phase directly influences project budgets, timelines, the quality of the final built environment, and the safety of students and staff, thereby impacting the educational mission of LAUSD.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles like Senior Design Manager, Program Manager, or Director of Facilities Planning/Design, overseeing larger portfolios or teams.

• Specialization Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design, modernization of older facilities, or advanced project controls for complex public works.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to gain experience in other areas of capital project delivery, such as construction administration, procurement, or strategic planning, through internal mobility or project assignments.

• ESOP Growth: As an employee-owner, continued growth in the company's share price through strong company performance directly enhances long-term financial security.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for experienced project management professionals to move into more senior leadership positions within a stable, impactful industry. The ESOP structure provides a unique long-term financial growth incentive directly tied to company success, which is a significant differentiator for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as on-site, meaning the Design Manager will be based at a physical office location, likely within the LAUSD Facilities Services Division or MAAS Companies' main office. This environment is expected to be professional and focused on project coordination and management.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Los Angeles, California, United States. The specific office location would be within the LAUSD service area or MAAS Companies' operational hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with a dedicated team of project managers, administrative staff, and potentially other design and construction professionals.

• Access to necessary operational tools, project management software, and communication platforms will be provided to facilitate efficient workflow and documentation.

• Regular interaction with architects, engineers, and District staff will be a key part of the daily work, fostering a dynamic and communicative environment. Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the nature of managing multiple large-scale projects with critical deadlines and regulatory oversight, occasional extended hours or weekend work may be necessary to meet project milestones or address urgent issues, especially during critical DSA review periods or complex design change evaluations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving direct oversight of complex, multi-stakeholder projects where physical presence for meetings, site visits (if applicable to the design phase coordination), and team collaboration is crucial. The dynamic nature of managing multiple projects suggests a need for adaptability in the work schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess qualifications against the core requirements, particularly experience in facilities design management and public agency projects.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth questions about your experience managing design processes, your understanding of architectural/engineering principles, and your approach to vendor management, budget control, and schedule adherence. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review: You will be asked to present and discuss specific projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to detail your role, the project's scope, the design process, key decisions, challenges faced (especially with DSA), and the outcomes achieved in terms of budget, schedule, and quality.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: This will assess your leadership style, collaboration skills, ability to work under pressure, and alignment with MAAS Companies' employee-owned culture, which emphasizes care and mutual support.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, use numbers to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Managed design budget of $X million," "Completed construction documents Y weeks ahead of schedule," or "Successfully navigated DSA approval for Z complex modifications."

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the process you followed for vendor selection, design review, change management, and DSA coordination. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Problem/Solution/Outcome: Structure your project examples using this framework. Clearly state the problem, your solution (highlighting your management and decision-making), and the positive outcome.

• DSA Expertise: If you have DSA experience, highlight it prominently. Be ready to discuss specific challenges and how you resolved them.

• Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to highlight experience most relevant to educational facilities and public agency projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• You may be given a case study involving a hypothetical design project scenario. Be prepared to outline your approach to managing it, including initial steps, key considerations, potential risks, and how you would engage stakeholders and manage the design process.

• Practice articulating your design management philosophy and how you ensure projects meet both functional and regulatory requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case study indicates that MAAS Companies values practical demonstration of skills and process management over theoretical knowledge alone. Candidates should meticulously prepare to showcase their operational methodologies and impactful project experiences.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, MS Project, Primavera P6) for tracking project progress, managing documentation, and coordinating teams.

• Design Software Familiarity: While not expected to be a user, understanding the outputs and capabilities of architectural and engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) is beneficial for design review.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, cost tracking, scheduling updates, and report generation.

• Reporting Tools: Familiarity with creating reports and dashboards, potentially using integrated features within PM software or standalone tools, to visualize project status, budget adherence, and schedule milestones.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation, ensuring version control and accessibility for all stakeholders.

• Workflow Management: Understanding of how to design and manage workflows for design approvals, change orders, and DSA submissions to ensure efficiency and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of managing large capital projects implies a reliance on robust project management, document control, and communication software. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with commonly used platforms in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Essential for managing public funds and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Candidates should demonstrate ethical conduct and reliability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: MAAS Companies emphasizes that "people genuinely care about each other." This points to a culture where mutual support, open communication, and a collective approach to problem-solving are highly valued.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality educational facilities that meet stringent standards and serve the community effectively.

• Ownership & Accountability: As an employee-owned company, a strong sense of personal responsibility for project success and company performance is expected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with internal MAAS teams and external partners (architects, engineers, DSA) to ensure all project aspects are integrated and aligned.

• Process Review Culture: An environment where processes are continuously evaluated for efficiency and effectiveness, with constructive feedback encouraged to drive improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and expertise across the team to elevate the performance of all.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values, particularly the emphasis on caring and mutual support within an employee-owned structure, suggest a culture that balances professional rigor with a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Candidates should be ready to articulate how they embody these values in their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Complex Projects: Simultaneously overseeing the design phases of several large-scale, high-stakes projects requires exceptional organizational skills, prioritization, and stress management.

• Navigating Regulatory Hurdles: The Division of the State Architect (DSA) process is intricate and can involve significant delays if not managed meticulously. Ensuring compliance and timely approvals is a constant challenge.

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Juggling stakeholder demands, budget constraints, schedule pressures, and design quality requires strong negotiation and decision-making skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Educational facility needs and building codes can change, requiring designers and managers to stay current and adapt project plans accordingly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to enhance skills in areas like complex scheduling, risk management, and advanced cost control through internal training or external certifications.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Deepening expertise in educational facility design, modernization techniques, and public sector construction regulations.

• Leadership Development: Training and mentorship programs focused on developing leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and effective stakeholder management within an ESOP environment.

• ESOP Education: Understanding the nuances of employee ownership and how to contribute to and benefit from the company's growth and success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in managing large public infrastructure projects. However, these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities for professionals looking to build a career in a stable, rewarding, and employee-focused organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting and onboarding a new architectural or engineering firm for a major capital project. What criteria are most important, and how do you ensure clear direction from day one?"

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a significant design change that threatened to exceed the project budget or schedule. What steps did you take, who did you involve, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure that designs for educational facilities not only meet building codes but also effectively support the pedagogical goals and operational needs of the school district?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for an employee-owned company like MAAS Companies? How do you see yourself contributing to our culture of collaboration and care?"

• "How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, external consultants, and public agencies like the DSA?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence a decision or gain buy-in from stakeholders who had differing opinions or priorities regarding a design element." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role and actions (focusing on process and decision-making), and the measurable results (budget, schedule, compliance, stakeholder satisfaction).

• Highlight Key Operations: Emphasize your management of the design process, vendor selection, contract oversight, budget control, schedule adherence, and DSA coordination.

• Visual Aids: Use concise slides with key data points, timelines, and potentially simplified diagrams of project workflows or organizational structures. Avoid overwhelming detail.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, budget variances, schedule delays, and how you handled complex technical or regulatory issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a structured, process-oriented approach to design management, strong stakeholder communication skills, and a clear understanding of the unique demands of public sector capital projects, particularly within education.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly highlight your experience in facilities design management, capital project coordination, and public agency work, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "facilities design," "capital projects," "DSA approval," "educational facilities," "contract administration," "cost estimating," "scheduling"). Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and metrics wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, focusing on demonstrating your process for managing design, vendor selection, budget and schedule control, and regulatory compliance. Prepare to discuss these projects in detail, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where applicable.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with MAAS Companies' history, mission, and their work with educational institutions. Understand the benefits of an employee-owned structure (ESOP) and be prepared to discuss why this model appeals to you.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common project management and behavioral interview questions, focusing on articulating your problem-solving skills, leadership approach, and ability to manage complex operational processes.

⚠️ 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.