Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Summit Fire Protection

Location: College Station, TX

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-04T17:55:28

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the fire sprinkler system design department, ensuring adherence to quality standards and established procedures.

• Lead a team of designers, managing project assignments, workloads, and development.

• Uphold and enforce fire sprinkler codes and best practices in all design submittals and operations.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, estimating, and technology management, to ensure seamless project execution and system integration.

• Drive operational excellence within the design department through efficient workflow management and process optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership function within the fire protection design discipline, emphasizing both technical expertise in fire sprinkler systems and managerial oversight of a design team. The focus on "quality design procedure and work instruction" suggests a need for standardized, repeatable processes, a core tenet of Revenue Operations and Sales Operations roles, albeit applied to a technical design context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the design department, including assigning projects to designers based on workload and maintaining a design calendar.

• Review and verify all designs and calculations using the SFS Design Review Form prior to submittal to clients or regulatory bodies.

• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of project material listings and coordinate material delivery to job sites.

• Collaborate with the SFS Technology Manager to maintain and update design systems and software, ensuring the team has access to current and functional tools.

• Provide technical leadership and training to designers and design trainees on all applicable aspects of fire protection design, including codes and system types.

• Assist sales and estimating personnel in accurately estimating design hours for bids, contributing to accurate project costing and resource planning.

• Conduct performance reviews for design employees in accordance with company policy, fostering professional development and accountability.

• Design automatic sprinkler systems, including fire pumps, tanks, wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge systems, applying a thorough working knowledge of fire sprinkler codes.

• Maintain an inventory of design department supplies and ensure the department is adequately resourced for efficient operation.

• Champion and enforce SFS's Safety program, including Hazardous Communication and SDS protocols, ensuring all design personnel are aware of and comply with safety procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, team management, and operational coordination. The emphasis on "reviewing designs and calculations," "ensuring field checks," and "coordinating material delivery" points to a need for robust process control and cross-functional alignment, akin to GTM operations that ensure smooth handoffs and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• NICET II or NICET III certification is required. State-specific certifications as required for fire protection design roles are also essential. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience as a sprinkler designer is mandatory.

• Construction experience is preferred, offering insights into project lifecycle and field operations.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design teams and projects. Required Skills:

• Strong working knowledge of fire sprinkler codes (e.g., NFPA standards) and their application in system design.

• Proficiency in fire sprinkler system design, including fire pumps, tanks, wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge systems.

• Expertise in reviewing and verifying designs and calculations for accuracy and compliance.

• Proven ability to manage project workloads and assign tasks effectively to a design team.

• Solid understanding of material coordination and delivery processes for construction projects.

• Commitment to safety protocols and experience in implementing safety programs within a design/construction environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English for effective interaction with employees and customers. Preferred Skills:

• NICET IV certification is highly preferred, indicating advanced expertise.

• Familiarity with HydraCad and/or other CAD software for design visualization and drafting.

• Mechanical aptitude to understand system functionalities and troubleshooting.

• Experience in estimating design hours for bids, contributing to the sales and estimating process.

• Background in construction management or related field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for NICET certification and extensive experience in sprinkler design points to a highly specialized technical role. The managerial aspects, such as "assigns projects to designers based on workload demand" and "review all design employees per company policy," indicate a need for operational leadership skills focused on team productivity and quality assurance within a technical domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio of complex fire sprinkler system designs, demonstrating proficiency in various system types (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge) and fire pump applications.

• Include case studies of projects where design review processes were critical in ensuring code compliance and preventing potential issues.

• Present examples of design documentation, including calculations, layout drawings, and material lists, highlighting accuracy and adherence to standards.

• Demonstrate experience in managing design workflows, including project initiation, design execution, review, and submittal phases. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing or refining design procedures, such as the "SFS’ Design Review Form," illustrating a commitment to standardized operational processes.

• Examples of creating or maintaining design calendars and project assignment systems to optimize resource allocation and project flow.

• Documentation illustrating collaboration with technology managers for system maintenance and software updates, showing an understanding of system lifecycle management.

• Case studies detailing how design processes were improved to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, or facilitate better cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should not just display technical drawings but also evidence of process ownership and team management. Highlighting the creation or refinement of design procedures and the effective management of design workflows is crucial, aligning with operational excellence principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in specialized technical fields, and considering the location in College Station, TX, a competitive annual salary range is estimated between $120,000 and $130,000 USD. This estimate accounts for the required NICET certifications, management responsibilities, and the specialized nature of fire protection system design.

Benefits:

• Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous paid time off to ensure work-life balance.

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Dental Insurance: Dental care benefits to support overall health.

• Vision Insurance: Vision care coverage.

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions to help employees build long-term financial security.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Long-Term Disability – Employer Paid: Financial protection in case of extended illness or injury.

• Short-Term Disability – Employer Paid: Income replacement for shorter periods of disability.

• Additional Voluntary Ancillary Benefits: Options such as Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance for enhanced coverage.

• Life Insurance for Team Members and Dependents: Financial security for beneficiaries.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Employee Referral Program: Incentives for referring qualified candidates. Working Hours:

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

• While the role is primarily on-site, flexibility may be available for managing workloads and project deadlines, consistent with operational needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the specified region and industry, factoring in the significant experience and certification requirements. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a full-time management position in the construction and safety sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection & Security Systems. Summit Fire Protection operates within a critical sector focused on life safety and property protection. This industry demands high standards of technical expertise, reliability, and regulatory compliance. The company's involvement in design, installation, testing, inspections, and maintenance positions it as a full-service provider.

Company Size: Summit Fire & Security is described as a dynamic organization with "endless growth opportunities spanning over 70 locations in more than 20 states." This indicates a medium to large-sized company with a significant national presence, offering stability and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated, the company's description as a "subsidiary of SFP Holding, Inc. (Summit Companies)" suggests a structured corporate entity with a history and established operational framework. The emphasis on being a "leading fire protection company" implies a solid track record.

Team Structure:

• The Design Department is a key functional unit responsible for the technical integrity of fire protection solutions.

• The Design Manager will lead a team of designers and trainees, likely reporting to a higher-level operations or engineering director.

• Collaboration is expected with Sales/Estimating, Technology Management, and potentially field installation teams, indicating a matrixed or project-based interaction model. Methodology:

• Emphasis on "quality design procedure and work instruction," suggesting a commitment to standardized processes and documentation.

• Use of "SFS’ Design Review Form" points to a structured quality assurance process.

• Investment in technology and software maintenance indicates a forward-looking approach to design tools.

• Support for professional development, including NICET certifications and training, highlights a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Company Website: https://www.summitfire.com/ (Note: The provided URL in the input data leads to an Oracle Cloud HCM page, which is an applicant tracking system. A more general company website is provided for context.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of technical excellence, safety consciousness, and professional development. The "PIPE" core values (Passionate, Integrity, Partnership, Operational Excellence) provide a framework for expected behavior and performance, particularly the emphasis on "Operational Excellence," which aligns with the core principles of operations roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into management within a specialized technical field. As a Design Manager, the individual is responsible for both the technical output of the design department and the performance of its team members. This level typically requires a strong foundation in the core discipline (fire sprinkler design) coupled with leadership and operational management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, VP of Engineering, or a similar senior leadership role within the company's operational or engineering divisions. They will oversee a team of designers and design trainees.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct impact on the company's ability to secure and successfully execute projects. High-quality, code-compliant designs are crucial for client satisfaction, project profitability, and overall company reputation. Efficient design processes contribute directly to project timelines and cost control, impacting the company's revenue and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced fire protection systems, emerging technologies, or specialized code interpretations.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to roles such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or regional management positions, overseeing larger teams or broader operational scopes.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead company-wide initiatives to enhance design processes, implement new technologies, or improve cross-functional workflows.

• Business Development Support: Contribute more strategically to sales and estimating by developing design strategies for complex bids or new market segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a path to manage a critical technical function that directly influences revenue and project success. The growth opportunities are substantial, moving from technical management to broader operational leadership within a growing national organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role, focused on managing design operations. The environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, supporting team interactions and focused work.

Office Location(s): This specific position is based in College Station, Texas. The company operates over 70 locations across more than 20 states, suggesting potential for future mobility or collaboration with other regional offices.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will involve managing and interacting with a team of designers, requiring an environment conducive to both independent work and team collaboration.

• Access to necessary design software, computer systems, and potentially a shared resource area for technical documentation will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with other departments (sales, estimating, technology) will be frequent, requiring strong communication channels and potentially shared meeting spaces. Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, expected to be 40 hours per week.

• While office-based, the demands of managing projects and teams may require some flexibility to meet deadlines, particularly during critical project phases or submittal periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is typical for management positions where direct team oversight and physical presence for collaboration are valued. The College Station location provides a specific geographic focus for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required experience, certifications (NICET), and management background.

• Technical & Behavioral Interview(s): Interviews with hiring managers and potentially senior operations or engineering leaders. Expect questions on fire sprinkler codes, design principles, project management, team leadership, conflict resolution, and problem-solving methodologies.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present your design portfolio. Be prepared to walk through key projects, explain your design choices, highlight process improvements you've implemented, and demonstrate your understanding of code compliance and operational efficiency.

• Final Interview/Offer: Typically involves a final discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Management Impact: Beyond technical designs, highlight instances where you improved team efficiency, implemented new design processes, or mentored junior designers effectively.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your contributions (e.g., reduction in design errors, improved turnaround times, successful management of large-scale projects).

• Code Compliance Focus: Clearly articulate your expertise in relevant fire sprinkler codes and how you ensure compliance in your team's work.

• System & Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD software like HydraCad and how you manage and maintain design technology.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Prepare specific examples of challenges you faced in design or team management and how you successfully resolved them.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential case study questions or scenario-based problems related to managing a design team, resolving design conflicts, or addressing urgent client requests under tight deadlines.

• Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving, focusing on logical steps, consideration of codes, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their technical design capabilities but also their management acumen and ability to drive operational excellence within the design department.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software is essential. HydraCad is specifically mentioned as preferred. Experience with other industry-standard CAD platforms is also valuable.

• Design Review Tools: Familiarity with internal company tools like the "SFS’ Design Review Form" for quality assurance.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly listed, experience with project management tools used for task assignment, scheduling, and progress tracking is highly beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for general office tasks, reporting, and communication. This includes Word, Excel, Outlook, and potentially PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Metrics Tracking: Ability to track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the design department, such as project turnaround time, error rates, and adherence to budget.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting, and potentially specialized software for generating design reports.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While direct CRM use might be limited for a Design Manager, understanding how design projects integrate with CRM data (e.g., client information, project status) can be beneficial for cross-functional collaboration.

• Automation: Awareness of potential automation opportunities within the design process to improve efficiency, though direct implementation may be handled by a technology manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes specialized design software while also requiring proficiency in standard office productivity tools and an understanding of how design operations connect with broader business systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passionate about Life Safety: A deep commitment to the company's mission of protecting lives and property through effective fire protection solutions.

• Integrity (Do the right thing): Upholding ethical standards in all design work, client interactions, and team management. This includes accurate reporting and honest communication.

• Partnership: Collaborating effectively with internal teams (sales, estimating, technology) and external clients to achieve shared goals and deliver exceptional service.

• Operational Excellence (Do things right): A continuous drive to improve processes, ensure quality in design output, and manage resources efficiently to achieve optimal outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with Sales/Estimating for bid support and client needs, and with Technology Management for system upkeep.

• Team-Centric Approach: Fostering a supportive and productive environment for the design team, encouraging knowledge sharing and mutual support.

• Process-Oriented Communication: Engaging in clear, concise communication regarding design specifications, project status, and potential issues, often through documented procedures and reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "PIPE" values are central to its operational culture. For a Design Manager, demonstrating these values in team leadership, client interactions, and daily work is crucial for success and cultural alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Workload and Quality: Managing multiple projects and designers while ensuring all designs meet stringent code requirements and quality standards.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with evolving design software, fire protection technologies, and building codes requires continuous learning.

• Team Development and Motivation: Effectively leading and motivating a team of designers, addressing performance issues, and fostering a positive work environment.

• Interdepartmental Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between the design department and other functions like sales, estimating, and field installation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced NICET Certification: Pursuing NICET IV certification or specialized certifications in fire protection engineering.

• Leadership Training: Developing advanced management and leadership skills through company-provided programs or external courses.

• Industry Engagement: Participating in NFPA code committees, industry conferences, and trade shows to stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Leading projects to optimize design workflows, implement new technologies, or enhance cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical for a management position in a technical, compliance-driven industry. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for career advancement within Summit Fire Protection.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a team of designers, focusing on quality control and meeting deadlines." (Prepare to discuss team structure, delegation, performance management, and your role in the design review process.)

• "How do you ensure your team stays current with evolving fire sprinkler codes and design technologies?" (Highlight your strategies for continuous learning, training, and resource management.)

• "Walk me through a complex fire sprinkler system design project you managed. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Be ready to present a case study from your portfolio, detailing your role, decisions, and outcomes.)

• "How would you handle a situation where a designer is consistently missing deadlines or producing work that doesn't meet quality standards?" (Focus on your performance management and corrective action strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Summit Fire Protection and our mission?" (Research the company's website, recent news, and understand their commitment to life safety.)

• "How do you see your leadership style aligning with our 'PIPE' core values (Passionate, Integrity, Partnership, Operational Excellence)?" (Connect your experiences and values to each of the company's core principles.)

• "How do you foster collaboration between the design team and other departments like sales or field operations?" (Emphasize your communication and cross-functional teamwork strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., code compliance, complex system design, process improvement).

• Highlight Management Contributions: For each project, explain your role not just as a designer but as a manager – how you assigned tasks, reviewed work, and ensured successful project delivery.

• Quantify Impact: Use data to show the results of your work, such as improved efficiency, reduced errors, or successful completion of challenging projects.

• Demonstrate Code Expertise: Clearly articulate your understanding and application of fire sprinkler codes.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design challenges, calculations, or code interpretations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical design expertise and strong operational management skills. Preparing specific examples and aligning your responses with the company's values will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of sprinkler design experience, NICET certifications, and any experience in team leadership or project management. Use keywords from the job description such as "fire sprinkler codes," "HydraCad," "design review," and "team management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize your design portfolio to showcase a range of projects, emphasizing your technical skills, code knowledge, and any process improvement initiatives you've led. Be ready to present specific examples during the interview process.

• Research Summit Fire Protection: Understand the company's mission, values ("PIPE"), and its position in the fire protection industry. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions, focusing on your experience in design management, code compliance, and team leadership. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity and impact.

⚠️ 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.