Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Symons Fire Protection, Inc.

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time (OTHER)

Category: Engineering Management / Operations Management

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manage and provide operational and financial accountability for the design department, focusing on resource planning and departmental profitability.

• Cultivate and maintain high-level client relationships and navigate complex regulatory environments with senior County and City Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design professionals, fostering a high-retention engineering culture through structured career pathing and professional development.

• Ensure the department meets key productivity expectations, including a target billable utilization rate of 85% and a first-pass plan check approval rate of 90%+.

📝 Enhancement Note: The title "Design Manager" in the context of a fire protection company, combined with responsibilities around operational budgets, software licensing, project burn rates, and gross profit margins, strongly indicates this role is deeply embedded within the operational and financial success of the design function. It requires a blend of technical expertise in fire protection design and robust management capabilities, aligning it closely with Revenue Operations or GTM Operations in terms of driving profitable outcomes through efficient processes and team performance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee departmental operational budgets, including software licensing configurations for critical design tools like Autosprink, NFPA, Autodesk, Bluebeam, and HydraCAD, and plan for long-term department expansion.

• Monitor project burn rates, accurately estimate design hours for multi-million dollar contracts, and safeguard the department's gross profit margins to ensure financial health.

• Conduct rigorous QA/QC audits on high-risk projects (e.g., high-rise, high-piled storage, hazardous industrial spaces) and serve as the final escalation point for complex plan-check disputes.

• Exercise ultimate authority for hiring, firing, disciplining, and promoting department personnel, ensuring alignment with company growth objectives and policies.

• Actively coach, mentor, and develop the design team, preparing them for advanced management paths and leadership roles within the organization.

• Conduct regular career-pathing sessions, establish succession planning matrices, resolve high-level interpersonal conflicts, and proactively work to reduce employee burnout.

• Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the department, conduct formal performance reviews, and implement corrective action plans as necessary.

• Cultivate a psychologically safe work environment that empowers team members to collaborate, voice technical concerns, innovate, and report errors without fear of negative repercussions.

• Perform other management duties as assigned to support departmental and company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "monitoring project burn rates," "estimating design hours for multi-million dollar contracts," and "safeguarding the department's gross profit margins" are direct indicators of financial oversight responsibilities. This goes beyond typical project management and positions the role as a key driver of revenue generation and profitability within the design function, similar to a GTM Operations or Revenue Operations role focused on sales/service delivery efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Professional certificate in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, design, project management).

• NICET Level III certification in Water-Based Systems Layout is a mandatory requirement. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive engineering and design experience in fire protection systems.

• At least 5 years of direct leadership experience managing a team of 10 or more design professionals. Required Skills:

• Expert command of local Fire Code amendments and Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) regulations.

• Proficient in industry-standard design software, including AutoCAD, Autosprink, HydraCAD, and Bluebeam Revu (Studio, Sets, Quantity Link) for department-wide standardization and executive review.

• Proven experience in operational budget management and resource allocation for design departments.

• Demonstrated ability in financial accountability, including monitoring project burn rates and estimating design hours for large contracts.

• Strong understanding of QA/QC processes and experience serving as an escalation point for complex technical disputes.

• Extensive experience in talent management, including hiring, performance management, disciplinary actions, and promotions.

• Demonstrated success in leadership development, mentorship, and career pathing for engineering teams.

• Expertise in establishing and monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and implementing corrective action plans.

• Ability to cultivate a psychologically safe and collaborative work environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with NFPA standards and their application in design.

• Familiarity with Autodesk software suite beyond AutoCAD.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for navigating complex regulatory hurdles.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for managing client relationships and resolving conflicts.

• Strategic planning capabilities for long-term department expansion and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "at least 5 years of direct leadership experience overseeing a team of 10+ design professionals" and the emphasis on "career-pathing sessions, establish succession planning matrices, resolve high-level interpersonal conflicts, and actively work to reduce employee burnout" highlight a significant focus on people management and organizational development within the operations framework. This is a critical component of effective Revenue Operations and Sales Operations leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully managing and optimizing design department operations, evidenced by metrics on budget adherence and resource utilization.

• Showcase experience in developing and implementing QA/QC processes that improve design accuracy and reduce plan-check revisions.

• Provide examples of how you have standardized software usage (e.g., Autosprink, Bluebeam) across a team to enhance efficiency and consistency.

• Highlight instances where you successfully navigated complex regulatory challenges with AHJs, leading to successful project approvals. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to documenting and standardizing design workflows to ensure consistent quality and efficiency.

• Detail your methods for establishing and tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a design team, including examples of performance review templates or dashboards.

• Showcase your experience in developing and implementing plans for team expansion, including hiring strategies and onboarding processes.

• Provide an example of a process you've implemented to foster a psychologically safe environment, encouraging open communication and error reporting within a technical team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "software licensing configurations (Autosprink, NFPA, Autodesk, Bluebeam, HydraCAD)" and "department-wide standardization and macro executive review" points to the need for a candidate who can manage and optimize the technology stack that drives design operations. A portfolio demonstrating proficiency in managing these tools and implementing standards would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $155,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive 401(k) plan with company matching.

• Robust medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance coverage.

• Notably, FREE Employee Only premium coverage for SIMNSA and Kaiser Permanente Bronze Base medical plans.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and a birthday holiday.

• Sick pay provisions.

• Opportunity for a discretionary bonus program.

• FREE Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• FREE Onsite Gym access to promote employee wellness.

• Complimentary premium coffee and snacks available.

• Regular company celebrations, such as summer picnics and holiday events.

• Employee Referral Program to reward successful candidate referrals.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically standard business hours, with an on-site work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a management role with significant operational and financial responsibilities in the San Diego market. The extensive benefits package, including FREE employee-only medical premiums and an onsite gym, indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and retention, which is often a key focus for companies that value operational efficiency and team stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection / Construction Technology. Symons Fire Protection, Inc. operates within the specialized sector of fire-life safety systems, a critical component of the construction and building management industries. This sector demands high technical expertise, strict adherence to regulations, and a commitment to safety and quality. The company's focus on "operational excellence, high-quality craftsmanship, and unwavering safety standards" suggests a culture that values precision, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Company Size: Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is described as a "premier, full-service fire-life safety contractor" with over 30 years of experience. While an exact employee count isn't provided, the mention of managing a design team of "10+ design professionals" and handling "multi-million dollar contracts" indicates a mid-to-large sized operation within its specialized niche, likely employing dozens to hundreds of individuals across various departments. This size suggests structured processes and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: The company was founded over 30 years ago, positioning it as an established and experienced player in the Southern California fire protection market. This longevity implies a stable business model, deep industry knowledge, and a proven ability to adapt to evolving technologies and regulatory landscapes.

Team Structure:

• The Design Department is led by the Design Manager and comprises at least 10 design professionals, suggesting a significant functional unit within the company.

• The role involves interaction with senior County and City AHJs, indicating a need for strong external stakeholder management.

• The emphasis on "cross-functional collaboration" in the responsibilities implies that the Design Manager will work closely with other departments such as Sales, Installation, Project Management, and potentially Finance or Operations.

• The reporting structure likely places the Design Manager under a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or similar senior leadership role, with direct reports being the design engineers and technicians. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through "monitoring project burn rates," "estimating design hours," and "establishing key performance indicators (KPIs)."

• Workflow optimization is central, with responsibilities like "resource planning," "software licensing configurations," and "QA/QC audits" aimed at improving efficiency and quality.

• Automation is indirectly addressed through the need for "software licensing configurations" and expertise in design tools like Autosprink and HydraCAD, which automate complex design tasks.

• Continuous improvement is fostered by the mandate to "cultivate a psychologically safe work environment" for innovation and error reporting.

Company Website: https://www.symonsfp.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on "operational excellence" and "unwavering safety standards" suggest a culture that values reliability, precision, and adherence to best practices. For a Design Manager, this means the role is not just about managing people but also about upholding and enhancing the rigorous operational processes that define the company's reputation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position within the operations and engineering functions. The role requires significant experience in both technical design and people leadership, with direct accountability for departmental financial performance and operational efficiency. It represents a critical leadership role responsible for optimizing a core revenue-generating department.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior executive, likely a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or Chief Operating Officer. They will have direct reports consisting of the design engineering team, including potentially senior engineers, drafters, and technicians. The role necessitates close collaboration with sales leaders to ensure accurate project estimations and with project managers to ensure seamless handover and execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a profound impact on the company's revenue and profitability. By ensuring accurate project estimations, efficient design processes, and high-quality deliverables, they directly influence the company's ability to secure profitable contracts and deliver on client expectations. Effective management of the design department's utilization rate and gross profit margins is crucial for the overall financial health of Symons Fire Protection, Inc. Furthermore, fostering a positive and productive team culture contributes to talent retention, reducing costly turnover and maintaining institutional knowledge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in complex fire protection systems, advanced regulatory compliance (e.g., WUI, high-rise), and emerging design technologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher-level operational leadership roles, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or even a COO position, by demonstrating success in managing larger teams, broader budgets, and more complex strategic initiatives.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead company-wide initiatives to refine design processes, implement new technologies, and improve cross-functional collaboration, potentially driving significant operational efficiencies and cost savings.

• Mentorship and Development: Develop strong leadership and coaching skills through formal and informal mentorship opportunities, preparing future operational leaders for the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's explicit responsibilities for "resource planning," "departmental profitability," and "navigating complex regulatory hurdles with senior County and City AHJs" position this as a strategic operations role. The emphasis on "guiding professional career paths" and "building high-retention engineering cultures" points to a growth path that includes significant people development and organizational leadership, common in senior operations management tracks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the Design Manager to be physically present at the San Diego office located at 9475 Chesapeake Drive. The role likely involves a mix of office-based work for management, planning, and administrative tasks, and potentially site visits or client meetings as needed. The company offers an "onsite gym" and "free premium coffee and snacks," suggesting a focus on creating a comfortable and functional workspace for employees.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is 9475 Chesapeake Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. This location is within the San Diego area, and candidates are required to reside in Southern California, indicating it serves as a central hub for operations and management.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration and efficiency. The presence of an "onsite gym" and provided "premium coffee and snacks" indicates an investment in employee well-being and productivity.

• Access to essential design software like Autosprink, AutoCAD, HydraCAD, and Bluebeam Revu is critical, suggesting a well-equipped technological environment for the design team.

• The role necessitates interaction with various internal teams (sales, project management) and external stakeholders (clients, AHJs), implying a dynamic and communicative work setting.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While specific flexibility is not detailed, management roles often require adaptability to meet project deadlines and team needs, especially in a deadline-driven industry like fire protection design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" work arrangement requirement, coupled with the mention of an "onsite gym" and "free premium coffee and snacks," paints a picture of a traditional office environment focused on fostering team cohesion and direct collaboration. For operations roles, this often translates to more immediate feedback loops and easier team management compared to fully remote setups.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for a Design Manager at Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is likely to be multi-stage, assessing both technical expertise and leadership capabilities.

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and application to ensure minimum qualifications (experience, NICET certification, software proficiency) are met.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct hiring manager (likely a VP of Operations or Director of Engineering) to assess leadership style, operational philosophy, and cultural fit. Expect questions related to team management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: Candidates may be presented with a hypothetical design challenge or a complex project scenario to evaluate their problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and ability to apply fire code regulations and design software. This stage will heavily scrutinize QA/QC approaches and regulatory navigation skills.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members (e.g., senior designers) and potentially cross-functional leaders (e.g., Sales Manager, Operations Director) to gauge collaboration potential and assess interpersonal skills.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview with a senior executive to discuss long-term vision, company alignment, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative highlighted, use specific metrics (e.g., "Reduced design hours by X%," "Achieved Y% first-pass approval rate," "Managed a budget of $Z million").

• Showcase Leadership Impact: Include examples of how you developed team members, improved team performance, or resolved significant personnel issues. Detail your approach to career pathing and succession planning.

• Demonstrate Process Optimization: Present case studies of how you implemented or improved design processes, QA/QC procedures, or software standardization, clearly outlining the challenge, your solution, and the positive outcomes.

• Highlight Regulatory Expertise: Provide examples of how you successfully managed complex plan-check disputes or navigated challenging local code amendments, showcasing your command of local Fire Code and WUI regulations.

• Software Proficiency: Clearly articulate your expertise with the required software (Autosprink, AutoCAD, HydraCAD, Bluebeam Revu) and how you've leveraged these tools for standardization and efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Efficiency Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would address issues like low team utilization, high plan-check rejection rates, or project cost overruns.

• Leadership and Conflict Resolution: Be ready to discuss scenarios involving underperforming employees, inter-team conflicts, or managing change within a team.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Familiarize yourself with common challenges in fire protection design, particularly those related to high-rise buildings, high-piled storage, or hazardous industrial spaces, and be prepared to outline your QA/QC approach for such projects.

• Strategic Planning: Think about how you would approach long-term departmental expansion, software upgrades, and talent development within the fire protection design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "resource planning," "departmental profitability," and "navigating complex regulatory hurdles with senior County and City AHJs" suggests that interview questions will likely probe strategic operational thinking and problem-solving related to financial performance and compliance. A portfolio demonstrating quantifiable results in these areas will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autosprink: Expert command required for hydraulic calculations, system design, and detailed layout of fire sprinkler systems. Expect to demonstrate proficiency in managing its configurations and ensuring team standardization.

• Autocad: Essential for creating detailed drawings and plans. Proficiency in AutoCAD is a baseline requirement for design professionals and managers overseeing their output.

• HydraCAD: Another specialized software for fire sprinkler system design, likely used for specific project types or as an alternative/complement to Autosprink. Expertise may be needed for integration or standardization.

• Bluebeam Revu (Studio, Sets, Quantity Link): Critical for document management, collaboration, markup, and takeoff. Expertise is required for department-wide standardization, enhancing efficiency in plan review and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Reporting Tools: While not explicitly named, expect to utilize or develop reports from project management or financial systems to track "project burn rates," "design hours," and "gross profit margins."

• KPI Dashboards: Proficiency in creating or interpreting dashboards that visualize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for department utilization, first-pass success rates, and backlog stability.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not explicitly mentioned for the design team, the role involves managing "major client relationships," suggesting interaction with or understanding of CRM data to inform design project prioritization and client management.

• Project Management Software: Tools for tracking project timelines, resource allocation, and task completion are implicit in managing "project backlog schedules" and "department utilization."

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit listing of Autosprink, Autodesk (implying AutoCAD), Bluebeam Revu, and HydraCAD underscores the critical need for a Design Manager to not only be proficient in these tools but also capable of establishing departmental standards and ensuring efficient utilization across the team. This focus on technology stack management is a hallmark of effective operations leadership.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to "operational excellence, high-quality craftsmanship, and unwavering safety standards" is paramount. This translates to a rigorous approach to design quality, adherence to codes, and meticulous execution.

• Accountability and Profitability: The emphasis on "operational and financial accountability for the design department," including "departmental profitability" and "gross profit margins," highlights a value placed on financial stewardship and driving business results.

• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Cultivating a "psychologically safe work environment where team members feel empowered to collaborate, voice technical concerns, innovate, and report errors" signifies a value for learning, adaptation, and proactive problem-solving.

• Professional Development and Mentorship: The focus on "guiding professional career paths," "managing workplace dynamics," and "building high-retention engineering cultures" underscores a commitment to employee growth and supportive leadership.

• Regulatory Compliance and Integrity: Navigating "complex regulatory hurdles with senior County and City AHJs" points to a strong ethical foundation and a commitment to operating with integrity and thorough understanding of all applicable codes and standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with sales (for estimations), project management (for execution), and potentially other operational departments to ensure seamless project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Empirical and Data-Driven: Decisions related to resource allocation, performance monitoring, and process improvements are expected to be based on data and KPIs, such as utilization rates and first-pass approval metrics.

• Mentorship-Focused: The manager is expected to actively coach and develop team members, fostering a supportive environment where knowledge sharing and skill development are encouraged.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages voicing concerns and reporting errors without fear suggests a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues before they escalate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "operational excellence, high-quality craftsmanship, and unwavering safety standards" directly inform the expected collaboration style within the design department and with other teams. A Design Manager must foster a culture that prioritizes precision, thoroughness, and adherence to best practices, aligning with the core operational tenets of a safety-critical industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Utilization and Quality: Maintaining a high department utilization rate (85%) while ensuring a 90%+ first-pass plan check approval rate across diverse municipalities presents a significant challenge in optimizing workflow and managing team capacity effectively.

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: The need to manage "complex regulatory hurdles with senior County and City AHJs" requires deep expertise in local code amendments and the ability to diplomatically negotiate and resolve disputes.

• Talent Management and Retention: Building and maintaining a "high-retention engineering culture" involves actively addressing employee burnout, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and providing robust career development, which can be demanding in a specialized technical field.

• Technology Adoption and Standardization: Ensuring department-wide mastery and standardization of multiple complex software platforms (Autosprink, AutoCAD, HydraCAD, Bluebeam Revu) requires ongoing training, support, and effective change management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Fire Protection Design & Code Expertise: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert on niche areas like Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) regulations, high-rise systems, or hazardous material storage designs.

• Strategic Operations Leadership: Develop skills in broader operational strategy, financial forecasting, and long-term departmental planning, potentially leading to executive-level roles within the company.

• Technology Integration and Optimization: Lead initiatives to evaluate, implement, and optimize new design technologies or automation tools to further enhance efficiency and quality.

• Executive Coaching and Mentorship: Gain experience working directly with senior leadership, receiving mentorship on strategic decision-making and executive communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of balancing high utilization targets with stringent quality requirements (90%+ first-pass approval) is a classic operations dilemma. Successfully navigating this requires strong process management, resource allocation, and performance monitoring skills, which are core competencies for operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a design department's budget and ensuring profitability, specifically how you monitor project burn rates and estimate design hours for large contracts." (Focus on financial oversight, estimation accuracy, and profit margin safeguarding.)

• "How would you ensure a department-wide first-pass plan check approval rate of 90%+ across various municipalities, and what steps would you take if the rate dropped below this target?" (Prepare to discuss QA/QC processes, understanding of local codes, and corrective action planning.)

• "Walk me through your methodology for developing and implementing a succession plan for your design team, including how you identify high-potential individuals and support their career growth." (Highlight your people management philosophy, mentorship skills, and focus on retention.)

• "Describe a time you had to navigate a complex regulatory dispute with an AHJ. What was the situation, what was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase your expertise in local codes, negotiation skills, and problem-solving abilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about Symons Fire Protection's commitment to operational excellence and safety, and how would your leadership style contribute to these values?" (Research the company's mission and values, and align your leadership approach.)

• "How do you foster a psychologically safe environment where team members feel comfortable reporting errors or voicing technical concerns?" (Prepare examples of creating an open and supportive team dynamic.)

• "Based on your understanding of our industry and the role, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges for our design department in the next 1-2 years?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantifiable Impact: For each case study, start with the key metric you improved (e.g., "Increased design team utilization by 10%," "Reduced plan check revisions by 15%").

• Process Flow Visualization: Use simple diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate how you've optimized design workflows or implemented QA/QC checks.

• Software Demonstration (if applicable): Be prepared to briefly discuss how you've leveraged Autosprink, Bluebeam, or other tools for standardization and efficiency gains.

• Leadership Narrative: Weave in examples of team development, mentorship, and conflict resolution within your project narratives to showcase your people management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interview questions to heavily focus on operational efficiency, financial accountability, and team leadership, given the role's core responsibilities. Preparing specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet KPIs like utilization rates and first-pass approvals will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Paycom.

• Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience: Emphasize your years of direct management experience, team size managed, and specific achievements in areas like team development, budget oversight, and process improvement. Use keywords from the job description such as "operational accountability," "financial accountability," "talent management," and "QA/QC."

• Prepare a concise portfolio summary: Be ready to articulate your key achievements in managing design operations, including quantifiable results related to productivity, quality, and team performance. Focus on how you've utilized the specified software (Autosprink, Bluebeam, etc.) for standardization and efficiency.

• Research Symons Fire Protection, Inc.: Understand their history, values, and market position. Consider how your leadership style and operational philosophy align with their stated commitment to "operational excellence, high-quality craftsmanship, and unwavering safety standards."

• Practice articulating your approach to key responsibilities: Be ready to discuss how you would manage departmental budgets, ensure high utilization rates, lead and mentor a team, and navigate complex regulatory challenges.

⚠️ 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.

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