Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Location: 2519 Madison Ave, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Construction Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive design services for advanced and alternative design/construction delivery contracts, ensuring full design integration with project execution.

• Partner with project and discipline leads to guide all design decisions, maintaining program requirements, schedule, budget, quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Facilitate team coordination, constructability reviews, and design quality assessments from project inception through completion.

• Champion innovation and customer-centric design solutions within specified constraints, fostering a healthy integrated team structure and workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the intersection of design and construction, requiring a deep understanding of both disciplines to effectively manage the design process within a contracting company's framework. The emphasis on "comprehensive design services" and "alternative design and construction delivery contracts" suggests a need for adaptability and expertise in various project delivery methods beyond traditional design-bid-build.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Pursuit & Design Phase Leadership:

  • Assist operating groups with strategic design team selection.
  • Support proposal development with compelling written narratives, visual aids, and graphics.
  • Guide the "Winning" strategy during project pursuits and presentations.
  • Review A/E scopes, contract terms, and lead design fee negotiations.
  • Guide the design team through testing programs, materials selection, code compliance, building systems integration, and constructability assessments.
  • Champion innovative and optimal project solutions for the customer, balancing program, quality, budget, schedule, and sustainability.
  • Routinely review design alignment with Owner-approved budgets and schedules.
  • Conduct peer reviews and provide detailed write-ups.
  • Lead design meetings and meticulously monitor the Design Decision Log.
  • Determine the functionality and quality of the design team's solutions and documentation.
  • Track follow-up items for design team action and identify information needs from WT, subcontractors, vendors, and clients to ensure design progression.
  • Manage the flow of information between the client and the design team.

• Construction Phase & Post-Construction Support:

  • Regularly attend construction meetings and conduct site walks with the design team.
  • Assist WT project teams with resolving design-related issues during construction.
  • Ensure the design team fulfills all project construction phase and close-out commitments.

• Business Development & Professional Growth:

  • Support the Design Management initiative by developing and maintaining resource tools.

  • Maintain professional licensure and actively participate in approved industry associations.

  • Continuously seek opportunities to improve design and construction approaches for the benefit of customers, build partners, and design/trade teammates.

  • Facilitate a healthy, integrated team structure and workflow, fostering trust, idea sharing, fairness, inclusion, diversity of thought, and professionalism.

  • Participate in regional and national professional organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate phases of a construction project, from initial pursuit to post-construction. The role requires proactive engagement in business development and personal professional growth, underscoring the company's commitment to continuous improvement and employee development within the design and construction management field.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related design-focused field.

• Professional certifications such as DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) are highly regarded. Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, construction management, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on managing the design process.

• Proven track record of successfully leading design efforts on complex projects from inception through completion. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire design lifecycle, from conceptualization to final documentation.

• Project Management: Strong ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, and resources effectively.

• Constructability Review: Deep understanding of construction methods and materials to ensure designs are practical and cost-effective to build.

• Budget Management: Proficiency in developing, monitoring, and controlling design budgets.

• Scheduling: Ability to create and manage project design schedules, ensuring timely delivery of milestones.

• Inter-disciplinary Coordination: Skill in facilitating communication and collaboration among various design disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, etc.) and construction teams.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and expectations.

• Building Codes & Standards: Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and national building codes, zoning regulations, and permitting processes.

• Technical Writing: Ability to produce clear, concise, and professional written documentation for proposals and project communications.

• Presentation Skills: Strong public speaking and presentation abilities for client meetings, project pursuits, and team discussions.

Preferred Skills:

• BIM Coordination: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes and coordination using software like Navisworks.

• Contract Negotiation: Experience in reviewing and negotiating A/E contracts and fee structures.

• Sustainability Measures: Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices.

• Design-Build Delivery: Experience with alternative project delivery methods, particularly Design-Build.

• Conceptual Estimating: Ability to provide preliminary cost estimations during the early design phases.

• Proficiency in Autodesk Suite: Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and other relevant design software.

• Project Collaboration Software: Familiarity with platforms like ProCore, Bluebeam, or similar for project management and document control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design knowledge, project management acumen, and strong interpersonal skills. The specific mention of "advanced/alternative design and construction delivery contracts" suggests a preference for candidates familiar with less traditional project structures.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Documentation: Showcase examples of managing design workflows, including concept development, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation phases. Highlight how you ensured adherence to client requirements and project objectives.

• Project Execution Case Studies: Present 2-3 detailed case studies of projects where you managed the design process. These should clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget adherence, schedule improvements, quality enhancements, client satisfaction).

• Collaboration & Coordination Examples: Include evidence of successful inter-disciplinary coordination, such as sample coordination meeting minutes, RFI resolution processes, or BIM clash detection reports you managed or contributed to.

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Demonstrate instances where you identified design challenges or opportunities for innovation and implemented effective solutions, leading to improved project outcomes or cost savings.

• Client Communication & Management: Provide examples of client communication strategies, proposal contributions, or presentations that highlight your ability to manage client expectations and build strong relationships.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to designing and optimizing project workflows, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and quality throughout the design lifecycle.

• System Implementation & Integration: Illustrate your experience with implementing or utilizing project management and design collaboration software to streamline processes and enhance team communication.

• Metrics & Performance Analysis: Show how you track and analyze design process performance, identifying areas for improvement and reporting on key metrics to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's systematic approach to managing complex design processes, their ability to foster collaboration, and their quantitative impact on project success. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating how their management led to tangible benefits.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Kansas City, Missouri, the estimated annual salary range is $95,000 - $130,000. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in Kansas City and the specialized nature of construction design management. Factors such as specific project types, company profitability, and individual negotiation will influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Support for continuing education, license renewals, and professional association memberships.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Company-provided coverage.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for bonuses based on individual and company performance.

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

Working Hours:

• Standard work week of approximately 40 hours, with potential for extended hours during peak project phases, pursuits, or critical construction activities. Flexibility may be required to meet project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the specified region. A more precise figure would require direct consultation with the hiring company. The benefits listed are typical for a large contracting firm and are tailored to professionals in demanding roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction. The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is a prominent player in the construction industry, known for its diverse project portfolio across various sectors including healthcare, education, industrial, and commercial.

Company Size: Large. As a major national contractor, Whiting-Turner operates with a significant workforce, implying robust internal processes, established hierarchies, and ample resources for project execution.

Founded: 1971. With decades of experience, Whiting-Turner has built a strong reputation for reliability, quality, and client satisfaction, indicating a culture that values stability, experience, and long-term relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management Group is a specialized unit focused on bridging design and construction.

• Design Managers work collaboratively with operating groups, project leads, discipline leads, and external design and trade teams.

• The structure emphasizes integrated teamwork, with a focus on facilitating communication and workflow between all project stakeholders.

• Reporting is likely to senior project management or executive leadership within the Design Management Group or relevant operating units. Methodology:

• Integrated Project Delivery: Emphasis on seamless integration of design and construction processes from the outset.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilization of design decision logs and routine reviews to inform project direction and ensure alignment with objectives.

• Customer-Centric Approach: A core value of championing the customer's needs and delivering exceptional project experiences.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement of innovation and refinement of design and construction methodologies.

Company Website: https://www.whiting-turner.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Whiting-Turner's long history and large size suggest a stable and professional work environment. The emphasis on an "integrated team structure and workflow" indicates a collaborative culture where Design Managers are expected to be facilitators and key communicators.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-career to senior-level position within the design and construction management spectrum. A Design Manager at Whiting-Turner is expected to possess substantial expertise in managing complex design processes and influencing project outcomes. This is a leadership role with significant responsibility for client satisfaction, project quality, and financial performance related to design.

Reporting Structure: Design Managers typically report to senior leadership within the Design Management Group or to the executive managing the specific business unit or project portfolio they are assigned to. They will, in turn, guide and influence project teams, design consultants, and subcontractors.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the success of design-build and alternative delivery projects. By ensuring design excellence, constructability, and alignment with budget and schedule, they directly contribute to profitability, client retention, and the company's reputation for delivering high-quality projects efficiently. Their role is pivotal in mitigating risks associated with design errors and omissions during construction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into senior Design Management roles, overseeing larger or more complex projects, or managing teams of Design Managers.

• Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific project types (e.g., healthcare, advanced technology facilities) or delivery methods.

• Business Development: Transition into roles focused on client acquisition, proposal management, and strategic business growth within the company.

• Operational Leadership: Potential progression into broader project executive or operational leadership roles within Whiting-Turner.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior design and project management staff, contributing to the development of future leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at a firm like Whiting-Turner is typically one of increasing responsibility and strategic influence. The emphasis on professional growth and participation in associations suggests a company that invests in its employees' long-term development within the industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office setting in Kansas City, Missouri, likely within a professional corporate office environment. This would be a hybrid environment where on-site presence is required for team collaboration, client meetings, and administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): 2519 Madison Ave, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri. This location suggests an accessible urban or suburban professional district.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space will likely support team collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and access to project documentation.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, project management software, design software interfaces, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with other design managers, project managers, estimators, and support staff within the Whiting-Turner Kansas City office. Regular communication with project teams, including architects, engineers, and subcontractors, will be a key part of the daily routine.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule is expected to be around 40 hours per week. However, the nature of construction project management, especially involving design pursuits and on-site construction phases, often requires flexibility. This may include occasional longer days, early mornings, or late evenings to attend critical meetings, respond to urgent project issues, or accommodate project timelines. Travel, as noted in the job description, will also be a factor at various project stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for construction management roles where direct interaction, site visits, and immediate problem-solving are crucial. The description of "travel will occur during pursuit, design and construction phases" indicates that while not a constant travel role, flexibility for project needs is essential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications and experience against the role requirements.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): Focus on your background, experience in design management, project leadership style, and understanding of construction processes. Expect behavioral questions assessing your problem-solving and team collaboration skills.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, strategies, and quantifiable results. This is a key opportunity to demonstrate your design management expertise and communication skills.

• Second/Final Interview (Senior Leadership): This interview will assess your strategic thinking, business acumen, cultural fit with Whiting-Turner, and long-term potential. You may be asked to discuss your approach to client relationships, business development, and team leadership.

• Reference Checks: Standard procedure to verify your professional history and performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your design management capabilities, especially those involving complex challenges or innovative solutions.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the challenges faced, your specific role and actions, the strategies you implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration, quality improvements, client satisfaction metrics). Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Highlight Process: Explain your methodology for managing design, coordinating teams, mitigating risks, and ensuring constructability. Show, don't just tell, your systematic approach.

• Tailor to Whiting-Turner: If possible, align your portfolio examples with the types of projects Whiting-Turner undertakes (e.g., large-scale, complex construction).

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflict, your approach to client management, and your understanding of design-build or alternative delivery methods.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be ready to analyze a hypothetical design management scenario or problem presented by the interviewers. Focus on your problem-solving approach, risk assessment, and proposed solutions.

• Technical Knowledge: Refresh your understanding of building codes, construction methods, and common design challenges in various building types.

• Communication Skills: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when explaining technical concepts or complex project situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical expertise and interpersonal skills. A strong portfolio presentation is critical, as it provides tangible evidence of a candidate's capabilities and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Construction Tools:

• Autodesk Suite: Proficiency with AutoCAD for drafting and Revit for BIM modeling is highly expected. Understanding how these tools are used in coordination and documentation is key.

• Navisworks: Essential for BIM coordination, clash detection, and 4D scheduling visualization. Experience in managing or participating in Navisworks coordination meetings is valuable.

• Bluebeam Revu: Widely used for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management during design and construction phases.

• Procore: A popular construction project management platform that integrates various aspects of project execution, including document control, RFIs, submittals, and field management. Familiarity is a significant asset.

• Primavera P6 / Microsoft Project: For advanced project scheduling, especially on large-scale or complex projects.

• Touchplan / Similar Lean Construction Tools: For facilitating collaborative planning sessions and managing short-term work plans.

Collaboration & Communication Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook): Standard for business operations, document creation, data analysis, and communication.

• Microsoft Teams / Slack: For real-time team communication and collaboration.

• SharePoint / Document Management Systems: For organizing and sharing project documentation.

Other Relevant Technologies:

• Design Decision Log Software: While often custom or spreadsheet-based, understanding the importance and management of such logs is crucial.

• EPP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning systems used by large contractors for financial and operational management may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The successful candidate will likely need to be proficient in a range of design, BIM, and construction management software. The emphasis on BIM and collaborative platforms like Procore highlights the industry's move towards integrated digital workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, partners, and colleagues. Maintaining a professional demeanor and commitment to quality.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared responsibility, where open communication and idea sharing are encouraged across all disciplines and project phases.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, delivering exceptional value and building lasting relationships.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking new and better ways to approach design and construction, embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

• Safety & Quality: Prioritizing safety on all project sites and ensuring the highest standards of quality in design and execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Embracing a collaborative style that breaks down silos between design, estimating, construction, and client teams.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open, honest, and frequent communication to preempt issues and ensure alignment.

• Constructive Feedback: Creating a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and used for continuous improvement of processes and project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Whiting-Turner's culture appears to be built on strong foundational values of integrity, teamwork, and client satisfaction, combined with a forward-looking approach to innovation and continuous improvement in the construction process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Effectively managing the inherent tension between design innovation, budget constraints, schedule demands, and client expectations.

• Navigating Complex Project Deliveries: Successfully leading design efforts within alternative delivery models (e.g., Design-Build) which require deep collaboration and risk-sharing.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Facilitating consensus and effective communication among a wide range of stakeholders with potentially conflicting interests, including clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in design software, BIM, and construction technology, and integrating them effectively into project workflows.

• Remote Project Support: While primarily on-site, managing design aspects for projects that may have remote or distributed team members or require occasional travel to other sites.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in complex project planning, risk management, and financial oversight.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional licenses and certifications, such as DBIA, RA, or PE, and participation in relevant industry associations.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced leaders within Whiting-Turner for guidance on career progression, technical development, and leadership skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining exposure to various project types and construction methodologies, broadening expertise across the company's diverse portfolio.

• Leadership Development: Participation in programs designed to cultivate leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and business development skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in construction management, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities highlight Whiting-Turner's commitment to developing its employees into well-rounded leaders within the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Integration Philosophy: "Describe your approach to ensuring design is fully integrated with construction execution from project inception. How do you bridge the gap between design intent and constructability?" (Prepare to discuss your methodologies for early contractor involvement, constructability reviews, and RFI management.)

• Client Relationship Management: "How do you build and maintain trust with clients, especially when navigating design challenges or budget constraints?" (Prepare to share examples of successful client communication, proactive problem-solving, and managing expectations.)

• Team Leadership & Facilitation: "Describe a time you had to facilitate a complex design decision involving multiple stakeholders with differing opinions. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating your facilitation skills, conflict resolution, and ability to drive consensus.)

• Innovation & Value Engineering: "How do you champion innovation and identify opportunities for value engineering without compromising quality or client objectives?" (Be ready to discuss your approach to creative problem-solving and delivering enhanced project value.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Whiting-Turner's Mission: "What do you know about Whiting-Turner's approach to design and construction, and how do your values align with ours?" (Research the company's website, recent projects, and news to understand their core values, project types, and market position.)

• Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a healthy integrated team structure and workflow among design, construction, and owner representatives?" (Prepare to discuss your strategies for promoting collaboration, communication, and a positive team environment.)

• Professional Growth: "How do you stay current with industry trends, building codes, and design technologies, and how do you plan to contribute to Whiting-Turner's Design Management initiatives?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and your ideas for improving design processes.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as narratives, clearly outlining the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, site photos, charts, diagrams) to illustrate your projects and processes.

• Metrics Focus: Quantify your achievements with specific data points related to budget, schedule, quality, and client satisfaction.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate the design and management processes you employed.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and present key information efficiently, leaving ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the construction lifecycle and client needs. The portfolio presentation is a critical component to showcase practical application of skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided SilkRoad link on the Whiting-Turner careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and portfolio to highlight projects and experiences most relevant to large-scale construction projects and comprehensive design management. Emphasize your role in design-build or alternative delivery methods, and quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, key responsibilities, and proficiencies in design and construction management software. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Design Management," "Constructability," "Budget Management," and "Client Relationship Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your approach to design leadership, team facilitation, and problem-solving using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples from your career that exemplify the required skills and responsibilities.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, focusing on their project portfolio, company values, and recent news. Understand their approach to design and construction to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on available data. All details, particularly regarding salary and specific benefits, should be verified directly with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company during the application and interview process.