Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Location: Downers Grove, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Construction Management

Date Posted: June 05, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads comprehensive design services for advanced/alternative design and construction delivery contracts, ensuring seamless integration of design into overall project execution.

• Partners with project and discipline leads to uphold program requirements, schedule, budget, and quality commitments, driving customer satisfaction.

• Facilitates crucial team coordination, constructability reviews, and design quality assessments throughout the project lifecycle.

• Acts as a vital liaison and translator between the distinct languages and needs of design and construction professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a construction contracting company, indicating a strong emphasis on the practical application of design principles within a build environment. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities like "constructability reviews" and "liaison between design and construction," suggests a function that bridges architectural/engineering design with on-site execution, rather than a pure design firm role. This is crucial for understanding the candidate profile and expectations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide experienced leadership for comprehensive design services on advanced and alternative design/construction contracts.

• Partner with designated project and discipline leads to ensure design is fully integrated into the overall execution of design excellence projects.

• Guide all design decisions from project inception through completion to maintain program requirements, schedule, budget, quality commitments, and customer delight.

• Facilitate team coordination, constructability reviews, and design quality reviews.

• Act as a liaison and translator between the design and construction teams to ensure clear communication and alignment.

• Support proposal development with written narratives, visual images, and graphics, and guide the "winning" strategy during project pursuits.

• Review A/E scope, contract terms, and lead design fee discussions.

• Guide the design team through testing programs, materials, codes, building systems, and constructability.

• Champion innovation and optimal project outcomes for the customer within program, quality, budget, schedule, and sustainability constraints.

• Assist project teams in maintaining design alignment with the owner-approved budget and schedule through routine reviews.

• Lead meetings and monitor the Design Decisions Log, tracking follow-up items for design team action.

• Manage the flow of information between the client and the design team, and vice versa.

• Assist project teams with design-related issues during construction and ensure the design team completes their construction phase and close-out commitments.

• Support the Design Management initiative by building resource tools and participating in regional and national professional organizations.

• Seek opportunities to improve the company's approach to benefit customers, build partners, and design/trade teammates.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are extensive, covering the full project lifecycle from pursuit and design to construction and post-construction. This indicates a senior role requiring a broad understanding of both design and construction processes, with a strong emphasis on project management and stakeholder communication. The inclusion of "Business Development & Professional Growth" tasks suggests an expectation for contribution beyond project-specific duties.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• College Degree required, preferably in Architecture or a similar design major (e.g., Interior Design, Architectural Engineering).

• Architectural License (RA) or other applicable design licensure (e.g., CID, PE) is strongly preferred.

• DBIA certification is a plus. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of post-college experience in Design, Construction, and/or Program/Project Management.

• A graduate architect (5-year degree) with a minimum of 3 years of experience working for design firms may be considered.

• Experience with an Architectural/Interiors Design Firm, Design-Builder, and/or General Contractor is strongly recommended.

• Exposure to both design and construction outside of college is preferred.

• Proven experience taking a project from Programming through Construction Administration.

• Proven collaboration experience with Clients, Design Consultants, Builders, and Subcontractors.

• Experience in Project Management, Conceptual Estimating/Cost Management, and Design Phase Scheduling. Required Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

• Comprehensive understanding of the design process, including design documentation, inter-disciplinary design coordination, zoning, permitting, sustainability measures, and building codes.

• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively between design and construction teams.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to organize and manage multiple project tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Proven problem-solving aptitude and a self-starter mentality.

• Experience with contract terms, design fee discussions, and cost management. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced/alternative project delivery methods.

• Familiarity with emerging initiatives and technologies in design and construction.

• Experience in a "big room" or integrated project delivery environment.

• Keen ability to act as a "Liaison / Translator" between design and construction languages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design knowledge and practical construction management experience. The preference for candidates with exposure to both design and construction, and the explicit mention of acting as a "Liaison/Translator," highlights the critical bridge-building aspect of this role within a general contractor's framework. The mention of specific licenses and certifications points towards a need for recognized expertise in the field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful project lifecycle management from programming through construction administration.

• Case studies showcasing effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders including clients, design consultants, builders, and subcontractors.

• Examples of managing design fees, scope, and contract terms.

• Documentation illustrating the ability to guide design teams through constructability, materials, codes, and building systems.

• Evidence of championing innovation and delivering projects within program, quality, budget, schedule, and sustainability constraints. Process Documentation:

• Workflow examples detailing how design is integrated into overall project execution.

• Methodologies for facilitating team coordination, constructability reviews, and design quality reviews.

• Processes for managing the flow of information between clients and design teams.

• Strategies for assisting project teams with design-related issues during the construction phase.

• Examples of developing resource tools to support design management initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the detailed responsibilities strongly imply the need for candidates to present evidence of their process management and problem-solving capabilities. The role requires a candidate who can articulate and demonstrate their approach to managing complex design and construction interfaces.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $95,000 - $150,000 annually (for Illinois)

Benefits:

• Profit Sharing

• Stock Appreciation Rights

• Retirement Compensation

• Travel Subsistence

• Vacation

• Sick Leave

• Parental Leave

• Healthcare

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard for Full-Time employment)

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Illinois. The extensive list of benefits, including profit sharing and stock appreciation rights, indicates a comprehensive compensation package typical for established contracting firms. The note about salary being dependent on multiple factors (role, level, location, skills, experience, market conditions) is standard but worth noting for candidates. The mention of "at-will employment" is also a common disclaimer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & General Contracting

Company Size: Large (Specific number not provided, but Whiting-Turner is a major national contractor)

Founded: 1971 (approximate, based on general knowledge of the company)

Team Structure:

• The Design Management Group is specifically structured to manage the development and execution of design team efforts, bridging design and construction.

• This role implies close collaboration with project managers, discipline leads, design consultants, and subcontractors.

• Expect reporting lines that involve senior management within The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Methodology:

• Focus on integrated project delivery, fostering collaboration between all project stakeholders.

• Emphasis on managing the design process to align with project constraints (program, quality, budget, schedule, sustainability).

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through budget and schedule alignment reviews.

• Continuous improvement is encouraged through seeking better approaches and fostering idea sharing.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Whiting-Turner is a well-established, large-scale general contractor known for its project management capabilities. The company culture likely emphasizes professionalism, technical expertise, and a results-oriented approach. The "Design Management Group" is a specialized unit, suggesting a deliberate strategy to enhance design integration within their construction services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level role, requiring significant experience and leadership. It sits at the intersection of design and construction project management.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Director of Design Management or a senior executive overseeing project execution, with direct interaction and collaboration with Project Executives and Project Managers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring design feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to schedule and quality standards. Their role is critical in mitigating risks associated with design changes and conflicts during construction, ultimately contributing to profitability and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Design Manager or Director of Design Management roles.

• Specialization in specific project types (e.g., healthcare, advanced technology) or delivery methods (e.g., Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery).

• Opportunities to lead broader business development initiatives related to design services.

• Potential for leadership roles in regional or national professional organizations.

• Mentorship opportunities for junior design or project management staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear progression path within a large organization, moving from managing design on individual projects to overseeing design strategy and teams. The emphasis on "alternative project delivery methods" and "emerging initiatives" suggests a forward-thinking environment that values innovation and adaptability, providing ample room for professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment within The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company's Downers Grove, Illinois location. This office likely serves as a hub for project management, operations, and business development activities.

Office Location(s): 1431 Opus Place Suite 620, Downers Grove, Illinois. This location is in the Chicago metropolitan area, offering accessibility for local talent.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a professional, collaborative office setting typical of a major construction firm.

• The environment will require close interaction with project teams, likely involving meetings, design reviews, and strategic planning sessions.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design/construction software platforms.

• Opportunities for site visits to active construction projects will be a component of the role.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with the understanding that project demands may occasionally require flexibility and extended hours, particularly during critical phases like project pursuits or major design milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is critical. While the company operates nationally, this specific role is office-based, with travel expected for project-specific needs rather than being a remote position. The description of the "big room" environment suggests a preference for highly integrated, face-to-face collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will likely review applications and resumes for alignment with core requirements, focusing on experience in design, construction, and project management.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect interviews with senior design managers or project executives to assess technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and understanding of design and construction processes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and methodologies.

• Behavioral Interview: Focus on leadership, collaboration, communication, and ability to handle complex stakeholder relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses.

• Portfolio Review (Implied): While not explicitly stated, candidates should be prepared to present and discuss relevant projects that demonstrate their experience in managing design from inception to completion, handling challenges, and achieving project goals.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Choose 3-5 key projects that best showcase your experience in design management, from programming through construction administration.

• Highlight Key Responsibilities: For each project, clearly articulate your role in:

  • Integrating design with construction.
  • Managing stakeholder relationships (clients, consultants, builders).
  • Budget and schedule control related to design.
  • Constructability reviews and problem-solving.
  • Collaboration and communication strategies.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., cost savings achieved through constructability reviews, schedule adherence improvements, reduction in design-related RFIs).

• Process Articulation: Be ready to explain your approach to managing the design process, including decision-making logs, team coordination, and information flow.

• Visuals: If possible, use visual aids (renderings, plans, photos) to illustrate project scope and complexity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to design challenges on construction projects, such as:

  • How would you resolve a conflict between design intent and constructability?
  • How would you manage a design team that is consistently missing deadlines or exceeding budgets?
  • How would you communicate a significant design change to a client and its impact on cost/schedule?

• Consider how you would approach a project pursuit from a design management perspective, including proposal narratives and strategy.

• Practice articulating your understanding of various project delivery methods and their implications for design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on bridging design and construction, interviewers will likely probe for practical experience and problem-solving skills applicable to real-world construction scenarios. A strong portfolio that visually and narratively demonstrates these capabilities will be essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Suite: AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and other BIM software are essential for design visualization, modeling, and coordination. Proficiency is expected.

• Office Collaboration Software: ProCore, Bluebeam, Touchplan, JOIN are critical for project management, document control, collaboration, and communication within the construction environment.

• Project Management Software: Primavera P6 is mentioned, indicating a need for experience in advanced project scheduling and management.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint are standard tools for daily operations, reporting, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, expect to utilize reporting features within project management and BIM software for tracking design progress, budget adherence, and schedule compliance.

• Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting is highly probable. CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned, but familiarity with CRM principles for client relationship management and understanding how design processes interact with sales/business development pipelines could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily oriented towards design visualization, BIM, and construction project management platforms. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency or a strong aptitude for learning these specialized tools, particularly those bridging design and field operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism & Integrity: Maintaining trust, fairness, and professionalism with all team members is paramount.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong dedication to multi-disciplinary team environments, fostering idea sharing and an inclusive atmosphere.

• Customer Focus: Championing innovation and the best possible project outcome for the customer.

• Efficiency & Quality: Driving design excellence while adhering to program, quality, budget, and schedule constraints.

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: A self-starter attitude, thriving on solving complex issues and seeking ways to improve approaches.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Team Structure: Emphasis on facilitating a healthy, integrated team and workflow, acting as a liaison and translator.

• Open Communication: Creating an environment for idea sharing and diversity of thought.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with project teams, design consultants, builders, and subcontractors.

• Proactive Engagement: Actively participating in meetings, site walks, and discussions to address design and construction issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values suggest a culture that balances technical rigor with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving. The emphasis on trust and idea sharing indicates an environment where proactive communication and relationship-building are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design & Construction: Effectively translating complex design concepts into constructible solutions while managing client expectations, budgets, and schedules.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating diverse interests and communication styles among clients, design consultants, and construction teams.

• Managing Design Changes: Ensuring that design changes are properly evaluated for impact on cost, schedule, and quality, and effectively communicated.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting to evolving BIM software, collaboration tools, and emerging construction technologies.

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Championing innovative solutions while strictly adhering to project parameters.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced/alternative project delivery methods, BIM coordination, and specialized construction technologies.

• Industry Engagement: Participate in regional and national professional organizations (e.g., AIA, DBIA) for networking and continuous learning.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior staff and take on leadership roles in design management and business development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience across different project types and phases of the construction lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to its cross-functional nature, requiring a candidate who can manage complexity and drive consensus. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways to leadership and specialized expertise within a leading construction firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Integration: "Describe your process for ensuring the design is fully integrated into the overall execution of a design-build project." Focus on your role in coordination, constructability reviews, and managing information flow.

• Stakeholder Management: "How have you effectively managed differing opinions or conflicts between a design team and a construction team on a past project?" Prepare examples using the STAR method, highlighting your communication and negotiation skills.

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a situation where a significant design issue arose during construction. How did you approach resolving it, and what was the outcome?" Emphasize your analytical skills, decision-making process, and ability to find practical solutions.

• Client Alignment: "How do you ensure design decisions remain aligned with the owner's approved budget and schedule throughout the project lifecycle?" Discuss your methods for routine reviews and proactive communication.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company's approach to design management?" Research their project portfolio and values.

• "How do you foster an environment of idea sharing and professionalism within a multi-disciplinary team?" Discuss your leadership style and approach to collaboration.

• "Describe your experience acting as a liaison or translator between design and construction professionals." Highlight your ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to different audiences. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each project, tell a clear story: the challenge (client needs, project goals), your role (design manager), your actions (key strategies, processes used), and the results (project success, lessons learned).

• Visual Emphasis: Use renderings, 3D models (if applicable), site photos, and key drawings to illustrate the project's scope and complexity, as well as the design challenges you overcame.

• Process Demonstration: Clearly explain your methodologies for design coordination, constructability reviews, budget tracking, and schedule management related to design.

• Quantifiable Outcomes: Highlight any achievements that can be measured, such as cost savings, schedule improvements, or reduction in RFIs/change orders due to proactive design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate a deep understanding of the construction lifecycle, possess strong leadership and communication skills, and can articulate their value proposition in bridging the gap between design and execution. A well-prepared portfolio will be crucial for substantiating claims made during the interview.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.silkroad.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights 3-5 key projects demonstrating your experience in managing design from programming through construction administration, with a strong emphasis on constructability, budget, and schedule alignment.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly articulate your experience in design management, project management, construction administration, and stakeholder collaboration, using keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "BIM Coordination," "Cost Management," and "Constructability Review."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your approach to common interview questions related to design-construction integration, problem-solving, and stakeholder management. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company's project portfolio, values, and approach to design and construction. Understand their emphasis on integrated project delivery and client satisfaction.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company before making application decisions.