Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Location: 100 Rollins Road, Millbrae, California

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Construction Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive design services, ensuring seamless integration of design into project execution from inception through completion within advanced/alternative delivery contracts.

• Partner with project and discipline leads to uphold design excellence, program requirements, schedule adherence, budget control, and customer satisfaction.

• Facilitate robust team coordination, constructability reviews, and meticulous design quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Serve as a critical liaison and translator between design and construction teams, bridging communication gaps and fostering a unified project approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a construction contracting company, emphasizing the operational and management aspects of design within a project delivery framework. The focus is on integrating design services into broader construction contracts, requiring a strong understanding of both design principles and construction execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide experienced leadership for Comprehensive Design Services in advanced/alternative design and construction delivery 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 languages of design and construction, ensuring clear communication and understanding across disciplines.

• Support proposal development with written narratives, visual images, and graphics, contributing to the "Winning" strategy during project pursuits.

• Review Architectural/Engineering (A/E) scope, contract terms, and lead design fee discussions.

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

• Champion innovation and the optimal project outcome 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.

• Track follow-up items for design team action and manage the flow of information between the client and the design team.

• Help project teams address design-related issues during construction and ensure design team completion of construction phase and close-out commitments.

• Support the Design Management initiative by building resource tools and improving approaches 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 highlight a dual focus on both strategic leadership and tactical execution. The role requires proactive engagement in business development aspects (proposal support, strategy guidance) alongside hands-on project management throughout the design and construction phases. The emphasis on "customer delight" and "integrated team structure" points to a client-centric and collaborative operational approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Professional license such as Registered Architect (RA), Certified Interior Designer (CID), Professional Engineer (PE), or equivalent is strongly preferred.

• Consideration for DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) certification. Experience:

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

• A graduate architect with a 5-year degree and a minimum of 3 years' 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 phases outside of college is preferred.

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

• Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with Clients, Design Consultants, Builders, and Subcontractors.

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

• Proven leadership in comprehensive design services and design management.

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

• Expertise in project management principles and execution.

• Proficiency in cost management and conceptual estimating.

• Skill in design phase scheduling and timeline management.

• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a self-starter mentality.

• Detail orientation to manage multiple project tasks efficiently. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with alternative/advanced project delivery methods.

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

• Involvement in regional and national professional organizations.

• Experience in business development support and proposal narrative development.

• Demonstrated ability to foster trust and facilitate idea sharing within integrated teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are structured to accommodate different educational backgrounds (e.g., 5-year architecture degree vs. other relevant degrees) while emphasizing practical, hands-on experience across the project lifecycle. The blend of design, construction, and project management experience is critical.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase projects demonstrating comprehensive design management from programming through construction administration.

• Highlight examples of successful collaboration with clients, design consultants, and construction teams.

• Present a clear understanding of budget and schedule management within the design phase.

• Feature instances where you've translated design intent into constructible solutions.

• Include documentation of your role in design reviews, constructability assessments, and quality control processes. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you've managed the flow of information between clients and design teams.

• Documentation of your approach to guiding design teams through code compliance, constructability, and material selection.

• Evidence of processes used to track design decisions and follow-up items.

• Case studies illustrating how you've ensured design alignment with approved budgets and schedules.

• Examples of developing resource tools or improving design management approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the description of responsibilities strongly implies the need for candidates to demonstrate their experience through project examples and process-oriented explanations. This section infers those expectations based on the role's demands for leadership, coordination, and problem-solving across complex projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the Millbrae, California area, the estimated salary range is approximately $90,000 to $150,000 annually. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the complexity of projects managed. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with company match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including support for continuing education and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing.

• Travel reimbursement for project-related site visits and client meetings. Working Hours:

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

• Flexibility may be required based on project demands, client needs, and critical deadlines, which could involve occasional overtime or adjusted schedules.

• Travel may be necessary during pursuit, design, and construction phases, though typically not for extended periods, unless project requirements or client needs dictate otherwise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on role, experience level (5-10 years), and location (Millbrae, CA), referencing general industry data for construction and design management roles. Specific benefits are typical for a company of this size and industry. The working hours and travel policy are extrapolated from the job description's emphasis on project phases and client needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & General Contracting. The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is a prominent player in the construction industry, known for delivering a wide range of projects, including commercial, industrial, healthcare, and institutional facilities. Their approach often involves integrated project delivery methods.

Company Size: Large. Whiting-Turner is a significant national contractor with a substantial number of employees, indicating a well-established organizational structure, extensive resources, and a broad project portfolio. This size typically means opportunities for career growth and exposure to large-scale, complex projects.

Founded: 1950. Founded in 1950, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company has a long history and a strong reputation built over decades, suggesting stability, deep industry knowledge, and established best practices.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management Group operates as a specialized unit within Whiting-Turner, focused on orchestrating design processes.

• This role partners closely with operating groups, project leads, discipline leads, design consultants, and subcontractors, indicating a highly collaborative and cross-functional team environment.

• Reporting structure likely involves a senior management role within the Design Management Group or a senior project executive, depending on the project's scale and organizational setup. Methodology:

• Emphasis on integrated design and construction delivery methods, fostering collaboration from project inception.

• Commitment to design excellence, ensuring projects meet program requirements, budget, schedule, and quality standards.

• Proactive approach to risk management through constructability reviews and proactive problem-solving.

• Client-centric focus, aiming for customer delight through integrated service delivery.

• Utilization of advanced technologies and software for design coordination and project management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the provided domain and general knowledge of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. The role's placement within the "Design Management Group" suggests a structured approach to design services within a larger construction firm.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid to Senior Management. This role is positioned as a leader within the design management function, requiring significant experience and the ability to guide complex projects. It's a step beyond junior design coordination or project engineering roles, focusing on strategic oversight of the design process.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Design Management Group or a Project Executive, depending on the specific project structure and company hierarchy. They will, in turn, lead and coordinate efforts of various design consultants and internal project team members.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring the design is aligned with client objectives, constructability, budget, and schedule. Effective design management minimizes costly changes during construction and enhances overall project quality and client satisfaction, directly contributing to the company's profitability and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Design Manager or Director of Design Management roles, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple projects.

• Transition into broader Program Management or Executive Project Leadership positions.

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

• Opportunities to contribute to business development and company-wide process improvements.

• Potential to mentor and develop junior design management professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis is based on the "Design Manager" title, the specified experience level (5-10 years), and the described responsibilities. The role clearly involves leadership and strategic input, paving the way for further advancement within a large construction firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role, with significant time spent in project coordination meetings and potentially at project sites. While there may be an assigned office desk, the nature of the role involves extensive interaction and collaboration across different teams and locations.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is specified as 100 Rollins Road, Millbrae, California. However, the role necessitates travel to project sites, client offices, and design consultant offices as needed for project pursuits, design reviews, and construction phase support.

Workspace Context:

• Highly collaborative environment, requiring constant interaction with internal project teams, external design consultants, subcontractors, and clients.

• Access to advanced design and project management software (e.g., Autodesk Suite, ProCore, Primavera P6).

• Dynamic workspace that can shift between office settings, project trailers, and client meeting rooms.

• Emphasis on clear communication channels, potentially utilizing tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for information sharing. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time commitment (approximately 40 hours/week) is expected, but the role demands flexibility.

• Project milestones, client meetings, and construction progress may necessitate working beyond standard hours or on weekends occasionally.

• Travel is an integral part of the role, occurring during pursuit, design, and construction phases, managed to minimize extended absences unless project needs are critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is inferred from the "On-site" remote status, the location provided, and the nature of a Design Manager role within a construction company, which inherently involves site visits and client/consultant interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on alignment with experience and educational requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions about your design management experience, project lifecycle knowledge, software proficiency, and problem-solving approach. You may be asked to walk through specific project examples.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with project leads, discipline leaders, or potential collaborators to assess fit within the team and ability to foster positive working relationships.

• Case Study/Challenge: Potentially a scenario-based question or a small design-related challenge to evaluate your analytical skills, decision-making process, and approach to complex design issues.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and final offer negotiation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 projects that best represent your comprehensive design management experience, showcasing your involvement from early programming through construction administration.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions and leadership in each project, emphasizing how you integrated design services and managed stakeholder expectations.

• Showcase Process: Detail the design processes you utilized, including methodologies for coordination, reviews, issue resolution, and communication flow.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present quantifiable results such as cost savings, schedule improvements, or enhanced quality achieved through your design management efforts.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with the required software suite and how you leveraged it for design coordination and BIM integration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Design-Build Context: Familiarize yourself with the principles of Design-Build and integrated project delivery, as Whiting-Turner specializes in these methods.

• Review Common Design Challenges: Prepare for questions related to managing scope creep, resolving inter-disciplinary conflicts, ensuring code compliance, and balancing innovative design with budget/schedule constraints.

• Practice Articulating Solutions: Be ready to explain your problem-solving methodology, using specific project examples to illustrate your thought process and decision-making.

• Consider Client Communication: Think about how you would handle challenging client conversations regarding design decisions, budget impacts, or schedule delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is inferred based on the seniority of the role, the industry, and the emphasis on project delivery and stakeholder management. The focus is on practical experience, problem-solving, and communication skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Suite: AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks are essential for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and clash detection. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with other BIM platforms and collaboration tools is beneficial for comprehensive design coordination.

• Collaboration Platforms: ProCore, Bluebeam, and similar construction management software are crucial for document control, communication, and workflow management.

• Scheduling Software: Primavera P6, Touchplan, and potentially MS Project are used for design phase scheduling and integrated project planning.

• Design Management Tools: JOIN or similar platforms may be used for specific design management workflows and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as analytical tools, proficiency in Excel (part of Office365) is implied for cost management, scheduling analysis, and reporting.

• Experience with ProCore or similar platforms for project data analysis and reporting on design progress, issues, and budget adherence. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with ProCore or similar construction management platforms that often incorporate CRM-like functionalities for client and stakeholder management.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts within project management software to streamline design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are directly extracted from the "Software Experience" section of the job description, with added context on their typical use in design and construction management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integration: Strong emphasis on integrating design and construction teams, fostering a "one team" mentality.

• Collaboration: Encourages multi-disciplinary teamwork and open communication, akin to a "big room" environment.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to achieving "customer delight" through high-quality design and construction outcomes.

• Innovation: Championing new ideas and technologies to improve design and construction processes and project results.

• Professionalism & Integrity: Upholding high standards of conduct, fairness, inclusion, and diversity of thought.

• Problem-Solving: A culture that thrives on tackling complex challenges and finding efficient solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Liaison & Translation: Acts as a bridge between design and construction languages, ensuring understanding and alignment.

• Proactive Engagement: Actively participates in meetings, site walks, and proposal development to drive project progress.

• Relationship Building: Focuses on building trust and strong working relationships with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

• Idea Sharing: Creates an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and contributing to process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are inferred from phrases like "customer delight," "integrated team structure," "idea sharing, fairness, inclusion, diversity of thought," and the role's function as a "liaison/translator." These point to a collaborative, client-focused, and innovative work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design and Construction: Effectively translating complex design intent into constructible solutions while managing budget and schedule constraints.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Coordinating and aligning the interests of clients, design consultants, internal project teams, and subcontractors.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and permitting requirements across various jurisdictions.

• Adapting to Project Delivery Methods: Working within advanced/alternative project delivery frameworks that may differ from traditional methods.

• Driving Innovation: Championing new technologies and processes while balancing risk and established practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Delivery: Gaining deeper expertise in Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and other alternative methods.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening knowledge in BIM coordination, specific design software, and construction technologies.

• Professional Licensure & Certification: Maintaining professional licenses and pursuing certifications like DBIA, which are highly valued.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead larger teams, manage more complex projects, and develop strategic business development skills.

• Industry Engagement: Participating in professional organizations provides networking and continuous learning opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the inherent complexities of the Design Manager role in construction, as described in the responsibilities. Growth opportunities are extrapolated from the company's industry position and the potential career trajectory for this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a complex design and construction integration challenge. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, collaboration, and results.)

• "How do you ensure a design stays aligned with budget and schedule throughout the design phase, especially when dealing with scope changes?" (Prepare examples of cost management and schedule control techniques.)

• "Walk me through your process for resolving a significant design conflict between two disciplines on a project." (Demonstrate problem-solving methodology and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among diverse design and construction teams?" (Relate to your experience with integrated teams and communication styles.)

• "What does 'customer delight' mean to you in the context of a construction project, and how do you achieve it through design management?" (Showcase client-centricity and quality focus.)

• "How do you stay current with emerging technologies and trends in design and construction?" (Highlight your commitment to professional growth and innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the project's scope, your role, key challenges, and successful outcomes.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, drawings, or BIM renderings to illustrate design concepts and project progress.

• Data-Driven: Present metrics related to budget adherence, schedule milestones, and quality improvements achieved through your management.

• Process Focus: Explain the design processes you implemented and your role in facilitating them.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a limited timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe key competencies derived from the job description, such as leadership, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and technical knowledge. The portfolio strategy emphasizes demonstrating tangible results and process expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in design management, project management, construction administration, and proficiency with the specified software (Autodesk Suite, ProCore, Primavera P6, etc.). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that exemplify your comprehensive design management experience. Be ready to discuss your role, processes, challenges, and project outcomes in detail. Focus on demonstrating your ability to bridge design and construction.

• Research Whiting-Turner: Understand their project portfolio, company values, and reputation for integrated design and construction delivery. Prepare to articulate how your skills align with their operational approach.

• Practice Interview Responses: Review common interview questions for design and construction management roles, focusing on behavioral examples and strategic thinking related to design integration, cost control, and team collaboration.

⚠️ 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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