Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: TriMark USA

Location: Cleveland, OH, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of designers, ensuring the successful execution of design projects within the foodservice industry.

• Drive the creative direction and customer experience strategy for design deliverables, aligning with TriMark's business objectives.

• Oversee project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and profitable project completion.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal departments, external clients, architects, and general contractors to achieve strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the extensive responsibilities related to project management, budgeting, contract execution, and coordinating with construction trades strongly indicate a role that bridges design leadership with operational execution within the GTM (Go-To-Market) framework. This role is crucial for ensuring that design proposals translate into successful, profitable projects, making it highly relevant to operations professionals focused on service delivery and client satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day management for the Design Team, including workload distribution, deadline adherence, and quality assurance of all design proposals and contracts.

• Oversee the distribution of the Design Team's workload, ensuring all project deadlines are met and the accuracy of work produced.

• Conduct thorough reviews of all outgoing design proposals and contracts, ensuring compliance with company standards and client requirements.

• Promote preferred vendors within the design process and ensure that spec credits are obtained to maximize project profitability and value.

• Generate weekly status reports on successful and prospective projects, and provide monthly forecasts for design revenue to inform financial planning.

• Ensure contracts are executed promptly and that all billings and revenue are recognized in a timely manner, critical for financial operations.

• Lead the interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training of new Design Team Members, developing a high-performing and skilled team.

• Instill and cultivate a culture of superior customer service within the design department, ensuring client satisfaction at every stage.

• Collaborate with the Design Team and BIM Manager to establish and maintain drawing standards, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all projects.

• Coordinate with the Manager, Contract Services Project Management to implement best practices for the combined design/project management team, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

• Train Design/Project Managers in all aspects of the construction process, including equipment and shop drawing review, expediting, installation, and closeout procedures.

• Promote and facilitate vendor training opportunities for the Design Team, ensuring continuous skill development and product knowledge enhancement.

• Develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with key customers, architects, general contractors, vendors, and internal personnel to facilitate seamless project execution.

• Act as a strategic and innovative partner to customers, understanding their needs and recommending appropriate foodservice equipment solutions.

• Attend customer meetings to effectively explain and "sell" TriMark's design services, contributing directly to revenue generation.

• Generate design proposals for new opportunities, a critical GTM function that requires understanding client needs and competitive positioning.

• Advocate for and demonstrate a sales-minded approach in all activities, reinforcing TriMark's identity as a selling organization.

• Work closely with Regional Sales Managers to ensure strategic initiatives are aligned between sales and design departments, optimizing GTM efforts.

• Remain current in technology, vendor, and product knowledge by attending seminars, training, and trade association meetings, acting as a departmental leader in these areas.

• Ascertain customers' needs and preferences through effective listening and recommending appropriate foodservice equipment.

• Create efficient foodservice equipment floor plans that meet customers' budgets and operational requirements.

• Generate documents and drawings from AutoCAD and Revit for submission in construction/bidding processes.

• Coordinate with architects, engineers, estimators, installers, and relevant construction trades to ensure project success.

• Prepare accurate foodservice equipment budgets.

• Attend job meetings as required to represent the design and project management team.

• Review quotes and approve manufacturer shop drawings for accuracy, ensuring proper equipment description and physical requirements are met.

• Conduct site visits and perform punch lists according to customer requirements.

• Ensure jobs are finished in a timely manner, including punch lists, final billing, and change orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed here demonstrate a significant focus on process management, financial oversight (budgeting, forecasting, billing), and cross-functional coordination, all of which are core to revenue and sales operations. The emphasis on vendor management, sales-mindedness, and client relationship building directly links this design management role to the broader GTM strategy and operational success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree (or higher) in design, food service, or a related field, or equivalent military or practical experience.

Experience:

• 3+ years of design management experience.

• 5+ years' experience in a designer role within the commercial food service industry.

• Demonstrated knowledge in all aspects of commercial food service design and project types (education, hospitality, restaurants, etc.).

• Proven ability and experience as a Design subject matter expert.

• Advanced working knowledge of general construction, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and project management.

• Team management and leadership experience. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in managing design teams and overseeing workload distribution.

• Strong understanding of commercial foodservice design principles and project lifecycles.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for effective client and team interaction.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex design and operational challenges.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience in training, onboarding, and developing team members.

• Sales-minded approach and ability to articulate the value of design services.

• Knowledge of general construction, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems relevant to foodservice installations.

• Contract review and management capabilities.

• Budgeting and forecasting skills for design revenue. Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with Autodesk software, including AutoCAD and Revit.

• Experience with MS Office Suite, Adobe, Sketch-up, and AutoQuote360.

• Ability to complete the Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) certification within three years of employment.

• Experience in fostering a superior customer service culture.

• Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) standards and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on software proficiency (AutoCAD, Revit, MS Office Suite, Adobe, Sketch-up, AutoQuote360) and project management tools, combined with the need for analytical and problem-solving skills, aligns perfectly with the technical and strategic demands placed on operations professionals. The preference for Autodesk software highlights the importance of technical design tools in the GTM process, especially for creating accurate proposals and project plans.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully managing design projects from conception to completion, showcasing effective project lifecycle management.

• Provide examples of design proposals and contracts reviewed and approved, highlighting attention to detail and contractual compliance.

• Showcase case studies of how design solutions met customer needs while staying within budget constraints, demonstrating financial acumen.

• Include examples of team leadership and development initiatives, illustrating your ability to cultivate a high-performing design team.

• Present examples of cross-functional collaboration with sales, project management, and construction teams, emphasizing your role in integrated GTM processes. Process Documentation:

• Document workflows for design project intake, proposal generation, and contract execution, emphasizing efficiency improvements.

• Illustrate processes for vendor selection, spec credit acquisition, and integration into design proposals.

• Detail methods for forecasting design revenue and reporting project status, showcasing financial and operational transparency.

• Provide examples of training programs developed for design and project management teams, focusing on construction processes and best practices.

• Showcase your approach to maintaining drawing standards and ensuring the quality of design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is essential to demonstrate practical application of skills. Candidates should prepare to showcase their ability to manage processes, optimize workflows, and drive financial outcomes through effective design and project management, directly aligning with operations expectations for process documentation and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided in the job description, based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager role with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Cleveland, OH, the estimated annual salary range is between $85,000 and $120,000. This estimate accounts for the required experience, management responsibilities, and the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Tuition Reimbursement program to support continuous learning and professional development.

• Pet Insurance and Legal Insurance options for expanded employee support.

• 401k retirement savings plan with an employer match, supporting long-term financial security.

• Paid Community Service Day to encourage employee involvement in local initiatives.

• Spotlight Awards and National Sales Excellence Awards recognizing outstanding performance and contributions.

• Access to a CFSP Prep Certification Program, fostering professional growth in the foodservice industry.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement that requires a balance of in-office and remote work. Specific in-office days will be determined by team needs and management discretion, offering flexibility while ensuring team collaboration and operational oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for similar roles in Cleveland, OH, considering the experience level and management responsibilities. The benefits package is robust and includes elements that support professional development and work-life balance, which are attractive to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Foodservice Design and Equipment Supply. TriMark USA is the largest provider of design services, equipment, and supplies to the foodservice industry, serving sectors like education, hospitality, and restaurants. This industry requires a blend of technical expertise, project management, and client-focused solutions.

Company Size: TriMark USA is a large national company with a history dating back to 1896, indicating a stable and established organization with a significant market presence.

Founded: 1896. This long history suggests a strong foundation, established processes, and a deep understanding of the foodservice market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Team is led by the Design Manager and includes Designers and Senior Designers. This team collaborates closely with the BIM Manager and is coordinated with the Manager, Contract Services Project Management.

• The Design Manager reports to the Regional Director, Design, indicating a clear reporting hierarchy within the design function.

• Close collaboration is expected with Regional Sales Managers, architects, general contractors, vendors, and other company personnel to ensure seamless project execution and alignment of GTM strategies. Methodology:

• TriMark USA emphasizes a data-driven approach through its I.C.A.R.E. values (Integrity, Customer Service, Accountability, Respect, Excellence), guiding decision-making and daily operations.

• The company focuses on providing customized solutions, leveraging design capabilities and market knowledge.

• Processes involve detailed design, budgeting, contract management, and coordination with various stakeholders in the construction and foodservice sectors.

• A sales-minded approach is encouraged across all roles to drive business growth.

Company Website: www.trimarkusa.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and its position as the largest provider in its niche suggest a well-defined operational structure and a commitment to quality and service. The I.C.A.R.E. values provide insight into the expected behaviors and priorities for employees, which is crucial for understanding the operational culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level management position, overseeing a critical function within the company's GTM and service delivery operations. It requires strategic leadership, team management, and a deep understanding of design, project management, and client relations within the foodservice industry.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Regional Director, Design, and works closely with other department heads, including sales and contract services. This position offers visibility across multiple operational functions.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager directly impacts revenue through the generation of design proposals and the successful execution of design projects. By ensuring efficient workflows, accurate budgeting, and high-quality deliverables, this role contributes significantly to client satisfaction, repeat business, and the overall profitability of TriMark USA's design services. Effective management of the design process is crucial for maintaining the company's market leadership and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Leadership: Potential to advance to higher leadership roles within the Design department, such as Regional Director, Design, or to lead broader operational functions within the company.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of foodservice design, project management, or technology (e.g., BIM, advanced visualization) through ongoing training and project experience.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into roles within Sales Management, Contract Services, or Business Development, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the design-to-delivery process.

• Professional Development: Encouragement and support for obtaining certifications like CFSP, and continuous learning through industry events and vendor training.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within operations management, particularly for individuals who excel at process optimization, team leadership, and strategic execution within a specialized industry. The hybrid model also suggests a modern approach to work, which can be attractive for long-term career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring a mix of in-office presence in Cleveland, OH, and remote work. This setup is designed to balance collaborative team interactions with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Cleveland, Ohio. This location serves as the hub for the Design Manager's team and requires regular attendance for team meetings, client engagements, and operational oversight.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model facilitates collaboration through in-office meetings and team sessions, while remote work allows for focused individual tasks and flexibility.

• Access to essential design and project management tools is expected, including Autodesk software (AutoCAD, Revit), MS Office Suite, Adobe, Sketch-up, and AutoQuote360.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with design team members, BIM specialists, project managers, and sales teams, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, 40-hour work week. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in scheduling, though project deadlines and client needs will dictate specific work patterns. This flexibility is beneficial for operations professionals who need to balance deep work with team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key aspect of the work environment. For operations professionals, this often means a structured approach to in-office days for collaboration and remote days for focused work, requiring strong self-management and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes to assess qualifications against the requirements. Candidates should highlight relevant design management and foodservice industry experience.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or HR representative, focusing on experience, leadership style, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your approach to team management and customer service.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a case study or a review of your portfolio to evaluate your technical skills (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and your approach to design challenges, project management, and budgeting.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., Regional Director, Design), focusing on strategic thinking, alignment with company values, and long-term vision for the design department.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Showcase 3-5 of your most impactful projects that demonstrate your design management capabilities, leadership, and successful project outcomes.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your approach, the tools and methodologies used (including software), your role in managing the team and budget, and the final results. Emphasize how you ensured efficiency and met client needs.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., budget adherence, project completion time, customer satisfaction improvements, revenue generated).

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you managed, mentored, and developed your design team.

• Tailor to TriMark: Research TriMark's projects and client types to highlight relevant experience and demonstrate an understanding of their business.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge that requires you to outline your approach, consider budget constraints, and identify potential risks and mitigation strategies.

• Team Management Scenario: Anticipate questions about how you handle underperforming team members, conflict resolution, and motivating a design team.

• Client Interaction Scenario: Practice articulating how you would manage a difficult client, sell design services, or handle scope creep.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Operations candidates should focus on demonstrating not just design prowess, but also their ability to manage processes, resources, and budgets effectively, showcasing a holistic understanding of project delivery and GTM impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Software: AutoCAD and Revit are specifically mentioned as preferred. Proficiency in these is crucial for creating detailed design documents and drawings.

• MS Office Suite: Standard for business operations, including Excel for budgeting and forecasting, Word for proposals and reports, and PowerPoint for presentations.

• Adobe Suite: Likely used for graphic design, proposal formatting, and presentation materials.

• Sketch-up: A 3D modeling tool often used for conceptual design and visualization.

• AutoQuote360: A specialized tool for quoting and managing foodservice equipment proposals, critical for operational efficiency in this industry.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel will be heavily utilized for financial reporting, revenue forecasting, and project tracking.

• The company likely uses internal or industry-specific tools for CRM and project management that may integrate with AutoQuote360. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly stated, a CRM system would be essential for managing client relationships and sales pipelines.

• AutoQuote360 likely provides some level of workflow automation for proposal generation and quoting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-specific software like AutoCAD, Revit, and AutoQuote360 is a significant requirement. For operations professionals, demonstrating an understanding of how these tools integrate and contribute to efficient GTM processes is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical conduct in all business dealings, from client interactions to financial reporting.

• Customer Service: Prioritizing client needs and ensuring satisfaction through high-quality design and project execution. This is central to TriMark's service delivery model.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of projects, deadlines, and financial responsibilities, ensuring that commitments are met.

• Respect: Fostering a collaborative environment where all team members, clients, and partners are treated with dignity and professionalism.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design, project management, and customer outcomes, continuously seeking improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration with sales, project management, BIM, and vendor teams to ensure seamless project flow from initial design to final delivery.

• Process-Oriented: A culture that values structured processes for design, budgeting, and contract management, with an emphasis on continuous improvement.

• Sales-Mindedness: An environment where understanding sales goals and contributing to revenue generation is encouraged across all departments, including design.

• Mentorship and Training: A culture that supports the development of team members through training, knowledge sharing, and leadership guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The I.C.A.R.E. values provide a clear framework for the company's operational culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their professional approach aligns with these values, particularly in areas of accountability, customer service, and driving excellence through efficient processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints: The primary challenge will be to lead a creative team while ensuring projects adhere to strict budgets, timelines, and client specifications, requiring strong operational oversight.

• Managing a Hybrid Team: Effectively leading and motivating a team that splits its time between office and remote work, ensuring consistent performance and collaboration.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Relationships: Successfully managing expectations and fostering positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including clients, architects, contractors, and vendors, each with their own priorities.

• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Keeping the design team updated on the latest foodservice equipment technology, design trends, and software advancements in a rapidly evolving industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• CFSP Certification: The company supports and encourages obtaining the Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) designation, a valuable credential in the industry.

• Technology Proficiency: Opportunity to become an expert user and trainer for key design and project management software like Revit and AutoQuote360.

• Leadership Development: Gaining experience in strategic planning, financial forecasting, and managing a department within a large national organization.

• Industry Exposure: Attending seminars, trade shows, and vendor training to deepen knowledge of foodservice equipment and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these challenges will help candidates prepare for interview questions and demonstrate their strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities from an operations perspective. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for career advancement and skill enhancement within TriMark.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a design team that operates in a hybrid model. How do you ensure productivity, collaboration, and accountability?" (Focus on team management, communication, and operational oversight.)

• "Walk me through a complex foodservice design project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you manage the budget and timeline, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study that highlights your project management, problem-solving, and GTM execution skills.)

• "How do you ensure that design proposals align with TriMark's sales objectives and preferred vendor strategies while meeting customer needs?" (Emphasize your understanding of the GTM process, vendor management, and client-centric solutions.)

• "What steps do you take to ensure that design deliverables are not only creative but also cost-effective and meet construction standards?" (Focus on process, quality control, and financial management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do TriMark's I.C.A.R.E. values resonate with your leadership philosophy and professional approach?" (Research the values and prepare specific examples of how you embody them.)

• "Describe your experience working with sales teams and other operational departments. How do you foster collaboration and ensure alignment?" (Highlight your ability to work cross-functionally and contribute to overarching business goals.)

• "What is your understanding of the foodservice equipment industry, and how do you stay current with trends and technologies?" (Show your industry knowledge and commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly stating the client type, project scope, your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Highlight Process & Operations: Emphasize the operational aspects of your projects: budget management, timeline adherence, team coordination, vendor integration, and problem-solving.

• Quantify Impact: Use data to demonstrate success (e.g., percentage of projects completed on time/budget, revenue generated from proposals, cost savings achieved through efficient design).

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your presentation is clean, professional, and visually engaging, reflecting your design acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating not just design expertise, but also strong operational management skills, strategic thinking, and an understanding of how design contributes to the company's overall revenue and client satisfaction goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in design management, team leadership, project management, and specific technical skills (AutoCAD, Revit, AutoQuote360). Quantify your achievements with metrics related to budget, timelines, and team performance.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest design management projects. Focus on showcasing your process, operational efficiency, budget management, and client satisfaction outcomes. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Research TriMark: Familiarize yourself with TriMark USA's services, client base, and the I.C.A.R.E. values. Understand their position in the foodservice industry and how design contributes to their GTM strategy.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions by practicing your responses, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, and operational skills.

⚠️ 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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