Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: US LBM (Zeeland Lumber & Supply Division)

Location: Bear - St Louis, MI, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Operations Management / Design & Engineering

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage a team of designers within a manufacturing environment, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality output.

• Drive operational excellence by ensuring design integrity, adherence to building codes, and compliance with industry standards.

• Implement and manage project scheduling for design assignments, optimizing resource allocation and project timelines.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the design team through effective training and performance management.

• Serve as a key liaison between design, engineering, sales, and production teams to ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges design, manufacturing, and operations management. While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into operational oversight, process management, and team leadership within a manufacturing context, making it highly relevant to operations professionals seeking to leverage their skills in a dynamic GTM support environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the design group, ensuring timely and accurate completion of design tasks for manufacturing.

• Schedule and assign design projects to team members, considering workload, skill sets, and project deadlines.

• Review customer-submitted plans to verify completeness of information before design work commences, preventing downstream delays.

• Conduct thorough reviews of completed designs to ensure design integrity, structural soundness, and strict adherence to building codes and regulations.

• Collaborate closely with internal Professional Engineers and external MiTek Engineers to resolve complex design challenges and ensure code compliance.

• Conduct regular employee performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and manage HR-related functions for the design team.

• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for design staff, focusing on software proficiency, design best practices, and company-specific processes.

• Maintain and update design standards, templates, and procedures to enhance efficiency and consistency across the department.

• Work cross-functionally with sales, production, and supply chain teams to ensure designs align with customer needs, manufacturing capabilities, and material availability.

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing design throughput, reducing errors, and optimizing material utilization in manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of people management, technical oversight, and operational process control. For operations professionals, this means demonstrating leadership in workflow optimization, quality assurance, and cross-functional collaboration within a manufacturing setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Design, Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical work experience. Experience:

• 4-6 years of direct experience as a manufacturing designer within the building materials industry is required.

• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or management role overseeing design teams. Required Skills:

• Full proficiency with industry-standard design software (e.g., MiTek Sapphire, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp) and the ability to interpret complex blueprints and technical drawings.

• Strong understanding of building codes, construction methods, and manufacturing processes for components like trusses and wall panels.

• Proven ability to manage and lead a team, including performance management, training, and conflict resolution.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Proficient in computer applications, including design software and standard office productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).

• Solid understanding of engineering principles relevant to structural design and building materials. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific design software used by US LBM or its divisions, such as MiTek Sapphire.

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and their application to design and production processes.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools for scheduling and resource allocation.

• Experience in continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization within a manufacturing setting.

• Exposure to supply chain dynamics and inventory management within the building materials sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4-6 years of experience as a manufacturing designer, coupled with management responsibilities, suggests a mid-to-senior level operations role. Candidates should highlight experience in process standardization, team development, and technical problem-solving within a building materials context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of complex manufacturing designs, demonstrating problem-solving skills and technical proficiency.

• Include case studies detailing process improvements implemented within design or manufacturing workflows, highlighting efficiency gains or error reduction.

• Present documentation of designs that achieved code compliance and passed rigorous quality control checks.

• Provide evidence of successful team leadership, including examples of training initiatives or performance improvements within a managed team.

• Demonstrate familiarity with design software and its application in optimizing manufacturing output. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to reviewing customer plans and identifying potential issues before design initiation.

• Illustrate your methodology for ensuring design integrity and code compliance through review processes.

• Outline your strategies for training and developing design staff, including onboarding and ongoing skill enhancement.

• Describe your experience in collaborating with engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and ensure project success.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to the optimization of design-to-manufacturing workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should prepare a portfolio that not only showcases design output but also emphasizes the processes, methodologies, and leadership skills used to achieve efficient, compliant, and high-quality manufacturing outcomes. Quantifiable results are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 4-6 years of experience in manufacturing and management, located in the Michigan area, the estimated salary range is $75,000 - $105,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the St. Louis, MI area and the specialized nature of the building materials industry. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and holidays.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued education.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• [Specific details like Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, etc., may also apply. Refer to the provided link for comprehensive information.] Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines or operational demands. Flexibility may be required based on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general industry data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the company's compensation structure. The provided link should be consulted for definitive benefit details.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Materials & Construction Components Manufacturing. Zeeland Lumber & Supply, a division of US LBM, operates in a sector crucial to residential and commercial construction, focusing on prefabricated components like trusses and wall panels, alongside lumber and specialty products. This industry demands precision, efficiency, and strong supply chain management.

Company Size: US LBM is a significant player in the building materials distribution industry, indicating a large organization with potentially multiple divisions and a substantial workforce. Zeeland Lumber & Supply, as a division, likely operates with a dedicated team but benefits from the resources and structure of a larger parent company. This size suggests opportunities for standardized processes and career advancement while maintaining a focused operational unit.

Founded: Zeeland Lumber & Supply has a history in Michigan, and US LBM was founded in 2009. This blend of established divisional presence and newer corporate structure provides a dynamic environment where established operational practices can be integrated with modern corporate strategies.

Team Structure:

• The design group likely comprises multiple designers with varying levels of experience, reporting directly to the Design Manager.

• The Design Manager reports to a higher-level operations or general manager within the Zeeland Lumber & Supply division.

• Close collaboration is expected with sales teams (customer interface), engineering departments (technical validation), and production floor managers (manufacturing execution). Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, particularly concerning design accuracy, material usage, and production efficiency.

• Emphasis on standardized workflows and best practices for consistency and quality in design and manufacturing.

• Collaborative problem-solving approaches involving cross-functional teams to address challenges in design, production, or supply.

• Continuous improvement focus, leveraging feedback from design, engineering, and production to refine processes and systems.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's position within the building materials supply chain is crucial. Operations professionals should highlight their ability to manage teams, optimize processes, and ensure quality within a manufacturing context that directly impacts downstream construction projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior management level within the design and manufacturing operations of a specific division. It requires a blend of technical expertise in design and engineering principles, combined with robust people management and operational oversight skills. The scope includes direct responsibility for a team's output and its impact on the broader manufacturing and business objectives.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Plant Manager, Operations Director, or General Manager within the division. They will manage a team of designers and may collaborate closely with other department heads, such as Sales Managers, Engineering Leads, and Production Supervisors.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in the GTM strategy by ensuring that product designs are accurate, code-compliant, and efficiently manufacturable. This directly impacts production costs, lead times, customer satisfaction, and the company's ability to deliver high-quality building materials. Effective design management reduces waste, minimizes rework, and supports sales efforts by providing reliable product specifications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to higher management positions within the division, such as Operations Manager, Plant Manager, or Director of Manufacturing.

• Opportunities to lead broader process improvement initiatives across multiple divisions or the parent company.

• Specialization in specific product lines or advanced design technologies.

• Transition into roles focused on strategic planning, supply chain optimization, or product development within the building materials sector.

• Potential for leadership roles in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for operations professionals to grow into broader operational leadership. Highlighting experience in process optimization, team development, and strategic contribution will be key for demonstrating potential for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the candidate to work from the Bear - St Louis, MI facility. The environment will likely be a mix of office space for management and design work, with regular interaction and potential site visits to the manufacturing floor.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Bear - St Louis, MI. This is a specific operational facility dedicated to component manufacturing and distribution.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will involve a professional office environment for design work, meetings, and administrative tasks.

• Access to design software and hardware is essential.

• Regular collaboration with designers, engineers, sales, and production staff will occur in person.

• Opportunities to observe and engage with the manufacturing processes directly, understanding the practical application of designs.

• A focus on safety protocols and adherence to workplace regulations will be paramount, especially when interacting with the production areas. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, typically during business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).

• Flexibility may be required to attend critical meetings, address urgent production issues, or manage project deadlines, potentially involving occasional overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, the on-site nature emphasizes the importance of hands-on management, direct team engagement, and a strong understanding of the manufacturing floor's realities. The blend of office and plant interaction is typical for effective operations leadership.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Plant or Operations Manager) focusing on your management style, technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experience in the building materials industry. Be prepared to discuss your approach to team leadership, process improvement, and code compliance.

• Technical/Team Interview: This may involve meeting with key team members (e.g., senior designers, engineers) to assess your technical knowledge, collaboration style, and fit within the existing team dynamics. You might be asked to walk through a design project or discuss specific technical challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present relevant work samples from your portfolio. Focus on showcasing your management approach, process optimization efforts, and successful design outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Diverse Examples: Choose projects that highlight your management of different design complexities, your problem-solving skills, and your impact on efficiency and compliance.

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., reduced errors, faster turnaround, cost savings).

• Emphasize Process: Detail the design and review processes you managed or improved. Highlight how you ensured code compliance and design integrity.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you trained, mentored, or managed your design team to achieve project goals.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work on production efficiency, material usage, and cost reduction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions, such as how you would handle a design conflict with engineering, manage a poorly performing team member, or address a sudden increase in design requests.

• Practice articulating your understanding of industry-specific challenges related to code changes, material availability, and evolving construction techniques.

• Consider how you would approach optimizing a specific design workflow or implementing new design software within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, the portfolio review is a critical opportunity to demonstrate not just design capabilities but also managerial effectiveness and process-oriented thinking. Focus on showcasing how you lead teams to achieve operational excellence in design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard software is essential. This includes but is not limited to:

  • MiTek Sapphire: Highly preferred, as it's explicitly mentioned and is a leading software for component design in the building industry.
  • AutoCAD / Revit: For general architectural and engineering design, and potentially for integrating with component designs.
  • SketchUp / 3D Modeling Software: For visualization and conceptual design work.

• Project Management Software: Tools for scheduling, task assignment, and tracking project progress (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or internal systems).

• ERP/MRP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) systems is beneficial for understanding how design data integrates with production planning, inventory, and financials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, reporting, and creating custom metrics related to design output, error rates, and material usage.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards to track design team performance and operational KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding how design specifications and customer requirements flow from CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) into the design process.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with concepts or tools that can automate repetitive tasks within the design or review process, improving efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, demonstrating proficiency with design software is a baseline. Highlighting experience with project management tools, ERP/MRP systems, and data analysis/reporting tools will strongly align with the operational management aspects of this Design Manager position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to accuracy in design and adherence to strict building codes and standards to ensure product integrity and safety.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Driving operational excellence through optimized workflows, effective resource allocation, and timely project completion.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where designers, engineers, sales, and production teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying areas for enhancement in processes, tools, and team skills to drive ongoing operational gains.

• Safety & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of workplace safety and regulatory compliance in all design and manufacturing activities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with sales to understand customer needs, with engineering to validate designs, and with production to ensure manufacturability and efficiency.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue within the design team and across departments to quickly resolve issues and share knowledge.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Establishing mechanisms for receiving and providing constructive feedback on designs, processes, and team performance.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collective effort to tackle technical and operational challenges, leveraging the diverse expertise of the team and supporting departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals should highlight how their personal values and collaboration style align with these operational tenets, emphasizing their ability to lead teams toward efficiency, quality, and strong cross-functional partnerships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Complexity with Production Constraints: Ensuring that intricate customer designs can be manufactured efficiently and cost-effectively within the plant's capabilities.

• Maintaining Code Compliance in Evolving Regulations: Staying abreast of frequent changes in building codes and standards and ensuring all designs meet current requirements.

• Managing Diverse Skill Sets and Performance Levels: Leading a team with varying levels of experience and technical proficiency, ensuring consistent quality and productivity.

• Integrating New Technologies and Software: Adapting to new design software, automation tools, or manufacturing technologies and training the team to use them effectively.

• Supply Chain Volatility: Navigating challenges related to material availability and cost fluctuations that can impact design choices and production schedules.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Deepening expertise in MiTek Sapphire or other specialized design and simulation tools.

• Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma Certifications: Pursuing formal training to lead efficiency and quality improvement initiatives.

• Leadership Development Programs: Enhancing management skills through workshops, courses, and mentorship focused on team leadership, strategic planning, and operational management.

• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Attending events related to building materials, construction technology, and manufacturing management to stay current with trends and best practices.

• Cross-Departmental Rotations: Gaining broader operational experience by spending time with sales, production, or supply chain teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should demonstrate an awareness of these industry challenges and articulate how their skills and experience can effectively address them. Highlighting a proactive approach to learning and development is also key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a team of designers and ensuring consistent quality and efficiency in their output." (Focus on process, metrics, and team motivation.)

• "How do you ensure that designs are not only technically sound but also cost-effective and manufacturable within a production environment?" (Highlight collaboration with production and engineering, and understanding of material costs.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to implement a new design process or software. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize change management, training, and adoption.)

• "How do you stay current with evolving building codes and industry best practices relevant to component manufacturing?" (Showcase continuous learning and proactive research.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about US LBM and Zeeland Lumber & Supply, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Research their products, market position, and divisional focus.)

• "Describe your leadership style and how you foster a collaborative team environment." (Align with company values of quality, efficiency, and teamwork.)

• "How do you handle conflicts within your team or with other departments?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and interpersonal skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio example, frame it as a narrative: the initial request/problem, your strategic approach to design and management, the execution, and the successful outcome with measurable results.

• Focus on Process & Impact: Highlight the how and why behind your design decisions and management strategies, not just the final product. Emphasize process improvements, efficiency gains, and cost savings.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data points whenever possible (e.g., "reduced design errors by 15%", "increased team throughput by 10%", "saved X% in material waste").

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific software, design methodologies, or code compliance issues related to your presented work.

• Showcase Leadership: Explain your role in guiding the team, training individuals, and resolving challenges that arose during the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of operational management within a design and manufacturing context. Emphasize process, efficiency, team leadership, and the ability to translate technical design into tangible business results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the US LBM careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in manufacturing design, team management, process optimization, and familiarity with the building materials industry. Use keywords from the job description such as "design management," "code compliance," "manufacturing design," and "blueprint reading."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest work that showcases your management capabilities, process improvements, and successful design projects. Ensure it includes examples of how you've led teams and achieved operational efficiencies.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, focusing on articulating your operational strategies, leadership style, and problem-solving approaches.

• Research US LBM & Zeeland Lumber & Supply: Understand their business model, product offerings, and market position. Prepare thoughtful questions about the design team's current challenges, strategic goals, and how this role contributes to the company's overall operational success.

⚠️ 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.