Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: WillScot

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations (GTM Enablement / Sales Operations adjacent)

Date Posted: June 25, 2026

Experience Level: 3-10 years (based on degree/certification)

Remote Status: Fully Remote within the United States

🚀 Role Summary

• This role operates at the intersection of sales enablement and technical design, crucial for Go-To-Market (GTM) success by translating client needs into profitable, buildable solutions.

• It involves managing the end-to-end project lifecycle from initial client engagement and proposal generation to the creation of state-certified production plans.

• The Design Manager is responsible for developing detailed architectural and logistical plans, ensuring compliance with building codes and optimizing material usage for modular construction.

• This position requires strong technical design skills, particularly in Revit, coupled with project management capabilities to handle multiple concurrent projects and client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into sales enablement and GTM strategy by creating compelling proposals and detailed plans that directly influence sales wins and project profitability. This role acts as a bridge between sales, engineering, and production, making it a critical component of the GTM operations. The remote flexibility within the US is a significant differentiator for operations professionals seeking geographically diverse opportunities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Solution Development: Prepare comprehensive plans for bidding, estimating, and owner approval, including presentation drawings and realistic perspective renderings using Revit, to meet strategic sales objectives.

• Floor Plan and Site Design: Develop detailed floor plans based on customer requirements and create architectural site plans and logistics plans for projects, ensuring optimal space utilization and flow.

• Technical Documentation & Compliance: Generate and submit production-level plans and documentation compliant with state certification/recertification requirements, and perform energy calculations using Com-Check.

• Material Management & Costing: Create detailed material takeoffs for modifications and installations, and research new products to support new product development, code requirements, and material cost reduction efforts.

• Project & Stakeholder Support: Manage multiple ongoing projects, monitor code development, and provide technical support to sales, operations, and project teams, ensuring adherence to schedules and client satisfaction.

• CAD Standards & Training: Develop, monitor, and improve CAD standards for the business, and provide CAD training and support to departmental members.

• Client Engagement: Attend customer meetings with Sales or Construction Services teams to develop project programming and conduct design and plan reviews with internal teams and external customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design, project management, and GTM support. The emphasis on creating "winning, profitable projects" and supporting "strategic sales objectives" underscores the role's direct impact on revenue generation and GTM efficiency. The need for detailed material takeoffs and cost reduction efforts points to a strong operational efficiency component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree with 3 years of experience in a related construction/project management field, OR

• Associate's Degree with 7 years of experience, OR

• Technical Certification in AutoCAD and Revit with 10 years of experience. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in commercial construction plan creation using recent versions of Revit (no more than 4 years old).

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict schedules. Required Skills:

• Technical Design Software: Expert proficiency in Revit for commercial construction plan creation.

• Code Compliance: In-depth knowledge of the International Code Council family of model building codes.

• Energy Analysis: Competency in performing energy calculations using Com-Check.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage project lifecycles, timelines, and deliverables effectively.

• Software Proficiency: Full working capability in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook for documentation, data analysis, and communication.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Visualization: In-depth understanding of Revit with additional capability in Twin Motion, 3D Studio Max, or VRay for advanced renderings and visualizations.

• Production Detailing: Detailed production-level experience in the modular construction industry.

• Modular Construction Expertise: Specific experience or deep understanding of commercial or residential modular construction principles and practices.

• Client Interaction: Experience attending client meetings and presenting design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are structured to accommodate various educational backgrounds, emphasizing practical experience with key technologies like Revit and understanding of construction codes. The preference for advanced visualization tools and modular construction expertise suggests a desire for candidates who can not only design but also create compelling visual assets and have specialized industry knowledge relevant to WillScot's core business.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Revit Project Examples: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed projects completed using Revit, demonstrating proficiency in creating floor plans, elevations, sections, and detail drawings for commercial or modular structures.

• Rendering & Visualization: Include examples of realistic perspective renderings created using Revit or preferred visualization software (e.g., Twin Motion, 3D Studio Max), highlighting the ability to translate technical plans into client-friendly visuals.

• Code Compliance Documentation: Present a sample of how building code requirements were integrated into design plans, or a brief explanation of a project where code compliance was a critical factor.

• Material Takeoff & Estimation: Provide an example of a material takeoff or an estimate that demonstrates attention to detail in quantifying project components, ideally related to modular construction.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your typical workflow for taking a project from initial client requirements (PFD) through to final production-ready plans, including stages for client review and approvals.

• Collaboration & Communication: Demonstrate experience in collaborating with sales, operations, and project teams, outlining how you handle technical queries and integrate feedback from different departments.

• System Utilization: Be ready to articulate your experience with specific versions of Revit and Com-Check, and how you leverage these tools to improve design efficiency and accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving design and GTM support, a portfolio is critical. Candidates should focus on showcasing not just technical output, but also the process by which they achieve it, emphasizing efficiency, client satisfaction, and profitability. Demonstrating how their design work directly supports sales objectives and project execution will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 3-10 years of experience in construction design, project management, and specialized software proficiency, the estimated annual salary range in Scottsdale, Arizona, and other US locations for a remote role is $75,000 - $105,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the depth of their modular construction expertise. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Income Protection: Disability Insurance and Life Insurance.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays.

• Professional Development: Tuition Reimbursement to support continuous learning.

• Financial Security: Retirement Savings Plan with a Company Match.

• Performance-Based Incentives: Variable Pay Opportunities including Commission, Bonus, Performance Rewards, and other Incentive Programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work. Occasional travel to job or client sites may be required, necessitating adaptability in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on similar roles in the construction and design sector, considering the remote aspect which often aligns with national averages rather than specific high-cost areas unless otherwise stated. The benefits package is extensive, highlighting WillScot's commitment to employee well-being and long-term financial health, which is attractive to operations professionals seeking stable, supportive employment. The mention of variable pay opportunities is common for roles that directly influence sales outcomes.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Temporary and portable space solutions (modular building, construction services, fleet leasing). WillScot is a leading provider in North America, serving diverse sectors needing flexible workspace and storage.

Company Size: Approximately 5,000+ employees. This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes and potential for career advancement.

Founded: WillScot has a history of growth and integration, with its current form resulting from significant mergers and acquisitions, suggesting a dynamic and evolving corporate environment.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager likely belongs to a larger Design or Engineering department, potentially within a GTM or Project Management division.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a Director or VP of Design/Engineering, with collaboration across Sales, Project Management, Operations, and potentially external agencies/engineers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring strong communication skills to interface with sales for client needs, operations for production feasibility, and external parties for compliance. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizes customer requirements (PFDs) and technical data (Com-Check, material takeoffs) to inform design decisions.

• Workflow Optimization: Focuses on efficient processes for plan creation, submission, and client approval to meet project timelines and sales objectives.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leverages tools like Revit and CAD standards to streamline design processes and reduce manual effort.

Company Website: https://careers.willscot.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: WillScot's positioning as a "Great Place to Work®" suggests a culture that values employee growth, community involvement, and customer focus. The company's scale means operations professionals can expect established processes but also opportunities to influence and improve them within a large, stable industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is typically considered a mid-level to senior individual contributor position, depending on the specific years of experience and depth of expertise in modular construction. It requires significant technical skill and project management capability.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Design Manager, Director of Design, or potentially a VP of Engineering or GTM Operations, depending on the organizational structure. They will collaborate closely with sales teams, project managers, and operations personnel.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue by creating compelling and accurate proposals and designs that win business. It also influences profitability by optimizing material usage, ensuring efficient production, and minimizing costly errors or rework. Effective design management contributes to client satisfaction and repeat business, key metrics for GTM success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Specialist: Transition to a senior technical expert role, focusing on complex projects or specialized design areas (e.g., advanced modular systems, sustainable design).

• Design Team Lead/Manager: Progress into a leadership role, managing a team of designers, overseeing departmental projects, and contributing to strategic design initiatives.

• Project Management: Move into a full project management role, leveraging design understanding to oversee project execution from start to finish.

• Sales Engineering/Support: Specialize further in supporting the sales team with technical expertise, proposal development, and client consultations.

• Operations Process Improvement: Focus on optimizing design workflows, CAD standards, and documentation processes for greater efficiency across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: WillScot's emphasis on investing in employee growth suggests a structured career path. For operations professionals, this role offers a unique blend of technical design and GTM strategy, providing a diverse skill set that can lead to various career trajectories within the company or the broader construction and modular industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as fully remote within the United States, offering significant flexibility. This typically implies a work-from-home environment.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company headquarters is in Scottsdale, Arizona, and they have over 260 locations across the US, Canada, and Mexico. This indicates a widespread physical presence for operations and sales, which the remote Design Manager will support.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Requires a dedicated home office setup conducive to focused work and participation in virtual meetings.

• Digital Tools: Heavy reliance on digital collaboration platforms, cloud-based document sharing, and video conferencing tools to stay connected with dispersed teams.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a wide range of internal teams (sales, project management, operations) and external stakeholders (clients, regulatory bodies, third-party engineers), fostering a dynamic communication environment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with the possibility of occasional overtime to meet project deadlines. The remote nature offers flexibility in managing the workday, provided deadlines are met and availability for key meetings is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature is a significant draw for operations professionals seeking work-life balance and geographical freedom. It necessitates strong self-discipline, excellent communication skills, and proficiency with remote collaboration tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct a brief screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Assessment: A practical assessment or technical interview focusing on Revit skills, code knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. This may involve a design exercise or a review of past project examples.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion about your experience, approach to design management, project lifecycle understanding, and how you align with WillScot's values and GTM strategy.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues or stakeholders from sales, operations, or project management to assess collaboration style and ability to support diverse teams.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director/VP of Design or GTM) to discuss strategic alignment and long-term career potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in Revit, commercial construction design, and modular applications.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the client's need, your design approach, the specific tools used (Revit, Com-Check), and the outcome—especially how your design contributed to winning the bid or ensuring project success/profitability.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss challenges encountered and how you overcame them through design or process adjustments.

• Visualize Clearly: Ensure renderings are high-quality and clearly communicate the design intent. If possible, include site plans and logistics diagrams.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., time saved, cost reductions, successful code approvals) to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Revit Proficiency Test: Be prepared for a practical test to demonstrate your ability to create specific design elements or modify existing plans in Revit.

• Code Scenario: You might be given a scenario with specific building code requirements and asked to explain how you would ensure compliance in your design.

• Project Proposal Exercise: A hypothetical client brief might be provided, requiring you to outline your approach to developing a design proposal, including key considerations and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on both technical prowess and the ability to translate that into business value for GTM. A well-prepared portfolio demonstrating tangible results and a clear understanding of the project lifecycle will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for creating all design documentation, including floor plans, renderings, and production-level plans. Proficiency with recent versions is a must.

• AutoCAD: Required for technical certification and may be used for legacy projects or specific detailing tasks.

• Com-Check: Crucial for performing energy calculations as required for building code compliance.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Necessary for material takeoffs, basic data analysis, cost estimations, and reporting.

• Internal Reporting Tools: WillScot may use internal systems for project tracking and reporting, requiring adaptability.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce): While not directly a design tool, understanding how designs feed into sales opportunities managed in a CRM is beneficial.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) for tracking multiple projects and deadlines.

• 3D Visualization Software (Preferred): Twin Motion, 3D Studio Max, VRay for creating high-fidelity renderings and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Revit and Com-Check is non-negotiable. Proficiency in Excel is also fundamental for the data analysis and material takeoff aspects of the role. Familiarity with visualization tools will be a strong advantage for creating compelling client presentations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Aligning design solutions to meet customer timelines and project needs "Right From the Start."

• Integrity & Accountability: Owning projects from pitch to production, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Innovation: Developing creative solutions and researching new products to improve designs and cost-effectiveness.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with sales, operations, and project teams to achieve shared goals.

• Growth Mindset: Continuously learning about new codes, technologies, and best practices in the modular construction industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with sales to understand client requirements and with operations to ensure constructability and efficiency.

• Process Improvement Focus: Open to feedback and proactive in suggesting improvements to design workflows and CAD standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to train and support other team members in CAD software and design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: WillScot's stated values (implied from "Great Place to Work®" and their general description) suggest a culture that is supportive, growth-oriented, and customer-centric. The remote nature requires proactive communication and a collaborative spirit to overcome geographical barriers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Competing Priorities: Balancing multiple projects with varying deadlines and client demands requires strong organization and prioritization skills.

• Staying Current with Codes: The ever-evolving landscape of building codes and energy regulations necessitates continuous learning and adaptation.

• Translating Complex Needs: Effectively interpreting diverse client requirements and translating them into practical, buildable, and profitable designs.

• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong communication and collaboration with dispersed teams without direct in-person interaction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Revit and explore advanced visualization tools.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications related to modular construction, energy efficiency, or specific building codes.

• Mentorship: Gaining insights from senior design or engineering leaders within a large organization.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about the intricacies of sales, project management, and operations through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to deepen expertise in a niche but growing industry (modular construction) and hone skills in advanced design software and GTM support. Addressing the challenges proactively will be key to success and professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a client's initial requirements (PFD) and developing a comprehensive design proposal, including key milestones and deliverables." (Focus on workflow, client interaction, and GTM alignment.)

• "How do you ensure your designs comply with the latest building codes and energy efficiency standards, particularly in the context of modular construction?" (Highlight code knowledge, Com-Check usage, and problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through a challenging project where your design significantly contributed to winning a bid or improving project profitability. What were the key challenges and your solutions?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about WillScot's position as a leader in temporary space solutions, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our GTM strategy?" (Research company values, offerings, and market position.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with sales teams and operations/production teams, especially in a remote environment?" (Emphasize communication, problem-solving, and integration.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design work beyond just technical accuracy?" (Focus on impact on sales wins, profitability, client satisfaction, and efficiency.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to tell a story for each project: Client Need -> Your Design Solution -> Key Technical Aspects (Revit, Codes) -> Business Outcome (Win, Profitability).

• Highlight Key Deliverables: Showcase renderings, site plans, and key plan details that clearly demonstrate your capabilities.

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to verbally walk through your workflow and decision-making for each project, emphasizing efficiency and problem-solving.

• Tailor to WillScot: If possible, select projects that have similarities to modular or temporary space solutions, or highlight your adaptability to different construction types.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who understands the business impact of design. Emphasizing how your technical skills translate into winning business, ensuring profitability, and supporting the overall GTM objectives will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the WillScot careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 strong projects demonstrating Revit proficiency, commercial construction design, and ideally, modular construction experience. Focus on projects that show your ability to create compelling visuals and support sales objectives.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords such as Revit, AutoCAD, Com-Check, International Code Council, modular construction, project management, and GTM support. Quantify achievements related to project completion, efficiency gains, or successful bids.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, code compliance strategies, and project management approach. Prepare specific examples and case studies to showcase your portfolio during interviews.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with WillScot's services, market position, and company culture, particularly their emphasis on being a "Great Place to Work®" and their "Right From the Start" approach. Understand how design contributes to their overall GTM strategy.

⚠️ 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.