Design Manager - CAD

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - CAD

Company: UFP Industries

Location: Brooklyn Center, MN, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Design Management / Operations Support

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of CAD Technicians, overseeing the creation and maintenance of high-quality design documentation for structural aluminum systems.

• Drive the development and enforcement of standardized drafting practices, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all project phases from preliminary to fabrication drawings.

• Implement process improvements to reduce errors, minimize rework, and enhance overall drawing efficiency and traceability.

• Serve as a key player-coach, contributing technically to complex designs while mentoring and developing team members.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with Project Management, Sales, Engineering, and Production teams to ensure seamless project execution and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager - CAD," the core responsibilities and emphasis on process improvement, standardization, and team leadership align closely with operational excellence principles often found in Revenue Operations (RevOps) or Sales Operations roles that manage critical GTM processes and data integrity. This role focuses on the operational efficiency of the design process, directly impacting production timelines and quality, which is a key component of GTM operational alignment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of three CAD Technicians, fostering a culture of quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

• Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive CAD drafting standards, including drawing formats, detailing practices, naming conventions, and revision tracking methods.

• Manage the CAD workflow from initial project intake and preliminary drawings through shop drawings and final fabrication drawings, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to standards.

• Identify root causes of design errors and revisions, implementing strategic solutions to reduce rework, improve interdepartmental communication, and minimize production impacts.

• Act as a player-coach, utilizing SolidWorks for complex design tasks and providing technical guidance to the team, ensuring high-quality output for preliminary designs, engineering reviews, and fabrication.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and Sales to clarify project scope during handoffs, ensuring accurate translation of client requirements into design documentation.

• Partner with Field Managers to integrate field measurements accurately into designs and work with Production teams to ensure drawings are clear, concise, and fabrication-ready.

• Maintain standardized templates and a central library of commonly used components to enhance efficiency and consistency across all projects.

• Proactively identify and address potential scheduling conflicts within the CAD team, adjusting priorities to meet project deadlines without compromising quality.

• Ensure effective and consistent use of revision tracking systems for complete traceability of design changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize process ownership, standardization, error reduction, and team management, which are core tenets of operational roles. The "player-coach" aspect suggests a hands-on approach to process execution and problem-solving, common in growing operations teams where leaders must also contribute directly.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of direct CAD experience, with a preference for experience in architectural or mechanical design.

• Proven track record of producing fabrication-ready drawings within a manufacturing or construction environment.

• Demonstrated experience in improving drawing accuracy, consistency, or operational processes within a design or engineering context.

Required Skills:

• CAD Software Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks for creating and modifying complex 3D models and 2D drawings.

• Drafting Standards Development: Ability to define, implement, and enforce rigorous CAD standards and best practices.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing technical teams, including performance feedback and workload management.

• Architectural/Structural Drawing Interpretation: Strong ability to interpret architectural and structural drawings, understanding design intent and technical specifications.

• Process Improvement: Demonstrated capability to identify process inefficiencies, analyze root causes of errors, and implement effective solutions.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Solid organizational and project management skills to oversee multiple projects, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Revision Control Management: Expertise in implementing and managing revision tracking methods for accurate documentation and traceability.

Preferred Skills:

• Leadership Experience: Prior formal leadership or supervisory roles managing engineering or design teams.

• Workflow Optimization: Experience in implementing and refining CAD workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce cycle times.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Familiarity with architectural metal systems, aluminum products, or structural aluminum fabrication.

• Additional Software Proficiency: Experience with Bluebeam Revu for document review and collaboration, and strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse teams including sales, project management, engineering, and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of technical CAD skills and operational management competencies. The emphasis on process improvement, error reduction, and standardization directly aligns with the operational focus of GTM roles, where data integrity and process efficiency are paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Standardization Case Study: Showcase a project where you developed or significantly improved CAD drafting standards, detailing the process, the standards implemented, and the quantifiable impact on accuracy or efficiency.

• Process Improvement Example: Present a scenario where you identified and resolved a recurring error or inefficiency in a design workflow, illustrating the problem, your analytical approach, the solution implemented, and the resulting reduction in rework or cycle time.

• Team Leadership & Workflow Management: Provide an example of how you managed a team's workload to meet competing deadlines, highlighting your delegation strategies, prioritization methods, and how you ensured quality across multiple projects.

• Technical Design Showcase: Include examples of complex fabrication drawings or shop drawings you've overseen or directly contributed to, demonstrating your ability to translate technical specifications into clear, actionable manufacturing instructions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in mapping out and optimizing design workflows, detailing methodologies used to streamline handoffs, approvals, and revisions.

• Implementation & Automation: Evidence of implementing new processes, templates, or potentially minor automation scripts to improve CAD team productivity and consistency.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Ability to articulate how design process performance is measured (e.g., revision rates, cycle times, error metrics) and how data is used to drive further improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations professionals are often evaluated on their ability to document, standardize, and improve processes. This section emphasizes that for this Design Manager role, demonstrating experience in these areas through a portfolio is crucial, mirroring expectations for operations roles that manage CRM, sales enablement, or marketing automation processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $85,000 - $100,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on the provided salary range and the location (Brooklyn Center, MN). For a Design Manager role with 5-10 years of experience, this range is competitive for the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Cost of living adjustments may be considered, as noted by the employer.

Bonus/Incentive Pay:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution, Dental insurance, and Vision insurance.

• Life & Disability: Basic and voluntary life insurance, and disability insurance.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Time Off: Paid vacation and holidays, ensuring work-life balance.

• Employee Investment: Stock purchase program with an employee discount, offering equity participation.

• Professional Development: Educational reimbursement to support continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Wellness: Access to wellness programs and challenges to promote employee health and well-being.

• Additional Support: Other supplemental benefits are available.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the company may offer some flexibility in daily scheduling based on project needs and team coordination, though consistent availability for team leadership and cross-functional collaboration is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of ROI and performance-based incentives in the bonus structure is a key indicator of an operations-minded company, where results and efficiency are directly tied to compensation. The comprehensive benefits package is standard for experienced professionals, with specific mentions of HSA contributions and educational reimbursement being particularly attractive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: UFP Industries operates within the building products sector, specifically focusing on structural aluminum systems for decks, balconies, railings, stairs, sunshades, and canopies. This places them in the construction and manufacturing industries, serving both single-family and multi-family residential projects across the United States.

Company Size: UFP Industries is a significant player in its market. While the exact current number of employees for the parent company isn't provided in the raw data, the fact that this role manages a team of three CAD Technicians suggests a well-established operational structure within the Endurable Building Products division.

Founded: UFP Industries has a long history, founded in 1955. This longevity indicates a stable company with established processes and a deep understanding of its market, which can translate to a culture that values experience, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• CAD Team: This role directly manages a team of three CAD Technicians, indicating a focused, specialized unit within the broader design or engineering department.

• Reporting: The Design Manager likely reports to a Director of Engineering, Head of Design, or potentially a VP of Operations, depending on the organizational structure of the Endurable Building Products segment.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role is designed for extensive interaction with Project Managers, Sales representatives, Engineering teams, and Production staff, highlighting a highly collaborative and integrated GTM and operational process.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on reducing errors, analyzing root causes, and implementing standardized processes points to a data-driven approach to design and operations management.

• Process Optimization: A core focus is on improving workflows, standardizing deliverables, and ensuring traceability, reflecting a commitment to operational efficiency and quality control.

• Player-Coach Model: The expectation to both lead and contribute technically signifies a hands-on operational philosophy where managers are deeply involved in the execution of critical tasks.

Company Website: https://ufpi.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on building products and its established history suggest a culture that values tangible results, quality, and efficient production processes. The collaborative nature of the role indicates a GTM strategy that is tightly integrated with operations and production.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the design and engineering support function, with significant operational impact. It bridges technical expertise with team leadership and process management, offering a pathway from individual contributor to strategic operational oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level manager within the engineering or operations leadership structure. They will have direct reports (CAD Technicians) and will collaborate extensively with peers in Project Management, Sales, and Production. This structure allows for visibility into both technical execution and broader business objectives.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is critical to the operational efficiency and profitability of UFP Industries' Endurable Building Products division. By ensuring accurate, consistent, and fabrication-ready drawings, this role directly impacts:

• Production Efficiency: Minimizing errors and rework reduces scrap, labor costs, and production delays.

• Project Timelines: Timely and accurate drawing delivery keeps projects on schedule, crucial for client satisfaction and revenue recognition.

• Product Quality: High-quality design documentation leads to better manufactured products, reducing warranty claims and improving customer perception.

• Sales Support: Accurate preliminary designs and take-offs support the sales team in providing reliable quotes and proposals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into roles like Engineering Manager, Director of Design, or Operations Manager, overseeing larger teams or broader operational functions.

• Process Strategy: Opportunity to take on more strategic projects focused on digital transformation within design, implementing advanced CAD technologies, or improving end-to-end GTM operational workflows.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in architectural metal systems, becoming a subject matter expert and potentially leading R&D or product development initiatives related to design.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to transition into roles in Project Management, Operations Management, or even Sales Engineering, leveraging a broad understanding of the product lifecycle and customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The operational impact of this role is significant, touching on efficiency, quality, and timeline adherence – key metrics for any GTM or RevOps function. The growth opportunities highlight a clear career path for individuals who excel in managing processes and teams within a manufacturing and construction context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Brooklyn Center, MN. The work environment is likely a blend of office-based design work and potential collaboration in manufacturing or shop floor adjacent areas.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Brooklyn Center, MN. This location serves as a hub for design, project management, and potentially sales operations for the Endurable Building Products division.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with various departments, suggesting an open or semi-open office layout designed to facilitate communication and teamwork. Access to meeting rooms for project reviews and cross-functional discussions is expected.

• Tools & Technology: A modern CAD workstation with SolidWorks and potentially Bluebeam Revu will be standard. Access to company servers, project management software, and communication platforms (like Microsoft Office Suite) is essential.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, one-on-one coaching sessions, and collaborative problem-solving sessions with CAD Technicians and other departments will be integral to the daily work.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, are expected. The role demands consistent availability for team oversight, project coordination, and cross-functional engagement. While there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times, the need for leadership presence and responsiveness during core business hours is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and emphasis on collaboration are typical for roles that manage physical production processes or require close interaction with manufacturing and field teams, a common characteristic of operations roles supporting physical products.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into technical expertise, leadership style, process improvement methodologies, and understanding of the role's operational impact.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing specific examples of past work, process improvements, and leadership achievements. This may include a technical assessment or a case study exercise related to CAD standards or workflow optimization.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with CAD Technicians and/or peers from Project Management, Sales, or Production to evaluate collaboration skills and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Operations or Engineering) for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key achievements: process standardization, error reduction initiatives, team development successes, and complex technical projects.

• Quantify Results: For each example, clearly state the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., "Reduced revision time by 15%", "Decreased production errors by 10%").

• Process Focus: Highlight your methodology for identifying issues, developing solutions, and implementing changes. Demonstrate your understanding of workflow mapping and optimization.

• Leadership Narrative: Include examples of how you've mentored team members, managed workloads, and fostered a positive and productive team environment.

• Tailor to UFP: Research UFP Industries and Endurable Building Products. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their specific product lines (aluminum systems) and operational needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• CAD Standards Development: Be ready to outline how you would approach developing or refining CAD standards for a new team or product line.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Prepare to analyze a hypothetical scenario involving design errors or workflow bottlenecks and propose actionable solutions.

• Leadership Simulation: Practice discussing how you would handle common team management challenges, such as workload balancing, performance issues, or interdepartmental conflicts.

• Process Documentation: Be prepared to discuss your approach to documenting existing processes and identifying areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and process-oriented challenges is highly characteristic of operations roles. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just technical skills but also their ability to manage, optimize, and document critical business processes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SolidWorks: This is the core CAD software. Proficiency in creating and modifying 3D models, complex assemblies, and detailed 2D drawings is essential. Experience with SolidWorks PDM (Product Data Management) is a significant plus for managing design files and revisions.

• Bluebeam Revu: Preferred for document review, markups, and collaboration, especially in a construction or architectural context. Familiarity with its features for comparing documents and managing revisions is valuable.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word (documentation), Excel (data analysis, tracking, reporting), and PowerPoint (presentations, team updates).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analyst role, the Design Manager will need to leverage data for process improvement. This includes using Excel or potentially BI tools (if integrated with production/sales data) to track metrics like:
  • Revision frequency and root causes
  • Drawing cycle times
  • Error rates impacting production

CRM & Automation:

• While the primary focus is CAD, understanding how design outputs integrate with broader CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems is beneficial. The ability to ensure design data flows correctly into project management or production planning systems is key.

• Integration Concepts: Familiarity with how CAD data might be integrated into sales quoting tools or production scheduling software would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are foundational for design management. The emphasis on using data (even if primarily through Excel) for process improvement directly aligns with the analytical requirements of operations roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy & Precision: A fundamental value, ensuring all designs are technically correct and free from errors that could impact production or customer satisfaction.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A drive to streamline processes, reduce cycle times, and maximize the output of the design team while maintaining quality.

• Collaboration & Communication: A commitment to working effectively with other departments, fostering open communication, and resolving issues proactively.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for team performance, design quality, and the successful implementation of processes and standards.

• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing effort to identify opportunities for enhancement in design practices, workflows, and team development.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking input and providing feedback to cross-functional teams, rather than waiting for issues to arise.

• Structured Communication: Utilizing clear, concise, and documented communication methods for project updates, design reviews, and issue resolution.

• Team-Centric Approach: Fostering an environment where team members feel supported, empowered, and accountable, encouraging knowledge sharing and mutual assistance.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: Approaching challenges collaboratively, focusing on finding effective solutions that benefit the project and the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values and collaboration style are highly indicative of an operations-focused culture, emphasizing process, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making, all within a collaborative framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Leadership and Technical Contribution: Effectively managing a team while still needing to contribute technically to complex designs requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Standardization Adoption: Implementing and ensuring consistent adherence to new or refined CAD standards across a team can be challenging, requiring ongoing training, reinforcement, and clear communication.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Bridging the communication and process gaps between design, sales, project management, and production can be complex, requiring strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

• Managing Revision Control: Ensuring all revisions are accurately captured, communicated, and implemented across all relevant project documentation is a constant operational challenge.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in CAD software and design technologies to maintain team efficiency and competitive advantage.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD/Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in SolidWorks, explore new modules, or learn complementary software like advanced BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools.

• Project Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) to enhance project oversight capabilities.

• Leadership Development Programs: Company-sponsored training in management, team building, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending events related to architectural metal design, construction technology, or manufacturing process optimization.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior engineering or operations leaders, or to mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying and preparing for these challenges is key for operations professionals. The growth opportunities provided indicate a company that invests in the development of its operational and technical leaders.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process Optimization: "Describe a time you identified a bottleneck in a design workflow. What steps did you take to analyze it, what solution did you implement, and what were the measurable results?" (Prepare a case study focusing on your methodology for process mapping, root cause analysis, and outcome measurement).

• Team Management & Development: "How do you ensure consistency and quality across a team of designers with varying skill levels? Describe your approach to coaching and performance management." (Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy, delegation strategies, and feedback mechanisms).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "Imagine a scenario where Sales provided incomplete information during a project handoff, leading to design errors. How would you address this with Sales and ensure it doesn't happen again?" (Prepare to discuss communication strategies, process improvements for handoffs, and conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding UFP's Operations: "Based on your research, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges or opportunities for a company like UFP Industries in the structural aluminum systems market?" (Demonstrate you've researched their products and industry; connect your experience to their context).

• Team Dynamics: "What is your preferred team structure and collaboration style for a CAD team working on complex projects?" (Align your answer with the role's emphasis on collaboration and standardization).

• Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success of your team and your contributions to the overall business objectives of Endurable Building Products?" (Focus on metrics related to efficiency, quality, and project delivery).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: For each portfolio piece, structure it as a mini-story: the challenge, your role and actions, and the positive outcome.

• Focus on Operations: Highlight your contributions to process improvement, standardization, efficiency gains, and error reduction. Frame your technical work through an operational lens.

• Visual Clarity: Use clear, concise visuals. If discussing drawings, be prepared to explain the key elements and why specific design choices were made, especially regarding fabrication.

• Data-Driven Evidence: Present metrics and quantifiable results prominently. This is crucial for demonstrating operational impact.

• Interactive Elements: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process, tools, and decision-making. Show enthusiasm for problem-solving and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for operations roles often involves showcasing process thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to quantify impact. This section guides candidates to frame their experience in these terms, relevant to both design management and broader operational functions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - CAD position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://ufpi.wd503.myworkdayjobs.com/ufpi/job/Brooklyn-Center-MN/Design-Manager---CAD_R20583

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience in CAD standards development, process improvement, error reduction, and team leadership. Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate these operational competencies.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "CAD Management," "SolidWorks," "Drafting Standards," "Process Improvement," "Team Leadership," and "Fabrication Drawings." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific examples for strategy, leadership, and problem-solving questions. Be ready to walk through your portfolio with a focus on operational impact and methodology.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research UFP Industries and their Endurable Building Products division. Understand their product offerings, market position, and any publicly available information on their operational focus or culture.

⚠️ 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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