Design Manager - Construction

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Construction

Company: Erickson-Hall Construction Co.

Location: Santa Ana, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: September 09, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for design-build construction projects, ensuring alignment with project schedules and client technical requirements.

• Drive the delivery of efficient, economical, and compliant designs within defined scope and budget constraints.

• Foster collaboration among design teams, estimating, preconstruction, and construction departments to achieve project success.

• Provide critical leadership and decision-making throughout the preconstruction and construction phases.

• Manage contractual agreements and communication between designers, construction teams, and client representatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly positioned within construction operations, focusing on the strategic and tactical management of the design lifecycle. The emphasis on "design-build" and "collaborative contract models" indicates a need for strong operational process management and cross-functional team leadership within a project management framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Determine and direct the fundamental strategy for design, continuously leading the entire design team and process from inception through project completion.

• Lead all design meetings during pursuit and execution phases, from initial concept development to the finalization of construction documents.

• Coordinate efforts effectively with Preconstruction, Estimating, and other internal departments to ensure seamless execution of preconstruction services.

• Act as an integral member of the construction team, working closely with the Project Executive/Manager to provide decisive leadership.

• Establish clear scopes and contractual agreements among all necessary design partners to ensure successful project delivery.

• Facilitate clear and consistent communication channels between Designers, the Construction team, and client representatives.

• Conduct thorough reviews and approvals of all construction and shop drawings generated by design partners and subcontractors, ensuring designs meet all contractual obligations across all project phases.

• Manage the timely delivery of all design-related documentation, adhering to project timelines and milestones.

• Generate and coordinate relevant subcontractor contractual language specifically related to design responsibilities and deliverables.

• Initiate and lead design reviews, actively seeking opportunities to optimize designs, enhance constructability, and proactively detect potential risks.

• Implement lean construction principles to minimize costs and accelerate design preparation, striving for designs that are more efficiently delivered (e.g., prefabrication), safer (safety in design), and balanced in terms of first costs and life cycle costs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on management of the design phase within construction projects. The emphasis on "lean aspects," "safety in design," and "life cycle costs" suggests a forward-thinking approach to operational efficiency and long-term project value, requiring a manager adept at process optimization and risk mitigation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited and credentialed degree program in Engineering or Architecture. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Engineering or Design Project Management, including significant involvement in the Construction Administration portion of Engineering and Design Management.

• Equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience will be considered. Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in Designing, Estimating, and Scheduling.

• Proven ability to interpret owner compliance documentation and lead design teams in developing efficient, compliant, and cost-competitive designs.

• Demonstrated ability to think in a highly structured manner across all design disciplines, integrating creativity and collaboration to develop specialized solutions and anticipate potential challenges and opportunities.

• Cross-functional knowledge of key engineering disciplines, including Architectural, Structural, MEP/HVAC, and relevant trades.

• Must possess strong integrative skills, effectively involving Design Specialists and experts for consultancy and support.

• Demonstrated leadership ability with a collaborative and successful team-oriented approach.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to thrive and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

• Previous industry experience specifically as a Designer is highly desired.

• Experience working in collaborative contract models such as Design-Build, Modified/Progressive Design-Build, IPD (Integrated Project Delivery), or Alliance is preferred.

• Experience with alternative delivery methods beyond preferred collaborative contracts is a plus but not strictly required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in engineering or architecture, coupled with extensive project management experience. The preference for collaborative contract models like Design-Build and IPD suggests the company values operational frameworks that promote early contractor involvement and integrated team approaches, requiring candidates to demonstrate experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships and diverse project delivery methods.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least three (3) significant design-build or complex construction projects where you held a leadership role in the design management capacity.

• For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions to defining design strategy, managing the design team, and ensuring constructability and budget adherence.

• Provide evidence of your ability to integrate lean principles and optimize design for efficiency, safety, and life cycle cost.

• Highlight examples of successful cross-functional collaboration with estimating, preconstruction, and field teams.

• Include documentation demonstrating your experience with contractual agreements related to design and subcontractor management. Process Documentation:

• Prepare to discuss and present your systematic approach to managing the design lifecycle, from conceptualization to construction document finalization.

• Be ready to detail your methods for conducting design reviews, identifying risks, and implementing value engineering initiatives.

• Outline your strategies for ensuring timely delivery of design documents and managing design-related subcontractor obligations.

• Be prepared to illustrate how you've utilized or would utilize technology and collaborative platforms to enhance design process efficiency and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio demonstrating end-to-end design management within construction projects is critical. Candidates should focus on quantifiable achievements related to schedule adherence, cost savings through design optimization, constructability improvements, and successful navigation of complex contractual and stakeholder landscapes. Highlighting experience with alternative delivery methods will be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated range of $165,000 - $200,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in the Los Angeles/Orange County metropolitan area, considering the company's size, industry standing, and the comprehensive nature of the role. Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Opportunity to become an owner of Erickson-Hall Construction Co., sharing in the company's long-term success.

• Profit-Sharing: Additional financial rewards based on company performance.

• 100% Employer-Paid Health/Dental Premiums: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage for team members at no cost to the employee.

• Generous Vacation and Sick Time Off: Ample paid time off to support work-life balance.

• Nine (9) Paid Holidays: Including a paid day off for your birthday.

• 100% Employer-Paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Robust protection for employees and their families.

• Retirement Plans: Company contributions to retirement savings plans.

• Subsidized Tuition on Child Care: Financial assistance for childcare expenses.

• Health/Dependent Care FSAs: Pre-tax savings accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Community Impact: Opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that benefit local communities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at project locations or the main office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on market data for senior-level construction design management roles in Southern California. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the ESOP and 100% employer-paid premiums, signifies a strong commitment to employee well-being and long-term engagement, which are key differentiators for attracting top talent in the construction operations sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (General Building, Commercial, Education, Healthcare, Public Works)

Company Size: Erickson-Hall Construction Co. is a well-established, multi-regional contractor with a significant employee base, likely placing it in the 250-500+ employee range. This size indicates a stable, reputable organization with robust operational processes and a strong market presence.

Founded: Founded in 1979, Erickson-Hall has decades of experience, building a legacy of trust, quality, and innovation in the construction industry. This long history suggests a culture rooted in enduring relationships, client satisfaction, and a commitment to excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Project Management or Operations division, potentially reporting to a Director of Operations or a Senior Project Executive.

• This role requires close collaboration with Project Executives/Managers, Preconstruction teams, Estimators, Superintendents, and external design consultants and subcontractors.

• The team structure emphasizes cross-functional integration, with the Design Manager acting as a central hub for design-related communication and coordination. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Erickson-Hall likely employs data analysis to inform project planning, risk assessment, and cost control. The Design Manager will be expected to leverage data for design optimization and value engineering.

• Process Optimization: The company's commitment to being a "Top Workplace" and "Employee-Owned" suggests a culture that values continuous improvement, efficiency, and employee input in refining operational processes.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: As an employee-owned company, teamwork and shared responsibility are fundamental. The Design Manager will need to foster a collaborative environment to achieve project goals.

Company Website: https://www.ericksonhall.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Erickson-Hall's status as a multi-regional, employee-owned company with a long history points to a culture that values stability, employee empowerment, and a commitment to quality. For a Design Manager, this means an environment where operational excellence and collaborative problem-solving are likely highly valued, with opportunities to influence processes and contribute to long-term company success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the construction operations and project management hierarchy. As a Design Manager, the individual is entrusted with significant responsibility for the strategic direction and successful execution of the design phase of complex projects. This level requires not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage intricate processes and relationships.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a senior leader within the operations or project management structure, such as a Director of Operations, Senior Project Executive, or Vice President of Operations. They will, in turn, lead and direct the efforts of the design team, which may include internal specialists, external architectural and engineering firms, and design consultants.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is substantial, directly impacting project profitability, constructability, schedule adherence, and client satisfaction. By ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and compliant designs, they lay the groundwork for successful project execution, minimizing costly changes and delays during construction. Their role is crucial in mitigating risks and maximizing value for both the client and Erickson-Hall.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles within operations, such as Director of Design, VP of Operations, or even a general management role within a specific division or region.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., healthcare, education, public works) or advanced construction methodologies (e.g., BIM, prefabrication, advanced lean techniques).

• Business Development: Involvement in preconstruction and client engagement phases can lead to opportunities in business development and client relationship management.

• Mentorship: As a senior leader, there will be opportunities to mentor junior project managers, designers, and other operations staff, fostering the next generation of talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Design Manager role at Erickson-Hall is a pivotal position with clear pathways for career advancement within the construction operations field. The company's employee-ownership model and focus on long-term success suggest a culture that invests in its senior talent, offering opportunities for both professional development and increased ownership stake.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, requiring a strong presence at project locations and potentially at the company's main office in Santa Ana, CA. The work environment will be dynamic, involving site visits, client meetings, and collaborative sessions with project teams.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Santa Ana, California, with project sites distributed across Southern California and potentially further afield, given the "multi-regional" designation. Access to project sites will be a key aspect of the daily work.

Workspace Context:

• Field-Oriented: Expect a mix of office-based work for planning, documentation, and meetings, and significant time spent on construction sites. This requires adaptability and comfort in diverse settings.

• Collaborative Hub: The Santa Ana office likely serves as a central hub for project teams, offering collaborative spaces for design reviews, team meetings, and strategic planning sessions.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to project management software, BIM tools, communication platforms, and other relevant technologies will be essential for efficient workflow management and team coordination.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, the demanding nature of construction projects may require flexibility, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases to ensure deadlines are met and operations run smoothly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is crucial. Candidates should be comfortable with a blend of office and field work, including site visits, and understand the fast-paced, often unpredictable environment of active construction projects. This requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively across multiple locations and demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements, focusing on your design management experience, project scope, and type of projects managed.

• Technical Interview: A detailed discussion with hiring managers and potentially senior operations leaders to evaluate your technical expertise in design, engineering disciplines, construction methods, and your understanding of design-build and collaborative contracts. Expect questions on risk assessment, value engineering, and lean construction principles.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes. This is where you demonstrate your process and impact.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, collaboration skills, problem-solving approach, and how well you align with Erickson-Hall's employee-owned culture and values. You may meet with potential team members.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with executive leadership to finalize the decision and discuss the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, use metrics to demonstrate your impact – e.g., "reduced design duration by 15%", "identified cost savings of $X through value engineering," "mitigated Y critical risks before construction."

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your systematic approach to design management, from initial concept to final documentation. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide specific examples of how you fostered collaboration between design teams, subcontractors, and internal departments.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss complex design challenges you encountered and how you strategically solved them, showcasing your problem-solving acumen.

• Tailor to Erickson-Hall: Research Erickson-Hall's project types and values. Frame your portfolio examples to resonate with their specific areas of focus and operational philosophy.

Challenge Preparation:

• You may be asked to analyze a hypothetical design scenario or a past project challenge and propose solutions, focusing on constructability, cost-effectiveness, and schedule.

• Be ready to discuss your strategies for managing difficult stakeholders or resolving design conflicts.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of lean construction principles and how you would apply them in specific situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates quantifiable results and a structured approach to design management will be paramount. Candidates should be ready to articulate their strategic thinking and collaborative approach, aligning with the company's employee-ownership culture.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (including BIM 360), or similar systems for managing project documentation, communication, and workflows.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar for design coordination, clash detection, and visualization.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and potentially specialized engineering software relevant to architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.

• Estimating & Scheduling Software: Experience with tools like Timberline, P6 (Primavera), Microsoft Project, or similar for cost estimation and project scheduling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management systems, cost reports, and schedules to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for optimization.

• Reporting Platforms: Experience generating comprehensive reports for stakeholders, detailing design progress, budget adherence, and risk assessments.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding client relationship management principles is key. Familiarity with systems that facilitate communication and client interaction within project contexts is beneficial.

• Automation tools may be leveraged for document management, workflow approvals, and reporting to enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of construction project management software, particularly those with integrated BIM capabilities, is essential. The ability to leverage these tools for design coordination, clash detection, and data-driven decision-making will be a significant asset. Experience with scheduling and estimating software is also critical for comprehensive design management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: As an employee-owned company, honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct are paramount in all operations and interactions.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together, supporting colleagues, and contributing to shared project and company goals. The employee-ownership model fosters a collective responsibility for success.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Erickson-Hall's consistent recognition as a Top Workplace suggests a culture that encourages new ideas, embraces technological advancements, and actively seeks ways to improve processes and outcomes.

• Commitment to Quality: A dedication to delivering high-quality construction projects that meet or exceed client expectations, built through meticulous planning and execution.

• Safety & Well-being: Prioritizing the health and safety of all team members on job sites and fostering a supportive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The company actively promotes collaboration across departments (Preconstruction, Estimating, Field Operations, Design) to ensure a cohesive project approach.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, feedback, and constructive criticism among team members to drive problem-solving and innovation.

• Shared Ownership Mentality: Team members are encouraged to take initiative, share knowledge, and actively participate in improving processes, reflecting the employee-ownership ethos.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of Erickson-Hall, particularly teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement, are deeply intertwined with its employee-ownership structure. A successful Design Manager will need to embody these values, fostering a collaborative spirit and actively contributing to the company's culture of excellence and shared success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Efficiency and Client Requirements: The primary challenge will be to deliver designs that are both technically sound, cost-effective, and meet all client specifications, often under tight deadlines.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively coordinating and communicating with a wide array of stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams, each with potentially competing interests.

• Navigating Complex Contractual Frameworks: Understanding and managing the intricacies of design-build and other collaborative contracts to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

• Integrating Lean Methodologies: Successfully implementing and gaining buy-in for lean construction principles across project teams to drive efficiency and reduce waste.

• Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with evolving design technologies (e.g., advanced BIM, AI in design) and construction methods to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Training: Opportunities to attend specialized courses or workshops on topics like advanced BIM coordination, integrated project delivery, or sustainable design practices.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal or external programs focused on enhancing leadership, strategic planning, and executive communication skills.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending construction industry conferences (e.g., AGC, DBIA) and obtaining relevant certifications to stay current with best practices and network with peers.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to gain deeper insights into estimating, preconstruction, project management, and field operations through cross-functional collaboration and project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a dynamic industry. The company's commitment to continuous improvement and employee development suggests a supportive environment for acquiring new skills and advancing within the construction operations field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a design team on a complex design-build project from concept to completion. What are your key process steps and decision points?" (Focus on structured methodology, risk management, and stakeholder alignment.)

• "How do you ensure designs are both innovative and cost-effective, particularly when balancing first costs with life cycle costs? Provide a specific example." (Highlight value engineering, lean principles, and data-driven decision-making.)

• "Discuss a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or resolve design disputes among stakeholders. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Emphasize communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Erickson-Hall Construction Co., particularly our employee-ownership model and reputation as a Top Workplace?" (Research company values, recent projects, and culture.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment and ensure effective communication across diverse teams, including external partners and internal departments?" (Discuss your leadership style and teamwork approach.)

• "How do you measure the success of the design process, beyond just schedule and budget adherence? What operational metrics do you track?" (Focus on constructability, risk mitigation, and client satisfaction.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a clear story arc: Problem/Client Need -> Your Strategy/Design Approach -> Key Actions/Collaborations -> Quantifiable Results/Outcomes.

• Visualize Your Impact: Use visuals like site photos, design renderings, or process flow diagrams to illustrate your points. Show, don't just tell.

• Focus on Operations: Clearly articulate the operational processes you implemented or managed, the tools you used, and how your actions improved efficiency, reduced risk, or enhanced project value.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical details, contractual clauses, or financial implications related to your presented projects.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Throughout your presentation, convey your leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and ability to drive successful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic understanding of design management within the construction operations context. Candidates should be ready to articulate their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and how they leverage operational processes and tools to achieve project success, particularly within collaborative delivery models.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Erickson-Hall Construction Co. careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 10+ years of experience in design and construction project management, highlighting specific achievements in design-build, preconstruction, estimating, and scheduling. Use keywords from the job description like "design process," "constructability," "lean construction," and "collaborative contracts."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-4 of your most impactful design management projects. Ensure each project clearly outlines your role, the challenges, your strategic approach, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present this portfolio during the interview process.

• Research Erickson-Hall: Understand their company culture, values (especially employee ownership), project portfolio, and recent news. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and alignment.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your operational methodologies.

⚠️ 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.