Design Manager - Facilities Planning & Design - Anaheim, CA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Facilities Planning & Design

Company: Kaiser Permanente

Location: Anaheim, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular, Standard

Category: Facilities Planning & Design Management

Date Posted: September 02, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective design delivery for capital projects by coordinating Planning & Design, Project Management, operational stakeholders, and external architecture and engineering consultants.

• Acts as a design integrator, ensuring alignment between project scope, budget, schedule, operational requirements, and design deliverables from project initiation through construction documentation.

• Drives design clarity early in the project lifecycle, aiming to reduce waste and rework through disciplined design management practices and milestone-based reviews.

• Translates Owner Project Requirements into actionable design strategies and decision frameworks to identify and resolve risks, scope gaps, and coordination issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a large, established healthcare organization (Kaiser Permanente), implying a focus on complex, regulated environments, and a need for robust process adherence and stakeholder management. The emphasis on "capital projects" and "healthcare planning" suggests a need for deep understanding of healthcare facility design nuances and compliance. The "10+ Years" experience level indicates a senior position requiring significant strategic and leadership capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct planning and design projects, utilizing judgment to define issues and develop solutions for complex capital program challenges.

• Coordinate communication networks between project teams, internal personnel, and external contacts, ensuring seamless information flow.

• Research, recommend, and train teams and consultants on strategies and concepts, providing expert strategic guidance and management for the area of expertise.

• Manage multiple complex National Facilities Services (NFS) projects and initiatives from initiation through the design phase, with minimal oversight.

• Develop, analyze, and manage complex project plans, including scope, schedule, inter-dependencies, and resource forecasts, ensuring alignment with business benefits and outcomes.

• Lead project activities related to organizational change management, including user adoption, implementation, and training plans.

• Drive resource allocation, establish schedules, and assign tasks to ensure established practices are in place.

• Provide technical guidance, coordination, coaching, and project-level supervision to designers, drafters, engineers, consultants, architects, and planners.

• Obtain advanced research knowledge on building codes and materials, applying strategies for implementation and identifying incremental process improvements for vendor assessment.

• Lead internal teams in the development of enterprise facilities design standards to ensure quality solutions and compliance.

• Promote learning in others by communicating information, providing advice, and mentoring junior team members.

• Adapt to competing demands, learn from change, and model team collaboration across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, strategic project management, and people leadership. The emphasis on "National Facilities Services (NFS) projects" and "healthcare planning" points to specialized knowledge in healthcare infrastructure. The mention of "change management" and "user adoption" indicates a need for strong communication and influencing skills to navigate complex organizational structures.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Structural), Planning (e.g., Space Planning), Interior Design, Construction Management, Cost Estimating, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum eight (8) years of experience in planning, architectural, design, engineering, CADD, hospital/medical facility, healthcare planning, construction estimating, or a directly related field.

• OR Minimum eleven (11) years of experience in planning, architectural, design, engineering, CADD, hospital/medical facility, health and safety administration/management, construction estimating, or a directly related field. Required Skills:

• Facilities Planning & Design: Proven experience in the planning, design, and execution of facilities projects, particularly in a healthcare setting.

• Project Management: Strong ability to manage complex capital projects from initiation through design, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource management.

• Architectural & Engineering Coordination: Expertise in coordinating with external architecture and engineering consultants, providing technical guidance and oversight.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including operational teams, user groups, subject matter experts, and senior leadership.

• Building Codes & Standards: Thorough knowledge of relevant building codes, healthcare facility regulations, and design standards.

• Strategic Planning: Capacity to translate Owner Project Requirements into actionable design strategies and decision frameworks.

• Risk Management: Skill in identifying and resolving design-related risks, scope gaps, and coordination issues.

• Process Improvement: Demonstrated ability to identify and implement incremental process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Technical Guidance: Proficiency in providing expert technical advice and project-level supervision to design teams and consultants.

• Cost Estimating: Understanding of cost estimating principles and their application in capital project design.

• Healthcare Planning: Specific experience in planning and designing healthcare facilities, understanding their unique operational needs.

Preferred Skills:

• CADD Proficiency: Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design and Drafting software.

• Construction Documentation: Experience overseeing the development of construction documents.

• Change Management: Experience in managing organizational change associated with new facility designs or renovations.

• Vendor Management: Ability to effectively manage relationships and performance of external consultants and vendors.

• Space Planning: Expertise in optimizing space utilization within healthcare facilities.

• Interior Design Principles: Understanding of interior design considerations for healthcare environments.

• CADD Management: Experience in managing CADD standards and processes.

• Health and Safety Administration/Management: Knowledge of health and safety protocols within healthcare facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is structured with two alternative paths, emphasizing flexibility for candidates with different career trajectories. The "10+ Years" AI-derived experience level aligns with the dual minimum requirements of 8 or 11 years, suggesting a need for senior-level expertise. The skills list is extensive, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the role within a large healthcare system.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex capital projects, preferably in healthcare or similar regulated environments, demonstrating your role in planning, design management, and stakeholder coordination.

• Design Deliverable Samples: Include examples of key design documents you managed or contributed to, such as concept designs, schematic designs, or construction documentation summaries.

• Process Optimization Examples: Present specific instances where you identified and implemented process improvements within the design or project management lifecycle, quantifying the impact (e.g., reduced rework, improved efficiency, cost savings).

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Detail how you effectively managed communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including user groups, consultants, and internal teams, to achieve project objectives.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Provide examples of how you proactively identified and addressed design-related risks, scope gaps, or coordination issues, outlining the solutions implemented.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Framework: Be prepared to discuss your approach to establishing and managing a design management framework for capital projects, including key phases, reviews, and decision gates.

• Consultant Management Protocols: Detail your methods for selecting, onboarding, managing, and evaluating architecture and engineering consultants to ensure high-quality deliverables and adherence to project requirements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Workflows: Describe how you establish and maintain effective workflows for collaboration between design teams, project managers, operational stakeholders, and subject matter experts.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Explain how you track and report on design project performance against key metrics such as scope adherence, schedule milestones, quality standards, and budget alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role in a large organization like Kaiser Permanente, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management principles, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement is crucial. The emphasis should be on tangible results and a structured approach to complex projects, particularly within the healthcare sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in the Anaheim, California area, and considering Kaiser Permanente's organizational size and the specialized nature of healthcare facilities planning, the estimated annual salary range is $130,000 - $180,000. This estimate considers factors such as the complexity of capital projects, required technical expertise, and leadership responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with potential employer match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and long-term/short-term disability coverage.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives and resources to support employee health and well-being.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Potential financial assistance for pursuing further education relevant to the role.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or attend critical meetings outside of standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for a Design Manager with significant experience in the specified location and industry. Actual compensation may vary based on specific qualifications, experience, and internal pay scales. Kaiser Permanente, as a large healthcare provider, is known for offering comprehensive benefits packages to its employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Provider (Integrated Health System)

Company Size: Large (Over 100,000 employees globally)

Founded: 1945 (Kaiser Permanente)

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager likely operates within the National Facilities Services (NFS) division, a large department responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of Kaiser Permanente's extensive network of medical facilities.

• This role will collaborate closely with Project Management teams, Regional Facilities Planning & Design departments, operational stakeholders (clinicians, administrators), and external architecture and engineering consultants.

• The team structure emphasizes a matrixed approach, requiring strong collaboration and communication across various functional areas and geographic regions. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data, including operational requirements, utilization metrics, and cost analyses, to inform design decisions.

• Standardized Processes: Development and adherence to standardized design management processes, templates, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across all capital projects.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages identifying opportunities for process optimization, efficiency gains, and innovation in facility design and delivery.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encouraging cross-functional teams to work together to identify and resolve complex challenges.

Company Website: https://www.kaiserpermanente.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kaiser Permanente's status as a leading integrated healthcare system means its culture is deeply rooted in patient care, operational efficiency, and a commitment to community health. For a Design Manager, this translates to a need for understanding patient experience, clinical workflows, and regulatory compliance within the built environment. The sheer scale of Kaiser Permanente's operations suggests a highly structured environment with established protocols and a focus on long-term strategic planning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Level

This role represents a significant leadership position within Facilities Planning & Design. It requires extensive experience and a proven track record in managing complex capital projects from conception through the design phase. The Design Manager is expected to provide strategic direction, technical expertise, and mentorship to junior staff and external partners, influencing the overall quality and efficiency of Kaiser Permanente's facility development.

Reporting Structure:

The Design Manager likely reports to a Director or Senior Director of Facilities Planning & Design or a similar leadership role within the National Facilities Services (NFS) organization. They will manage a portfolio of projects and may have direct reports (e.g., junior designers, project coordinators) or lead matrixed project teams comprised of internal and external resources.

Operations Impact:

This role has a substantial impact on Kaiser Permanente's ability to deliver high-quality healthcare services. Effective design management ensures that facilities are:

• Operationally Efficient: Designed to support optimal clinical workflows, patient flow, and staff productivity.

• Cost-Effective: Managed to control design costs, minimize rework, and achieve long-term value.

• Safe and Compliant: Adhering to all healthcare regulations, building codes, and safety standards.

• Scalable and Future-Ready: Designed to accommodate evolving healthcare technologies and patient needs.

• Patient-Centric: Fostering a healing environment that enhances the patient experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Director-Level Positions: Advancement to Director of Facilities Planning & Design, overseeing larger portfolios or specific functional areas.

• Senior Leadership Roles: Transitioning into executive roles within NFS, such as VP of Planning & Design or VP of Capital Projects.

• Specialization: Developing deep expertise in specific areas like healthcare technology integration, sustainable design, or master planning.

• Program Management Leadership: Leading broader strategic initiatives or overseeing entire capital programs.

• Mentorship and Training: Taking on formal roles in mentoring junior staff and developing training programs for design and project management best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Design Manager at Kaiser Permanente is well-defined, moving into progressively larger scopes of responsibility within capital projects and facilities management. The emphasis on influencing operational outcomes and ensuring compliance within a healthcare setting provides a clear path for career development and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily On-site with potential for hybrid arrangements for specific tasks or meetings. This role requires significant presence at the Richfield Business Center in Anaheim, CA, for team collaboration, stakeholder meetings, and direct oversight of design processes.

Office Location(s): Richfield Business Center, Anaheim, California. This location serves as a hub for regional operations and administrative functions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely features a mix of individual workspaces, team collaboration areas, and meeting rooms equipped for design reviews and stakeholder presentations.

• Technology Access: Access to project management software, CADD tools, communication platforms, and other relevant technologies is expected.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, design consultants (potentially through virtual meetings), and operational stakeholders to facilitate real-time problem-solving and decision-making.

• Project Site Visits: The role will necessitate regular site visits to active construction projects and existing facilities to assess progress, identify issues, and ensure design intent is met.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday) are typical. However, given the nature of capital projects and potential for urgent issues, some flexibility may be required to attend to critical matters outside of regular hours, especially during intensive project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the need for hands-on management, direct collaboration, and physical presence for site assessments, which are critical for a Design Manager in a large-scale facilities environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition reviews applications for minimum qualifications and alignment with the role.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager focusing on your experience in facilities planning, design management, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Expect questions about your approach to managing complex projects and consultants.

3. Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve a panel of subject matter experts (e.g., senior architects, project managers, operational leaders) who will assess your technical depth, problem-solving skills, and understanding of healthcare facility design principles. You may be asked to discuss specific challenges from your portfolio.

4. Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved. This is a critical component for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within Facilities Planning & Design or NFS to assess cultural fit, leadership potential, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in capital projects, healthcare facilities, and design management. Prioritize diversity in project types and complexities.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, operational efficiencies gained). Use metrics whenever possible.

• Highlight Process: Explain your design management methodology, how you coordinated with consultants, managed stakeholders, ensured compliance, and mitigated risks.

• Showcase Collaboration: Demonstrate how you fostered collaboration among diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Prepare a concise narrative for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be ready to discuss a hypothetical or real-world scenario related to healthcare facility design, project delays, scope creep, or consultant performance issues. Outline your strategic approach to diagnose the problem and propose solutions.

• Process Design: You might be asked to outline a process for managing a specific phase of a capital project, such as design review or consultant selection.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to articulate how you would communicate complex design decisions or project challenges to different stakeholder groups (e.g., clinicians, executives, technical teams).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and case study preparation indicates that Kaiser Permanente values demonstrated experience and the ability to articulate one's contributions and strategic thinking in a practical, results-oriented manner.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely proficiency in platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for managing project timelines, resources, and budgets.

• CADD Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or other architectural/engineering design and modeling software used by consultants and potentially for internal review.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day team communication and collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, Aconex, or similar for organizing and sharing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial modeling, cost tracking, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Potential exposure to tools like Tableau or Power BI for data visualization and dashboard creation to track project performance metrics.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in developing or utilizing dashboards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, budget, and schedule.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, familiarity with systems that manage vendor relationships or project stakeholder information may be beneficial.

• Understanding of workflow automation principles in project management or design processes could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with standard project management and CADD tools is essential. The ability to leverage data analytics and reporting tools to monitor project performance and communicate insights to stakeholders is also highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: All decisions and designs ultimately support the delivery of high-quality patient care.

• Integrity and Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with stakeholders, consultants, and team members.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated.

• Excellence and Innovation: Striving for high-quality outcomes and embracing innovative solutions in facility design and project delivery.

• Efficiency and Accountability: Driving effective use of resources, managing projects responsibly, and taking ownership of outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with various departments, including clinical operations, IT, finance, and other facilities teams.

• Consultative Approach: Engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and incorporating their input into the design process.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication channels with all parties involved in a project.

• Constructive Feedback: Willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kaiser Permanente's values are deeply embedded in its mission to provide excellent healthcare. For a Design Manager, this means understanding how facility design directly impacts patient experience, operational efficiency, and the well-being of staff. A collaborative and accountable approach is paramount in navigating the complexities of a large healthcare system.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing diverse stakeholder needs, budget constraints, and aggressive schedules simultaneously.

• Navigating Regulatory Complexity: Ensuring compliance with stringent healthcare regulations, building codes, and accessibility standards.

• Managing External Consultants: Ensuring consultants deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, while maintaining alignment with Kaiser Permanente's standards.

• Integrating New Technologies: Incorporating evolving healthcare technologies and design innovations into facility plans.

• Driving Organizational Change: Effectively communicating and implementing design changes that may impact established operational workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Healthcare Design Seminars: Access to specialized training and workshops focused on the latest trends and best practices in healthcare facility design.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant certifications (e.g., LEED, AIA, PMP).

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with other departments, gaining a broader understanding of the organization's operations.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders and experienced professionals for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are inherent to large-scale capital projects within a highly regulated industry. However, these challenges also present significant opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and making a tangible impact on healthcare delivery.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design phase of a large-scale healthcare capital project, from initial programming to construction documentation. What are your key considerations and milestones?"

  • Preparation: Outline a structured design management process, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and quality control at each stage.

• "How do you ensure alignment between Owner Project Requirements, operational needs, and the final design deliverables when working with external A&E consultants?"

  • Preparation: Discuss strategies for clear scope definition, regular design reviews, feedback loops, and performance monitoring of consultants.

• "Tell me about a time you had to resolve a significant design conflict or coordination issue on a project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to detail a specific problem, your analytical process, the solution you implemented, and its impact. Focus on problem-solving and collaboration.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kaiser Permanente's mission and values, and how do you see your role as a Design Manager contributing to them?"

  • Preparation: Research Kaiser Permanente's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Connect your experience to patient care, operational excellence, and community health.

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment when working with diverse teams, including clinical staff, project managers, and external consultants?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your communication style, experience in cross-functional team leadership, and methods for building consensus and managing differing opinions.

• "Describe your experience in ensuring compliance with healthcare facility design standards and building codes. What is your process for staying current with regulations?"

  • Preparation: Highlight your knowledge of relevant codes (e.g., FGI Guidelines, ADA, local building codes) and your proactive approach to staying informed.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a brief overview of your career and the types of projects you manage.

• Project Deep Dive: For each selected project, clearly articulate:

  • Project objective and scope.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • Key challenges (e.g., technical, stakeholder, budget, schedule).
  • Your strategic approach and solutions implemented.
  • Measurable outcomes and lessons learned.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your design management contributed to operational efficiency, cost savings, improved patient care, or enhanced staff experience.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, renderings, or floor plans where appropriate to illustrate design concepts and solutions.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your decisions, methodologies, and experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice analyzing common challenges in facility design (e.g., budget overruns, scope creep, unexpected site conditions) and outlining step-by-step solutions.

• Process Mapping: Be ready to sketch out or describe key design or project management processes.

• Stakeholder Scenarios: Role-play how you would address difficult conversations with stakeholders regarding design compromises or project delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical expertise and leadership capabilities. A strong portfolio presentation that clearly articulates your impact and a structured approach to problem-solving are critical for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Kaiser Permanente career portal link provided.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in facilities planning, design management, capital projects, healthcare facilities, and stakeholder coordination. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise and impactful portfolio that showcases 2-3 relevant capital projects. Focus on demonstrating your role in design delivery, problem-solving, and stakeholder management, with clear evidence of outcomes.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering strategy and behavioral questions using the STAR method. Research Kaiser Permanente's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its commitment to healthcare.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kaiser Permanente's operational model, its facilities portfolio, and its strategic goals related to facility development and patient care. Understand the specific context of the Anaheim, CA region.

⚠️ 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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