Design Manager - Facilities Planning & Design - Oakland, CA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Facilities Planning & Design

Company: Kaiser Permanente

Location: Oakland, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Facilities Planning & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective design delivery across capital projects, acting as a crucial design integrator within the Facilities Planning & Design Operations function.

• Manages and coordinates external architecture and engineering consultants, ensuring alignment with project scope, budget, schedule, and critical operational requirements from project initiation through construction documentation.

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

• Translates Owner Project Requirements (OPR) into actionable design strategies and decision frameworks, proactively identifying and resolving risks, scope gaps, and coordination issues to enhance overall project performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Facilities Planning & Design Operations, a specialized area of GTM operations focused on the physical infrastructure that supports healthcare delivery. The emphasis on capital projects, consultant coordination, and OPR translation indicates a strong need for project management, strategic planning, and technical design expertise, aligning with senior-level operations roles that bridge strategic vision with execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage multiple complex National Facilities Services (NFS) capital projects and initiatives from initiation through the design phase, ensuring accountability for project outcomes with minimal senior management oversight.

• Develop, analyze, and manage complex project plans, including scope identification and management, schedule development, inter-dependencies, and resource forecasting, ensuring alignment with strategic facility planning goals.

• Monitor overall project performance against plans, focusing on on-time delivery, scope adherence, and quality, while ensuring the measurement of business benefits and outcomes, and implementing necessary adjustments.

• Lead project activities related to organizational change management, including the development and execution of user adoption, implementation, and training plans, to ensure successful integration of new facilities or renovations.

• Drive the application of strategies and concepts to provide expert technical guidance, coordination, coaching, and project-level supervision to a diverse range of internal teams, designers, engineers, consultants, architects, and planners.

• Obtain advanced research knowledge on building codes and materials from vendors and apply strategies for their implementation, ensuring compliance and cost-efficiency in design.

• Identify incremental process improvements that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of vendor assessment and overall design delivery processes.

• Lead other internal teams to ensure the development and adherence to enterprise facilities design standards, guaranteeing the delivery of high-quality solutions.

• Conduct site reviews to assess current states versus desired end states and capture specific requirements for facility designs, ensuring alignment with operational needs and best practices.

• Develop presentation materials and present project plans, strategies, and findings to various internal and external audiences, including senior leadership and operational stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic project leadership, technical oversight, and team/consultant management. The emphasis on "NFS program deliverables" and "enterprise facilities design standards" suggests a need for a candidate who can not only manage individual projects but also contribute to the standardization and improvement of design processes across the organization.

🎓 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 closely related field. Experience:

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

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

• Facilities Planning & Design: Demonstrated expertise in architectural and engineering principles applied to healthcare facilities.

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

• Consultant Management: Experience in directing, coordinating, and providing technical guidance to external architecture and engineering consultants.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Skill in collaborating with and managing expectations of diverse stakeholders, including operational users, project teams, and senior leadership.

• Technical Documentation: Proficiency in developing and reviewing technical documents, drawings, specifications, and reports.

• Building Codes & Standards: In-depth knowledge of relevant building codes, healthcare regulations, and industry best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Healthcare Operations Knowledge: Understanding of clinical workflows, patient care requirements, and operational needs specific to healthcare environments.

• CADD Software Proficiency: Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) software and related tools.

• Change Management: Experience in leading organizational change initiatives related to facility design and implementation.

• Cost Estimating: Ability to develop, analyze, and manage project cost estimates.

• Strategic Planning: Capacity to contribute to long-term strategic facility planning initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is substantial, suggesting a need for a seasoned professional. The breadth of acceptable degrees and experience fields indicates that Kaiser Permanente values a diverse background as long as it's relevant to complex facility design and project execution within a healthcare context. The distinction between 8 and 11 years suggests a tiered evaluation based on the depth and breadth of experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex capital projects managed from planning/design through construction documentation. Each case study should detail your role, project scope, key challenges, design solutions, and outcomes.

• Design Deliverables Examples: Include samples of technical documentation, such as schematic designs, design development drawings, or key specification sections, that demonstrate your ability to translate requirements into actionable design.

• Process Optimization Examples: Highlight instances where you improved design delivery processes, reduced rework, or enhanced efficiency, quantifying the impact where possible (e.g., "reduced design review cycles by 15%").

• Consultant Oversight Evidence: Provide examples of how you managed and directed A&E consultants, including performance evaluation metrics or specific instances of driving consultant accountability.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in creating or refining design management workflows, detailing methodologies used for milestone reviews, risk identification, and stakeholder alignment.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase how you have implemented new design standards or processes, or leveraged technology (e.g., project management software, BIM tools) to enhance design delivery efficiency.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you have tracked and reported on project performance metrics (e.g., schedule adherence, budget variance, quality scores) related to the design phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations roles, especially in design and project management, often require a tangible demonstration of past performance. A portfolio emphasizing project lifecycle management, process improvement, and measurable outcomes will be critical for this role. The focus on "design integration" and "Owner Project Requirements" implies a need to showcase how requirements were translated into concrete design solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in the Bay Area, California, a competitive salary range is estimated between $140,000 - $190,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Oakland, CA, and Kaiser Permanente's standing as a major healthcare provider.

• Methodology: This range was derived by analyzing data from reputable salary aggregators (e.g., Glassdoor, Salary.com, LinkedIn Salary) for "Design Manager," "Facilities Planning Manager," and "Senior Architect/Engineer" roles in the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on the healthcare sector. Adjustments were made for the specified experience level (10+ years) and the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plans designed for employees and their families, reflecting Kaiser Permanente's core business.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar plan with potential employer matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accrual of vacation, sick leave, and holidays, supporting work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, certifications, and training relevant to facilities planning, design, and healthcare management.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• This is a hybrid position, requiring flexibility to balance remote work with on-site collaboration and project meetings in the NCAL region (Oakland, CA), Washington, and Oregon. Specific on-site requirements will vary based on project needs and team collaboration schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: As Kaiser Permanente is a large healthcare organization, it's expected to offer a robust benefits package that aligns with its mission and employee well-being focus. The salary range provided is an estimate, and actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and internal equity. The hybrid nature implies a need for self-management and effective remote collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Provider and Health Plan. Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare system, renowned for its commitment to quality patient care, innovation, and community health. This context means operations within the organization are driven by patient outcomes, regulatory compliance, and a mission-oriented approach.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This scale implies structured processes, established hierarchies, and significant resources, offering both stability and potential for complex, large-scale projects. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for specialization, impact on a broad scale, and working within well-defined operational frameworks.

Founded: 1945. With a long history, Kaiser Permanente has a deeply ingrained culture and a strong legacy in healthcare delivery, influencing its long-term strategic planning and operational methodologies.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: This role sits within the National Facilities Services (NFS) division, specifically in Facilities Planning & Design. The team likely comprises architects, engineers, planners, project managers, and design specialists focused on the physical infrastructure of Kaiser Permanente's facilities.

• Reporting: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager of Facilities Planning & Design, overseeing a portfolio of capital projects. They will also collaborate closely with Project Managers, Regional Facilities Directors, and various operational stakeholders across different service areas.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with clinical leaders, department heads, IT, Real Estate, Construction, and external architectural and engineering firms to ensure designs meet diverse operational, clinical, and technical requirements.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Operations within Kaiser Permanente are expected to be data-informed, focusing on metrics related to patient outcomes, operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance.

• Standardized Processes: Emphasis on developing and adhering to standardized design and planning processes, as evidenced by "enterprise facilities design standards" and "disciplined design management practices."

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and overall project performance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kaiser Permanente's mission-driven culture is a significant aspect for operations professionals. Success in this role will likely depend on understanding and aligning with the organization's commitment to patient care and community health, in addition to technical and project management skills. The "hybrid" nature of the role, requiring presence in NCAL, WA, and OR, suggests a large operational footprint and the need for adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, typically considered a mid-to-senior management role within Facilities Planning & Design Operations. It requires significant independent judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead complex initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to a higher-level executive within Facilities Planning & Design (e.g., Director, Senior Director). They, in turn, lead and guide project teams, consultants, and potentially junior staff or subject matter experts. This structure allows for significant influence on project direction and operational standards.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the organization's ability to deliver high-quality healthcare services by ensuring that facilities are optimally designed, functional, safe, and cost-effective. Effective design management contributes to patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, staff productivity, and the overall success of capital investment strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Director of Facilities Planning & Design, Senior Director of NFS, or other executive leadership roles within the organization's operations or real estate divisions.

• Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like healthcare technology integration, sustainable design, or advanced project delivery methodologies.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to transition into broader project management, strategic planning, or operational leadership roles within other divisions of Kaiser Permanente.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior staff and consultants, contributing to the development of future talent within the organization's facilities operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, stable organization. The emphasis on managing complex projects and driving process improvements provides a strong foundation for developing leadership capabilities and strategic operational acumen, which are highly valued in GTM and operations functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid position, indicating a blend of remote work and on-site presence. The on-site component is crucial for collaboration, site visits, and team engagement within the NCAL region (Oakland, CA), Washington, and Oregon.

Office Location(s): While the primary work location is flexible within the NCAL region, Washington, and Oregon, the role is based in Oakland, CA. This means candidates must be able to commute to Oakland and potentially travel to other Kaiser Permanente facilities within these specified regions for project meetings, site assessments, and team gatherings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective virtual collaboration tools and in-person meetings to foster teamwork and knowledge sharing among project teams, consultants, and stakeholders.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to project management software, design and CADD tools, communication platforms, and potentially BIM (Building Information Modeling) software will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of professionals, including architects, engineers, project managers, and clinical/operational end-users, fostering a dynamic and interdisciplinary work environment.

Work Schedule:

• The role adheres to a standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week).

• Flexibility is expected to accommodate project deadlines, critical reviews, and urgent operational needs, which may occasionally require working outside standard business hours. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in managing personal work schedules, balanced with project and team demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role requires strong self-discipline, time management, and communication skills. Candidates must be comfortable working independently and collaboratively across different locations and time zones within the specified regions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications and resumes for minimum qualifications and alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, technical skills, project management approach, and understanding of healthcare facilities planning. Expect behavioral questions related to leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present a curated portfolio showcasing relevant capital projects. This will involve discussing your role, design challenges, solutions, processes used, and outcomes achieved. Be prepared to detail your approach to consultant management and OPR translation.

• Panel Interview: A session with a panel, potentially including other Design Managers, Project Managers, and operational leaders. This interview will assess your ability to collaborate, provide strategic guidance, and handle complex scenarios within the Kaiser Permanente context.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director) to assess cultural fit, long-term vision, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Projects: For each case study, clearly outline: Project Overview (scope, budget, timeline), Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges (design, operational, regulatory), Design Solutions & Strategies, Consultant Management Approach, Process Improvements Implemented, and Measurable Outcomes (cost savings, efficiency gains, quality improvements).

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects and process improvements. Focus on ROI, efficiency gains, or quality enhancements.

• Highlight Operations Integration: Emphasize how your designs met specific Owner Project Requirements (OPRs) and operational needs. Showcase your ability to translate abstract requirements into concrete, functional spaces.

• Demonstrate Process Mastery: Detail your approach to design management, risk mitigation, stakeholder communication, and consultant oversight.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional visuals (renderings, floor plans, charts) to support your presentations and illustrate key aspects of your projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical questions related to managing difficult stakeholders, resolving design conflicts, mitigating project risks, or responding to unexpected budget constraints.

• Process Improvement Scenarios: Anticipate questions asking how you would approach improving a specific design process or addressing a common challenge in healthcare facility design.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss your understanding of Kaiser Permanente's mission and how facility design contributes to its strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and presentation is critical. Candidates should prepare meticulously, focusing on demonstrating not just technical proficiency but also strategic thinking, process management, and the ability to deliver tangible results within a complex healthcare environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar for project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking.

• Design & Visualization Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit (BIM), SketchUp, or other industry-standard CAD and Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools for creating and reviewing design documents.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for virtual meetings, communication, and team collaboration, essential for a hybrid role.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, organizing, and sharing project documentation and drawings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, cost estimating, financial modeling, and performance tracking.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports from project management software or custom-built dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) for design projects.

CRM & Automation:

• Not Directly Applicable: While not a traditional CRM/Sales role, understanding how project data feeds into broader organizational systems (e.g., facilities management databases) is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with how automation can streamline design review processes or information dissemination.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core of this role is design and project management, proficiency with modern digital tools for collaboration, project tracking, and design visualization is essential for efficiency and effectiveness in a hybrid work environment. Experience with BIM is increasingly becoming a standard expectation in complex architectural and engineering projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: All operational decisions and design choices must ultimately support the delivery of high-quality patient care and enhance the patient experience.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively across disciplines, departments, and with external partners to achieve common goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, project outcomes, and commitments.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Fostering an environment where new ideas are welcomed, and processes are constantly evaluated for opportunities to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

• Excellence: A commitment to achieving the highest standards in all aspects of work, from design quality to project execution and stakeholder satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands proactive engagement with clinical staff, operational leaders, IT, and other departments to ensure designs are fully integrated with user needs and technological requirements.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for reviewing design processes, sharing feedback constructively, and incorporating lessons learned into future projects.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical expertise, and project insights across the design and project management teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kaiser Permanente's values are deeply integrated into its operations. Candidates who can demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly patient-centricity and collaboration, will be better positioned for success and cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing diverse stakeholder needs, conflicting operational requirements, budget constraints, and tight deadlines inherent in large capital projects.

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Ensuring designs comply with stringent healthcare regulations, building codes, and accessibility standards.

• Integrating Evolving Healthcare Technologies: Designing facilities that can accommodate rapid advancements in medical technology and treatment modalities.

• Managing Remote and Hybrid Teams: Ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and project oversight across distributed teams and external consultants.

• Driving Standardization in a Large Organization: Implementing and maintaining consistent design standards across a vast network of facilities while allowing for site-specific needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Healthcare Design Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications (e.g., LEED AP for Healthcare, evidence-based design credentials) to enhance expertise.

• Leadership Training Programs: Participating in internal leadership development programs to hone management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending national conferences focused on healthcare facilities planning, design, and construction to stay abreast of trends and best practices.

• Mentorship: Engaging with senior leaders and subject matter experts within Kaiser Permanente for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large, complex organizations, especially in the healthcare sector. The growth opportunities highlight a commitment to employee development and career progression within specialized operational fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to translating complex Owner Project Requirements (OPRs) into actionable design strategies for a new hospital wing or critical care unit." Be prepared to discuss how you ensure alignment with both clinical needs and long-term operational efficiency.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How would you manage conflicting design preferences between a surgical department head and the facilities engineering team regarding a new operating room design? Walk me through your process for achieving consensus." Focus on your communication techniques and conflict resolution skills.

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design coordination issue arises late in the construction documentation phase that threatens the project schedule. How would you identify the root cause, assess the impact, and propose solutions to keep the project on track?" Emphasize your analytical and decision-making process.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations: "What do you understand about Kaiser Permanente's mission, and how do you see facility design contributing to its overall goal of providing excellent patient care?" Research current initiatives and strategic priorities.

• Operations Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal collaboration style within a project team that includes internal stakeholders, architects, engineers, and construction managers. How do you foster a positive and productive working relationship?"

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a facility design project beyond budget and schedule? What metrics do you use to evaluate the long-term operational effectiveness and user satisfaction?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best demonstrate your experience with capital projects, healthcare facilities, complex stakeholder management, and process improvements.

• Narrative Arc: For each project, tell a compelling story: the challenge, your strategic approach, the execution, and the quantifiable results. Clearly articulate your specific contributions.

• Focus on Process: Highlight your methodologies for design management, risk assessment, consultant oversight, and ensuring compliance with OPRs and building codes.

• Showcase Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss design decisions, technical challenges, and the application of relevant codes and standards.

• Quantify Outcomes: Use data to demonstrate efficiency gains, cost savings, quality improvements, or enhanced operational performance achieved through your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise but also strategic thinking, strong communication, and a deep understanding of the healthcare operational environment. The portfolio presentation is a key component, so candidates must be able to articulate their experience and impact clearly and concisely.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio (digital preferred) that highlights 3-5 relevant capital projects. Tailor your case studies to emphasize your experience in healthcare facilities planning, design management, consultant coordination, and process optimization.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your years of experience in relevant fields (planning, architecture, engineering, healthcare facilities), specific project types managed, and key achievements related to design delivery and project outcomes. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodology, approach to stakeholder engagement, and how you translate operational requirements into design solutions. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kaiser Permanente's mission, values, and recent developments in their facilities or healthcare services. Understand the importance of integrated healthcare systems and patient-centric design.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data and general industry knowledge. All details, particularly regarding salary ranges, specific benefits, and interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application and interview stages.