Design Manager III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager III

Company: ENGICON CM

Location: Monterey Park, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Construction Operations

Date Posted: August 31, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for overseeing the design lifecycle of campus projects, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory compliance standards, particularly those set by the Division of State Architect (DSA).

• The Design Manager will act as the primary liaison between the client's project team (CPT) and external design consultants, fostering collaboration and driving efficient design processes.

• A strong emphasis is placed on proactive coordination, quality assurance, and risk mitigation throughout all design and construction phases.

• The position requires a deep understanding of building codes, project programming, and district-specific standards to deliver projects on time and within budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job title is "Design Manager III," the responsibilities and requirements strongly align with a Senior Design Manager or Lead Design Coordinator role within the construction and public sector domain, emphasizing regulatory compliance and project lifecycle management. The "III" designation suggests a level of seniority and complexity in project scope.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Process Coordination: Proactively coordinate, manage, and monitor the entire design process from planning through close-out and DSA certification for campus projects.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with DSA guidelines and bulletins, building codes, and the SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).

• Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary interface between the Campus Project Team (CPT) and the Design Team (Design Consultants and Specialty Consultants).

• Issue Resolution: Collaborate with CPT members, the Design Team, and District stakeholders to define project scope, resolve design-related issues, and address stakeholder expectations.

• Quality Assurance & Control (QAQC): Conduct thorough QAQC reviews of plans, specifications, cut sheets, schedules, and other design documents for quality, constructability, coordination, and clarity.

• Deliverable Management: Manage the process for timely and compliant production, review, and sign-off of all design deliverables.

• Construction Phase Support: Review and comment on DSA Construction Change Directives (CCDs) for completeness and compliance with design intent during the construction phase.

• DSA Review Guidance: Guide the Design Team through the DSA review process and manage DSAbox submittals.

• Impact Evaluation: Evaluate and report on the impacts of design changes on project schedules and budgets.

• Scope Management: Ensure clarity of scope definition and manage scope interfaces across different project elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, project management, and regulatory compliance, with a significant focus on public sector construction projects in California due to the explicit mention of DSA and OSHPD. The role demands strong communication and problem-solving skills to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and technical challenges.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning, Construction Management, or a closely related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in design and/or design management.

• At least 5 years of the preceding 10 years of experience must be specifically with projects requiring DSA or OSHPD Certification. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex design processes for large-scale projects.

• DSA/OSHPD Compliance: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with the requirements and processes for DSA or OSHPD certification.

• Project Coordination: Expertise in coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and managing project timelines.

• QAQC Review: Strong analytical skills for reviewing design documents to ensure quality and constructability.

• Construction Management Fundamentals: Understanding of construction processes, phasing, and best practices.

• Building Codes & Regulations: Comprehensive knowledge of relevant building codes, California Public Contract Code, and other governing regulations.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, consultants, and regulatory bodies.

• Scope Definition & Management: Skill in clearly defining project scope and managing scope interfaces.

Preferred Skills:

• Sustainable Design Principles: Understanding and experience with sustainable building practices and certifications (e.g., LEED).

• Risk Management: Knowledge of risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies within construction projects.

• Professional Licensing: A current and valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect (RA) by the California Architectural Board or as a Professional Engineer (PE) by the California State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

• K-14/Higher Education Project Experience: Demonstrated experience in design and management of educational facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "5 years of the foregoing 10 years of experience must be with projects requiring DSA or OSHPD Certification" is a critical filter. Candidates without this specific experience, especially within California's public sector construction, may not meet the minimum requirements. The preferred professional licensing indicates a strong preference for licensed architects or engineers, suggesting a need for deep technical expertise and professional accountability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Lifecycle Management: Showcase examples of managing design processes from initial concept through final close-out, highlighting key milestones and decision points.

• Compliance & Regulatory Documentation: Include documentation or case studies demonstrating successful navigation of complex regulatory environments, particularly DSA/OSHPD submissions and approvals.

• Design Review & QAQC: Present evidence of structured QAQC processes, including examples of plan reviews, specification analysis, and the identification and resolution of design discrepancies.

• Change Management: Demonstrate experience in managing and documenting design changes, including Construction Change Directives (CCDs), and assessing their impact on scope, schedule, and budget.

• System Integration: Illustrate how different design systems (architectural, structural, MEP, etc.) were coordinated and integrated to ensure constructability and functional performance.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of designed or optimized workflows for design review, submittal processes, and stakeholder communication, emphasizing efficiency and clarity.

• Implementation & Automation: Detail instances where specific processes were implemented or improved, potentially through the use of project management software or specialized design coordination tools.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase how the effectiveness of design processes was measured, analyzed, and reported on, using metrics related to timeliness, budget adherence, and quality outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's process for managing them. Emphasis should be on their systematic approach to compliance, quality control, and stakeholder communication, particularly within the stringent framework of DSA-regulated projects. Quantifiable results (e.g., reduction in RFI volume, accelerated review cycles, avoidance of costly change orders due to design issues) will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000 - $210,000 Annually

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching: Employer contributions to retirement savings.

• Dental insurance: Comprehensive dental coverage.

• Employee discounts: Potential discounts on services or products.

• Health insurance: Medical coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Paid time off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Training & development: Opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

• Vision insurance: Coverage for eye care needs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week, with the expectation of on-site presence. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and attend critical meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $180,000 - $210,000 for a Design Manager III in Los Angeles, CA, is competitive and aligns with senior-level construction and design management roles in a high-cost-of-living area. The benefits package is standard for a full-time position and includes key offerings like 401(k) matching and comprehensive health insurance, which are attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management / General Contracting, with a specialization in public sector projects, particularly educational facilities.

Company Size: Based on LinkedIn data, ENGICON CM appears to be a mid-sized company, likely between 50-200 employees, indicating a structured yet potentially agile operational environment.

Founded: Information not readily available, but the company's focus on public sector projects suggests a history of established relationships and a proven track record in delivering complex, compliant work.

Team Structure:

• Operations: The Design Manager is a key member of the Campus Project Team (CPT), likely reporting to a Senior Project Director or VP of Operations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with internal project managers, site superintendents, procurement specialists, legal counsel, and external entities including architectural firms, engineering consultants, specialty consultants, and regulatory bodies like the DSA.

• Reporting Lines: The Design Manager acts as the primary interface for the CPT with the Design Team, implying a dotted-line reporting or strong collaborative relationship with the Design Consultants, while the primary reporting line is within ENGICON CM.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, effective design management relies on data from site assessments, code reviews, constructability analyses, and budget/schedule tracking.

• Process Optimization: The role's core function is to optimize the design process for efficiency, quality, and compliance, minimizing delays and cost overruns.

• Risk Management: A proactive approach to identifying and mitigating design-related risks is fundamental to successful project delivery in this sector.

Company Website: https://www.engiconcm.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: ENGICON CM's focus on public sector projects, especially educational institutions, suggests a culture that values precision, compliance, and long-term relationships. The Design Manager role is central to upholding these values by ensuring projects meet stringent public standards and stakeholder expectations. The company size implies that while processes are in place, there's still room for individual impact and direct influence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Design Manager III," indicating a senior-level position within the design management track. It requires substantial experience and a deep understanding of complex project requirements, particularly regulatory compliance. It suggests a level of autonomy and responsibility for significant project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager serves as the primary interface for the client's project team (CPT) with external Design Consultants. Internally, they likely report to a senior leadership role within ENGICON CM, such as a Director of Project Management or VP of Operations, who oversees multiple campus projects.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is direct and critical to the success of campus projects. By ensuring designs are compliant, constructible, and aligned with project objectives, they significantly influence:

• Budget Adherence: Preventing costly design errors and rework.

• Schedule Timeliness: Streamlining the design review and approval process.

• Quality of Deliverables: Ensuring the final built environment meets functional and safety standards.

• Regulatory Compliance: Mitigating risks of project delays or penalties due to non-compliance.

• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Aligning design outcomes with client expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to roles such as Senior Design Manager, Director of Design Management, or Director of Project Management, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple project teams.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like K-14 educational design, sustainable building practices, or advanced construction technologies.

• Client Relations: Developing stronger relationships with public sector clients, leading to increased project wins and strategic partnerships for ENGICON CM.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior design managers and project engineers, contributing to the development of internal talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "III" in the title signifies a senior individual contributor role or a lead role managing a significant portion of a large project's design. Growth opportunities would likely involve moving into broader program management or leadership roles within the construction management firm, especially if they continue to focus on public sector and educational projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a primary work location within an office environment, likely at ENGICON CM's headquarters or a dedicated project office. The environment will be professional and collaborative, focused on project execution.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Monterey Park, California. However, as a Design Manager, there may be requirements to visit project sites, consultant offices, or DSA offices in the greater Los Angeles area or potentially other project locations within California.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role demands close collaboration with internal project teams and external consultants. Expect a dynamic workspace where communication and problem-solving are key.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to project management software, design review platforms, document management systems, and standard office productivity tools will be essential. Familiarity with these is expected.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with project managers, architects, engineers, and client representatives is standard. This role is central to information flow and decision-making for the design aspects of the project.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the nature of construction project management often requires flexibility. This may include occasional extended hours, early mornings, or late evenings to attend critical meetings, review urgent documents, or address unforeseen issues. Travel to project sites may also be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for this role, emphasizing the need for direct oversight, in-person collaboration, and immediate problem-solving, especially when dealing with regulatory bodies and physical construction sites. The Monterey Park location places the role within a significant hub for construction and development in Southern California.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with minimum qualifications, especially DSA/OSHPD experience.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves discussions about your experience with design management, QAQC processes, and specific challenges faced on past projects, particularly those involving DSA compliance. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will walk through selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, the processes you employed, and the outcomes achieved, with a strong focus on compliance and quality.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessing your collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and how you handle pressure and stakeholder management. This may involve interviews with senior leadership or key team members.

• Final Interview: Potentially with executive leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight DSA/OSHPD Successes: Dedicate specific sections or case studies to projects that successfully navigated DSA or OSHPD certification. Detail the unique challenges and your specific contributions to achieving compliance.

• Demonstrate Process Mastery: For each project example, clearly articulate the design management process you followed. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful to illustrate workflows.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data to showcase the impact of your work. Examples include: reduction in RFIs, decrease in design-related change orders, adherence to budget/schedule for design phases, or successful resolution of complex coordination issues.

• Showcase QAQC Methodology: Present examples of your QAQC checklists, review comments, and how you ensured quality and constructability were addressed early and consistently.

• Tailor to the Role: Select projects that best reflect the scale and type of work ENGICON CM undertakes (e.g., public sector, educational facilities).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Review Simulation: Be prepared for a hypothetical design review exercise or a discussion about how you would approach reviewing a set of plans and specifications for a specific type of building (e.g., a school building).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would resolve conflicting design elements, address unexpected site conditions impacting design, or manage a difficult consultant relationship.

• DSA Compliance Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance with a new DSA bulletin or address a specific code interpretation issue.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily scrutinize regulatory compliance experience. Candidates should be prepared to speak in detail about DSA/OSHPD requirements and demonstrate how they have successfully managed projects within these frameworks. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as a tangible demonstration of their capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (which includes BIM 360/PlanGrid), or similar comprehensive construction management suites is highly probable. These tools manage documentation, RFI workflows, submittals, and daily logs.

• Design Review & Collaboration Platforms: Tools such as Bluebeam Revu are standard for PDF markup, annotation, and collaborative review of drawings and specifications.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with SharePoint, Google Drive, or company-specific document repositories for organizing and accessing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, budget tracking, scheduling, and reporting.

• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with creating or interpreting reports generated from project management software or custom-built dashboards to track design progress, compliance status, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how client relationship management (internal and external stakeholders) functions is key.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Exposure to tools that automate repetitive tasks within design review or submittal processes, if any, would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis will be on tools that facilitate document control, collaboration, and compliance tracking within the construction project lifecycle. Proficiency in industry-standard platforms like Procore and Bluebeam Revu is almost certainly a prerequisite for effective performance in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Compliance: A strong commitment to ethical conduct and adherence to all regulatory requirements, especially DSA standards, is paramount.

• Quality & Excellence: A dedication to delivering high-quality design outcomes that are constructible, functional, and meet the highest standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders work together effectively towards common project goals.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design processes, issues, and outcomes, ensuring responsibility is clearly defined and managed.

• Efficiency & Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving design challenges and optimizing processes to ensure project success.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with all stakeholders to ensure alignment, share updates, and address potential issues before they escalate.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with project management, site operations, and estimating teams to ensure designs are practical and aligned with construction realities.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing and receiving feedback constructively during design reviews and team meetings to improve project deliverables.

• Partnership Approach: Building strong working relationships with external design consultants and regulatory bodies, viewing them as partners in achieving project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the public sector focus, the company culture likely emphasizes reliability, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility. The Design Manager is expected to embody these values, acting as a guardian of project quality and compliance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Keeping abreast of and applying evolving DSA guidelines, building codes, and California Public Contract Code requirements can be challenging.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and priorities of the client, design team, contractors, and regulatory bodies requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Design Coordination Complexity: Ensuring seamless integration of architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty systems in large, complex projects is a constant challenge.

• Time and Budget Pressures: Delivering high-quality, compliant designs within tight project schedules and budgets requires efficient processes and proactive problem-solving.

• Remote Site/Project Coordination: If projects are geographically dispersed, managing design consistency and communication across different locations can be difficult.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced DSA/Code Training: Opportunities to attend specialized workshops or seminars to deepen expertise in California's building codes and DSA regulations.

• Leadership Development Programs: Training in project leadership, team management, and strategic planning to prepare for advancement into senior management roles.

• New Technologies: Exposure to and training on new design coordination software, BIM tools, and project management technologies impacting the construction industry.

• Industry Conferences: Participation in construction and design management conferences to network, learn about best practices, and stay current with industry trends.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within ENGICON CM or to mentor junior team members, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the stringent regulatory environment and the inherent complexity of managing large construction projects. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding leadership capabilities and deepening specialized knowledge within the construction management domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Approach: "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a large-scale public project from inception to completion. What are your key phases and checkpoints?" (Focus on your structured methodology, QAQC integration, and stakeholder touchpoints).

• DSA Compliance Strategy: "How do you ensure a project remains compliant with DSA regulations throughout the design and construction phases? Walk me through a specific challenge you faced with DSA requirements and how you resolved it." (Be ready with specific examples and mention your understanding of the California Public Contract Code).

• Problem-Solving & Risk Mitigation: "Imagine a scenario where a critical design element is found to be non-compliant late in the review process. What steps would you take to address this, considering schedule and budget impacts?" (Highlight your analytical skills, communication strategy, and proactive risk management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about ENGICON CM's work in the public sector, particularly with educational facilities?" (Research their portfolio and recent projects).

• "How do you foster collaboration between design consultants and the construction team to ensure constructability and efficiency?" (Emphasize your partnership approach and communication skills).

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or expectations from different stakeholders. How did you navigate that situation?" (Focus on your stakeholder management and negotiation skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the project type, your role, the key challenges (especially regulatory), your specific actions, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Focus on Process, Not Just Product: Explain how you managed the design, reviewed documents, ensured compliance, and coordinated teams, rather than just showing pretty pictures.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use metrics such as "reduced RFIs by X%," "completed DSA review X weeks ahead of schedule," or "avoided X amount in change orders due to proactive coordination."

• Highlight DSA/OSHPD Expertise: Explicitly point out your contributions related to meeting these specific requirements, detailing your understanding of the submittal and approval processes.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific details within your presented projects, such as code interpretations, material selections, or coordination issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the candidate's experience with DSA and OSHPD regulations, as this is a defining requirement. Demonstrating a systematic, proactive, and collaborative approach to design management, backed by concrete portfolio examples and quantifiable results, will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided career plug link: https://owais-construction-group.careerplug.com/jobs/3574230/apps/new

• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 key projects from your experience that best showcase your ability to manage design for complex, regulated projects (especially those with DSA/OSHPD involvement). Prepare concise summaries or visual aids highlighting your role, process, and outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience in design management and specifically highlights the 5+ years of experience with DSA or OSHPD certified projects. Use keywords from the job description like "Design Manager," "DSA certification," "QAQC review," "Construction Management," and "Compliance."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with the strategy questions outlined above, focusing on your process-driven approach and regulatory expertise. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and ability to manage diverse stakeholders.

• Company Research: Visit the ENGICON CM website (https://www.engiconcm.com/) to understand their project history, company values, and recent work. Be ready to discuss why you are a good fit for their specific focus on public sector and educational construction.

⚠️ 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.