Design Manager in Ventura / LA / San Diego / Riverside Counties at MAAS Companies

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: MAAS Companies

Location: Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Counties, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Operations (Construction & Education Focus)

Date Posted: May 15, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Oversee the comprehensive design life cycle for construction projects, ensuring compliance with state and local building codes and standards.
Lead and coordinate design teams and consultants to deliver projects on time and within budget, integrating operational efficiency into every phase.
Manage stakeholder relationships, including clients, regulatory bodies (like DSA), and internal teams, to ensure alignment and smooth project execution.
Drive process improvements within the design and construction management functions to enhance project delivery speed, cost-effectiveness, and quality outcomes.
Ensure all design documentation and certifications are meticulously managed through project close-out, emphasizing operational rigor and adherence to organizational procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Manager," carries significant operational responsibilities, particularly within the construction and educational sectors. The emphasis on DSA certification, project planning, budget monitoring, and adherence to construction standards indicates a need for strong process management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional coordination, aligning it closely with GTM (Go-To-Market) operations and project operations principles. The role requires managing the "design-to-delivery" operational pipeline.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Direct and manage the entire design process for construction projects, from conceptualization and schematic design through construction documents, bidding, and contract administration, ensuring alignment with operational goals.
Lead the coordination between architectural, engineering, and specialty design consultants, fostering a collaborative environment that optimizes workflow and resource allocation.
Ensure strict adherence to the Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements and other relevant building codes and regulations throughout the design and construction phases.
Develop and manage project design schedules, budgets, and resource plans, proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks or delays that could impact operational timelines.
Conduct thorough design reviews at key milestones, providing constructive feedback to design teams and stakeholders to ensure project objectives, quality standards, and organizational procedures are met.
Oversee the DSA certification process, managing documentation, submissions, and responses to ensure timely approval and project readiness.
Collaborate closely with construction management teams to ensure constructability, value engineering, and efficient integration of design elements into the build phase.
Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including design narratives, meeting minutes, RFI logs, submittal logs, and close-out documents, ensuring operational transparency and audit readiness.
Manage vendor and consultant relationships, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and invoice approval, with a focus on operational efficiency and cost control.
Implement and refine best practices in design management and project delivery, leveraging data and feedback to enhance future project outcomes and operational performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design oversight and tactical project execution. For an operations professional, this translates to managing the "product development" lifecycle within construction, focusing on efficiency, compliance, and stakeholder alignment. The emphasis on DSA certification and K-14/higher education projects points to a specialized operational niche requiring deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and project lifecycle management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design and/or design management.

Required Skills:

Proven expertise in managing the full design life cycle of construction projects, from initiation to close-out.
Strong understanding and practical experience with DSA project requirements and certification processes.
Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams (architects, engineers, consultants).
Proficient in project planning, scheduling, and budget management, with a keen eye for operational efficiency.
Excellent understanding of construction standards, building codes, and regulatory compliance.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, adept at navigating complex client and regulatory relationships.
Experience in developing and implementing organizational procedures for design and project management.

Preferred Skills:

Licensed Architect (RA) in California with a current Certificate of Registration.
Experience in the design and management of large K-14 and/or higher education projects.
Familiarity with project management software and tools relevant to construction and design operations.
Knowledge of urban planning principles and their application in educational facility design.
Experience in construction management methodologies and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a deep domain expertise in construction design, particularly within the California DSA framework. For operations candidates, this means translating project management skills into this specialized context. The preference for a Licensed Architect indicates a need for technical depth, but the core responsibilities lean heavily on operational execution, process control, and stakeholder alignment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex construction projects managed from initial design through close-out, with a strong emphasis on projects involving DSA compliance.
For each project, clearly detail your specific role, responsibilities, and contributions to the design life cycle, highlighting process adherence and problem-solving.
Include examples of project plans, schedules, and budget management strategies that demonstrate effective operational control and efficiency.
Present documentation of successful DSA certification processes, including any challenges encountered and how they were overcome through systematic approaches.

Process Documentation:

Provide examples of workflow designs for managing design phases, consultant coordination, and regulatory submissions.
Showcase methodologies used for monitoring project progress against established schedules and budgets, including reporting mechanisms.
Include documentation of how construction standards and organizational procedures were integrated into the design and review process.
Illustrate approaches to risk management and issue resolution within design and project execution phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is crucial for this role, demonstrating not just design oversight but the ability to manage complex operational processes within a regulated environment. Candidates should prepare case studies that highlight their experience in streamlining operations, ensuring compliance, and delivering successful projects, particularly those with DSA involvement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 USD per year

Benefits:

Comprehensive Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401K Retirement Plan (optional)
Stock Options: 100% Employee Owned – Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Safe Harbor Account: MAAS contributes 3% automatically, accruing from day one.
Generous Paid Time Off: 3 weeks per year (2 weeks’ vacation, 1 week sick) plus holidays.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level design and operations management role in Southern California. The comprehensive benefits package, especially the 100% employee ownership through the ESOP and the Safe Harbor contribution, signifies a strong commitment to employee welfare and long-term financial security, which can be a significant motivator for operations professionals seeking stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering Services (with a strong focus on Educational Facilities)

Company Size: MAAS Companies is a growing organization, likely falling into the 50-200 employee range based on typical operations structures for companies with multiple Southern California offices and a significant ESOP.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't provided, the company's established presence and employee ownership model suggest a history of stability and a commitment to long-term growth and employee development.

Team Structure:

The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Project Management or Operations team, reporting to a Director of Operations, VP of Project Management, or similar senior leadership role.
This role will involve significant cross-functional collaboration with project managers, construction superintendents, administrative staff, and potentially external development teams.

Methodology:

MAAS Companies likely employs a structured project management methodology, incorporating best practices for design coordination, risk management, and budget control, with a strong emphasis on DSA compliance.
Data-driven decision-making is probably a core component, leveraging project metrics to optimize design processes, resource allocation, and overall project delivery efficiency.
A commitment to continuous improvement and process optimization is expected, driven by the company's employee-owned structure and focus on long-term success.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's structure as an employee-owned entity (ESOP) suggests a highly collaborative and performance-driven culture. For operations professionals, this means a direct stake in the company's success, encouraging a proactive and efficient approach to problem-solving and process improvement. The focus on educational facilities implies a mission-driven aspect to their work, appealing to those who value impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, requiring substantial experience and a proven track record in design and project operations, particularly within regulated environments. It sits at a critical intersection of design leadership and operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a Director of Operations, VP of Project Management, or a similar senior executive responsible for overseeing multiple projects or a specific division. They will, in turn, manage and guide design consultants and potentially junior design staff.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the company's revenue and operational efficiency. Successful design management ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, directly contributing to profitability and client satisfaction. Effective DSA compliance minimizes project delays and costly rework, safeguarding the company's financial performance and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles within Design Management, Project Management, or Operations, overseeing larger teams and more complex portfolios.
Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like K-14 or higher education facility design, becoming a subject matter expert within the firm and the industry.
Operational Strategy: Opportunity to contribute to the development and refinement of the company's overall project delivery and operations strategy, influencing how MAAS Companies approaches future projects.
Broader Project Scope: Transition to managing larger-scale, more complex, or higher-profile projects, increasing visibility and responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Design Manager in an operations-focused role within MAAS Companies is strong, particularly given the employee ownership model which often encourages internal promotion and skill development. The role offers a path to senior leadership and strategic influence within the organization's operational framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, requiring presence in one of the specified Southern California counties (Ventura, LA, San Diego, Riverside). The company likely operates professional office spaces conducive to collaboration and project management.

Office Location(s): The company has a presence across Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Counties, offering flexibility in primary office location within these regions. This allows for proximity to project sites and clients across a broad geographical area.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is expected to be professional and collaborative, with access to necessary design software, project management tools, and meeting facilities.
Opportunities for interaction with project teams, senior management, and design consultants will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule:

Standard full-time work schedule, Monday through Friday, with an expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and attend critical meetings, which is common in operations roles managing complex project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving physical project oversight and direct team management in the construction industry. The distributed office locations across Southern California provide significant geographic flexibility for candidates within those regions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience with DSA projects, and overall fit.
Technical Interview: In-depth discussion about your design management experience, project lifecycle knowledge, and specific strategies for managing DSA-compliant projects. Expect questions on process optimization and risk mitigation.
Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: A presentation of your portfolio, focusing on 1-2 key projects that demonstrate your ability to manage design operations, meet regulatory requirements, and deliver successful outcomes. Be prepared to discuss challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.
Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and senior leadership to assess collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and alignment with the company's employee-owned culture and values.
Final Interview: Discussion with senior executives to finalize the offer, potentially covering strategic contributions and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

DSA Focus: Clearly highlight your experience with DSA projects, detailing the specific requirements you navigated and how you ensured compliance throughout the design and approval process.
Process & Metrics: For each project, showcase your role in managing the design process, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk mitigation. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced design review cycles by 15%," "managed project within 5% of initial budget").
Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrate your ability to lead design teams and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders (architects, engineers, clients, regulatory bodies).
Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss specific design or operational challenges you faced and the systematic approach you took to resolve them, emphasizing efficiency and compliance.
Conciseness: Present your strongest, most relevant projects that align with MAAS Companies' focus on education and DSA compliance.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared for potential scenario-based questions related to managing project delays, budget overruns, or design conflicts within a DSA-regulated environment.
Practice articulating your design management philosophy, emphasizing your operational approach to ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance.
Research MAAS Companies' recent projects and their approach to employee ownership to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your practical experience with DSA projects and your ability to manage the operational complexities inherent in construction for public and educational institutions. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases process management and quantifiable results will be your strongest asset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and BIM software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and potentially others like ArchiCAD or Vectorworks.
Project Management Platforms: Experience with tools like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Aconex, or similar platforms for managing project documentation, communication, and workflows.
Scheduling Software: Familiarity with Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar tools for developing and managing complex project schedules.
Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for team communication and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

Budgeting & Financial Software: Experience with financial management tools or ERP systems for budget tracking, forecasting, and reporting.
Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret reports from project management software or custom dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget adherence, and compliance.

CRM & Automation:

While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design projects integrate with client management and business development processes is beneficial.
Familiarity with workflow automation within project management software to streamline tasks such as RFI processing, submittal reviews, and document distribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of industry-standard design and project management software is essential. For an operations-focused candidate, highlighting proficiency in project management platforms that facilitate workflow automation, document control, and cross-functional collaboration will be key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Integrity & Compliance: A strong commitment to ethical practices and strict adherence to all regulatory requirements, especially DSA standards.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together towards common project goals, reflecting the employee-owned culture.
Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to continuously improve processes, reduce waste, and maximize the effectiveness of design and project delivery operations.
Accountability & Ownership: Taking personal responsibility for project success and contributing actively to the company's overall performance and growth, a cornerstone of an ESOP.
Quality & Excellence: Dedication to delivering high-quality design solutions and construction outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with project managers, construction teams, and external consultants to ensure seamless integration between design intent and execution reality.
Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and regular communication channels for sharing project updates, addressing challenges, and facilitating collaborative decision-making.
Feedback-Driven Improvement: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback to enhance team performance, refine processes, and foster a culture of continuous learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at MAAS Companies, amplified by its employee ownership, likely promotes a high degree of shared responsibility and mutual support. Operations professionals who thrive in environments where their contributions directly impact company success and who value collaborative problem-solving will find this appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Navigating Complex Regulations: The primary challenge will be managing the intricate and evolving requirements of the Division of the State Architect (DSA) and other building codes, ensuring full compliance on every project.
Balancing Competing Priorities: Effectively managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique design requirements, timelines, and budget constraints, while maintaining high operational standards.
Coordinating Diverse Stakeholders: Facilitating effective communication and collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, design teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies, each with potentially differing objectives.
Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of new design technologies, construction methods, and project management software to maintain efficiency and competitive advantage.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

DSA Expertise: Deepening specialized knowledge in California's DSA regulations and application to various educational and public facility types.
Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain certifications or training in advanced project management methodologies relevant to construction and large-scale infrastructure.
Leadership Development: Access to leadership training and mentorship programs within the ESOP structure, preparing for senior management roles.
Industry Best Practices: Continuous learning through industry conferences, workshops, and professional development related to sustainable design, construction innovation, and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to become a subject matter expert in a specialized and critical area of construction operations. The challenges are substantial but provide fertile ground for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your experience managing the full design life cycle for a complex construction project, specifically highlighting your role in ensuring DSA compliance."
"How do you approach budget and schedule management for design projects, and what steps do you take to mitigate risks and control costs?"
"Walk me through a situation where you had to manage conflicting requirements from different stakeholders (e.g., client vs. DSA). How did you resolve it?"
"What is your process for reviewing design documents and providing constructive feedback to architectural and engineering teams?"

Company & Culture Questions:

"What attracts you to MAAS Companies, and how do you see yourself contributing to an employee-owned organization?"
"Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration among design consultants and internal project teams."
"How do you ensure that organizational procedures and construction standards are consistently applied across projects?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., DSA compliance, budget management, team leadership).
Narrative: For each project, tell a clear story: the challenge, your approach (emphasizing operational processes), the actions you took, and the measurable results.
Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (renderings, site plans, process flowcharts) to illustrate your points.
Metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., budget adherence, schedule improvements, compliance success rates).
Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight experiences most relevant to MAAS Companies' work and the specific requirements of this Design Manager role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your operational strategies for managing design within regulatory frameworks. Your ability to articulate your process, demonstrate problem-solving skills with concrete examples, and align with the company's employee-owned culture will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused Design Manager position:

Submit your application directly through the MAAS Companies careers portal or the provided link.
Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects with DSA involvement. Prepare concise case studies that detail your operational management of the design lifecycle, including specific challenges, implemented processes, and quantifiable outcomes.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords like "Design Management," "DSA Certification," "Project Planning," "Budget Control," "Construction Standards," "K-14 Design," and "Higher Education Projects." Emphasize your 10+ years of experience and 5+ years of DSA-specific experience.
Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to strategy and behavioral questions, focusing on your operational approach to problem-solving, stakeholder management, and process improvement within the construction design context. Practice presenting your portfolio with clear, data-driven narratives.
Company Research: Thoroughly research MAAS Companies, their project portfolio (especially educational facilities), their commitment to employee ownership, and their values. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your engagement and understanding of their operational model.

⚠️ 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.

Design Manager in Ventura / LA / San Diego / Riverside Counties