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, Riverside Counties, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations (Design & Project Management)

Date Posted: May 15, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Oversee the end-to-end design lifecycle, ensuring seamless project execution from conception to DSA certification.
Lead and coordinate design processes, guaranteeing alignment with project schedules, budgetary constraints, and stringent construction standards.
Drive project success by ensuring all design elements meet regulatory requirements and organizational procedures.
Leverage extensive experience with DSA projects, particularly within K-14 and higher education sectors, to guide teams and mitigate risks.
Manage cross-functional design teams and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality, compliant, and efficient project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Manager," has strong "Operations" components, particularly in project management, process adherence, and compliance. The focus on DSA certification and lifecycle management places it within a specialized operational niche requiring meticulous planning and execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Manage the comprehensive design process, from initial concept development and schematic design through detailed construction documents, bidding, and final close-out.
Ensure all design deliverables adhere to the strict requirements and standards set forth by the Division of the State Architect (DSA) in California.
Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, meticulously tracking progress against milestones and proactively identifying potential delays.
Oversee project budgets, monitoring expenditures, approving invoices, and implementing cost-control measures to ensure financial objectives are met.
Coordinate effectively with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders to facilitate clear communication and resolve design-related issues.
Conduct regular site visits and project reviews to assess progress, ensure quality control, and verify compliance with design specifications and safety protocols.
Lead design team meetings, providing clear direction, fostering collaboration, and ensuring alignment on project goals and deliverables.
Review and approve design submittals, RFIs (Requests for Information), and change order proposals, ensuring they are consistent with project scope and budget.
Facilitate the DSA certification process, preparing necessary documentation and liaising with DSA officials to obtain approvals.
Implement and refine design management processes and best practices to enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and improve project outcomes across the portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic oversight and tactical execution, typical of senior operations roles managing complex projects. The detailed focus on DSA certification and the full design lifecycle indicates a need for rigorous process management and compliance expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

Required Skills:

Design Lifecycle Management: Proven ability to manage all phases of the design process from inception to completion and certification.
DSA Compliance Expertise: Deep understanding of DSA regulations, submission requirements, and certification procedures, particularly for educational facilities.
Project Scheduling & Planning: Proficient in developing, monitoring, and adjusting project timelines to ensure on-time delivery.
Budget Management: Skilled in financial oversight, cost control, and resource allocation for design projects.
Team Leadership & Coordination: Ability to effectively lead and motivate design teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with internal teams, external consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of design-related risks and project challenges.
Architectural & Engineering Principles: Solid understanding of core architectural and engineering concepts relevant to building design and construction.

Preferred Skills:

K-14 & Higher Education Design: Direct experience in the design and management of projects for K-12 and/or higher education institutions.
Licensed Architect (California): A valid and current Certificate of Registration as an Architect in California is highly advantageous.
Construction Management Software: Familiarity with project management software for tracking design progress, documentation, and communication.
Urban Planning Acumen: Understanding of urban planning principles as they relate to site development and project integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "at least 5 years with DSA projects" and the preferred "Licensed Architect" qualification strongly suggests a need for specialized knowledge within the construction and public-sector design domain, aligning with a senior operational role focused on compliance and execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

DSA Project Case Studies: Showcase at least two comprehensive case studies detailing your management of projects requiring DSA certification, highlighting challenges encountered and solutions implemented.
Design Lifecycle Documentation: Present examples of project plans, design schedules, and close-out documentation that demonstrate your systematic approach to managing the design process.
Budget & Schedule Control Examples: Include visual representations or summaries of budget tracking and schedule adherence for past projects, illustrating your ability to maintain fiscal and temporal control.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Provide evidence of how you have coordinated diverse teams (architects, engineers, contractors) to achieve project objectives, perhaps through project communication plans or team meeting summaries.
Process Improvement Initiatives: Demonstrate instances where you identified inefficiencies in design processes and implemented changes leading to measurable improvements in speed, quality, or cost.

Process Documentation:

Workflow Design & Optimization: Submissions should illustrate your capability to map out and refine design workflows, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and compliance at each stage.
Implementation & Automation: Where applicable, demonstrate experience with implementing new design tools, software, or automation techniques that streamlined project delivery or enhanced collaboration.
Measurement & Performance Analysis: Present examples of how you track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design projects, such as schedule adherence, budget variance, and quality metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on design management with significant operational oversight, a portfolio demonstrating structured project execution, compliance adherence, and process efficiency is crucial. The emphasis on DSA projects necessitates showcasing specific documentation and process examples related to regulatory approvals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans to support employee well-being.
Retirement Savings: 401K Retirement Plan is available, with an optional employee contribution.
Employee Ownership: MAAS Companies is 100% Employee Owned, offering Stock Options through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), fostering a sense of shared success and long-term commitment.
Automatic Retirement Contribution: A Safe Harbor Account with a guaranteed 3% MAAS contribution, which employees start accruing from day one.
Generous Paid Time Off: Includes 3 weeks of Paid Time Off annually (2 weeks vacation, 1 week sick), plus company-observed holidays.
Financial Flexibility: Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Family Support: Access to Family and Medical Leave benefits.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be occasional flexibility required to meet critical project deadlines or attend essential meetings, consistent with project management demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is directly from the input. The extensive benefits package, particularly the 100% Employee Ownership and Safe Harbor Account, is a significant differentiator for MAAS Companies and warrants detailed highlighting for operations professionals who value long-term financial security and company investment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: MAAS Companies operates within the Construction and Engineering sector, specializing in managing projects that require stringent architectural and regulatory oversight, such as those mandated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). This industry context implies a focus on precision, compliance, and robust project execution.

Company Size: With a broad range of employees (implied by the "Great Place to Work" certification and comprehensive benefits), MAAS Companies likely operates as a medium to large-sized firm. This size often translates to structured processes and opportunities for specialization, while still maintaining a collaborative and engaged workforce.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the company's status as 100% Employee Owned and "Great Place to Work" certified suggests a mature organization with a well-established culture that prioritizes employee well-being and long-term growth.

Team Structure:

Design & Operations Integration: The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project management or operations division, working closely with project managers, construction teams, and administrative staff.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect to collaborate extensively with architects, engineers, DSA officials, school district representatives, and construction crews.
Reporting Hierarchy: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, VP of Projects, or a similar senior leadership role, with direct reports potentially including junior designers or project coordinators.

Methodology:

Compliance-First Approach: Given the DSA focus, operations at MAAS Companies will heavily emphasize adherence to regulations, thorough documentation, and rigorous quality control.
Process-Driven Execution: The company likely employs established methodologies for project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication to ensure consistent project delivery.
Data-Informed Decision Making: While design-centric, operational decisions regarding scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation will be informed by project data and performance metrics.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Great Place to Work" certification and employee ownership model are significant cultural indicators. For operations professionals, this suggests a company that values its employees, fosters a supportive environment, and offers tangible benefits beyond standard compensation, aligning with long-term career aspirations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role represents a Senior-Level Operations position. It requires a substantial depth of technical expertise in design management and regulatory compliance (DSA), combined with strong leadership and project oversight capabilities. The role is critical for ensuring project success and organizational compliance within a specialized sector.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within the Operations or Project Management department (e.g., Director of Operations, VP of Projects). They may also have direct reports, such as junior designers, project coordinators, or administrative support staff involved in the design process. This structure indicates a significant level of responsibility and influence within project execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct and substantial impact on MAAS Companies' operational efficiency, profitability, and reputation. By ensuring projects are designed correctly, on time, and within budget, while meeting all DSA requirements, they prevent costly delays, rework, and legal issues. Successful project delivery under their management directly contributes to client satisfaction, repeat business, and the company's ability to secure future contracts, especially within the public sector.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Design, Director of Project Management, or VP of Operations, overseeing larger teams and broader project portfolios.
Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in DSA compliance and educational facility design, potentially leading specialized teams or initiatives.
Business Development Support: Contribute to business development by leveraging expertise to win new projects, particularly those requiring specialized design management skills.
Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior staff, contribute to internal training programs, and shape the company's design management methodologies.
Broader Project Scope: Potential to manage increasingly complex and larger-scale projects, expanding professional capabilities and strategic influence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's senior level and direct impact on project success and compliance are key for operations professionals seeking career progression. The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for individuals looking to expand their leadership and technical expertise within the firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the Design Manager to be physically present at one of the designated Southern California office locations (Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, or Riverside Counties). The work environment will likely be a professional office setting conducive to design work, project meetings, and administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): The position is flexible across multiple key Southern California counties: Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside. This provides candidates with options based on their preferred location within this region. The specific office assignment will likely depend on operational needs and candidate preference.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Design Studios: Expect access to shared office spaces that facilitate collaboration among design teams, project managers, and support staff.
Professional Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with necessary design software, project management tools, and communication technologies to support efficient workflow and remote collaboration when needed for specific tasks.
Team Interaction: The environment will encourage regular interaction with colleagues, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere where design challenges can be discussed and resolved collectively. Proximity to project sites might also be a feature, allowing for site visits and inspections.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, consistent with full-time employment. However, as is common in project management and operations, there may be an expectation for flexibility to attend critical meetings, respond to urgent project needs, or ensure project milestones are met, especially during peak periods or close to deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-county coverage offers flexibility. The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for direct supervision, team collaboration, and potentially site visits, which are critical components of operations roles involving physical project oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with minimum qualifications and DSA project experience.
Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your design management philosophy, leadership style, and experience with DSA projects. Be prepared to elaborate on specific challenges and successes.
Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be presented with a hypothetical design management scenario or a real-world problem related to DSA compliance or project execution. This assesses your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and process-oriented approach.
Team/Panel Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues and senior leaders. This stage evaluates cultural fit, collaboration skills, and your ability to integrate into the MAAS Companies team.
Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize any terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Structure for Operations: Organize your portfolio to highlight your management of the entire design lifecycle and your operational contributions, not just aesthetic design. Emphasize process, compliance, and results.
DSA Focus: Clearly label and detail projects involving DSA certification. For each, explain your role, the challenges specific to DSA, how you navigated them, and the outcome. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Reduced approval time by X%," "Managed a budget of $Y").
Process Flow Diagrams: Consider including simple diagrams that illustrate your approach to design workflow, stakeholder communication, or issue resolution.
Metrics & KPIs: Showcase how you measure success. Include examples of budget tracking, schedule adherence reports, or quality control checklists you've utilized.
Concise Narratives: For each case study, provide a brief overview, your specific responsibilities, key challenges, actions taken, and quantifiable results. Focus on demonstrating your operational effectiveness.

Challenge Preparation:

DSA Regulations: Refresh your knowledge of current DSA guidelines and common pitfalls in the certification process.
Project Management Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing conflicting priorities, resolving team disputes, handling scope creep, and mitigating budget overruns.
Leadership & Communication: Think about examples where you’ve had to motivate a team, influence stakeholders, or communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
Operational Efficiency: Be ready to discuss how you would identify and implement process improvements within a design management context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review for this role will heavily scrutinize operational competence. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design acumen, but a robust understanding of project management, compliance protocols, and how to efficiently execute complex projects within a regulated environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Oracle Aconex, MS Project) for scheduling, budget tracking, document control, and team collaboration.
Design Software Suites: Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) software such as Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and potentially ArchiCAD for understanding design documents and coordinating with design teams.
Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms for organizing, storing, and sharing project documentation, ensuring version control and accessibility.
Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with communication and collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Asana, or similar tools for team communication and task management.

Analytics & Reporting:

Budgeting & Financial Software: Experience with financial tracking tools or ERP systems for monitoring project expenditures and generating financial reports.
Reporting Dashboards: Ability to utilize or contribute to the creation of project dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) such as schedule adherence, budget variance, and milestone completion.
Data Analysis Tools: Basic understanding of how to interpret project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While less direct, familiarity with CRM systems might be beneficial for understanding client relationships and project pipelines, especially if involved in business development support.
Workflow Automation: Awareness of how automation can be applied to repetitive tasks within the design or project management process, such as document routing or notification systems.
Integration Concepts: Understanding how different software systems (e.g., design, project management, financial) can integrate to improve data flow and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Design Management" within an operational framework means a strong proficiency in project management software, document control, and an understanding of design tools is critical. The ability to interpret data and contribute to reporting is also vital for demonstrating operational oversight.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Integrity & Compliance: A paramount value, especially given the DSA mandate. Operations professionals are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure strict adherence to all regulations and company procedures.
Accountability & Ownership: Employees are expected to take full responsibility for their tasks, project outcomes, and the impact of their decisions, fostering a culture of ownership and commitment.
Collaboration & Teamwork: MAAS Companies values a cooperative spirit where team members support each other, share knowledge, and work collectively towards common project goals. This is crucial for managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A drive towards optimizing processes, reducing waste, and improving project delivery methods is encouraged, aligning with operational excellence.
Client Focus: Understanding and prioritizing client needs, particularly those of educational institutions, ensuring successful project delivery that meets their specific requirements and expectations.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to foster seamless collaboration between design disciplines, project management, construction teams, and external consultants. This involves proactive communication and a willingness to bridge gaps between different functional areas.
Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback and open dialogue among team members to identify potential issues early and collectively find solutions.
Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing expertise, lessons learned, and best practices across projects and teams to elevate the overall operational capability of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of integrity, compliance, and accountability are non-negotiable in this role due to the DSA oversight. For operations professionals, demonstrating an understanding and embodiment of these values, alongside a collaborative and efficiency-driven mindset, will be key to fitting into MAAS Companies' culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Navigating Complex Regulations: The primary challenge is consistently meeting and exceeding the stringent requirements of the Division of the State Architect (DSA), which can involve intricate processes and evolving standards.
Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of clients (e.g., school districts), design teams, contractors, and regulatory bodies requires exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
Budgetary & Schedule Pressures: Delivering high-quality designs within tight deadlines and allocated budgets, especially in public sector projects, presents ongoing operational challenges.
Interdisciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration and communication between various engineering disciplines, architectural elements, and construction methods can be complex.
Adapting to Project-Specific Needs: Each project, particularly in the K-14 and higher education sectors, comes with unique functional requirements, site constraints, and stakeholder preferences that demand tailored design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Deepening DSA Expertise: Continuous learning regarding DSA updates, new building codes, and best practices in compliance management.
Advanced Project Management Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement advanced project management methodologies and tools to further enhance efficiency and delivery.
Leadership Development: Potential for formal leadership training, mentorship programs, and opportunities to lead larger, more complex projects, preparing for senior management roles.
Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in relevant industry events focused on architecture, engineering, construction management, and public sector projects to stay abreast of trends and network.
Cross-Training: Exposure to other facets of MAAS Companies' operations, such as estimating, procurement, or construction management, to gain a broader understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of working within a regulated environment. The growth opportunities are substantial for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in specialized areas of design and project management while developing leadership capabilities within a stable, employee-owned company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Design Oversight Strategy: "Describe your approach to overseeing the full design lifecycle for a complex educational facility project, ensuring compliance with DSA regulations from start to finish." (Prepare to discuss phases, key milestones, risk mitigation, and team roles).
Stakeholder Management: "How do you effectively manage communication and expectations among clients, design teams, contractors, and regulatory bodies like the DSA, especially when conflicts arise?" (Focus on proactive communication, conflict resolution, and documentation).
Process Improvement in Design: "Can you provide an example of a time you identified an inefficiency in a design process and implemented a change that led to measurable improvements in schedule, budget, or quality?" (Highlight your analytical skills, problem-solving methodology, and quantifiable results).

Company & Culture Questions:

MAAS Companies' Values: "How do your personal work values align with MAAS Companies' emphasis on integrity, accountability, and collaboration, particularly in the context of DSA projects?" (Research the company's stated values and connect them to your own experiences).
Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster positive working relationships among diverse project stakeholders." (Emphasize your leadership style, communication approach, and ability to build consensus).
Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a design management operation beyond just project completion? What metrics do you prioritize?" (Discuss KPIs related to budget adherence, schedule performance, quality control, client satisfaction, and compliance).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Operational Narrative: Frame your portfolio not just as a collection of projects, but as evidence of your operational expertise. For each case study, clearly articulate the project's operational challenges and how you managed them.
DSA Journey: For DSA projects, walk through the approval process as a key operational workflow. Highlight the documentation, submissions, and interactions required.
Quantify Everything: Use numbers to demonstrate impact. "Managed a $15M project budget," "Oversaw a team of 8 architects and engineers," "Achieved DSA sign-off 2 weeks ahead of schedule."
Visual Aids: Use clear visuals (charts, graphs, process diagrams) to explain complex information concisely and demonstrate your ability to present data effectively.
Focus on "How": Explain how you achieved results – your methods, processes, and decision-making logic. This showcases your operational thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust operational mindset, not just design knowledge. Candidates need to articulate their problem-solving skills, process management capabilities, and understanding of compliance within the context of successful project delivery.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position at MAAS Companies:

Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided application link (likely through Workable) to formally submit your resume and any requested supporting documents.
Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your experience managing the full design lifecycle, with a strong emphasis on DSA projects. Highlight your process management, regulatory compliance, and project execution skills.
Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of design management experience, specifically calling out your 5+ years of direct DSA project experience. Use keywords such as "Design Management," "DSA Certification," "Project Lifecycle," "Budget Control," and "Stakeholder Coordination."
Prepare for Interview Scenarios: Anticipate questions about your operational strategies, DSA compliance navigation, team leadership, and problem-solving approaches. Practice articulating your experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Research MAAS Companies: Familiarize yourself with MAAS Companies' projects, values, and their commitment to employee ownership. Understand their operational focus on compliance and project excellence, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their culture and needs.

⚠️ 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