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

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: MAAS Companies

Location: Ventura / LA / San Diego / Riverside Counties, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-15

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design life cycle, encompassing initial planning, project execution, and final DSA certification.

• Lead and coordinate design efforts, ensuring strict adherence to project schedules, budgets, and construction standards.

• Manage the design process for K-14 and/or higher education projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of DSA requirements.

• Drive efficient project close-out procedures and ensure all regulatory compliance is met.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within MAAS Companies, a 100% employee-owned entity, suggesting a culture that values long-term commitment and employee contribution. The emphasis on DSA certification and K-14/higher education projects indicates a specialized focus within the construction and design management sector, requiring a deep understanding of regulatory compliance and educational facility design principles. This role is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and project success within these specific sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all phases of the design process, from conceptualization and schematic design through construction documentation and final close-out.

• Ensure all design deliverables meet or exceed established quality standards, budgetary constraints, and timeline objectives.

• Coordinate effectively with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to facilitate seamless project execution and problem resolution.

• Conduct regular site visits and progress reviews to monitor construction activities and ensure design intent is being realized.

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including design reports, meeting minutes, change order logs, and DSA submittals.

• Champion the adoption of best practices in design management and project execution to enhance operational efficiency and project outcomes.

• Develop and manage design consultant contracts, ensuring scope clarity and performance accountability.

• Stay abreast of evolving building codes, regulations, and industry best practices relevant to K-14 and higher education facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to managing the entire design lifecycle, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance (DSA certification) and stakeholder coordination. This is typical for a senior design management role within organizations undertaking complex public or institutional projects where precision and adherence to standards are paramount for operational success and project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in managing the full design life cycle for complex construction projects.

• In-depth knowledge of DSA requirements, regulations, and certification processes for public projects in California.

• Strong project planning, scheduling, and budget management capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Proficiency in construction standards and organizational procedures.

Preferred Skills:

• Licensed Architect (RA) in California with a valid and current Certificate of Registration.

• Experience in the design of large-scale K-14 and/or higher education facilities.

• Familiarity with urban planning and construction management principles.

• Advanced understanding of project management methodologies and software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5 years of specific DSA project experience highlights the niche nature of this role. For operations professionals, this translates to a need for demonstrable experience in navigating complex regulatory environments, which is a critical component of operational efficiency in public sector construction projects. The preference for a licensed architect further underscores the technical depth expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies of design projects managed, with a strong emphasis on those involving DSA certification.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the project's scope, budget, timeline, and your specific role and contributions.

• Highlight projects within the K-14 or higher education sectors to demonstrate relevant experience.

• Quantify achievements wherever possible, such as cost savings, schedule adherence, or successful resolution of complex design challenges.

Process Documentation:

• Present examples of your approach to designing and documenting project workflows, from initial concept to project close-out.

• Showcase your methods for ensuring regulatory compliance, particularly with DSA standards, through structured processes.

• Provide evidence of your ability to implement and manage systems for tracking project progress, budget, and schedule adherence.

• Demonstrate how you utilize data and metrics to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement in design and construction operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with a focus on DSA projects, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience in regulatory compliance and project execution. Operations candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to manage complex processes, adhere to strict standards, and deliver projects efficiently within defined constraints, reflecting the operational rigor required in this field.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401K Retirement Plan (optional, with MAAS Safe Harbor contribution of 3% starting day 1)

• Stock Options: As a 100% Employee Owned company, you will be part of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

• Paid Time Off: 3 weeks per year (2 weeks vacation, 1 week sick) plus holidays.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Family and Medical Leave

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for extended hours based on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $150,000 - $180,000 annually for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience and specific DSA project expertise is competitive for the Southern California market, particularly for specialized roles in construction management. The MAAS Companies' 100% employee ownership model, including an ESOP and Safe Harbor contributions, represents a significant long-term value proposition for employees, aligning with operational strategies that foster employee retention and commitment. This structure can be a powerful motivator for operations professionals seeking stability and ownership in their careers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management / Design Services, with a specialization in educational facilities.

Company Size: MAAS Companies is a 100% Employee-Owned company, indicating a mid-to-large size organization with a distributed ownership structure.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company's 100% employee ownership model suggests a mature organization focused on long-term sustainability and employee value.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project management or operations team, potentially reporting to a Director of Design or VP of Operations.

• This role involves extensive cross-functional collaboration with project managers, construction superintendents, architects, engineers, DSA officials, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on a structured approach to design management, adhering strictly to DSA requirements and construction standards.

• Focus on efficient project execution through robust planning, scheduling, and budget monitoring.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for tracking project progress, performance metrics, and financial oversight.

• A commitment to continuous improvement is suggested by the "Room for growth within the organization" and "Great Place to Work certified" accolades.

Company Website: www.maasco.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Great Place to Work certified" status and 100% employee ownership are strong indicators of a positive and employee-centric company culture. For operations professionals, this often translates to a more collaborative environment, greater autonomy, and a shared commitment to organizational success, which can positively impact operational efficiency and job satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, requiring significant experience and a high degree of autonomy. The Design Manager is responsible for critical decision-making that impacts project success, budget adherence, and regulatory compliance within specialized sectors of the construction industry.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the company's operations or project management division, such as a Director of Design, Senior Project Executive, or VP of Operations. They will, in turn, manage and guide design consultants and potentially junior design staff.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on MAAS Companies' operational efficiency and profitability. By ensuring designs are compliant, cost-effective, and delivered on schedule, the Design Manager minimizes risks, reduces costly change orders, and enhances client satisfaction. Their expertise in DSA compliance is vital for securing project approvals and avoiding delays, directly influencing project timelines and financial outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Director of Design, Senior Project Executive, or VP of Operations, overseeing larger portfolios or broader operational functions.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., specialized educational facilities, complex public works) or advanced project management methodologies.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior design staff and project managers, contributing to the development of talent within the organization.

• Strategic Contribution: Participate in strategic planning for the company's design and construction operations, influencing future project acquisition and operational improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on growth within a 100% employee-owned company suggests that career progression is tied to both individual performance and the overall success of the organization. Operations professionals in this role can anticipate opportunities to take on greater responsibility and influence the strategic direction of the company's design and construction operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is primarily on-site, requiring the Design Manager to be present in one of the specified Southern California counties (Ventura, LA, San Diego, or Riverside). The role involves regular site visits and collaboration within project offices or MAAS Companies' regional offices.

Office Location(s): The role supports projects across Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Counties, indicating a widespread operational footprint. The candidate will likely be based out of an office within one of these counties, with flexibility for travel to project sites and other MAAS Companies locations as needed.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will be dynamic, involving a mix of office-based design coordination and on-site project oversight.

• Expect a collaborative atmosphere where interaction with project teams, consultants, and external stakeholders is frequent.

• Access to standard office technology, design software, and project management tools is expected to facilitate efficient operations and communication.

• The "Great Place to Work" certification suggests a focus on creating a positive and productive physical and social workspace.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the nature of construction project management often requires flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines, manage unforeseen issues, or attend project meetings outside standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and broad geographic coverage necessitate strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively across multiple locations. This is a key operational consideration for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, qualifications, and fit with the role's requirements, particularly DSA project experience.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focused on DSA regulations, K-14/higher education project design, project management methodologies, and problem-solving scenarios related to design challenges. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Manager/Team Interview: Conversation with the hiring manager and potential team members to evaluate your leadership style, collaboration skills, and cultural fit within MAAS Companies' team-oriented environment.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term career goals, and overall fit with the company's employee-owned structure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with DSA requirements, K-14/higher education facilities, and comprehensive design management. Quantify your impact with specific metrics (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence).

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate the design process you followed for each project, emphasizing workflow, coordination, and problem-solving.

• Demonstrate Compliance: For DSA projects, explicitly detail how you ensured compliance with all regulations and standards.

• Tell a Story: Present your projects as compelling narratives of challenges, solutions, and successful outcomes, illustrating your operational expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to design challenges, budget constraints, or regulatory hurdles you might encounter.

• Prepare to articulate your approach to stakeholder management, especially when dealing with diverse groups like architects, contractors, and government officials.

• Understand MAAS Companies' business model as an employee-owned company and be prepared to discuss how you see yourself contributing to its success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on DSA projects means that candidates must be prepared to demonstrate a deep understanding of this specific regulatory framework during the interview process. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly outlines DSA-related experience will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Oracle Aconex) for managing project documentation, schedules, budgets, and communication.

• Design Software: Familiarity with CAD and BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) is beneficial for understanding design deliverables and coordinating with design teams, though direct design work may not be required.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Tracking Tools: Ability to utilize or oversee the use of tools for budget tracking, cost control, and financial reporting.

• Scheduling Software: Expertise in critical path method (CPM) scheduling tools like Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 for developing and managing project timelines.

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and analysis, and potentially BI tools for creating dashboards and performance reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales or marketing role, understanding how CRM systems interface with project management for client communication and project tracking can be beneficial.

• Automation tools for report generation or workflow management within project execution processes may be utilized.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not purely "operations" in the traditional sense of CRM/SFA, the management of project lifecycles, budgets, and schedules falls under the umbrella of operational execution. Proficiency in project management software and scheduling tools is paramount for efficient operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring strict adherence to DSA regulations and construction codes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a positive, team-oriented environment where open communication and mutual support are key to project success.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality design and construction outcomes that meet client expectations and company standards.

• Efficiency & Accountability: Driving operational efficiency through effective planning, resource management, and taking ownership of project responsibilities.

• Employee Ownership: A unique value stemming from the 100% employee-owned structure, promoting a sense of shared responsibility and long-term commitment to the company's success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with project managers, consultants, contractors, and internal teams to ensure seamless design integration and problem-solving.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and proactive communication to address potential issues early and maintain alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Feedback Culture: Valuing constructive feedback and using it to refine processes and improve project outcomes, reflecting the "Great Place to Work" environment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices and lessons learned across projects to enhance collective expertise and operational effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on being a 100% employee-owned company strongly influences the culture, likely promoting a collaborative spirit and a shared sense of purpose across all operational functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: The primary challenge is consistently meeting and exceeding the stringent requirements of DSA certification, which can involve intricate processes and evolving standards.

• Balancing Competing Demands: Managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique timelines, budgets, and stakeholder needs, while ensuring design quality and compliance.

• Geographic Dispersion: Overseeing projects across multiple Southern California counties requires robust logistical planning and effective remote management strategies.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Facilitating consensus among diverse stakeholders with potentially conflicting priorities, including clients, design teams, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen DSA Expertise: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in DSA regulations and public works projects, potentially leading to advanced certifications or advisory roles.

• Project Management Skills: Enhancing skills in large-scale project management, complex contract negotiation, and advanced financial oversight.

• Leadership Development: Growing into leadership positions within MAAS Companies, potentially managing larger teams or broader operational portfolios.

• Employee Ownership Engagement: Learning about and contributing to the governance and strategic direction of an employee-owned company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in managing DSA-certified projects and operating across a wide geographic area present significant opportunities for operations professionals to hone their skills in regulatory compliance, complex project management, and distributed team leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing projects through the full DSA certification process. What were the biggest hurdles, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and regulatory knowledge.)

• "How do you ensure design consistency and quality across multiple projects being managed by different teams or consultants?" (Focus on operational standards, quality control, and process implementation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to MAAS Companies, particularly our employee-owned structure?" (Demonstrate understanding of the ESOP model and its implications for culture and operations.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among design teams, project managers, and external stakeholders?" (Highlight your team-building and communication strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., K-14, Higher Education) or by key responsibilities (e.g., DSA Compliance, Budget Management).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the budget, timeline, and your specific role. Use metrics to demonstrate achievements (e.g., "Reduced design review time by 15%," "Managed a $50M project budget with 2% variance").

• Process Focus: For DSA projects, detail the steps taken to ensure compliance, including documentation, submittals, and interactions with the DSA.

• Visuals: Include relevant diagrams, renderings, or photos where appropriate to illustrate project scope and complexity.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the candidate's proven ability to navigate the specific regulatory landscape of DSA projects and their experience within educational facility design. Demonstrating an understanding of operational efficiency within these specialized contexts will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the MAAS Companies careers portal or the provided Workable link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 10+ years of design management experience, with a strong emphasis on your specific experience with DSA projects and K-14/higher education facilities.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your responsibilities and achievements in project planning, budget management, scheduling, and regulatory compliance (especially DSA). Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Organize a portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, particularly those involving DSA certification. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your process, problem-solving, and impact during an interview.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with MAAS Companies' mission, values, and their unique employee-owned structure. Understand their focus on educational facilities and their commitment to being a "Great Place to Work."

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with MAAS Companies before making application decisions.