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

📍 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: 2026-05-15T22:40:59.046

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Oversee the complete design lifecycle for projects, encompassing initial planning, execution, and final DSA certification.
Lead and coordinate design processes, ensuring adherence to project schedules, budgets, and established construction standards.
Manage cross-functional design teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality project outcomes.
Drive regulatory compliance, particularly with DSA (Division of the State Architect) requirements, for educational and public facilities.
Implement and refine design management methodologies to enhance project efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the emphasis on "DSA certification," "project close-out," "budgets," and "organizational procedures" strongly suggests a role with significant operational oversight and project management responsibilities within the construction and public sector design domain. This aligns with a need for strong process management and cross-functional coordination typical of senior operations roles in specialized industries.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Direct and manage the end-to-end design process for a portfolio of projects, from conceptualization to final construction documentation and certification.
Ensure all design activities comply with the Division of the State Architect (DSA) guidelines and other relevant building codes and regulations.
Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to foster effective communication and problem-solving.
Review and approve design submittals, ensuring they align with project objectives, client requirements, and quality standards.
Manage consultant selection, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring for design-related services.
Implement best practices in design management, focusing on process optimization, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Oversee the preparation of all necessary documentation for DSA review and approval, including plans, specifications, and reports.
Conduct site visits and project reviews to monitor progress and ensure design intent is maintained during construction.
Facilitate post-construction close-out activities, including as-built documentation and final certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are extrapolated to emphasize the operational aspects of managing the design lifecycle, including budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management, which are critical for a Design Manager role with significant project oversight.

🎓 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, from inception to project close-out.
In-depth knowledge of DSA requirements and processes for K-14 and/or higher education projects.
Strong project management skills, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
Proficiency in construction standards and building codes relevant to public facilities.
Excellent leadership and team coordination abilities, with experience managing diverse project teams.
Robust problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in complex design and construction scenarios.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

Licensed Architect (RA) with a valid and current Certificate of Registration in California.
Experience in the design and management of large K-14 or higher education projects.
Familiarity with project accounting and financial management principles.
Advanced knowledge of construction management software and design collaboration tools.
Experience in urban planning or large-scale development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred certifications and experience with K-14/higher education projects are crucial for demonstrating specialized knowledge in this niche. The "10+ years" experience level is inferred from the 10 years total and 5 years DSA specific requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant projects managed from concept through DSA certification, detailing your specific role and contributions.
Documented evidence of successful budget management and adherence to financial constraints on past projects.
Examples of project schedules developed and managed, demonstrating on-time completion or effective schedule recovery strategies.
Case studies illustrating how you navigated complex design challenges and regulatory hurdles (especially DSA).

Process Documentation:

Demonstrate your approach to defining and documenting design workflows and project phases.
Provide examples of how you track project progress, manage design revisions, and ensure quality control throughout the design process.
Detail your methods for ensuring compliance with all relevant codes, standards, and certifications, particularly DSA.
Illustrate your system for managing project documentation, including drawings, specifications, RFIs, and submittals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with a strong emphasis on DSA certification and project lifecycle management, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to process, compliance, and project delivery is essential. This section infers typical expectations for such a role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

Comprehensive Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401K Retirement Plan (optional participation)
Stock Options: 100% Employee Owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Safe Harbor Account: MAAS automatically contributes 3% of salary, accruing from day one.
Generous Paid Time Off: 3 weeks per year (2 weeks vacation, 1 week sick leave) plus holidays.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is directly from the input. The benefits are listed as provided, with added detail where common industry practices offer clarity (e.g., FSA). The "40 hours per week" is a standard assumption for full-time roles, with a note on expected flexibility for project-based work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Design Services, with a specialization in public sector projects (K-14, higher education). This industry requires strict adherence to regulatory standards and a focus on long-term asset management. For operations professionals, this means a high degree of process discipline, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Company Size: MAAS Companies is a 100% Employee-Owned firm, indicated by the ESOP benefit. This suggests a culture that values employee contribution, long-term commitment, and a collaborative environment where everyone has a stake in the company's success. The "Great Place to Work certified" status reinforces a positive and supportive work environment.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the company's structure as an ESOP and its "Great Place to Work" certification implies a mature organization with a strong, established culture focused on employee well-being and professional development.

Team Structure:

The Design Management team likely comprises experienced professionals responsible for overseeing project design phases.
This role reports to a senior leadership position within the operations or project management division.

Methodology:

Data-driven decision-making, leveraging project performance metrics and feedback.
Emphasis on process optimization to ensure efficiency and compliance in design and construction.
Collaborative project planning and execution, fostering a team-oriented approach.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is inferred from the provided benefits (ESOP, Great Place to Work) and the nature of the role (DSA projects). This infers a culture valuing employee ownership, collaboration, and adherence to strict standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, requiring extensive experience (10+ years) and specialized knowledge (5+ years in DSA projects). It signifies a role with significant autonomy, responsibility for high-impact projects, and the authority to make critical design and project management decisions.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, VP of Project Management, or a similar senior executive overseeing the company's project delivery functions. They will manage design teams and collaborate extensively with other operational departments.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that MAAS Companies delivers successful, compliant, and cost-effective design solutions. Their work directly impacts project profitability, client satisfaction, regulatory standing, and the company's reputation for quality and reliability in the public sector construction market.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., complex higher education facilities, large K-12 campuses) or advanced design technologies.
Leadership Expansion: Transition into roles with broader oversight, such as Director of Design, Head of Project Management, or executive leadership within the ESOP structure.
Mentorship & Training: Develop and mentor junior design and project management staff, contributing to the company's internal talent pipeline.
Strategic Input: Contribute to the development of company-wide design standards, operational procedures, and long-term strategic planning for project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are inferred based on the senior nature of the role and the company's ESOP structure, which often encourages internal development and leadership progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the Design Manager to be present in one of the specified Southern California counties (Ventura, LA, San Diego, Riverside). The work environment will likely involve a combination of office-based design coordination and site visits to active construction projects.

Office Location(s): The company operates across Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Counties, allowing for regional flexibility in terms of primary work location within these areas. This can be advantageous for candidates residing in or preferring to work within specific parts of Southern California.

Workspace Context:

A professional office setting equipped with necessary design software, collaboration tools, and project documentation systems.
Opportunities for regular interaction with project teams, consultants, and potentially clients in a collaborative environment.
Access to company resources and support staff to facilitate efficient project management.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of project-driven work and the need to meet deadlines for DSA certification and construction schedules, some flexibility and occasional extended hours may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" status and specific county locations are derived from the job posting. The workspace context is a standard inference for a professional design management role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, particularly DSA project experience and years of relevant design management.
Technical Interview: In-depth discussion about your experience managing the design lifecycle, knowledge of DSA regulations, project budgeting, scheduling, and problem-solving approaches. Expect to discuss specific past projects in detail.
Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, highlighting your role, challenges overcome, design solutions, and project outcomes, with a strong focus on DSA compliance and process management.
Team/Leadership Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, ability to collaborate with diverse teams, and cultural fit within MAAS Companies' employee-owned environment.
Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize terms and confirm strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

DSA Focus: Curate projects that strongly demonstrate your experience with DSA requirements, submission processes, and successful certifications.
Quantifiable Results: For each project, highlight achievements using metrics related to budget adherence, schedule performance, cost savings, or efficiency improvements.
Process Clarity: Clearly articulate the design management processes you employed, including planning, execution, risk management, and quality control.
Problem-Solving Narrative: Present challenges encountered (e.g., complex site constraints, regulatory changes) and detail your strategic solutions and their impact.
Visuals: Use professional-quality drawings, renderings, and site photos to illustrate project scope and complexity.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared to discuss hypothetical project scenarios, focusing on how you would approach design management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication for a complex DSA-regulated project.
Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership approach, and understanding of MAAS Companies' commitment to employee ownership and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is tailored for a senior design management role with a specific focus on DSA compliance, emphasizing practical experience and process demonstration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

CAD & BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar platforms for design production and documentation.
Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, progress tracking, and document control.
Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or dedicated project collaboration portals for team communication and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

Financial Management Software: Experience with accounting or project cost management systems to monitor budgets and expenditures.
Reporting Dashboards: Ability to utilize or create dashboards for tracking key project performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget, and schedule.

CRM & Automation:

Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation, including drawings, specifications, and correspondence.
Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with any tools or methods used to streamline design review, approval, or submittal processes would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for design management and project execution in the construction industry, with a particular emphasis on those relevant to managing complex projects and regulatory compliance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet all project requirements and regulatory standards.
Integrity & Transparency: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, particularly with regulatory bodies like DSA, and maintaining open communication with stakeholders.
Employee Ownership & Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where every employee contributes to shared success and actively participates in problem-solving.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Seeking efficient and effective approaches to design management and project delivery, adapting to new technologies and methodologies.
Compliance & Safety: Prioritizing adherence to all building codes, regulations, and safety standards as paramount in all project phases.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with project managers, construction teams, consultants, and clients to ensure seamless project execution and alignment.
Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing project updates, potential issues, and solutions with all relevant parties.
Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where lessons learned are documented and shared to improve future project outcomes and processes.
Constructive Feedback: Open to providing and receiving feedback to enhance team performance and project quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values are inferred from the company's ESOP structure, "Great Place to Work" certification, and the nature of DSA-regulated projects, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and adherence to standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Navigating Complex DSA Regulations: Staying current with evolving DSA requirements and ensuring all project designs meet stringent compliance standards can be challenging.
Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of architects, engineers, contractors, clients, and regulatory bodies requires strong negotiation and communication skills.
Budget and Schedule Constraints: Delivering high-quality designs within tight timelines and budgets, especially on public projects, demands meticulous planning and efficient execution.
Adapting to Project Scale: Managing the design process for large-scale educational facilities or complex public buildings presents unique operational and logistical challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced DSA Training: Pursuing specialized certifications or workshops related to DSA compliance and public project construction.
Leadership Development Programs: Participating in internal or external programs to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.
Industry Conferences: Attending conferences focused on architecture, construction management, and public sector development to stay abreast of trends and best practices.
Mentorship: Benefiting from and providing mentorship within the employee-owned structure to foster professional growth and knowledge transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are derived from the specific demands of managing DSA projects and large-scale construction, while growth opportunities are aligned with career progression in senior management and specialized technical fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your approach to managing the full design lifecycle for a complex project, from initial concept to DSA certification." (Focus on structured processes, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.)
"How have you ensured compliance with DSA regulations on past projects? Walk us through a specific challenge and your solution." (Highlight your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.)
"How do you manage design project budgets and schedules to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery?" (Emphasize financial acumen, planning, and proactive issue resolution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What attracts you to MAAS Companies, particularly our employee-owned structure and 'Great Place to Work' certification?" (Showcase your understanding of company values and your desire for a collaborative environment.)
"How do you foster a culture of quality and compliance within a design team?" (Relate your leadership style to the company's emphasis on excellence and adherence to standards.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure: Organize your presentation logically, focusing on 2-3 key projects that best showcase your DSA experience, leadership, and project management capabilities.
Metrics: For each project, clearly present quantifiable achievements (e.g., budget adherence, schedule savings, successful certification outcomes).
Process Emphasis: Detail the design management processes you implemented, highlighting how they contributed to project success.
Conciseness: Be clear, concise, and engaging. Allocate appropriate time for each project and for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's expertise in design management, DSA compliance, project operations, and cultural fit, with specific advice on preparing for each aspect.

📌 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: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature projects with significant DSA involvement, detailing your specific role in managing the design lifecycle, budget, and schedule.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of design management experience and at least 5 years of direct DSA project experience, using keywords such as "DSA certification," "K-14 design," "higher education," "project planning," and "budget management."
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and understanding of regulatory compliance, particularly for California DSA projects.
Company Research: Thoroughly research MAAS Companies, focusing on their employee-owned structure, "Great Place to Work" status, and the types of projects they undertake. Prepare to discuss how your values and experience align with their culture and operational goals.

⚠️ 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.

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