Design Manager | Industrial

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager | Industrial

Company: BHDP Architecture

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Design & Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days onsite/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drives significant account growth and client experience within the industrial market through strategic relationship management and service expansion.

• Oversees portfolio-level project delivery, ensuring alignment on scope, schedule, budget, and quality for multiple client projects.

• Acts as a trusted advisor to key clients, understanding their business needs and measures of success to deliver consistent, predictable, high-performance outcomes.

• Manages project profitability by leading and coaching Senior Project Managers, ensuring adherence to financial targets and efficient resource allocation.

• Develops and executes client relationship strategies in collaboration with the Sales Leadership Team, leveraging the BHDP sales process to foster meaningful connections and secure repeat business.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid between client relationship management and senior project oversight, with a strong emphasis on revenue generation and client retention within the industrial sector. The "Design Manager" title, combined with "Client Relationship Manager" responsibilities, indicates a focus on both the technical delivery of design projects and the strategic business development aspect. The requirement for 5+ years specifically in industrial design, alongside a broader 12+ years in design/architecture, suggests a need for specialized industry knowledge.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead project-wide expectations for project management by establishing ownership, driving follow-through, and implementing scalable governance routines, including performance metrics and escalation paths.

• Proactively assess and prioritize project risks, intervening early to protect client relationships and mitigate potential issues.

• Partner with the Sales Leadership Team to define client relationship strategies and integrate the BHDP sales process for effective client engagement.

• Execute day-to-day strategies focused on successful client outcomes, including repeat business and positive referrals, by deeply understanding client business needs and success metrics.

• Achieve revenue growth by managing existing client relationships and supporting new business pursuits in coordination with the Sales Leadership Team.

• Build trusted advisor relationships with existing clients by connecting BHDP's services and expertise to their specific business objectives and delivering successful project outcomes.

• Coordinate with other BHDP client leadership to achieve and report on net revenue and profit growth, demonstrating added value and trust.

• Ensure project teams produce high-quality deliverables by providing clear direction on labor budgets, task allocations, schedules, and review milestones, including comprehensive QA/QC processes.

• Function as the primary gatekeeper for project profitability, guiding and supporting Senior Project Managers in achieving financial targets.

• Create, issue, and review proposals that effectively articulate BHDP's value proposition, aligning scope and fee structures.

• Ensure proposals accurately reflect client requests and proactively manage client expectations across the entire BHDP project team.

• Communicate changes in scope or schedule to clients and consultants promptly, initiating and managing additional service processes.

• Provide ongoing coaching and accountability for Senior Project Managers in all aspects of project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic client management and operational project oversight. The emphasis on "governance routines," "performance metrics," "escalation paths," and "QA/QC" points to a need for robust process implementation and adherence. The role requires proactive risk management and a solutions-oriented approach to client challenges, underscoring the importance of strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture (NAAB accredited program preferred) or Interior Design (CIDA accredited program preferred). Experience:

• 12+ years of experience in the design and/or architecture industry.

• 5+ years of direct experience specifically within industrial design.

• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service, with the ability to anticipate needs, communicate proactively, and resolve issues professionally.

• Proven initiative and a proactive mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement. Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of Project Management systems, with a strong preference for VantagePoint.

• Demonstrated capability in delegating tasks, coaching team members, and elevating overall team performance.

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all project documentation and client communications.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, essential for effective teamwork and client interaction.

• Ability to model professional workplace behaviors, including reliable follow-through, constructive feedback, and calm, solutions-oriented communication.

• Strategic planning and execution for account growth and client satisfaction.

• Expertise in proposal development, including scope definition and fee alignment.

• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies for complex projects. Preferred Skills:

• Architectural License or NCIDQ Certification.

• Experience with cross-market selling and integrated service offerings.

• Proficiency in business development and client acquisition strategies.

• Team leadership and performance management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design expertise, project management proficiency, and strong client-facing relationship skills. The specific mention of "VantagePoint" suggests this system is critical for project tracking and financial management. The experience requirements clearly delineate a need for deep industry knowledge in industrial design coupled with broader architectural/design experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a history of successful client relationship management within the industrial sector, highlighting growth in account revenue and client retention.

• Provide detailed case studies of industrial design projects managed from inception to completion, demonstrating oversight of scope, schedule, budget, and quality.

• Include examples of implemented governance routines, performance metrics, and escalation paths used to ensure predictable project delivery.

• Demonstrate experience in developing and executing client-specific strategies that align BHDP's services with client business needs and success metrics.

• Present examples of proactive risk assessment and successful intervention strategies employed to protect client relationships. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to setting project-wide expectations for project management, including delegation, follow-through, and the establishment of scalable governance.

• Detail your methodology for assessing and prioritizing project risks and for intervening early to safeguard client relationships.

• Describe your process for partnering with sales leadership to establish client relationship strategies and leverage sales processes.

• Explain how you execute day-to-day strategies to achieve successful client outcomes, focusing on understanding business needs and measures of success.

• Outline your approach to managing project profitability, including coaching Senior PMs and ensuring adherence to financial metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role must go beyond typical design work. It should emphasize the management and business development aspects, showcasing how candidates have driven revenue, managed client relationships strategically, and implemented robust project governance to ensure predictable, high-quality outcomes, particularly within the industrial sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in major metropolitan areas like Cincinnati, OH, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $120,000 and $160,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized industrial design experience, client relationship management responsibilities, and the strategic impact on revenue growth.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Disability insurance coverage.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Generous paid holiday schedule.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for personal time, vacation, and sick leave.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Work Mode: Onsite Monday – Thursday, with onsite optional on Friday, offering a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior management roles in architecture and design firms in a major Ohio city, factoring in the specified experience level and specialized industry focus. The benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with industry standards for attracting and retaining experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Design, Strategy, and Research, with a specific focus on influencing behavior, driving performance, and creating meaningful experiences through design. The company operates across multiple markets, including industrial.

Company Size: BHDP Architecture is a mid-to-large-sized firm, likely employing over 200 professionals, which allows for structured career paths and cross-functional collaboration while maintaining a people-centric approach.

Founded: BHDP was founded with a purpose to "Inspire People and Impact Results, By Design," indicating a culture rooted in innovation, client success, and professional growth.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager reports to the Market Leader, indicating a clear reporting line within a specific market sector (Industrial).

• The role involves close collaboration with the Sales Leadership Team, project managers, and other client leadership across different BHDP markets.

• The team structure supports a matrixed environment where project teams are formed based on client needs, requiring strong cross-functional coordination. Methodology:

• BHDP employs an integrated approach, collaborating across architecture, interiors, strategy, and research to solve complex challenges.

• The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to design, aiming to impact results and influence behavior.

• Project delivery is guided by a focus on governance routines, performance metrics, and proactive issue resolution to ensure predictable, high-performance outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: BHDP's culture appears to be performance-oriented, client-focused, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on purposeful design that drives tangible results. The "Inspire People and Impact Results, By Design" motto suggests a commitment to both employee growth and client success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and project management discipline, bridging client relationship management and operational execution. It's a strategic leadership role focused on revenue generation, client retention, and ensuring high-quality project delivery within a specialized market.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to a Market Leader, indicating a hierarchical structure within a specific industry vertical (Industrial). This role also collaborates closely with Sales Leadership and oversees Senior Project Managers, demonstrating influence across multiple functions.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on BHDP's financial health and market reputation. By driving account growth, ensuring profitability, and fostering strong client relationships, this role directly contributes to the company's revenue targets and its ability to secure repeat business and positive referrals. The success of projects under their oversight reflects directly on the firm's capability and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Market Leader roles, overseeing broader market segments or larger client portfolios.

• Business Development Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in client acquisition and strategic account management, potentially moving into a pure business development or executive client advisory role.

• Cross-Market Expertise: Ability to leverage experience in the industrial sector to expand into other markets or lead cross-market initiatives, broadening influence within BHDP.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Develop leadership skills by coaching and mentoring junior project managers and design staff, contributing to the firm's talent development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth from senior project management and client management into broader leadership and business development roles within a reputable architecture and design firm, with a focus on specialized market segments like industrial design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: BHDP operates within a professional office environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The description mentions an "open office environment" for physical and mental demands, suggesting a modern, collaborative workspace.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Cincinnati, OH. BHDP also has offices in other locations, suggesting potential for cross-office collaboration and exposure to different project types and teams.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid work model (4 days onsite, optional Friday) allows for focused work in the office and flexibility for remote tasks.

• The open office environment encourages spontaneous interaction and collaboration among team members, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

• Access to project management systems (like VantagePoint) and other necessary technology is implied, supporting efficient workflow and client communication. Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid schedule provides a structured approach to in-office collaboration while allowing for some flexibility, particularly on Fridays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment balances the need for in-person collaboration and client interaction with the desire for flexible work arrangements, which is increasingly valued by professionals in design and management roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience in industrial design, project management, and client relationship management.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Market Leader to delve into your experience, leadership style, and strategic approach to client growth and project delivery. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the industrial market and BHDP's approach.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues, including Senior Project Managers and members of the Sales Leadership Team, to evaluate collaboration style, problem-solving capabilities, and cultural fit.

• Case Study Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio, focusing on a successful industrial design project, your role in driving client satisfaction, and how you managed profitability and risks.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader within BHDP to discuss your long-term vision, alignment with company values, and overall fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Industrial Expertise: Clearly showcase 5+ years of direct industrial design project experience.

• Demonstrate Client Growth: Include examples of how you've grown accounts, secured repeat business, and acted as a trusted advisor. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., percentage of revenue growth, client retention rate).

• Showcase Project Management Rigor: Detail your approach to scope, schedule, budget, and quality management, using specific examples of governance routines and risk mitigation.

• Emphasize Profitability Management: Present case studies where you successfully managed project profitability, perhaps by coaching PMs or implementing cost-saving measures.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by client or project type, with clear summaries of your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach building a strategic relationship with a new key industrial client.

• Prepare to explain your methodology for identifying and mitigating project risks that could impact client satisfaction or profitability.

• Practice articulating your approach to coaching and holding project teams accountable for delivering high-quality work on time and within budget.

• Consider how you would handle a situation where a client's scope changes significantly mid-project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical design management skills and strategic business development acumen. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates quantifiable achievements in client growth, project profitability, and robust project oversight will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Systems: Advanced knowledge of project management systems is required, with a strong preference for VantagePoint. Proficiency in this system for tracking project financials, schedules, and resource allocation is critical.

• Design Software: While not explicitly listed as a required skill for the manager role, familiarity with industry-standard architectural and interior design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) is beneficial for understanding project deliverables and team challenges.

• CRM Systems: Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools is likely essential for managing client interactions, tracking sales pipelines, and supporting account growth initiatives.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Reporting Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize financial reports generated from project management systems to monitor profitability, budgets, and forecast revenue.

• Performance Metrics Dashboards: Experience in defining, tracking, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to client satisfaction, project delivery, and revenue growth.

CRM & Automation:

• Client Communication Platforms: Proficiency in using various communication tools (email, video conferencing, project management portals) for effective client and internal team communication.

• Sales Process Tools: Familiarity with tools that support the sales process, proposal generation, and client engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of VantagePoint highlights its importance. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with this or similar comprehensive project management and financial tracking software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations, with a focus on building long-term, trusted relationships.

• Impact-Driven Design: A belief that design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but should also influence behavior, drive performance, and deliver tangible results for clients.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across disciplines (architecture, interiors, strategy, research) and within project teams to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes, from client satisfaction and profitability to schedule adherence and quality of deliverables.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to problem-solving, seeking new opportunities, and continuously refining processes and methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively fosters collaboration between design, project management, sales, and strategy teams to ensure a holistic approach to client projects.

• Open Communication: Encourages transparent and constructive feedback within teams and with clients to address challenges proactively and maintain strong working relationships.

• Mentorship & Development: Supports the growth of team members through coaching, guidance, and knowledge sharing, contributing to a culture of continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: BHDP's values emphasize a results-oriented, client-focused, and collaborative environment. Professionals who thrive on making a tangible impact and enjoy working in a team setting that values expertise and accountability will likely find this culture a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands with Profitability: Effectively managing client expectations and scope while ensuring projects remain profitable requires strong negotiation and financial acumen.

• Navigating Complex Industrial Projects: The industrial sector often involves intricate technical requirements, stringent regulations, and demanding timelines, requiring specialized knowledge and adaptable problem-solving.

• Driving Cross-Market Service Adoption: Convincing existing clients to leverage a broader range of BHDP's services beyond their initial engagement requires strategic account planning and clear demonstration of value.

• Maintaining Consistency Across Multiple Projects: Overseeing a portfolio of diverse projects necessitates robust governance, clear communication, and effective delegation to ensure consistent quality and performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in project management methodologies, risk management, and financial controls specific to large-scale industrial projects.

• Business Development Skill Enhancement: Training in strategic account management, executive client engagement, and advanced sales techniques to further enhance client relationship growth.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal or external programs focused on developing leadership capabilities, team management, and strategic decision-making.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing certifications that enhance expertise in industrial design, project management, or business strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional development by tackling complex challenges in a specialized market and leveraging the firm's resources for growth in leadership and business strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully grew an existing client account by X% or more. What strategies did you employ?" (Focus on quantifiable results and your role.)

• "How do you balance delivering exceptional client service with ensuring project profitability? Provide an example." (Highlight your financial acumen and client management skills.)

• "Walk me through your process for identifying and mitigating risks on a large-scale industrial design project. What was your most challenging risk scenario, and how did you resolve it?" (Demonstrate proactive problem-solving and risk management.)

• "How do you establish and maintain effective governance routines for a portfolio of multiple client projects? What metrics do you track?" (Showcase your understanding of process and performance measurement.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about BHDP's purpose ('Inspire People and Impact Results, By Design') and how do you see your role contributing to it?" (Connect your experience to the company's mission.)

• "How would you foster collaboration between our design teams, project managers, and sales leadership to ensure seamless client delivery?" (Discuss your approach to cross-functional teamwork.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive team culture." (Assess cultural fit.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your most relevant industrial design project and your key achievements in client growth and project success.

• Quantify Everything: Use data and metrics to demonstrate your impact on revenue, profitability, client satisfaction, and project timelines.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the client's challenge, your strategic approach, your specific responsibilities and actions, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Management Skills: Emphasize your role in managing budgets, schedules, teams, and client relationships, not just the design aspects.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific project details, challenges encountered, and your decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your strategic thinking, client management capabilities, and project execution expertise, backed by concrete examples and quantifiable results from your industrial design and management experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager | Industrial position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Paycor recruiting portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume prominently highlights your 12+ years of design/architecture experience, with a specific emphasis on your 5+ years in industrial design. Quantify achievements in client growth, revenue generation, and project profitability.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select case studies that best demonstrate your experience in industrial design, client relationship management, strategic account growth, and successful project oversight (scope, schedule, budget, quality). Be prepared to discuss your role in managing profitability and risks.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Practice answering questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your experience in leadership, problem-solving, client management, and team collaboration.

• Research BHDP: Familiarize yourself with BHDP's mission, values, recent projects, and their approach to design and client engagement, particularly within the industrial sector. Understand their "Inspire People and Impact Results, By Design" philosophy.

⚠️ 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.