Design Manager, Industrial/Manufacturing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Industrial/Manufacturing

Company: J.E. Dunn Construction Group Inc P

Location: Nashville, TN

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction & Engineering Operations (Design Management Focus)

Date Posted: May 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the organization of design participants, processes, and technology to ensure the successful delivery of complex industrial and manufacturing construction projects.

• Actively manage the design process from initial business development and proposal stages through final project completion, ensuring alignment with client needs and project goals.

• Serve as a key liaison between clients, design consultants, trade partners, and internal project teams, facilitating clear communication and proactive problem-solving.

• Leverage deep technical expertise in design disciplines and construction methodologies to identify risks, opportunities, and drive value-added solutions that optimize project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within J.E. Dunn's Advanced Facilities Group (AFG), specifically focusing on Industrial & Manufacturing projects. The emphasis is on managing the design aspect for these complex, cutting-edge constructions, requiring a blend of technical design knowledge and project management acumen. The operations category has been broadened to reflect the construction and engineering context, with a specific focus on design management as an operational function within the GTM and project delivery lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Interpret formal design-build RFPs and develop comprehensive work plans, collaborating closely with preconstruction, operations, and other stakeholders to ensure a cohesive strategy.

• Support business development by assisting in the creation of conceptual plans, elevations, and 3D models for client presentations and win strategies, understanding their core business needs.

• Review and analyze bridging documents to ensure project compliance with RFP requirements, including a thorough understanding of codes and criteria to meet technical design deliverables.

• Conduct early-phase due diligence activities with clients and stakeholders, ensuring professional studies and jurisdictional/permitting requirements are integrated into design documents.

• Manage external design consultants and trade partners, ensuring they adhere to technical requirements, schedule commitments, and contractual scope.

• Oversee the design review process with design teams and clients, proactively identifying project risks and opportunities while ensuring schedule adherence and quality control.

• Generate cost savings and value-added solutions throughout the design phase by applying technical expertise and market knowledge.

• Monitor and control design partner and consultant costs, particularly for added scope, ensuring alignment with project budgets.

• Perform quality control reviews of design documents to ensure program specifications and life-safety requirements are met.

• Coordinate design document packaging strategies with the project team and manage project documentation using 2D and 3D file management systems.

• Provide technical design guidance throughout the entire construction process, supporting engineering, equipment selection, permitting, and construction phases.

• Collaborate with the VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) team to develop and implement project models and workflows as needed.

• Negotiate pricing, scopes of work, and contract terms for designers and design consultants.

• Assess constructability and provide recommendations on construction phasing during technical design reviews with the construction operations team.

• Hold architect and design partners accountable for delivering on project strategy and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive, client-facing role that bridges pre-construction strategy with on-site execution. The emphasis on "organizing the design participants, process and technology" underscores the operational nature of managing the design lifecycle. Specific tasks like RFP interpretation, constructability reviews, and VDC coordination are critical operational functions within this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 8+ years of design and/or construction management experience (Preferred).

• Demonstrated cross-functional knowledge of key engineering disciplines including Architectural, Structural, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), and relevant trades.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and/or Google SketchUp.

• Strong understanding of U.S. building design codes and material-specific standards.

• Ability to communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing, with intermediate proficiency.

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Thorough knowledge of construction project processes and how each phase supports successful project completion.

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively within a team, both internally and externally.

• Intermediate ability to apply Lean processes and philosophy to project workflows.

• Capacity to think in a highly structured manner across all design disciplines while also exhibiting creativity to develop specialized solutions.

• Proven ability to manage budgets and schedules, maximize profitability, and generate future work through relationship building.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) environments, including vendors and material designers/installers.

• Conversant with linked design disciplines such as Geotechnical/Civil, Building Façade, Data/Communications, Vertical Transportation, Acoustics, and Fire and Life Safety.

• Technical market expertise with knowledge of industry trends and innovations.

• Ability to build lasting relationships with team members that extend beyond a single project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section emphasizes technical proficiency in design software and an understanding of construction codes and disciplines, alongside crucial soft skills like communication, collaboration, and relationship building. The "Preferred Skills" point towards experience with broader project delivery models like EPC, indicating a complex project environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant industrial or manufacturing projects, detailing your specific role and contributions to the design management process.

• Design Process Optimization: Include examples demonstrating how you improved design workflows, reduced timelines, or enhanced design quality on past projects. Quantify improvements where possible (e.g., % reduction in RFI’s, % cost savings identified during design).

• System Integration Examples: Provide documentation or descriptions of how you integrated design technologies (e.g., Revit, VDC) with project management and cost control systems.

• RFP Analysis & Response: Showcase an example of your approach to analyzing complex design-build RFPs, including how you collaborated to develop winning strategies.

• Risk Mitigation Documentation: Present examples of risk assessment and mitigation plans developed during the design phase of projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate your ability to map out and document design processes, identifying bottlenecks and proposing data-driven solutions for efficiency.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide evidence of how you've implemented new design management processes or leveraged technology for automation (e.g., automated drawing reviews, integrated reporting).

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Illustrate how you track and report on key design management metrics, such as schedule adherence, budget adherence, RFI volume, and design-related change orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the process by which the candidate managed design. This includes showing how they integrated technology, mitigated risks, optimized workflows, and contributed to project success through effective design management. The focus is on showcasing strategic thinking and operational execution within the design lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for employees and their families.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the role requires willingness to work non-traditional hours to meet project needs, including evenings and weekends, and may involve extensive travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on national averages for similar roles, adjusted for the Nashville, TN location and the specific expertise required for industrial/manufacturing design management. The benefits listed are standard for a professional role in the construction industry, with a note on the potential for travel, which is a significant aspect of this position. The provided link for benefits details is noted as "Colorado Benefit Descriptions," which might be a template; actual benefits may vary by location and employment status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Heavy Civil Engineering

Company Size: 10,000+ Employees (J.E. Dunn Construction is a large, established firm)

Founded: 1924 (Over 100 years of experience)

Company Description: J.E. Dunn Construction is a national construction services leader known for its commitment to "Best People + Right Culture." They focus on enriching lives through inspired people and places, emphasizing innovation, challenging work, and employee rewards. Their diverse teams are dedicated to building perfection.

Company Specialties: Construction Management, General Contracting, Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery, Advanced Facilities (Mission Critical, Advanced Industries, Industrial & Manufacturing), Healthcare, Education, Public Sector, and more.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of the Advanced Facilities Group (AFG), a specialized team focusing on cutting-edge projects like Industrial & Manufacturing, Data Centers, and Semiconductors.

• This role will report within a project-based structure, collaborating closely with Preconstruction, Operations Managers, Project Managers, and potentially VDC specialists.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data from project execution, design reviews, and cost analyses to inform decisions.

• Lean Construction Principles: Application of Lean methodologies to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and improve efficiency throughout the design and construction phases.

• Technology Integration: Proactive use of innovative tools, including VDC, BIM, and advanced file management systems, to enhance design coordination and project delivery.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Fostering an environment where internal and external partners work together to address challenges and achieve project goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: J.E. Dunn's established history and large company size suggest a structured environment with robust processes and ample career development opportunities. The AFG focus indicates this role is at the forefront of complex, technologically advanced construction projects. The company culture emphasizes people, challenge, and reward, which is crucial for attracting and retaining talent in specialized roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management role within the design and construction lifecycle. It sits a crucial juncture, bridging the gap between pre-construction strategy and field execution. It requires significant technical expertise and leadership in managing external design partners and internal project stakeholders.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Executive, Senior Project Manager, or a Director within the Advanced Facilities Group. They will directly manage relationships with external design consultants and often mentor junior design coordinators or VDC specialists on project teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager significantly impacts project success by:

• Ensuring designs are constructible, cost-effective, and meet client requirements, thereby controlling project budget and schedule.

• Minimizing costly design errors and omissions through rigorous review and coordination, reducing change orders and rework.

• Facilitating efficient procurement and construction by ensuring timely and accurate design packages.

• Enhancing client satisfaction and fostering repeat business through proactive communication and problem-solving.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Progression to Project Executive, Director of Preconstruction, or VP of Advanced Facilities.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise within specific advanced facility types (e.g., Semiconductor, Data Center) or broader roles in EPC project delivery.

• Operational Excellence: Transitioning into roles focused on refining company-wide design management processes, VDC strategy, or innovation initiatives.

• Mentorship: Leading and developing teams of design professionals, project managers, and VDC coordinators.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical operational function within a large construction firm, demanding strong leadership and technical acumen. The growth path clearly leads into senior project leadership or specialized operational management roles within the highly complex AFG division.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role will involve a blend of office-based work and significant time spent at project sites. The company culture emphasizes an "inspired people and places" approach, suggesting a dynamic work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Nashville, TN (37210). However, the nature of advanced facilities projects often requires extensive travel to project sites across the country. Assignments may include project sites and/or company offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a highly collaborative setting involving frequent interaction with internal project teams (preconstruction, operations, VDC), external consultants, clients, and trade partners.

• Technology-Rich: Access to advanced design and project management software, VDC tools, and potentially dedicated project site facilities.

• Dynamic & Fast-Paced: The industrial and manufacturing sector, especially advanced facilities, is characterized by rapid development cycles and complex technical requirements, demanding agility and responsiveness.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the role requires flexibility, with a willingness to work non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends) and potentially extensive travel to meet critical project deadlines and site-specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by its hybrid nature – requiring both office-based strategic planning and on-site engagement. The emphasis on non-traditional hours and travel is a significant factor for candidates to consider.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or Senior PM) focusing on technical skills, project experience, and understanding of design management principles.

• Panel Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders, potentially including members of the Preconstruction team, Operations, and other Design Managers. This stage assesses collaboration skills and ability to integrate into the team.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their portfolio projects, detailing their specific contributions, challenges overcome, and solutions implemented. This is a critical assessment of practical application.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of AFG) for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in industrial/manufacturing design management. Highlight your role in managing design scope, schedule, budget, and risk.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenges, your specific actions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration, risk mitigation, improved constructability). Use metrics and data wherever possible.

• Process Focus: Demonstrate your understanding of the design lifecycle, from RFP analysis and conceptualization through detailed design and construction coordination. Show how you applied Lean principles or integrated technology.

• Visual Aids: Utilize drawings, 3D models, process maps, or flowcharts where appropriate to illustrate complex concepts or project details.

• Storytelling: Frame your project experiences as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving abilities, leadership, and collaborative approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared for a potential case study or hypothetical scenario related to managing a complex design challenge on an industrial project. Focus on your structured approach to problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and solution development.

• Technical Questions: Brush up on common design disciplines (Structural, MEP, Architectural), building codes, and construction methodologies relevant to industrial facilities.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your experience in leadership, conflict resolution, stakeholder management, and technical decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical expertise and the ability to operationalize design management within a complex project environment. The portfolio presentation is a key component, requiring candidates to proactively demonstrate their capabilities with tangible examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: AutoCAD, Revit (essential for design interpretation and coordination). Proficiency in Google SketchUp may also be beneficial for conceptualization.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar systems used for document management, scheduling, and communication.

• VDC Coordination Tools: Experience with or understanding of how VDC integrates with design, potentially including Navisworks or similar model coordination software.

• File Management Systems: Experience with 3D and 2D file management systems for organizing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial tracking, and reporting.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting dashboards for project performance, design progress, and risk monitoring.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding client relationship management is key. Familiarity with how CRM data might inform project pursuits or client management is a plus.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied to design workflows, document processing, or reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in core design software (AutoCAD, Revit) is non-negotiable. Experience with construction project management platforms and an understanding of VDC integration are critical for operational efficiency. The role requires strong analytical skills, particularly with spreadsheets, to manage budgets and track progress.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, partners, and team members.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where collective efforts lead to project success.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, technologies, and processes to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and delivering on commitments with a focus on quality and results.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and exceeding expectations through proactive engagement and superior project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Initiating conversations, sharing information openly, and providing timely updates to all stakeholders.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with Preconstruction, Operations, VDC, and Finance teams to ensure a unified project approach.

• Constructive Feedback: Engaging in open dialogue to provide and receive feedback, particularly during design reviews and problem-solving sessions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team meetings, sharing lessons learned, and contributing to the collective knowledge base of the Advanced Facilities Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: J.E. Dunn's stated values of "Best People + Right Culture" and "inspired people and places" suggest a culture that values expertise, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. The Design Manager role must embody these values by fostering strong relationships and driving collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Design Complexity: Industrial and manufacturing projects, especially advanced facilities, involve intricate technical requirements, specialized systems, and rapid design evolution. Keeping pace and ensuring alignment across all disciplines can be demanding.

• Balancing Competing Interests: Effectively mediating between client expectations, design consultant capabilities, trade partner input, and internal budget/schedule constraints.

• Global Supply Chain & Material Volatility: Navigating potential disruptions and cost fluctuations in material sourcing for specialized equipment and components.

• Rapid Technological Advancements: Staying abreast of and integrating new design technologies, construction methods, and operational tools in a fast-evolving industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Facility Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific sectors like data centers, semiconductors, or advanced manufacturing through project experience and industry training.

• Leadership Development: Participate in J.E. Dunn's leadership training programs to hone management and strategic decision-making skills.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue relevant certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), Lean construction, or specific design/construction technologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from mentorship by senior leaders within the AFG and contribute as a mentor to emerging talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to high-stakes, complex construction projects. The growth opportunities are structured to build deep expertise and leadership capabilities within a specialized and growing sector of the construction industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for evaluating a complex design-build RFP for an industrial facility. What are the critical elements you focus on, and how do you ensure alignment with client objectives and project feasibility?"

  • Preparation: Outline your structured approach, highlighting risk assessment, constructability reviews, scope gap analysis, and initial team formation.

• "How do you manage and hold external design consultants accountable to meet aggressive schedules and quality standards on a high-stakes project? Provide an example."

  • Preparation: Discuss your communication strategies, performance tracking methods, and conflict resolution techniques. Use the STAR method for your example.

• "Imagine a critical design issue arises late in the design phase that threatens the project budget and schedule. Walk us through how you would approach solving this problem, involving all relevant stakeholders."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of J.E. Dunn and the Advanced Facilities Group, how do you see your skills and experience contributing to our culture of 'Best People + Right Culture' and our pursuit of building perfection?"

  • Preparation: Research the company's mission, values, and recent projects. Connect your personal values and work style to theirs.

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder (internal or external) to achieve a project goal. How did you manage the relationship and ensure a positive outcome?"

  • Preparation: Prepare examples demonstrating your interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, and focus on shared project objectives.

• "How do you measure the success of the design management process on a project, beyond just budget and schedule adherence?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selectivity: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your capabilities in industrial/manufacturing design management.

• Narrative Arc: Structure each project presentation with a clear beginning (challenge/objective), middle (your actions/strategies), and end (results/impact).

• Visual Storytelling: Use slides with key metrics, project photos, design snippets, or process diagrams. Avoid overwhelming text.

• Quantify Impact: Clearly state the tangible benefits you brought – cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction, etc.

• Role Clarity: Explicitly define your specific contributions and leadership in each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, operational execution, and strong stakeholder management skills, all crucial for a Design Manager in this specialized field. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase practical application of these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the J.E. Dunn Construction careers portal using the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in industrial/manufacturing design management, emphasizing your proficiency with design software, understanding of construction codes, and project lifecycle management. Prepare a digital portfolio showcasing 2-3 relevant projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with design-build, design assist, RFP analysis, constructability reviews, and cross-functional team collaboration. Use keywords from the job description, particularly those related to industrial facilities, design management, and key software.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare a concise and impactful presentation of your portfolio, focusing on quantifiable results and your operational approach to design challenges. Research J.E. Dunn's Advanced Facilities Group and recent projects.

• Company Research: Understand J.E. Dunn's culture, values, and their focus on "Best People + Right Culture." Be prepared to discuss how your working style aligns with their collaborative and results-oriented environment.

⚠️ 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.