Design Manager – Los Angeles, CA*

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: CMTS LLC
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Project Management / Design Operations
Date Posted: May 14, 2026
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: On-Site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the design phase of capital improvement projects, focusing on educational facilities within Los Angeles.
• Ensure design projects adhere to educational, operational, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders including architects, consultants, District personnel, and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain strict compliance with District standards and Division of the State Architect (DSA) guidelines.
• Lead quality reviews and implement design policies and procedures to uphold project integrity and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the successful conceptualization and execution of educational facility design projects. The emphasis on DSA compliance and public agency standards suggests a need for meticulous adherence to regulatory frameworks and a deep understanding of public sector project management nuances. The "Design Operations" category is derived from the core responsibilities of managing the design process, ensuring quality, and coordinating stakeholders, which are key operational functions within a project management context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct design activities for School Upgrade Programs and critical repair projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Serve as the primary lead professional for design initiatives within the Design Department, guiding architectural and engineering efforts.
• Conduct rigorous quality reviews of designs and implement robust design policies and procedures to ensure consistency and excellence.
• Act as the main liaison with the Division of the State Architect (DSA), managing all interactions and ensuring compliance with their requirements.
• Oversee the District’s design process from project conception through final review and handoff to Project Execution, ensuring all functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements are met.
• Manage multiple complex projects concurrently by effectively coordinating with architects, consultants, and District personnel.
• Ensure building designs comply with District standards, specific educational program requirements, and all applicable building codes.
• Lead and manage the architectural firm selection process, ensuring selection is based on qualifications, performance standards, and project fit.
• Provide clear and actionable direction to architectural firms regarding project goals, schedules, budgets, and specific standards.
• Establish and maintain effective design review processes to guarantee projects deliver maximum value and long-term functionality.
• Ensure timely decision-making and approvals throughout the design lifecycle to maintain project momentum.
• Verify that all project documentation meets legal and regulatory requirements, including DSA submissions.
• Review design changes meticulously to ensure projects remain within approved budgets and scope.
• Recommend specific architectural firm assignments from pre-qualified consultant lists, aligning firm expertise with project needs.
• Participate actively in community outreach and stakeholder engagement activities to ensure project designs reflect community needs and expectations.
• Coordinate closely with various professional staff and District departments that support project design activities, fostering seamless integration.
• Develop and support continuing education opportunities, workshops, and seminars focused on architecture, construction, and project delivery best practices.
• Coordinate project activities with critical departments such as Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, Asbestos Technical Unit, and Local Districts.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned to support the overall mission of the Design Department and CMTS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed indicate a highly strategic and operational role. The emphasis on "quality review," "implement design policies and procedures," "establish and manage architectural firm selection processes," and "establish and maintain effective design review processes" points to a need for strong process ownership and governance. This role is not just about managing design output but also about managing the process of design itself.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering from a recognized college or university is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of professional experience in managing facilities design or planning and coordination of capital improvement projects.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects.
• Demonstrated experience in managing overall design processes, contract administration, cost estimating, and project scheduling activities.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage the design lifecycle of complex capital projects.
• Capital Project Coordination: Expertise in coordinating all aspects of capital improvement projects from inception to completion.
• Contract Administration: Strong understanding of managing design contracts, scope, and deliverables.
• Cost Estimating & Budget Management: Proficiency in developing, managing, and controlling project budgets and cost estimates throughout the design phase.
• Project Scheduling: Skill in creating, monitoring, and adjusting project schedules for design deliverables and milestones.
• DSA Compliance: In-depth knowledge of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements and their application to public school facilities.
• Public Agency Standards: Familiarity with standards and regulations specific to public sector projects, particularly in education.
• Leadership & Organization: Exceptional organizational, analytical, and leadership skills to manage multiple projects and teams effectively.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Collaboration: Ability to foster strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with architects, consultants, contractors, District personnel, and community stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Architectural Firm Selection & Management: Experience in establishing selection criteria and managing relationships with external architectural firms.
• Design Development & Construction Documentation: Deep understanding of the stages and requirements of design development and construction documentation.
• Project Delivery Processes: Familiarity with various project delivery methods and best practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to engage constructively with diverse stakeholder groups, including community members and regulatory bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience with a specific 5-year focus on educational facilities suggests a senior-level role. The preferred certifications (Architect or PE license in California) are strong indicators of the expected technical depth and professional standing required. These are not just check-the-box items but signal a need for deep, practical expertise in California's regulatory and construction landscape for educational institutions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant capital improvement projects managed, with a preference for educational facilities.
• For each project, clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, and specific contributions to the design phase.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the project lifecycle, from conceptual design through to construction documentation.
• Highlight your experience in managing design budgets, schedules, and external design consultants.
• Include examples of how you ensured compliance with relevant building codes, District standards, and DSA guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of design policies, procedures, or quality control checklists you have implemented or significantly improved.
• Illustrate your approach to managing design reviews, including methodologies for providing feedback and ensuring quality.
• Showcase documentation related to stakeholder engagement and communication strategies used during the design phase.
• Include any process maps or workflows you've developed for architectural firm selection or project handoff to execution teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly in public sector education, a portfolio is crucial. It needs to go beyond just listing projects and demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage processes, ensure compliance, and lead design teams effectively. The emphasis should be on showcasing their operational effectiveness in driving the design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Commensurate on Experience. Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager role with 10+ years of experience in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in educational facilities and requiring extensive knowledge of DSA compliance, the estimated salary range is $140,000 - $190,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the high cost of living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.
• Income Protection: 100% company-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance coverage.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing learning, workshops, seminars, and potential for continuing education support.
• Career Advancement: Clear pathways and opportunities for career growth within CMTS.
• Supportive Work Environment: Culture emphasizing safety, integrity, accountability, and employee well-being, supporting work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, CMTS emphasizes work-life balance, suggesting flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for similar roles in the Los Angeles area, considering the experience level (10+ years), specialization (educational facilities, DSA compliance), and the comprehensive benefits package offered. The "Commensurate on Experience" phrasing is common for senior roles where a precise range is determined by the candidate's qualifications and interview performance. The 100% company-paid insurance is a significant benefit.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction Management / Project Management, specializing in infrastructure and public facilities, particularly educational institutions. CMTS operates within a sector vital to community development and public services. Company Size: CMTS LLC is part of the larger CMTS organization, which has a significant presence and a substantial number of employees (likely exceeding 500 based on typical project management firms of this tenure and scope). This size indicates a stable organization with established processes and ample resources for project execution. Founded: Over 42 years of industry experience. This long history signifies stability, deep expertise, and a proven track record in delivering complex projects, fostering trust with clients and employees.

Team Structure:

• Design Department: The Design Manager will lead this department, likely comprising architects, engineers, and design coordinators, focusing on the pre-construction phases.
• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior executive, possibly a Director of Project Management or Operations, and will manage a team of design professionals.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role demands extensive collaboration with Project Execution teams, Procurement, Finance, Legal, and external consultants, including architects, engineers, and contractors.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Projects are managed with a focus on meeting specific metrics related to budget, schedule, quality, and compliance.
• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement of design and project management processes is a core tenet, aiming for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaboration & Communication: Emphasis on open communication channels and collaborative problem-solving to navigate complex project challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history (42+ years) and focus on public infrastructure, especially educational facilities, suggest a culture that values stability, long-term relationships, and a commitment to community impact. The "strong foundation for continued success" and "empowered to grow" statements indicate a supportive environment for professionals seeking to make a significant contribution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Design Manager position, indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. It sits at the intersection of design strategy and operational execution, requiring a blend of technical expertise and management acumen. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership role within CMTS, such as a Vice President of Operations or Director of Program Management, and will be responsible for leading a team of design professionals. This structure offers visibility to executive leadership and opportunities to influence broader project strategy. Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct and substantial impact on project success. Effective design management ensures projects are feasible, cost-effective, compliant, and meet the functional needs of educational institutions. This directly influences project execution efficiency, client satisfaction, and the long-term value and usability of public facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level program management roles, overseeing larger portfolios of projects or entire program areas.
• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific types of educational facilities or complex construction challenges.
• Strategic Influence: Ability to contribute to the development and refinement of CMTS's design and project management methodologies.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior design staff, developing leadership and team-building skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key leadership function within the design department, offering a clear path for career progression within a well-established company. The emphasis on "professional development" and "career advancement" suggests CMTS invests in its employees' growth, making this an attractive position for ambitious operations and project management professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This role is based in a professional office setting in Los Angeles, CA, designed to support project management and design coordination activities. Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA (Specific office address not provided, but likely in a central or accessible business district). Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office technology, project management software, and communication tools to facilitate collaboration.
• Expect a dynamic environment with regular interactions with internal teams, external consultants, and potentially site visits to project locations.
• The environment is geared towards collaborative problem-solving and efficient project execution. Work Schedule: Standard full-time, 40-hour work week. While the role is on-site, the company culture promotes work-life balance, suggesting that occasional flexibility may be accommodated to manage project demands effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Los Angeles, CA, is typical for a management role overseeing complex projects that require direct oversight, team coordination, and stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on work-life balance, despite being on-site, is a positive indicator of a healthy company culture.

📄 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 Design Manager's direct supervisor to evaluate technical skills, leadership style, and project management methodology.
• Team/Peer Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues or team members to assess collaboration skills and fit within the design team.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, detailing key projects, their role, and how they managed design processes, ensured compliance, and achieved project objectives. This may include a case study or problem-solving exercise.
• Final Interview: Potential interview with a senior executive for final approval, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or complexity. For each project, clearly outline: Project scope, your specific role and responsibilities, key challenges, design solutions, compliance measures (especially DSA), budget/schedule management, and outcomes.
• Highlight Process & Operations: Don't just show the final design; emphasize your role in managing the process. Detail how you implemented design policies, conducted reviews, managed consultants, and ensured regulatory adherence. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Reduced design review cycle time by 15%").
• DSA Expertise: Dedicate specific examples to showcase your understanding and successful navigation of DSA requirements. This is a critical differentiator for this role.
• Conciseness & Clarity: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently. Focus on impactful examples that directly address the responsibilities and qualifications listed in the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge for an educational facility, considering budget constraints, community input, and regulatory hurdles.
• Process Improvement: Prepare to discuss a time you improved a design or project management process, detailing the problem, your solution, and the results.
• Stakeholder Management: Have examples ready of how you've managed difficult stakeholders or resolved conflicts related to design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely the most crucial part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should meticulously prepare to articulate not only what they achieved but how they achieved it, focusing on the operational aspects of design management and compliance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely proficiency with industry-standard PM tools such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar platforms for managing project documentation, schedules, and communication.
• Design Software Proficiency: While not directly designing, an understanding of architectural and engineering software like AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) is essential for effective communication and review with design teams.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documents, drawings, and specifications.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Cost Control Software: Tools for tracking project costs, managing change orders, and generating financial reports.
• Scheduling Software: Expertise in using software like Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 for detailed project scheduling and critical path analysis.
• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret performance dashboards for project status, budget adherence, and schedule milestones.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design project data integrates with broader organizational systems (e.g., client management, procurement) is beneficial.
• Automation in design review workflows or documentation processes may be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager is less about direct creation and more about management, coordination, and oversight. Proficiency in project management, BIM understanding, and financial tracking tools are paramount for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, especially with public funds and regulatory bodies.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of design outcomes and project success.
• Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and open communication across all departments and with external partners.
• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design and project delivery that meets or exceeds client expectations.
• Safety: Prioritizing safety in all project planning and execution, ensuring compliance with all safety regulations.
• Efficiency: Continuously seeking ways to optimize design processes and resource utilization.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Communicative: Regularly engaging with stakeholders to anticipate issues and provide timely updates.
• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on identifying and implementing practical solutions to design and project challenges.
• Respectful & Inclusive: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where all team members feel heard and respected.
• Data-Informed: Using data and analytics to support decision-making and demonstrate project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be built around a strong ethical foundation, a commitment to quality, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, which are essential for success in public sector project management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Ensuring strict adherence to DSA requirements and other public agency standards can be challenging and requires meticulous attention to detail.
• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with its own unique set of stakeholders, budgets, and timelines.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively aligning diverse stakeholder expectations, from school administrators and community members to internal departments and regulatory bodies.
• Budgetary Constraints: Delivering high-quality educational facilities within defined project budgets, often requiring creative value engineering and cost control.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• DSA Expertise: Deepen knowledge of evolving DSA regulations and best practices for compliance.
• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex programs and refine strategic project planning skills.
• Leadership Development: Training and mentorship focused on enhancing leadership, team management, and strategic decision-making capabilities.
• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of advancements in educational facility design, sustainable building practices, and construction technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in public sector design management, particularly with educational facilities and strict regulatory oversight (DSA), offer significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in specialized areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design phase of a large-scale educational facility modernization project, specifically focusing on ensuring DSA compliance." (Preparation: Outline a step-by-step process, highlighting key checkpoints, documentation requirements, and liaison activities with DSA.)
• "How do you balance the educational needs of stakeholders with budgetary constraints and regulatory requirements when managing a design project?" (Preparation: Prepare a case study illustrating how you navigated such a conflict, emphasizing compromise, value engineering, and transparent communication.)
• "Walk us through your process for selecting and managing external architectural firms. What are the key criteria you evaluate, and how do you ensure their performance aligns with project goals?" (Preparation: Detail your methodology for RFPs, interviews, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance monitoring.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to CMTS and our focus on educational facility projects?" (Preparation: Research CMTS's mission, values, and recent projects. Connect your career goals and passion for community impact to their work.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your design team and with external partners?" (Preparation: Provide examples of initiatives you've led to improve team communication, resolve conflicts, and build strong working relationships.)
• "Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision regarding a design project that had significant implications. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to detail a challenging decision and its impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your achievements (e.g., percentage of budget saved, reduction in RFI volume, schedule adherence rates).
• Focus on Process & Compliance: Emphasize your operational role in managing the design process, not just the aesthetic outcome. Highlight how you ensured compliance with DSA and District standards.
• Narrative Storytelling: Frame your project examples as stories, detailing the challenge, your strategic approach, the actions you took, and the successful resolution.
• Concise & Engaging: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, allowing ample time for Q&A. Tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of the Design Manager role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, ensure regulatory compliance (especially DSA), and lead cross-functional teams in a public sector environment. The portfolio presentation is an opportunity to demonstrate these capabilities concretely.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the CMTS careers portal at www.cmtsllc.com/careers.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in managing capital improvement projects, specifically educational facilities, and explicitly mention your expertise with DSA requirements, contract administration, cost estimating, and project scheduling. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects that showcase your design management capabilities, process oversight, and compliance achievements. Be ready to discuss your specific contributions, challenges, and outcomes.
• Research CMTS: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent projects. Familiarize yourself with their work in educational facilities and identify how your skills align with their operational goals.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on examples that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills in a project management and design operations context.

⚠️ 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.