Design Manager (Owners Representative) - Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Owner's Representative)

Company: KALCON

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Owner's Representative / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: 7-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead multi-disciplinary design coordination for hyperscale data center projects from concept through construction administration as an Owner's Representative.

• Ensure accurate project schedules, consistent documentation, and timely closure of submittals and Requests for Information (RFIs).

• Serve as a key liaison between Project/Construction Management and the Architect/Engineer (A/E) team to maintain design clarity and support timely, cost-aware delivery.

• Drive design clarity, manage cross-discipline coordination, and align base-build versus tenant fit-out scopes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the critical intersection of design and execution, requiring a deep understanding of construction processes, technology platforms, and stakeholder management within the demanding context of hyperscale data centers. The "Owner's Representative" designation highlights a need for strategic oversight and advocacy for the client's interests throughout the design and construction lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Platforms & Information Management:

  • Review and assist in the setup and daily governance of Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) or Procore, establishing and maintaining logical file structures and metadata conventions.
  • Ensure A/E partners comply with and maintain platform standards, standardizing naming, versioning, and distribution workflows.
  • Develop and maintain a centralized meeting and action tracker for A/E partners, General Contractors (GCs), and subcontractors, capturing decisions, RFIs, submittal status, and assignments.

• Design Coordination & Alignment:

  • Lead and manage cross-discipline design coordination post-initial design, ensuring alignment across multiple Engineering of Record (EOR) firms and subcontractors.
  • Drive design clarity and the closure of submittals and shop drawings, leading weekly coordination meetings and publishing detailed minutes and action items.
  • Track design packages, narratives, and scope splits (Base-Build vs. Tenant Fit-Out), capturing lessons learned and facilitating information sharing across multiple buildings.
  • Coordinate the integration of customer/tenant fit-out design packages to maintain alignment with the core base-build design.

• Schedule Management:

  • Review and manage the overall design schedule, ensuring weekly updates, accuracy, and adherence to phase gates and project milestones.
  • Align design phase turnover with construction phasing and tenant fit-out requirements to protect the critical path of project delivery.

• Construction Administration (CA):

  • Manage CA processes, including running weekly A/E partner meetings, escalating and resolving submittals/RFIs held up by the A&E or GC, and coordinating site visits with A/E and QA/QC teams.
  • Oversee mock-up and First-of-Kind (FOK) reviews, ensuring acceptance criteria are met to de-risk fabrication and installation.
  • Provide comprehensive CA reporting and documentation in accordance with project requirements and Owner standards.

• Change Management & Cost Control:

  • Lead change management workflows (Potential Change Orders - PCOs, bulletins, RFIs with cost impacts), training GC teams on contract expectations and entitlement standards.
  • Partner with Cost Management teams to review pricing, validate design-related cost changes, and process Value Engineering (VE) options, documenting rationale and approvals.
  • Ensure QA/QC design issuance and narratives clearly categorize changes at the drawing sheet level for traceability.

• Permitting & Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ):

  • Manage and communicate the overall permit strategy, submissions, and responses to regulatory bodies.
  • Coordinate AHJ inspections and certificate-of-occupancy milestones with the project team to ensure timely project completion and handover.

• Quality, Documentation & Risk:

  • Log and meticulously document major decisions and project events, maintaining action registers, RFI logs, submittal metrics, and issue logs throughout the design and CA phases.
  • Support QA/QC activities related to design intent and acceptance criteria, assisting field teams with design clarifications and punch-list readiness.
  • Maintain a design risk register, identifying interfaces, late vendor data, and long-lead items, and drive mitigation strategies with all relevant stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership:

  • Act as the primary liaison for Project/Construction Management to the A/E team, leading meetings and clearly communicating design decisions, constraints, and their impacts.

  • Provide weekly project reporting on schedule progress, key deliverables, open issues, and approval status.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are highly process-oriented, emphasizing the need for structured workflows and meticulous documentation. The role requires proactive management of information flow and a keen eye for detail, particularly in tracking submittals, RFIs, and change orders to ensure project timelines and budgets are met.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field. Experience:

• 7–10 years of direct design management experience, with a strong emphasis on mission-critical facilities, semiconductor manufacturing, hyperscale data centers, or other large-scale complex commercial projects.

• Proven track record of successfully coordinating with multiple A/E partners and subcontractors.

• Demonstrated success in managing and closing submittals and RFIs efficiently.

• Experience aligning and managing distinct base-build versus tenant fit-out scopes. Required Skills:

• Design Management & Coordination: Expertise in leading and facilitating cross-discipline design coordination meetings, resolving conflicts, and ensuring design intent is maintained.

• Platform Proficiency: High proficiency in Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) or Procore for project management, document control, and collaboration.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Strong understanding of project scheduling principles, phase gates, and milestone tracking, with the ability to manage design schedules effectively.

• Construction Administration: Comprehensive knowledge of CA processes, including managing submittals, RFIs, site visits, mock-up reviews, and QA/QC processes.

• Communication & Documentation: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to create clear meeting minutes, action trackers, and project reports.

• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Center Expertise: Specific experience with hyperscale data center design and construction requirements.

• Owner's Representative Experience: Prior roles serving as an Owner's Representative, demonstrating a client-centric approach to project delivery.

• Change Management & Cost Control: Experience in managing change order workflows, validating cost impacts, and participating in value engineering initiatives.

• Permitting & AHJ Relations: Familiarity with navigating permitting processes and coordinating with Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both ACC/Procore and MS Project suggests a need for proficiency in both specialized construction management software and general project planning tools. The 7-10 year experience requirement positions this as a mid-to-senior level role, expecting candidates to bring established best practices and problem-solving capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of complex commercial or mission-critical projects managed, highlighting your specific role and contributions.

• Design Coordination Examples: Demonstrations of how you've managed cross-discipline coordination, resolved design conflicts, and ensured alignment between base-build and tenant fit-out scopes.

• Platform Implementation: Evidence of setting up, configuring, and governing project management platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud or Procore, including examples of file structure and metadata conventions.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Case studies showcasing improvements made to RFI, submittal, or change management processes, with measurable outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of designing and implementing standardized workflows for document control, communication, and issue resolution within project management platforms.

• System Governance: Documentation illustrating how you've ensured compliance with platform standards, naming conventions, and version control by project teams.

• Metrics & Reporting: Demonstrations of tracking and reporting on key project metrics such as RFI response times, submittal turnaround times, and change order volumes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly as an Owner's Representative, a portfolio should emphasize structured problem-solving and process optimization. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they did, but how they did it, showcasing their ability to implement and manage robust processes that drive efficiency and mitigate risk.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) retirement plan with a generous 4% KALCON match when an employee contributes at least 5%.

• Paid Time Off: 15 days of paid time off annually, providing work-life balance.

• National Holidays: 8 paid national holidays observed throughout the year.

• Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses and certifications, supporting continuous learning and career advancement.

Working Hours: A standard full-time workweek is typically 40 hours, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project demands, especially given the hybrid work arrangement and the critical nature of data center construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role with significant responsibility in a specialized field like hyperscale data centers. The 4% match on a 5% contribution for the 401(k) is a strong employer benefit, indicating KALCON's commitment to employee financial well-being. The PTO and holiday package are standard for full-time roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, specifically focused on complex commercial projects, with a notable emphasis on mission-critical facilities like data centers. KALCON operates as a construction management firm, often serving in an Owner's Representative capacity.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of a 4% 401(k) match and a structured benefits package suggests a well-established company with a significant operational footprint, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category (500+ employees, based on typical benefits structures).

Founded: The founding date is not provided. However, the company's focus on advanced projects like hyperscale data centers implies a forward-thinking and experienced organization that has adapted to technological advancements in the construction industry.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role is part of a dedicated project management or construction management team, likely comprised of Project Managers, Construction Managers, and specialized roles like Design Managers.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior Project Executive or Director of Construction Management, acting as a key point of contact for design-related matters.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role demands extensive collaboration with internal project teams, external A/E firms, general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and potentially client stakeholders (e.g., tenant representatives).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: KALCON's focus on data centers and complex projects implies a strong reliance on data for scheduling, cost control, and risk management.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on platforms like ACC/Procore and structured workflows points to a commitment to optimizing construction processes for efficiency and quality.

• Collaborative Project Delivery: The Owner's Representative model inherently fosters a collaborative environment where all parties work towards shared project goals.

Company Website: kalconusa.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As an Owner's Representative, KALCON likely positions itself as a strategic partner, bringing expertise and oversight to large-scale construction projects. The company's focus on data centers suggests a specialization in high-stakes environments where precision, reliability, and speed are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring significant experience (7-10 years) and a high degree of autonomy in managing design processes. It's a critical function within the project delivery lifecycle, bridging the gap between design conception and construction execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to senior project leadership (e.g., Project Executive, Director of Construction Management) and will be responsible for managing the design process and coordinating with multiple external stakeholders, including A/E firms and GCs.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring design clarity, schedule adherence, and cost control. Effective design management minimizes costly changes, delays, and quality issues during construction, directly contributing to the project's overall profitability and client satisfaction. By proactively managing risks and interfaces, the Design Manager helps de-risk the project for the owner.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design/Project Management: Progression to Senior Design Manager, Project Director, or Principal Owner's Representative roles, overseeing larger or more complex portfolios of projects.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like hyperscale data centers, sustainable design, or advanced construction technologies.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior team members, lead process improvement initiatives, and contribute to KALCON's overall project delivery strategy.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining advanced certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or construction-specific fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role, combined with the high-stakes environment of data center construction, offers a unique growth path. Successful candidates will develop strong technical acumen, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and a deep understanding of complex project lifecycles, making them highly valuable assets in the construction industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning it will involve a mix of working from a company office and working remotely. The office environment is likely designed to support collaboration, team meetings, and focused work, while remote work offers flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Phoenix, Arizona. While specific office details aren't provided, Phoenix is a major metropolitan area with a robust business infrastructure, likely offering well-equipped office spaces.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and the nature of the role suggest opportunities for both independent work and structured team collaboration, whether in person or virtually.

• Technology Enabled: Expect access to necessary technology and software, including ACC/Procore, MS Office Suite, and potentially other project management or communication tools, supporting efficient remote and in-office work.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with project teams, A/E partners, and GCs will be integral, requiring strong virtual and in-person communication skills.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour workweek is implied, the demands of large-scale construction projects, especially data centers, may require flexibility. The hybrid arrangement allows for a balance between structured office time and remote flexibility to manage tasks effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid aspect of this role is a significant factor. Candidates should be comfortable managing their workload independently while also actively participating in team and stakeholder meetings, whether in person or via virtual platforms. This requires strong self-discipline and proactive communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with minimum qualifications, focusing on experience in complex projects and platform proficiency.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth questions about your experience with design management, construction administration, RFI/submittal processes, and your proficiency with ACC/Procore. Be prepared to discuss specific project challenges and how you resolved them.

• Portfolio Review / Case Study Presentation: You will likely be asked to present specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your project management capabilities, design coordination skills, and process implementation successes. Focus on quantifiable results and lessons learned.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will assess your problem-solving approach, stakeholder management skills, ability to work in a hybrid environment, and alignment with KALCON's collaborative and process-driven culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project presented, clearly articulate your specific contributions and the measurable impact they had (e.g., "Reduced RFI turnaround time by X%", "Successfully integrated tenant fit-out scope without impacting base-build schedule").

• Process Focus: Highlight your systematic approach to managing design coordination, documentation, and communication. Showcase your understanding of workflow optimization.

• Platform Demonstration: Be ready to discuss your practical experience using ACC or Procore, including how you've configured and managed these platforms to improve project outcomes.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide context and demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively.

• Tailor to KALCON: Research KALCON's projects and values to tailor your presentation, demonstrating how your skills and experience align with their business objectives and operational approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect hypothetical scenarios related to design conflicts, delayed submittals, or scope disputes. Prepare to outline your step-by-step approach to resolving them.

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a process for managing a specific project phase or issue, demonstrating your understanding of workflow design and efficiency.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely to different audiences (e.g., client, GC, internal team).

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on platforms like ACC/Procore and structured processes, candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just what they've done, but how they've leveraged technology and methodologies to achieve project goals. A strong portfolio that showcases process implementation and quantifiable results will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) / Procore: Essential for document management, RFI and submittal tracking, daily logs, and overall project collaboration. Proficiency in setting up, configuring, and governing these platforms is a key requirement.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Word: For professional documentation, reports, and correspondence.
  • Excel: For data analysis, tracking, scheduling, and financial tracking.
  • PowerPoint: For presentations to stakeholders and team updates.
  • Project: For detailed project scheduling and timeline management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Platform Reporting Features: Utilizing the built-in reporting and dashboard capabilities of ACC/Procore to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design, RFIs, submittals, and changes.

• Excel/BI Tools: Potential use of Excel or business intelligence tools for deeper data analysis and custom report generation, especially for stakeholder presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for this role, understanding how design and construction processes integrate with broader CRM or ERP systems could be beneficial, particularly in large organizations.

• Automation within ACC/Procore for workflows like RFI routing or submittal review processes will be a focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around ACC/Procore and the Microsoft Office Suite. Candidates must demonstrate hands-on experience and a strategic understanding of how to leverage these tools for efficient project management, communication, and decision-making in a construction context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Process Excellence: A strong emphasis on structured workflows, standardized procedures, and meticulous documentation to ensure consistency and quality in project delivery.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering an environment where open communication and teamwork between internal teams, A/E partners, and GCs are paramount for success.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for tasks, driving issues to resolution, and acting as a proactive Owner's Representative to safeguard client interests.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to improve processes, reduce waste, and deliver projects on time and within budget through effective management and technology utilization.

• Quality Assurance: A commitment to upholding high standards of quality in design and construction, ensuring that project deliverables meet specified requirements and client expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Liaison: Acting as a central point of contact, facilitating clear and timely communication between all project stakeholders.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Engaging in discussions backed by data from project management platforms and reports to support decision-making.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement through regular feedback sessions and post-project reviews.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: Approaching challenges collaboratively, working with teams to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at KALCON, as inferred from the job description, likely values diligence, structured problem-solving, and strong interpersonal skills. The Owner's Representative aspect suggests a culture of client advocacy and strategic partnership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Coordination: Managing the intricate design coordination across multiple disciplines, EORs, and subcontractors on hyperscale data center projects, which often involve cutting-edge technologies and demanding specifications.

• Information Flow Management: Ensuring seamless and accurate flow of information (RFIs, submittals, design documents) between all parties in a fast-paced environment, mitigating risks associated with miscommunication or delays.

• Scope Alignment: Effectively aligning base-build design with dynamic tenant fit-out requirements, ensuring both are integrated without compromising the overall project schedule or budget.

• Technology Adoption: Driving consistent adoption and adherence to project management platforms (ACC/Procore) across all project stakeholders, including those who may be less tech-savvy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Deepening expertise in managing complex, large-scale construction projects, particularly in the specialized data center sector.

• Technology Mastery: Becoming an expert in utilizing and optimizing advanced construction technology platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud and Procore.

• Stakeholder Negotiation & Influence: Enhancing skills in navigating complex stakeholder relationships, negotiating effectively, and influencing project outcomes.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving design standards, construction methodologies, and regulatory requirements in the data center industry through industry events, certifications, and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to high-stakes construction projects. The growth opportunities are robust, offering a path for individuals to become highly specialized and sought-after professionals in the critical infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Scenarios: "Describe a time you managed a complex design conflict between two engineering disciplines. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" "How do you ensure alignment between base-build and tenant fit-out scopes on a large project?"

• Platform Utilization: "Walk me through your process for setting up and managing Autodesk Construction Cloud or Procore for a new project. What are your key governance strategies?" "How have you used these platforms to improve RFI or submittal turnaround times?"

• Problem-Solving & Process Improvement: "Describe a situation where a project was significantly impacted by design delays. How did you identify the root cause, and what actions did you take to mitigate the impact?" "How do you approach training GC teams on contract expectations and entitlement standards?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• KALCON's Role: "What does being an Owner's Representative mean to you, and how does that role differ from a traditional GC role?" "How do you see your experience contributing to KALCON's success in delivering hyperscale data centers?"

• Team Dynamics: "How do you foster collaboration with external A/E partners and subcontractors, especially when there are competing interests?" "Describe your approach to managing project documentation and ensuring it meets owner standards."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key responsibilities: Design Coordination, Platform Management, Schedule Adherence, CA, Change Management, and Stakeholder Engagement.

• Quantifiable Impact: For each project example, clearly state the project's scale, your specific role, and quantifiable achievements (e.g., "Delivered project 2 weeks ahead of schedule," "Reduced change orders by 15% through proactive design reviews").

• Process Demonstration: Use visual aids (screenshots from ACC/Procore, workflow diagrams) to illustrate your process management and system governance skills.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful projects within a given timeframe, focusing on relevance to the Design Manager role and the data center industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a structured, process-driven approach to design management, a deep understanding of construction technology platforms, and strong stakeholder management capabilities. Quantifiable results and clear case studies will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the KALCON careers page.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in design management, owner's representation, data center/mission-critical construction, and proficiency with Autodesk Construction Cloud or Procore. Ensure your project history details include scope, value, location, and your specific responsibilities.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio that showcases 2-3 key projects. Focus on examples that demonstrate your ability to manage design coordination, implement process improvements, utilize project management platforms effectively, and achieve measurable results in schedule adherence and cost control.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Practice articulating your approach to RFI/submittal management, change control, and stakeholder communication. Be ready to explain your understanding of the Owner's Representative role and its critical functions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with KALCON's project portfolio, company mission, and any recent news. Understand their focus on hyperscale data centers and their operational approach to construction management.

⚠️ 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.

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