Design Manager - Project Hire/Internal Assignment

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Project Hire/Internal Assignment

Company: The Walt Disney Company

Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Project Design / Architecture & Design Management

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid flexibility implied by "Project Hire/Internal Assignment")

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the Architecture, Design & Planning (AD&P) disciplines for significant, first-of-its-kind themed entertainment projects.

• Serve as the primary representative for the AD&E division, ensuring project success from conceptualization through construction.

• Oversee financial health of projects, managing budgets, labor estimates, and schedules with rigorous cost and schedule tracking.

• Coordinate complex multi-discipline scopes, integrating show, ride systems, and facility requirements for immersive guest experiences.

• Act as the owner's representative for design/build consultants, ensuring adherence to divisional standards and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This position is explicitly a "Project Hire" with no guarantee of permanent placement, indicating a focus on delivering specific project milestones. The role requires a strong blend of technical design oversight, project management acumen, and financial responsibility within the unique context of Walt Disney Imagineering's innovative entertainment development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive architecture and facilities engineering project management and technical leadership for critical, large-scale themed entertainment projects.

• Represent the Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) division on project core teams, reporting to the Division Vice President and Project Manager on design process and outcomes.

• Coordinate with functional management for strategic staffing, costing, and resource allocation.

• Direct the activities of internal staff and external consultants in the preparation of construction contract documents.

• Ensure seamless coordination across multi-discipline architectural, environmental design, and engineering work scopes.

• Manage the integration of all show and ride system requirements with facility impacts.

• Develop and maintain design schedules, labor estimates, and project budgets, ensuring strict adherence to financial targets.

• Implement robust cost and schedule tracking and reporting mechanisms to maintain projects within budget.

• Ensure all project deliverables conform to divisional standards and established procedures.

• Oversee design/build consultants as the owner's representative, making informed recommendations on bid packages.

• Potentially serve as the Project Architect for assigned venues if self-performance is undertaken.

• Coordinate closely with Graphics, Themed Lighting, Show Set, and Interiors teams to ensure cohesive design execution.

• Generate detailed project reports on AD&E project risks, internal/external design discipline budget management, and critical issues.

• Actively participate in and contribute to weekly project staff meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration, essential for complex projects involving diverse creative and technical teams. The emphasis on "first-of-its-kind" projects suggests a requirement for innovative problem-solving and adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or Architecture is required.

• An advanced degree is desired but not mandatory.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 or more years of professional experience is required.

• Demonstrated experience in architecture and facilities engineering project management is essential.

• Experience in the themed entertainment industry is strongly preferred.

• Previous experience managing a team of professional employees is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Working knowledge of Building Information Management (BIM) principles and application.

• Proficiency in Integrated Product Delivery (IPD) methodologies.

• Understanding and application of Design Assist processes.

• Familiarity with Building Specification Design Programs.

• Strong technical coordination skills for design documents across multiple disciplines.

• Demonstrated financial acumen and experience in managing project budgets effectively.

• Proven ability to assemble and manage design schedules and labor estimates.

• Effective communication and persuasive skills for stakeholder engagement and team leadership.

• Experience in coordinating multi-discipline architectural and engineering scopes.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience within the themed entertainment industry.

• Prior leadership experience managing professional design or engineering teams.

• Familiarity with the unique design standards and operational procedures of The Walt Disney Company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Project Hire/Internal Assignment" nature suggests that candidates already within The Walt Disney Company may have an advantage due to familiarity with internal processes and standards. The emphasis on BIM, IPD, and Design Assist points to a need for modern, collaborative design practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase projects demonstrating successful management of architectural and facilities engineering scopes from concept to completion.

• Include examples of complex multi-discipline coordination, highlighting how diverse requirements (show, ride, facility) were integrated.

• Present case studies detailing budget and schedule management, including instances of cost control and risk mitigation.

• Provide evidence of technical leadership and problem-solving in design and construction phases.

Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for managing design consultants and external stakeholders.

• Examples of project reporting structures for budget, schedule, risks, and issues related to AD&E.

• Evidence of adherence to established design standards and procedures, with potential examples of adaptation for innovative projects.

• Process maps or descriptions of how show, ride, and facility requirements were integrated into a unified design product.

• Methodologies for assembling labor estimates and managing project budgets in a dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their project management methodologies, particularly how they ensure cross-functional alignment and manage project financials within large-scale, complex creative environments like theme parks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The hiring range for this position in Florida is $120,800 to $161,900 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and savings benefits are provided.

• Educational opportunities are available to support professional development.

• Special extras and perks unique to The Walt Disney Company are offered.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time (40 hours per week) is implied, with potential for extended hours to meet project demands given the nature of large-scale project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role with significant project oversight responsibilities in the Florida market. The "Disney-specific extras" are a notable perk for candidates seeking a unique work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Walt Disney Company operates within the Entertainment & Theme Parks industry, known for its innovation, storytelling, and creation of immersive experiences. Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the specialized division focused on designing and developing these attractions and environments.

Company Size: The Walt Disney Company is a large, global conglomerate with tens of thousands of employees. WDI, while a specialized division, is a significant entity within it.

Founded: The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923, giving it a long history of innovation and brand building. Walt Disney Imagineering was formally established in 1952, embodying the pioneering spirit of its founder.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager reports to the Studio Executive, Architecture & Design Management.

• This role is part of the Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) division within Walt Disney Imagineering.

Methodology:

• Walt Disney Imagineering emphasizes a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to design and development.

• Innovation, storytelling, and pushing technological boundaries are core to their methodology.

• Data analysis and performance metrics are crucial for project management and financial oversight.

• Workflow planning and optimization are essential for delivering complex, large-scale projects on time and within budget.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed in design and project management tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at WDI is characterized by creativity, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for creating magical experiences. This role requires someone who thrives in a highly collaborative, innovative, and deadline-driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level Design Manager position, focusing on project execution and technical leadership within a specialized design and engineering division. It requires significant experience in managing complex projects and teams.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to a Studio Executive, indicating a clear hierarchy within the Architecture & Design Management studio. This role also interfaces with broader Project Managers and leads for specific projects.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the successful delivery of theme park attractions and environments, which are core to the company's guest experience and revenue generation. Effective project management ensures these experiences are delivered on time, within budget, and to the high standards expected by Disney.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to lead larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent projects within WDI. Opportunity to deepen expertise in themed entertainment design, BIM/IPD, and project financial management.

• Industry Leadership: Develop a reputation as a key leader in delivering iconic Disney attractions, potentially leading to roles with broader strategic influence within WDI or The Walt Disney Company.

• Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of themed entertainment design or project delivery methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a "Project Hire," successful performance could lead to internal opportunities. The growth path is likely within specialized project management or design leadership roles within Walt Disney Imagineering or related divisions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, within Walt Disney Imagineering's facilities. This environment is likely a blend of collaborative workspaces, design studios, and project team meeting areas.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA, specifically within the Epcot - Main Building (WDI). This is a central hub for Imagineering's creative and technical work.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among diverse creative and technical professionals, including architects, engineers, show designers, and artists.

• Access to advanced design tools, software, and potentially prototyping facilities would be expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, creative leads, and executive stakeholders are frequent.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is the baseline, project-driven environments often require flexibility, including potential overtime or adjusted schedules to meet critical deadlines for design milestones, construction phases, or project openings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at Walt Disney Imagineering offers a unique environment where creativity and technical rigor converge. The collaborative nature of the workspace is crucial for the success of complex, multi-disciplinary projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application, focusing on experience in architecture, facilities engineering, project management, and themed entertainment.

• Technical Interview(s): Discussions focused on project management methodologies, technical coordination, budget management, and familiarity with BIM/IPD/Design Assist. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing complex design challenges and stakeholder conflicts.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of a curated portfolio showcasing relevant projects. This will likely involve detailing your role, contributions, project scope, budget management, schedule adherence, and problem-solving approaches.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of leadership style, collaboration skills, ability to work under pressure, and alignment with Disney's values and WDI's innovative culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential within project-based roles.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 significant projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in managing architectural/engineering design and construction for large-scale projects.

Prioritize projects with clear scope, budget, and schedule challenges that you successfully navigated.

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project scope and objectives.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • Key challenges faced (technical, financial, stakeholder).
  • Your solutions and methodologies implemented.
  • Measurable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule improvements, successful integration of complex systems).
  • Your experience with BIM, IPD, and other specified technologies.

• Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, articulating your decision-making process and leadership approach. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical project scenario, focusing on initial planning, team assembly, risk identification, and budget/schedule control.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of the integration between architectural design, show elements, and ride systems within a theme park context.

• Practice explaining complex technical concepts and project management strategies clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Project Hire" status means the interview process will likely be focused on assessing immediate project delivery capability and technical fit for current or upcoming projects. A strong portfolio showcasing direct experience in similar environments is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM (Building Information Management): Proficiency in BIM software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is a requirement. Expect to discuss how you leverage BIM for coordination, clash detection, and data management.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar enterprise-level scheduling and tracking tools is essential for managing complex project timelines and resources.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Tools that facilitate document sharing, review, and approval workflows among dispersed teams (e.g., Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, SharePoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Management Software: Tools for budget tracking, forecasting, and financial reporting (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or company-specific financial systems).

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for detailed analysis and reporting is a given. Experience with business intelligence tools for dashboard creation and performance monitoring (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader company systems (e.g., asset management, operational systems) may be beneficial.

• Automation in design processes, such as using scripts or advanced BIM features for repetitive tasks, could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on BIM, IPD, and Design Assist points to a modern, technology-driven design and construction process. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific experience and proficiency with these tools and methodologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A core value at WDI, encouraging the creation of new and imaginative experiences.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering the highest quality in design, engineering, and guest experience.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional cooperation to achieve shared goals.

• Storytelling: Integrating narrative and emotional connection into every aspect of the design.

• Guest Focus: Designing with the end-user experience at the forefront.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with frequent interaction between design, creative, engineering, and production teams.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged to refine designs and solve complex problems.

• A culture of shared ownership and accountability for project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for Disney's unique culture, which blends creative artistry with rigorous technical execution. Alignment with these values is key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Project Complexity: Managing the integration of diverse architectural, show, ride, and facility requirements for first-of-its-kind attractions.

• Schedule and Budget Pressures: Delivering highly anticipated projects on time and within budget, often with ambitious creative goals.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and coordination across numerous internal teams and external consultants with varied priorities.

• Innovation Demands: Constantly pushing boundaries and inventing new solutions for creative and technical challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to WDI's internal training programs on design, technology, and project management specific to themed entertainment.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events focused on architecture, engineering, and themed entertainment.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced Studio Executives and senior Imagineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the challenge of contributing to globally recognized entertainment experiences, providing immense professional satisfaction and opportunities to solve unique, complex problems.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a project with significant budget constraints. How did you ensure financial success while meeting design objectives?"

• "Walk me through your process for coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams on a complex project. How do you handle conflicting priorities?"

• "How have you utilized BIM or IPD in a project, and what were the key benefits and challenges?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for Walt Disney Imagineering and contributing to unique guest experiences?"

• "How do you foster collaboration and innovation within a project team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling narratives of problem, solution, and outcome.

• Quantification: Use numbers and data to highlight your impact on budget, schedule, and project success.

• Role Clarity: Clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities within each project.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you used specific tools (BIM, project management software) to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to draw parallels between your past project management experiences and the specific demands of themed entertainment design and construction at Disney.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Disney Careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in architecture, facilities engineering project management, BIM, IPD, and budget/schedule control. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio showcasing 2-3 major projects that demonstrate your ability to manage complex design and construction, integrate diverse technical requirements, and control project financials.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your project management methodologies, technical coordination skills, and experience with relevant technologies. Practice articulating your portfolio case studies clearly.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Walt Disney Imagineering's current projects and overall mission to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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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