Design Manager, Tenant Coordination - Retail ($103,800.00 - $129,600.00)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Tenant Coordination - Retail

Company: Irvine Company

Location: Irvine, California

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for managing and executing design initiatives within the Tenant Coordination team, specifically for retail properties, ensuring that all tenant spaces align with Irvine Company's standards and lease agreements.

• The position involves meticulous management of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) documentation, including the creation and maintenance of Lease Outline Drawings and site plans, which are critical for spatial data accuracy and asset management.

• A significant aspect of this role includes conducting and overseeing field verifications and site inspections to document current tenant statuses, remodeling needs, and suite conditions, directly impacting leasing and asset management strategies.

• The Design Manager will act as a key liaison, fostering strong collaborative relationships with internal departments such as Leasing, Construction Services, Retail Design, Finance, and Operations to ensure cohesive project execution and strategic alignment across all retail development and management efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills (CAD, retail build-outs, tenant construction, ADA, building codes) strongly indicate a specialized role within operations and project management, rather than a traditional product or brand design leadership position. The focus is on the spatial and technical design aspects of tenant spaces within a retail property portfolio.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lease Outline Drawing (LOD) Management: Create, update, and maintain accurate Lease Outline Drawings to provide essential spatial data for leasing transactions and landlord records, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for relevant stakeholders.

• Site Plan Revisions: Oversee the monthly revision process for site plans to accurately reflect the status of active, incoming, and vacating tenants, ensuring that all documentation is current and aligns with lease execution and completion timelines.

• Field Verification & Reporting: Conduct and manage field verification processes, including on-site tenant renewal inspections, to meticulously document current conditions and tenant requirements through detailed photography and standardized reports.

• Spatial Data Documentation: Develop and distribute critical documents such as Field Area Measure Memos and Suite Condition Reports to support leasing, construction, and asset management teams, providing them with necessary data for their respective functions.

• Design Visualization: Produce concept space cuts, detailed site plans, and photographic simulations (photo sims) for both internal decision-making and external presentations to potential tenants or partners.

• Tenant Remodel Evaluation: Assess tenant remodel requirements by researching current brand prototypes and branding standards to ensure proposed modifications are compliant and aesthetically aligned with the property's overall vision.

• Tenant Design Guideline Management: Update and distribute Tenant Design Guidelines, ensuring that all tenants adhere to established design and branding standards throughout their build-out process.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate and collaborate effectively with internal departments including Construction Services, Retail Design, Leasing, Finance, and Operations to ensure seamless project execution, alignment on design standards, and timely resolution of any tenant-related design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design execution (CAD, spatial data) and project coordination within a retail real estate context. The focus on documentation, field verification, and cross-functional communication highlights the operational aspects of ensuring tenant spaces are compliant, functional, and aligned with business objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 3+ years of progressive experience in retail design, architectural drafting, tenant coordination, or project management within the commercial real estate or retail development sector. Required Skills:

• CAD Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in AutoCAD for creating and modifying technical drawings, spatial layouts, and Lease Outline Drawings.

• Design Software: Strong command of SketchUp for 3D modeling and visualization, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for graphic design and presentation materials, and Bluebeam Revu for document management, markup, and collaboration.

• Retail Build-Out Knowledge: In-depth understanding of retail construction processes, tenant improvement requirements, and the practicalities of retail store build-outs.

• Design Principles: Solid knowledge of interior design best practices, spatial planning, and aesthetic principles relevant to retail environments.

• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and general building codes to ensure designs meet all legal and safety standards.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for effective interaction with internal teams, tenants, and external consultants.

• Field Verification Techniques: Skill in conducting thorough on-site assessments, documenting findings accurately, and translating observations into actionable reports.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with spatial data management and maintaining site plans for large retail portfolios.

• Familiarity with brand prototype research and application in tenant design evaluations.

• Knowledge of construction administration processes related to tenant improvements.

• Experience in developing and distributing design guidelines to external parties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, Bluebeam) and technical knowledge (retail build-outs, ADA, building codes) points to a role that requires hands-on technical capability alongside project management. The preference for 3+ years in retail design and project management aligns with a mid-level operations or project coordination function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• CAD Drawing Samples: Showcase a range of professional CAD drawings, including detailed Lease Outline Drawings, site plans, and potentially floor plans for retail spaces, demonstrating accuracy, clarity, and adherence to industry standards.

• Project Visualization Examples: Include examples of concept space cuts, site plans, and photo simulations that effectively communicate design intent and spatial arrangements for retail environments.

• Documentation Samples: Present examples of Field Area Measure Memos, Suite Condition Reports, or similar site documentation, highlighting the thoroughness of observations and the clarity of reporting.

• Tenant Improvement Case Studies: Prepare 1-2 concise case studies illustrating your involvement in evaluating tenant remodel needs, researching brand prototypes, and ensuring design compliance within a retail context.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach the process of updating site plans monthly to reflect tenant changes, ensuring accuracy and timely distribution to relevant departments.

• Field Verification Protocol: Articulate your methodology for conducting on-site tenant inspections, including how you capture necessary data, document conditions, and report findings to support leasing and asset management.

• Design Guideline Implementation: Explain your process for updating and distributing Tenant Design Guidelines and how you would ensure tenant adherence to these standards throughout their build-out phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should demonstrate practical application of design software, understanding of retail space requirements, and meticulous documentation skills. Case studies should focus on process efficiency and problem-solving within tenant coordination.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $103,800.00 - $129,600.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Comprehensive paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays, allowing for work-life balance.

• 401(k) Matching: Competitive matching contributions to your 401(k) retirement savings plan, supporting long-term financial security.

• Health Benefits: Robust health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, to support employee well-being.

• Vehicle Operations Support: The role requires regular use of a vehicle, implying potential support for vehicle-related expenses or a car allowance, in addition to maintaining continuous vehicle liability insurance as required by California state law.

Working Hours:

• Typically a 40-hour work week, standard for full-time professional roles. Flexibility may be available, but the on-site nature and field responsibilities suggest a structured schedule is primarily expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a Design Manager role with significant project coordination responsibilities in the Irvine, California market. The benefits are standard for a full-time position at a large, established company. The note about vehicle operation is a critical detail for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development and Management (specifically Retail Properties)

Company Size: Large (Irvine Company is a major real estate developer with a significant workforce, estimated to be over 3,000 employees based on typical company size classifications).

Founded: 1864 (Irvine Company has a long and established history, suggesting a stable and enduring corporate culture with a focus on long-term value and community development.

Team Structure:

• Tenant Coordination Team: This role sits within the Tenant Coordination team, likely composed of individuals focused on managing the design, construction, and compliance aspects of tenant spaces within retail properties.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Design Manager will collaborate closely with Leasing, Retail Design, Construction Services, Finance, and Operations teams, indicating a highly integrated and collaborative work environment where different departments rely on each other's input and expertise.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role likely reports to a senior manager or director within the Tenant Coordination or Retail Development department, with clear lines of responsibility for managing design processes and tenant relationships.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Lease Management: The emphasis on accurate Lease Outline Drawings and site plans suggests a data-driven approach to managing retail leasing and property information, crucial for operational efficiency and strategic planning.

• Standardized Processes: The requirement for Tenant Design Guidelines and standardized reporting (Field Area Measure Memos, Suite Condition Reports) points to a company that values consistent processes and quality control across its extensive portfolio.

• Collaborative Project Execution: The need to work effectively with multiple cross-functional teams highlights a collaborative methodology for project delivery, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned from design inception through tenant build-out.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Irvine Company's long history and significant market presence suggest a professional, structured, and performance-oriented culture. The focus on retail properties implies an understanding of dynamic market needs and tenant relationships.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level management position within the operations and design coordination function of a large real estate company. It requires a blend of technical design skills, project management capabilities, and strong interpersonal communication.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Tenant Coordination or a similar senior role within the Retail Properties division. They will collaborate extensively with peers in Leasing, Construction, and Asset Management, as well as potentially manage junior coordinators or external consultants on specific projects. Operations Impact:

• The role directly impacts the revenue generation and operational efficiency of Irvine Company's retail portfolio. Accurate spatial data and well-managed tenant build-outs contribute to faster leasing cycles, higher tenant satisfaction, and optimized property utilization, all of which are critical for financial performance. Ensuring compliance with design guidelines and regulations also mitigates risk and maintains brand integrity. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management: Progression to Senior Design Manager or Director of Tenant Coordination, overseeing larger teams, more complex projects, or a broader geographic region.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as sustainable design for retail, complex tenant negotiations, or advanced CAD/BIM implementation within real estate.

• Cross-Departmental Moves: Potential to move into roles within Construction Management, Retail Leasing, Asset Management, or Development, leveraging the broad understanding of the retail property lifecycle gained in this role.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities for leadership training, project leadership on strategic initiatives, and mentorship from senior executives within the Irvine Company organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within the real estate operations and development sector, particularly for individuals who excel in technical design coordination and cross-functional collaboration within large-scale property management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, indicating a traditional office environment within Irvine Company's corporate facilities or a dedicated project office. This setting fosters direct collaboration and access to resources.

Office Location(s): Irvine, California. This location is known for its business-friendly environment and concentration of corporate headquarters and development projects.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The emphasis on cross-functional work suggests an office environment designed to facilitate teamwork, potentially including open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and shared project spaces.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, Bluebeam) and potentially project management platforms will be integral to the daily workflow. A reliable computer workstation and necessary peripherals will be provided.

• Field Access: While based in an office, the role requires regular travel to retail properties for site verifications and inspections, necessitating a work setup that supports both office-based tasks and field mobility.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, typically Monday through Friday. Occasional overtime might be required to meet project deadlines or respond to urgent tenant needs, particularly during peak leasing or construction periods. The role's on-site nature means that work is conducted from the company's physical locations and project sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is crucial. Candidates should expect a traditional office and field-based work environment, with opportunities for direct collaboration and hands-on site work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience with CAD software, retail design, and project coordination.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: You may be asked to present your portfolio, showcasing specific examples of Lease Outline Drawings, site plans, and tenant improvement projects. This stage will likely involve technical questions about your proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and your understanding of retail build-out processes.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potential team members will focus on your problem-solving skills, ability to collaborate cross-functionally, communication style, and how you handle typical challenges in tenant coordination and design management.

• Final Interview: This may involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the Irvine Company's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in CAD, tenant coordination, and retail design. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to manage spatial data accurately and effectively.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially detailing your work with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and any site verification or reporting tasks.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the challenge, your approach, the tools you used, and the outcome. Focus on how you ensured compliance, efficiency, and alignment with client/landlord requirements.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. High-quality renderings and clear CAD drawings are essential.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your designs, your software proficiency, and your understanding of building codes and ADA compliance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical tenant space and asked to outline your process for assessing its suitability, identifying potential design challenges, and developing initial concepts or space cuts.

• Problem-Solving Case: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a scenario where a tenant's proposed design conflicts with building codes, ADA requirements, or Irvine Company's design guidelines. Focus on your communication and negotiation strategies.

• Process Improvement: Think about how you would improve the efficiency of site plan updates or the field verification process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize practical design skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to manage complex projects within a structured real estate environment. A strong portfolio is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating, editing, and managing detailed architectural drawings, site plans, and Lease Outline Drawings. Proficiency in advanced features for efficiency and accuracy is expected.

• SketchUp: Utilized for 3D modeling, conceptual design visualization, and creating spatial representations of retail spaces or tenant build-outs.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign): Crucial for creating presentation materials, photo simulations, editing site photos, and producing professional design guideline documents.

• Bluebeam Revu: A key tool for document management, PDF markup, collaboration, and potentially for creating and distributing Field Area Measure Memos and Suite Condition Reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as an analytics role, proficiency in generating reports from CAD and potentially CRM systems will be necessary. The ability to synthesize site condition data into clear, actionable reports is vital. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with a CRM system (like Salesforce, though not specified) might be beneficial for understanding tenant information, lease statuses, and project timelines, though direct management is unlikely. Automation might be relevant in how CAD drawings are managed or distributed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role's technology stack revolves around design and visualization software. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable and will be heavily assessed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality design documentation and tenant coordination services that uphold Irvine Company's reputation for excellence.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse internal teams (Leasing, Construction, Operations) to achieve shared project goals.

• Data Integrity and Accuracy: A dedication to maintaining precise spatial data and accurate site documentation, recognizing its critical role in operational decisions.

• Customer Focus (Tenant & Internal): Prioritizing the needs of retail tenants and internal stakeholders by ensuring clear communication, efficient processes, and supportive collaboration.

• Professionalism and Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all interactions and project dealings, reflecting Irvine Company's long-standing principles.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with cross-functional teams to share updates, address potential issues early, and ensure alignment on design and construction plans.

• Solution-Oriented: Approaching challenges with a focus on finding practical and effective solutions that meet both tenant needs and company objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise on design standards, CAD best practices, and retail build-out requirements to support team and departmental success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Irvine Company's long history suggests a culture that values stability, quality, and long-term relationships. The operations and design coordination functions likely operate with a high degree of professionalism and a focus on meticulous execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Tenant Needs with Company Standards: Navigating situations where tenant design requests may conflict with Irvine Company's established guidelines, building codes, or ADA requirements, requiring strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating design approvals and construction requirements among diverse internal departments (Leasing, Construction, Legal, Operations) and external tenants, each with their own priorities.

• Maintaining Data Accuracy Across a Large Portfolio: Ensuring that site plans and Lease Outline Drawings are consistently updated and accurate for a significant number of retail properties, requiring diligent process adherence.

• Adapting to Evolving Retail Trends: Staying abreast of current retail brand prototypes and design trends to effectively evaluate tenant remodel needs and ensure properties remain competitive and appealing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD/Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, or explore new design and visualization technologies relevant to real estate development.

• Retail Development & Leasing Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into the leasing process, market analysis, and the strategic side of retail property management through close collaboration.

• Construction Project Management Fundamentals: Learning more about construction administration, contractor management, and site supervision from the Construction Services team.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to best practices in tenant coordination, sustainable design, and property management through internal knowledge sharing and potential external professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant exposure to the intricacies of retail real estate development and operations, providing a strong foundation for career advancement in the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating and maintaining Lease Outline Drawings. What are the key elements you ensure are accurate?" (Focus on CAD proficiency, data integrity, and spatial understanding).

• "How do you approach evaluating a tenant's remodel requirements against brand prototypes and company design guidelines?" (Highlight research skills, analytical thinking, and ability to balance needs).

• "Walk me through a time you had to resolve a design conflict between a tenant's request and building codes or company standards. What was your approach and the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Irvine Company's retail portfolio, what do you see as the biggest design challenges for tenants in our properties?" (Show research and strategic thinking).

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration with cross-functional teams like Leasing and Construction Services when managing tenant design projects?" (Emphasize communication, proactivity, and teamwork).

• "What role do you believe accurate site plans and spatial data play in the overall success of a retail property?" (Connect your role to business objectives and revenue impact). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select projects that best showcase your CAD skills, experience with retail build-outs, and your ability to manage documentation like Field Area Measure Memos or Suite Condition Reports.

• Focus on Process and Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific actions (especially with software), the challenges you overcame, and the positive outcomes (e.g., efficient leasing, compliant build-outs).

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to briefly explain the technical aspects of your drawings and your workflow using AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Bluebeam.

• Tailor to Irvine Company: If possible, reference how your experience aligns with the scale and type of properties Irvine Company manages.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your technical design skills, project management approach, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships within a real estate development context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Irvine Company careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a professional portfolio that highlights your strongest CAD drawings (Lease Outline Drawings, site plans), examples of 3D visualizations, and any relevant site documentation or tenant improvement case studies. Ensure it is easily accessible, either as a PDF or a dedicated website.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, Bluebeam, retail design, tenant coordination, and project management. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed design coordination for X retail spaces annually").

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, practice answering behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving, and research Irvine Company's retail properties and values to inform your responses.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Irvine Company's history, its approach to retail development, and its commitment to the communities it serves. Understand the scope of their retail portfolio to better align your experience and enthusiasm.

⚠️ 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.