Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

Company: CENTURY FIRE PROTECTION LLC

Location: Odenton, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years (Inferred from 8+ years design + 3+ years management)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of fire sprinkler and suppression system designers, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to stringent industry standards.

• Drive process optimization and workflow development within the design department to enhance efficiency and project delivery timelines.

• Collaborate closely with Project Managers and field teams to ensure seamless integration of design, planning, and execution phases for complex fire protection projects.

• Uphold and enforce compliance with NFPA standards, local building codes, and specific project specifications across all design deliverables.

• Contribute to departmental strategic planning, including resource allocation, project pipeline management, and budget development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the technical integrity and constructability of fire sprinkler and suppression systems. The focus on NFPA standards, hydraulics, and specific design software (AutoCAD, Revit, SprinkCad) indicates a highly specialized and technically demanding operations function within the construction and fire protection industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, mentor, and provide technical guidance to a team of fire sprinkler designers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.

• Design Oversight & Quality Assurance: Oversee the comprehensive design of fire sprinkler and suppression systems for diverse projects (commercial, industrial, multi-family), ensuring accuracy, constructability, and adherence to all relevant codes and specifications.

• Standards & Workflow Management: Develop, implement, and maintain departmental design standards, templates, and optimized workflows to streamline the design process and ensure consistency.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Act as a key liaison between design, project management, and field operations teams, facilitating clear communication and resolving design-related challenges proactively.

• Technical Problem Solving: Lead design reviews, identify potential technical issues, and develop innovative solutions for complex fire protection system challenges.

• Permitting & AHJ Support: Support the permitting process by preparing necessary documentation and serving as the primary technical point of contact for Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) inquiries related to design.

• Resource & Budget Management: Assist in resource allocation for design projects, contribute to departmental budgeting, and monitor design department expenditures.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Participate in client meetings, represent the design department's capabilities, and contribute to cross-functional discussions to ensure project success.

• Continuous Improvement: Drive initiatives for continuous improvement within the design department, focusing on process enhancements, technology adoption, and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, technical expertise, and operational process ownership. The emphasis on "developing and maintaining departmental standards, templates, and workflows" points directly to process improvement and operational efficiency as key performance indicators for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of dedicated experience in fire sprinkler system design.

Required Skills:

• Fire Sprinkler Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of fire sprinkler and suppression system design principles.

• NFPA & Code Compliance: Comprehensive understanding and application of NFPA standards and local building codes relevant to fire protection.

• Hydraulics Calculation Proficiency: Strong ability to perform and review hydraulic calculations for system design.

• Design Software Proficiency: Expertise in AutoCAD and Revit is essential. Experience with specialized fire protection design software such as SprinkCad or HydroCAD is highly preferred.

• Team Management & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, manage, and mentor a team of technical professionals.

• Project Coordination: Skill in coordinating design efforts with project managers and field teams.

• Construction Document Interpretation: Ability to accurately interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) for reporting, communication, and basic data analysis.

Preferred Skills:

• NICET Certification: NICET Level III or IV certification in Fire Protection Engineering is highly preferred, demonstrating a recognized standard of technical competence.

• Budgeting & Resource Planning: Experience in departmental budgeting and resource allocation.

• AHJ Engagement: Experience in supporting permitting processes and interacting with Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for NICET Level III or IV certification, alongside specific software proficiencies, indicates a need for candidates who possess a high degree of technical specialization and recognized industry credentials. This level of detail is crucial for operations candidates to understand the precise technical expectations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A curated selection of past fire sprinkler and suppression system design projects, demonstrating a range of complexity and application (commercial, industrial, multi-family).

• Process Optimization Examples: Documented instances where you implemented new workflows, standards, or templates that led to measurable improvements in design accuracy, efficiency, or project delivery time.

• Team Management & Workflow Integration: Evidence of how you have structured design teams, assigned tasks, and integrated design processes with project management and field operations.

• Technical Problem-Solving Case Studies: Detailed examples of complex design challenges you or your team faced and the innovative solutions you developed, including the impact on project outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrated ability to map out existing design workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement optimized processes that enhance productivity and reduce errors.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Experience in creating and documenting SOPs for design tasks, ensuring consistency and quality across the team.

• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Ability to define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the design department's efficiency, accuracy, and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in a technical design function, a portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also highlight the candidate's ability to implement and manage efficient operational processes. Demonstrating a track record of process improvement and team leadership through documented examples is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $150,000 per year (Based on provided data)

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Short-term Disability
  • Long-term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Supplemental Insurance (Critical Illness, Hospitalization & Accident)

• Financial Security:

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Time Off:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• This role is on-site, requiring regular presence at the Odenton, MD office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a management role in this specialized engineering and construction sector, especially considering the required experience and technical expertise. The comprehensive benefits package indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and long-term retention, which is attractive to operations professionals seeking stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection & Building Systems Construction. CENTURY FIRE PROTECTION LLC, through its acquisition of Chesapeake Fire Protection, operates within a critical sector focused on safety and compliance.

Company Size: Part of the Century Fire Protection Company network, which suggests a larger organizational capacity and resource base than a standalone entity, though specific divisional size is not detailed. The legacy Chesapeake Sprinkler Company was a small family-owned business.

Founded: Chesapeake Sprinkler Company was founded in 1978. Chesapeake Fire Protection became a Century Fire Protection Company in 2022, indicating a recent integration and potential for growth and expanded operational scope.

Team Structure:

• Design Department: The primary team for this role, consisting of fire sprinkler designers who will report to the Design Manager.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Project Managers and field teams, indicating a matrixed or project-based operational structure.

• Reporting Line: Likely reports to a Director of Operations, VP of Engineering, or similar senior leadership role within the regional or divisional structure.

Methodology:

• Compliance-Driven Design: A strong emphasis on adhering to NFPA standards, local codes, and AHJ requirements as the foundational methodology for all design work.

• Systematic Design Process: Utilization of established design software and workflows (AutoCAD, Revit, SprinkCad) to ensure accuracy, consistency, and efficiency from concept to construction documents.

• Project-Centric Operations: Operations are likely organized around specific projects, requiring strong coordination and communication protocols between different functional teams.

Company Website: [Century Fire Protection Website - Inferred from domain: centuryfp.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's history, including the acquisition by Century Fire Protection, suggests a dynamic environment that values both established expertise and modern operational integration. Candidates should be prepared for a culture that blends traditional fire protection knowledge with evolving project management and design technologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position within the technical operations of a fire protection company. It involves direct leadership of a specialized team and significant responsibility for project quality and process efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level operations or engineering executive, such as a Director of Operations, VP of Engineering, or similar, within the Century Fire Protection structure. They will manage a team of designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role directly impacts project profitability by ensuring designs are accurate, constructible, and efficient, minimizing rework and delays. Their leadership also influences team productivity, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation for technical excellence and compliance. Effective operations management here translates to reduced project costs and increased revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced fire suppression technologies and complex system design.

• Leadership Expansion: Potentially move into broader operational leadership roles, such as Director of Engineering or VP of Operations, overseeing multiple departments or larger geographical regions.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead company-wide initiatives for process standardization and technology adoption within the design and engineering functions.

• Strategic Planning: Contribute more significantly to long-term business strategy, resource planning, and operational excellence programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a clear path to senior leadership within a specialized and essential industry. The emphasis on process improvement and team management provides a strong foundation for growth into broader operational management responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at the Odenton, MD office. This suggests a professional office environment typical for engineering and construction firms, likely featuring cubicles or private offices for designers and managers, and collaborative meeting spaces.

Office Location(s):

• Headquarters: Odenton, Maryland (1913 B Betson Court, Odenton, MD 21113)

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Space: The environment likely encourages interaction among designers, project managers, and potentially field staff for design reviews and problem-solving sessions.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, Revit) and hardware is expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project huddles will be part of the daily routine.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• While the core hours are standard, the nature of project-driven work may require occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines, especially during permitting or construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team dynamics, and direct oversight, which are often crucial for managing technical design teams and ensuring operational alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience with fire sprinkler design, team management, and key software proficiencies.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Conversation with the Design Manager's direct supervisor (e.g., Director of Operations) to assess technical depth, leadership style, and cultural fit. Expect questions about team management strategies and past project successes.

3. Technical/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session (potentially with senior designers or project managers) to review your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explain design choices, discuss challenges, and highlight process improvements you've implemented.

4. Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders from Project Management and Field Operations to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the end-to-end project lifecycle.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic contributions, long-term vision for the department, and overall fit within Century Fire Protection.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process & Impact: Beyond showcasing finished drawings, emphasize the processes you used, challenges overcome, and measurable results (e.g., reduced design time, fewer RFIs, improved accuracy).

• Structure Case Studies: For key projects, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework to clearly articulate your role, the problem, your solution (focusing on process and team management), and the positive outcome.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact. For example, "Managed a team of 5 designers, increasing on-time design delivery by 15% through implementing a new workflow system."

• Showcase Management Skills: Include examples of how you mentored team members, resolved team conflicts, or improved team performance and collaboration.

• Tailor to the Role: Focus on examples relevant to commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects, and demonstrate your understanding of NFPA standards and design software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario Analysis: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical complex design challenge, focusing on your problem-solving methodology, team delegation, and risk assessment.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare responses to questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving disputes, or motivating a design team.

• Process Improvement Brainstorm: Be prepared to discuss potential areas for improvement within a fire sprinkler design department and how you would approach implementing changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just technical design skills but also robust process management, team leadership, and strategic thinking. A portfolio that clearly articulates operational improvements and leadership impact will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting and design. Proficiency is expected for creating and modifying technical drawings.

• Revit: Crucial for Building Information Modeling (BIM), enabling 3D design, clash detection, and integration with other project components. Advanced skills are highly valued.

• SprinkCad / HydroCAD: Specialized fire protection design and hydraulic calculation software. Experience with one or both is a significant advantage, especially for hydraulic calculations and system analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Primarily Excel for data analysis, reporting, and potentially creating dashboards for design team performance metrics.

• Potential for BI Tools: While not explicitly stated, larger organizations like Century Fire Protection may use Business Intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for higher-level reporting and data visualization, though direct use might not be required for this role.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: While not specified, the role will likely interact with project management systems used by the company for tracking project progress, timelines, and resource allocation.

• Internal Communication Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams or similar for team communication, collaboration, and document sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit is non-negotiable. Experience with specialized fire protection software like SprinkCad or HydroCAD is a strong differentiator. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient and accurate design, coupled with basic data analysis skills (likely in Excel), is critical for operational success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the fire protection industry, influencing every design decision and operational process.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring strict adherence to NFPA standards and all applicable codes.

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to delivering accurate, constructible, and efficient designs that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where designers, project managers, and field teams work together effectively to achieve project goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging innovation, learning, and the adoption of best practices to enhance operational efficiency and technical capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design discussions frequently involve project managers, estimators, and field supervisors to ensure designs are practical and align with project constraints.

• Open Communication: A culture that values clear, direct communication to resolve technical issues and ensure project alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights among the design team and with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding that this role operates within a safety-critical industry where precision, compliance, and teamwork are not just values but operational necessities. The ability to foster a collaborative and continuously improving team environment is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Projects: Balancing the demands of multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique specifications, timelines, and client requirements.

• Keeping Pace with Code Changes: Staying current with evolving NFPA standards and local building codes, which frequently undergo revisions.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining skilled fire sprinkler designers in a competitive market.

• Integrating New Technologies: Effectively adopting and implementing new design software or technologies to improve efficiency.

• Resolving Design Conflicts: Addressing complex technical issues and clashes that arise between design elements or with other building systems during the project lifecycle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced NICET Certification: Support for pursuing higher levels of NICET certification.

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for training on new software releases, advanced hydraulic modeling, or emerging fire protection technologies.

• Leadership Development: Access to management training programs focused on team leadership, strategic planning, and operational management.

• Industry Seminars & Conferences: Participation in fire protection industry events to stay abreast of trends, network, and gain new insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior operational roles in specialized engineering fields. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals looking to advance their careers in technical leadership and operational management within the fire protection sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a team of designers to ensure high-quality, compliant fire sprinkler system designs under tight deadlines."

  • Preparation: Focus on your leadership style, delegation strategies, quality assurance processes, and how you foster accountability and collaboration. Use examples of past team successes.

• "How would you implement a new design workflow or template to improve efficiency within the department? What steps would you take to ensure team buy-in?"

  • Preparation: Detail your process for analyzing current workflows, identifying improvements, developing new procedures, piloting changes, and communicating benefits to gain adoption.

• "Walk me through a complex fire sprinkler design challenge you or your team faced. What was the problem, how did you solve it, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Prepare a detailed case study using the STAR method, emphasizing your technical problem-solving skills, leadership in guiding the team, and the positive impact on the project.

• "How do you ensure compliance with NFPA standards and local codes across all design projects, especially when dealing with multiple AHJs?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Century Fire Protection and its role in the industry?"

  • Preparation: Research the company's history, recent acquisitions, projects, and market position. Understand its values and operational focus.

• "How would you contribute to the collaborative environment between design, project management, and field operations?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically: Start with an overview of your management philosophy and then dive into 2-3 key projects that best represent your capabilities in design leadership, process improvement, and technical problem-solving.

• Quantify your impact: Use metrics to demonstrate the success of your process improvements or team management strategies.

• Be ready to discuss technical details: While focusing on management, be prepared to answer questions about specific design challenges or technical aspects of your projects.

• Showcase your leadership style: Use examples to illustrate how you motivate, mentor, and guide your team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, strong operational management skills, and effective leadership. Candidates need to articulate how they drive efficiency, ensure quality, and foster collaboration within a technical design team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Fire Sprinkler Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Paycom.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 8+ years of fire sprinkler design experience and 3+ years of management experience prominently. Use keywords from the job description such as "NFPA standards," "AutoCAD," "Revit," "hydraulics," "team management," and "AHJ." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed a team of X designers," "Reduced design errors by Y%").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your design work, focusing on projects that demonstrate complexity and your leadership. Include documentation or descriptions of process improvements you've implemented and their impact. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Century Fire Protection LLC, its history, values, and recent developments (e.g., acquisition by Century Fire Protection). Understand their operational focus within the fire protection industry.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to team management, technical problem-solving, process optimization, and code compliance, using the STAR method.

⚠️ 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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