Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

Company: CENTURY FIRE PROTECTION LLC

Location: Duluth, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Fire Protection Design Management / Operations

Date Posted: August 10, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the fire sprinkler and suppression system design department, ensuring high-quality project output and team efficiency.

• Oversee compliance with all relevant NFPA standards, local building codes, and specific project requirements.

• Drive technical problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives within the design team to enhance constructibility and accuracy.

• Foster a collaborative environment between design staff, project managers, and field teams to ensure seamless project execution from concept to completion.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the operational excellence of the design department within a full-service fire protection company. The emphasis on NFPA standards, code compliance, and software proficiency (AutoCAD, Revit, SprinkCad) points to a highly specialized and technically demanding position within the construction and engineering sector, requiring a blend of technical expertise and leadership acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of fire sprinkler and suppression system designers, fostering professional growth and performance excellence.

• Direct the comprehensive design of fire sprinkler and suppression systems for a diverse range of projects, including commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential developments.

• Uphold stringent design quality by reviewing and approving all design drawings, hydraulic calculations, and submittal packages prepared by the design staff.

• Facilitate effective cross-functional coordination by liaising with project managers and field personnel to integrate design requirements with construction realities.

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust departmental standards, design templates, and efficient workflows to standardize processes and improve productivity.

• Provide expert support for permitting processes, including the preparation of documentation and direct response to Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) inquiries.

• Contribute to strategic departmental planning through active participation in resource allocation, project scheduling, and departmental budgeting processes.

• Lead critical design review sessions and spearhead technical problem-solving efforts to address complex design challenges and ensure constructibility.

• Represent the design department effectively in client meetings and cross-functional discussions, articulating technical solutions and project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight, team leadership, and strategic contribution. The emphasis on reviewing and approving designs, supporting permitting, and participating in budgeting indicates a role with significant responsibility for project success and departmental financial health, typical of a senior management position in specialized engineering operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or a degree in a related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of dedicated fire sprinkler design experience, with at least 3 years in a design team management or supervisory capacity. NICET Level III or IV certification in Fire Protection Engineering is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of fire sprinkler system design principles, hydraulics, and their application.

• Deep understanding and practical application of NFPA standards and relevant local building codes.

• Proficiency in interpreting construction drawings, specifications, and complex project requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor a team of technical professionals.

• Strong understanding of project coordination between design, project management, and field operations.

• Competence in Microsoft Office applications. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with specialized fire protection design software such as SprinkCad.

• Experience with AutoCAD and Revit for 2D drafting and 3D modeling in design projects.

• Familiarity with hydraulic calculation software like HydroCAD.

• Experience in supporting permitting processes and engaging with AHJs.

• Proven ability in departmental budgeting and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8+ years of design experience and 3+ years of management, coupled with a preference for NICET Level III or IV, strongly suggests this role is for an experienced professional looking to step into or solidify a leadership position. The emphasis on both technical design software and management skills indicates a need for a well-rounded candidate who can oversee both the technical execution and the team's performance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive fire sprinkler system design projects, demonstrating a range of complexity (commercial, industrial, multi-family).

• For each project, detail the specific design challenges, the chosen solutions, and the adherence to NFPA standards and local codes.

• Include examples of hydraulic calculations, system layouts, and equipment specifications.

• Demonstrate experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and/or SprinkCad, with visual examples of drawings and models.

• Quantify design improvements or efficiencies achieved, if possible, such as reduced material usage or streamlined installation processes. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of developing or implementing design workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or departmental templates.

• Illustrate experience in establishing design review processes, including checklists or quality assurance protocols.

• Detail any contributions to process automation or efficiency improvements within a design team setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in design operations, a portfolio should not only showcase technical output but also demonstrate an understanding of process management and team oversight. Evidence of creating or refining design processes, managing design quality, and contributing to departmental efficiency will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Fire Sprinkler Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in the Atlanta metropolitan area, the estimated salary range is $95,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the required experience, management responsibilities, technical specialization, and cost of living in Duluth, GA.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Voluntary Life Insurance options.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays.

• 401(K) retirement plan with a company match.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Employee Relief Fund for unexpected hardship.

• Supplemental Insurance options, including Critical Illness, Hospitalization, and Accident coverage.

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines. The role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Duluth, GA office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by the employer based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and performance during the interview process. The extensive benefits package is typical for established companies in the construction and engineering sector, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and long-term retention.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection Systems / Construction Services. Century Fire Protection LLC operates within the specialized construction sector, focusing on the design, installation, and maintenance of fire sprinkler and suppression systems. This industry demands precision, adherence to strict safety regulations, and strong project management capabilities.

Company Size: Century Fire Protection LLC is described as one of the largest and most successful full-service fire protection companies in the Southeast, indicating a significant operational footprint and a substantial employee base, likely in the hundreds, suggesting a well-established organizational structure with opportunities for advancement.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly provided, the company's description as one of the largest and most successful implies a history of sustained growth and market presence, likely several decades in operation, contributing to a stable and experienced organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The design department likely comprises multiple fire sprinkler designers, CAD technicians, and potentially junior engineers, reporting directly to the Design Manager.

• The Design Manager reports to a higher-level operations or engineering executive, such as a Director of Engineering or VP of Operations.

• Close collaboration is expected with Project Managers, field installation teams, sales, and estimating departments to ensure cohesive project delivery. Methodology:

• Emphasis on adherence to NFPA standards and local codes as the foundational methodology for all designs.

• Utilization of industry-standard software (AutoCAD, Revit, SprinkCad) for design creation and hydraulic calculations.

• A project-centric approach, requiring close coordination and communication across all project stakeholders.

• Continuous improvement initiatives likely focus on refining design processes, enhancing constructibility, and optimizing resource utilization.

Company Website: https://www.centuryfp.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as a large, successful player in the Southeast suggests a professional, results-oriented environment. The "full-service" aspect implies a comprehensive offering, meaning the design manager will need to understand how their department's output integrates into a broader service delivery model.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level management position within the fire protection engineering and design operations. It requires a deep technical foundation in fire sprinkler systems coupled with proven leadership capabilities to manage a critical department responsible for project design quality and efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Fire Sprinkler Design Manager will report to a senior operations or engineering leader, such as a Director of Engineering or Vice President of Operations. They will directly supervise a team of fire sprinkler designers and potentially related technical support staff.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's performance directly impacts project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation for quality and compliance. Efficient, accurate, and constructible designs reduce field labor costs, minimize project delays, and prevent costly rework, thereby contributing significantly to the company's overall revenue and operational success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in complex suppression systems, advanced hydraulic modeling, or emerging fire protection technologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or regional management positions.

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to other operational areas like project management, estimating, or field operations leadership through cross-departmental initiatives or training.

• Professional Development: Support for continued education, advanced certifications (e.g., PE license, further NICET levels), and industry conferences to stay abreast of best practices and innovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a pivotal role for career progression within fire protection engineering operations. The combination of technical mastery and management responsibility positions the candidate for significant advancement within a growing organization. The focus is on both departmental operational excellence and broader organizational leadership potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Century Fire Protection Duluth office, suggesting a professional office environment. This environment is expected to be collaborative, with dedicated workspaces for design staff and meeting areas for team and client discussions.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Duluth, Georgia, specifically at 2450 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096. This location is within the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, offering accessibility for local talent and proximity to various commercial and industrial hubs.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely involve dedicated computer workstations equipped with industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, Revit, SprinkCad) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Opportunities for team collaboration will be facilitated through regular team meetings, design review sessions, and cross-functional project discussions.

• Access to technical resources, company standards, and senior engineering support will be readily available to assist with design challenges.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typical of a full-time management role. While flexibility may exist for occasional personal needs, the on-site nature and management responsibilities require consistent availability during core business hours to oversee the team and projects effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for direct team management and hands-on oversight of design operations. The Duluth location suggests a dynamic business environment within a major metropolitan area, offering good access to talent and client bases.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core requirements, particularly management experience and technical design skills.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves a deep dive into your fire sprinkler design expertise, knowledge of NFPA standards, code compliance, and proficiency with design software. You may be asked to walk through specific design challenges from your experience.

• Management & Behavioral Interview: Focuses on your leadership style, team management approach, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle departmental responsibilities like budgeting and resource allocation. Behavioral questions will explore past situations and how you managed them.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, highlighting your design process, technical solutions, and any process improvements you implemented. Be prepared to discuss the challenges, your role, and the outcomes.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss strategic fit, long-term vision for the department, and overall cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your design expertise, management capabilities, and understanding of process optimization. Include a mix of project types if possible.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs or process improvements (e.g., reduced material costs, faster design cycles, fewer RFIs).

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design methodology, how you ensure code compliance, and how you mentor your team. Showcase any SOPs or templates you developed.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure drawings and models are clean, well-organized, and easy to understand. Use annotations effectively to highlight key design features or solutions.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Go beyond just presenting; be ready to discuss the technical details, your decision-making process, and how you managed your team through the project lifecycle.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem or a complex scenario and asked to outline your approach to solving it, including considerations for codes, hydraulics, and team management.

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would identify and implement process improvements within a fire sprinkler design department, focusing on efficiency, quality, and collaboration.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle performance issues, motivate a team, delegate tasks, and resolve conflicts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical competence and leadership potential. A strong portfolio that demonstrates not just design skills but also an understanding of operational efficiency and team management will be crucial for success. Preparation should focus on articulating your value in both technical and managerial capacities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting and creating precise system layouts. Proficiency in advanced AutoCAD features for efficient design work is expected.

• Revit: Crucial for Building Information Modeling (BIM), enabling 3D design, clash detection, and better coordination with other building trades. Experience with Revit MEP for fire protection is highly valued.

• SprinkCad: A specialized fire protection design software that streamlines the design process, including hydraulic calculations and drawing generation. Expertise in SprinkCad is a significant plus.

• HydroCAD (or similar): Software for detailed hydraulic calculations, ensuring system effectiveness and compliance with pressure and flow requirements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint): For data analysis, creating reports, managing budgets, and presenting findings to stakeholders. Advanced Excel skills for data manipulation and visualization are beneficial.

• Internal Reporting Systems: The company may utilize internal project management or ERP systems for tracking design progress, resource allocation, and departmental KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: While not directly used for design, familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Procore, MS Project) is helpful for coordinating with project managers and understanding project timelines.

• Potential Automation Tools: Exploration of workflow automation tools or scripts to enhance design efficiency, such as batch processing of drawings or automated report generation, may be an area for the Design Manager to explore.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit is standard for modern design roles, but the emphasis on SprinkCad and hydraulic software indicates a need for specialized fire protection design tools. The manager's role will involve not only using these tools but also ensuring their effective application and potentially evaluating new technologies for the department.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A core value in fire protection, ensuring all designs are exact and meet stringent safety requirements. This translates to meticulous attention to detail in all design tasks.

• Compliance & Safety: Upholding NFPA standards and local codes is paramount, reflecting a deep commitment to safety for building occupants and the company's reputation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments (design, project management, field) is essential for successful project delivery. This value emphasizes open communication and mutual support.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: Striving for optimized workflows, streamlined processes, and the adoption of best practices to enhance productivity and project outcomes.

• Client Focus: Understanding client needs and delivering solutions that meet project specifications while ensuring long-term system reliability and customer satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Design Manager will foster strong working relationships with Project Managers, Estimators, and Field Supervisors to ensure seamless project handoffs and real-time feedback loops.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture where design processes are regularly reviewed, and constructive feedback is shared openly among team members and with other departments to drive improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where designers can share technical knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned, potentially through regular team meetings or internal training sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely reflects the high-stakes nature of the fire protection industry – demanding rigor, precision, and a strong sense of responsibility. The emphasis on collaboration is key, as design is an integral part of a larger project lifecycle.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Project Needs: Balancing the demands of various project types (commercial, industrial, multi-family) with different design complexities and timelines.

• Keeping Pace with Code Changes: Continuously updating knowledge and ensuring designs adhere to evolving NFPA standards and local building codes.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining skilled fire sprinkler designers in a competitive market, and effectively mentoring junior staff to develop their expertise.

• Integration with New Technologies: Evaluating and implementing new design software or BIM technologies, and training the team to adopt them effectively.

• Balancing Design Quality with Project Deadlines: Ensuring that speed does not compromise the accuracy and constructibility of designs, a constant tension in project-driven environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to attend specialized workshops or courses on advanced hydraulics, specific suppression system types, or new design methodologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Company-sponsored training or external courses focused on management skills, strategic planning, and financial oversight.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining advanced certifications like PE licensure or higher NICET levels, which enhance professional credibility and career prospects.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior company leaders or to mentor junior engineers, fostering a continuous learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex operational challenges within a critical industry. The company's commitment to growth suggests a supportive environment for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a team of designers to ensure consistent quality and adherence to deadlines." (Focus on your leadership style, delegation, performance management, and process oversight.)

• "How do you stay current with NFPA standards and local code changes, and how do you ensure your team is compliant?" (Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and your methods for disseminating information and enforcing standards.)

• "Walk me through a complex fire sprinkler design project you managed. What were the key challenges, your specific role, and the outcome?" (Be ready to discuss technical details, problem-solving, team coordination, and quantifiable results if possible.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Century Fire Protection's role in the Southeast market, and how do you see this design manager role contributing to our continued success?" (Show you've researched the company and understand its position and your potential impact.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with field teams or project managers who had different priorities. How did you achieve a successful outcome?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and finding common ground to ensure project success.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement within a design department?" (Discuss your methods for encouraging feedback, implementing new processes, and driving efficiency.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your proposed solution (design), the challenges faced, your team's execution, and the final results.

• Highlight Management: Emphasize your role in managing the design team, delegating tasks, reviewing work, and ensuring quality control, not just the technical design aspects.

• Showcase Process: Present any SOPs, templates, or workflow improvements you developed or implemented as part of your portfolio.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about hydraulic calculations, system types, and code interpretations relevant to your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, strong leadership, and a proactive approach to operational efficiency and compliance. Your ability to articulate your management philosophy and your impact on project success will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Fire Sprinkler Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom portal link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8+ years of fire sprinkler design experience and your 3+ years of team management. Use keywords from the job description, such as "NFPA standards," "AutoCAD," "Revit," "hydraulic calculations," and "team leadership." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed a team of 5 designers," "Reduced design review time by 15%").

• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your most impactful fire sprinkler design projects. Focus on clarity, technical accuracy, and evidence of your management and process improvement contributions. Ensure it's easily shareable and accessible.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to potential interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving, and technical skills. Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely and effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Century Fire Protection LLC. Understand their services, market position, recent projects (if publicly available), and company culture. This will enable you to ask informed questions and tailor your responses to their specific needs.

⚠️ 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.