HIRING: Experienced Architectural / Production Design Manager (Not Remote)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experienced Architectural / Production Design Manager

Company: Irontown Modular

Location: Spanish Fork, Utah, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Design & Production

Date Posted: 2026-05-18

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the technical drafting and production design process for modular buildings, ensuring adherence to quality control standards and timely, within-budget project delivery.

• Drive innovation and efficiency within the production design workflow by proactively contributing to the creation of construction drawings and Revit models.

• Manage the comprehensive lifecycle of architectural plans, including submittals, file management, distribution, and revisions, while interacting with municipal and state building requirements.

• Lead and mentor a team of technical drafters and designers, fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving company goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for bridging the gap between architectural design and physical production in a modular construction environment. The focus on process efficiency, quality control, and team leadership suggests a strong need for operations management skills within a design and manufacturing context. The "Not Remote" designation is a key indicator of the on-site, hands-on nature of this position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the technical drafting team, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure high-quality output and professional development.

• Develop and enforce rigorous quality control standards for all architectural and production design deliverables, minimizing errors and rework.

• Create detailed shop drawings for framing operations, as well as mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire suppression systems.

• Proactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate project timelines within the design and production phases.

• Manage the distribution and revision control of architectural plans, ensuring all stakeholders have access to the most current documentation.

• Coordinate and manage building permit submittals to local and state governments, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

• Collaborate closely with the production team to translate design intent into manufacturable components and to proactively address any production challenges.

• Utilize and optimize design software, including Revit and AutoCAD, to produce accurate and efficient construction drawings and Revit models, leveraging plugins like Strucsoft/MWF.

• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design throughput, accuracy, and project timelines, providing measurable insights to leadership.

• Manage relationships with external engineering firms and subcontractors as needed for specialized design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design oversight, team management, and process optimization, common in advanced operations roles within manufacturing or construction. The emphasis on KPIs and efficiency suggests a data-driven approach to managing design workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in architectural design, production design, or a related technical drafting role within the construction or manufacturing industry.

• Proven track record of managing design teams and overseeing the complete design-to-production lifecycle for building projects.

Required Skills:

• Technical Drafting Proficiency: Expert-level skills in AutoCAD and Revit are mandatory. Familiarity with Sketchup and MS Office Suite is also required.

• Software Expertise: Experience with Strucsoft/MWF or similar Revit plugins for frame element conversion is essential. Knowledge of Mitek design software or similar truss design software is a significant plus.

• Building Design Knowledge: Solid understanding of building design principles, architectural plans, engineering concepts, and framing techniques.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and mentor a team of designers and drafters.

• Process Management: Experience in managing workflows, implementing quality control measures, and driving process efficiencies.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with a strong capacity for measurable KPI reporting.

• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to identify and resolve complex design and production issues effectively.

• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of municipal and state building codes and permit submittal processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Truss design experience.

• Experience with fire suppression system design.

• Familiarity with construction project management principles.

• Knowledge of material properties and their application in modular construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Revit, AutoCAD, Strucsoft/MWF, Mitek) and practical experience (CAD, building design, framing) points towards a highly technical role where hands-on proficiency is as critical as management capability. The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a senior individual contributor or first-level management role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating your ability to manage architectural and production design workflows from concept to completion.

• Include examples of detailed construction drawings, shop drawings (framing, MEP), and Revit models that highlight your technical proficiency.

• Present case studies that illustrate your approach to quality control, process optimization, and problem-solving within design and production environments.

• Quantify the impact of your contributions, such as improvements in design accuracy, reduction in material waste, or shortening of project timelines, ideally with associated ROI metrics.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented and standardized design processes, including workflow diagrams, checklists, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Illustrate your methods for implementing and optimizing design software and plugins to enhance production efficiency and accuracy.

• Showcase your approach to measuring and reporting on design team performance using KPIs and other relevant metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role, as it directly demonstrates the candidate's ability to execute the core responsibilities. The focus on process documentation and quantifiable results is key for operations-minded candidates.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (Salaried, DOE)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

• Supplemental Insurance Options

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Paid Training Opportunities

• Referral Program for Employees

• Tuition Reimbursement for Continued Education

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time schedule, Monday through Friday. While not explicitly stated as flexible, a typical professional role of this nature often allows for some degree of schedule management within the Monday-Friday framework, especially for salaried employees focused on outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is within industry standards for an experienced design manager in the construction/manufacturing sector in a region like Utah. The extensive benefits package indicates a company commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which is attractive to operations professionals seeking stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Modular Construction / Manufacturing. Irontown Modular operates within the rapidly growing modular construction sector, which emphasizes efficiency, standardization, and off-site fabrication. This industry context requires a strong focus on process, precision, and scalability.

Company Size: Based on LinkedIn data (if available, otherwise infer from job postings), Irontown Modular likely falls into the small to medium-sized business (SMB) category, possibly with 50-250 employees. This size often means a more dynamic, hands-on environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: Information on founding date is not provided, but the company's focus on modern construction methods suggests it's likely a relatively established player or a rapidly growing newer entrant in the modular construction space.

Team Structure:

• The Architectural / Production Design team is likely a core functional unit within Irontown Modular, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and project management.

• The Manager will report to a higher-level director or VP of Operations/Engineering and will directly manage a team of architectural drafters and production designers.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role necessitates a data-driven approach to managing design workflows, utilizing KPIs to track performance, identify bottlenecks, and inform decision-making.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Continuous evaluation and refinement of the design and drafting processes are expected to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and speed.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging technology, such as Revit plugins and advanced CAD features, to automate repetitive tasks and streamline the conversion of design files into production-ready formats.

Company Website: irontownmodular.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and likely size suggest an environment where operational efficiency and practical problem-solving are highly valued. This is a good context for operations professionals looking to make a tangible impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a mid-to-senior level role within the operations and design management spectrum. It requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a strategic understanding of production workflows. The scope includes direct team management and significant influence over project timelines and production efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Manager will likely report to a Director of Operations, VP of Engineering, or a similar senior leadership role within the company. They will have direct reports, including architectural drafters and production designers.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and measurable impact on Irontown Modular's bottom line. Efficient and accurate production designs are fundamental to minimizing material waste, reducing manufacturing errors, ensuring timely project completion, and ultimately contributing to customer satisfaction and profitability. Effective management of this function is crucial for scaling operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Director or VP role overseeing broader design, engineering, or production operations as the company grows.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in modular construction design, advanced BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodologies, or specific areas like MEP design coordination.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Take on broader responsibilities for implementing and managing company-wide operational efficiency initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into roles in project management, manufacturing management, or supply chain, leveraging a deep understanding of the production process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a growing industry. The emphasis on measurable impact and leadership development makes it an attractive position for ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Not Remote," indicating an on-site position. This suggests a traditional office environment within Irontown Modular's facilities.

Office Location(s): Spanish Fork, Utah, United States. This location provides access to a growing regional market and a potential labor pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely foster close collaboration between the design team, manufacturing floor personnel, and project managers, necessitating effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Revit, AutoCAD, Strucsoft/MWF), computers, and potentially plotters for plan printing will be integral to the daily workflow.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with team members for design reviews, problem-solving sessions, and team meetings. The proximity to the manufacturing floor is crucial for practical design feedback.

Work Schedule:

• A standard Monday-Friday work schedule is expected, aligning with typical business operations in the construction and manufacturing sectors. This provides a predictable rhythm for managing projects and team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for direct oversight of production design and immediate collaboration with manufacturing teams. This is characteristic of roles where tangible output and hands-on problem-solving are key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager (likely Gillian Jenkins) to discuss your background, leadership style, technical expertise, and understanding of design and production processes. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Revit, AutoCAD, and team management.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A key stage where you will present your portfolio. This will involve walking through selected projects, explaining your design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work. Expect questions on quality control, efficiency improvements, and software utilization.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members or colleagues from manufacturing or project management to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall strategic fit and long-term potential within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in modular construction, technical drafting, team leadership, and process optimization. Highlight your contributions to framing and MEP shop drawings.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., reduced errors by X%, sped up production by Y days, saved Z% in materials).

• Showcase Process: Be ready to explain your design workflow, quality control mechanisms, and how you managed revisions and submittals for each project.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss specific features or workflows in Revit, AutoCAD, and any plugins you used that contributed to project success.

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio presentation as a narrative, guiding the interviewer through your thought process and problem-solving capabilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical design challenge or a problem encountered in modular construction and asked to outline your approach to solving it, including potential design adjustments and process improvements.

• KPI Discussion: Be ready to discuss how you would establish or manage KPIs for a design team and what metrics you consider most critical for success in this role.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare to answer questions about how you would handle team conflicts, motivate underperforming team members, or onboard new hires.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential technical assessment underscores the hands-on, technical nature of this role. Candidates should prioritize showcasing tangible results and a structured approach to design and production management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for Building Information Modeling (BIM), creating 3D models, and generating construction documentation. Expect to demonstrate advanced modeling and documentation skills.

• AutoCAD: Crucial for 2D drafting, detailing, and creating precise construction drawings. Proficiency in the latest versions is expected.

• Strucsoft/MWF (or similar): A key plugin for Revit that converts BIM models into framed elements, directly impacting manufacturing. Expertise in this or similar tools is critical for production efficiency.

• SketchUp: Likely used for conceptual design, visualization, or quick modeling tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint): Essential for data analysis, KPI tracking, report generation, and presentations. Excel will be vital for managing data and performing calculations.

• BI Tools (Potentially): While not explicitly mentioned, companies of this size may use basic BI tools for dashboarding and performance monitoring. Familiarity with creating reports from raw data is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software (e.g., Procore, Asana, Monday.com): While not listed, such tools are common for managing project timelines, tasks, and communication. Understanding how design integrates with broader project management is a plus.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and distributing large volumes of technical documents securely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified design software, particularly Revit and its associated plugins for manufacturing output, is non-negotiable. A strong understanding of how these tools integrate with broader project management and reporting systems is highly valued in operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Optimization: A core value likely driving the search for this role. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to finding better, faster, and more cost-effective ways to execute design and production tasks.

• Quality & Accuracy: Paramount in construction and manufacturing, ensuring that designs are precise, compliant, and free from errors that could lead to costly rework or safety issues.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The nature of modular construction requires seamless integration between design, engineering, and manufacturing teams. A collaborative spirit and strong interpersonal skills are essential.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A forward-thinking approach to adopting new technologies, methodologies, and design techniques to stay competitive and improve product offerings.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for design deliverables, project timelines, and team performance, with a focus on achieving company objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where the design team works hand-in-hand with manufacturing, sales, and project management. Open communication channels are key.

• Process Review Culture: A willingness to actively participate in design and process reviews, provide constructive feedback, and receive input from various stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned across teams to foster collective growth and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with a results-oriented, efficiency-driven operations environment. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they embody these values in their daily work and leadership approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Accuracy: The inherent tension between delivering designs quickly to meet production schedules and ensuring absolute accuracy to avoid costly errors.

• Managing Evolving Requirements: Adapting to client-specific modifications, regulatory changes, and internal production adjustments while maintaining design integrity and project timelines.

• Bridging Design and Manufacturing Gaps: Ensuring clear, actionable communication and understanding between the design team's digital models and the physical realities of the manufacturing floor.

• Team Development and Motivation: Leading a team of skilled professionals, potentially with diverse experience levels, to consistently perform at a high level and embrace new processes.

• Staying Ahead of Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in BIM software, design plugins, and modular construction techniques to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Revit, explore new plugins, or learn complementary design and analysis tools relevant to modular construction.

• Modular Construction Best Practices: Exposure to industry-specific conferences, workshops, and certifications focused on the evolving landscape of modular building.

• Operational Excellence Programs: Potential involvement in company-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall operational efficiency, project management, or lean manufacturing principles.

• Leadership Development: Mentorship from senior leadership and opportunities to hone management and strategic planning skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex operational challenges within a dynamic industry, coupled with clear pathways for leadership and technical specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a production design team to ensure on-time delivery of accurate construction drawings for modular buildings." (Focus on process, delegation, quality checks, and KPI utilization.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between the design team and the manufacturing floor to minimize production issues and rework?" (Highlight communication strategies, feedback loops, and practical design considerations for manufacturing.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Irontown Modular and the modular construction industry?" (Research the company's projects, values, and recent news. Understand the industry's advantages and challenges.)

• "How do you foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement within a technical team?" (Discuss your leadership style, emphasis on standards, and methods for encouraging innovation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, the solutions you implemented (especially design/process-related), and the measurable results.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss specific Revit features, AutoCAD commands, or plugin functionalities you used and why they were critical to success.

• Showcase Leadership: Explain how you managed your team, delegated tasks, provided feedback, and ensured quality throughout the project lifecycle.

• Focus on Operations Impact: Emphasize how your design work directly contributed to efficiency, cost savings, or improved production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on bridging technical design expertise with operational management principles. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not just what they can design, but how they manage the process and team to achieve business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting.paylocity.com portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your years of CAD experience, proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, team leadership accomplishments, and any experience with modular construction or similar manufacturing processes. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects, focusing on those that demonstrate your ability to create construction drawings, shop drawings, manage design processes, and improve efficiency. Prepare concise descriptions and quantifiable results for each.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice explaining your portfolio projects and your approach to design management, quality control, and team leadership. Be ready to answer strategic and behavioral questions using the STAR method.

• Research Irontown Modular: Understand their product offerings, company mission, and any recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and align your answers with their operational goals.

⚠️ 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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