Construction Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Construction Design Manager
Company: Lowes Foods
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Construction & Facilities Operations
Date Posted: October 8, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design and construction project lifecycle for retail grocery store initiatives, ensuring alignment with company standards and strategic objectives.
• Drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness through proactive value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives within construction and design processes.
• Manage critical documentation, including equipment specifications and project drawings, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for all stakeholders.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal departments (procurement, facility engineering) and external partners (architects, engineers, contractors) to achieve project success.
• Champion the development and implementation of prototype designs, materials, and finishes to enhance store aesthetics and functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests "Construction Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into operational oversight of design and construction projects within a retail grocery context. This role is crucial for the physical expansion and maintenance of Lowes Foods' retail footprint, directly impacting the customer experience and operational efficiency. The emphasis on "value engineering" and "continuous improvement" highlights a strong operational focus on process optimization and resource management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all phases of design and construction projects, from conceptualization through completion, for Lowes Foods and Alex Lee Retail.
• Develop, review, and approve project drawings and construction documents at critical stages (60%, 80%, 100% sets), ensuring adherence to design intent and quality standards.
• Evaluate and approve materials, finishes, millwork, and décor, considering pricing, functionality, and brand consistency.
• Maintain and update comprehensive equipment specifications and documentation, including refrigeration legends, to support operational needs and future projects.
• Lead and implement value engineering initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities and enhance construction efficiency without compromising quality.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, architects, engineers, and internal department leaders to manage design and equipment changes effectively.
• Participate actively in prototype design committees, contributing insights and driving innovation for future store formats.
• Conduct research on new construction materials, equipment, and applications to lower construction costs and improve project outcomes.
• Ensure seamless communication and alignment with the Director of Facility Engineering, sharing knowledge and collaborating on strategic projects.
• Manage the timing and development of project drawings, ensuring timely delivery for bidding and construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities detail a hands-on operational role that bridges design conceptualization with tangible construction execution. The emphasis on "evaluating materials," "approving millwork and décor," and "maintaining equipment specifications" points to a deep dive into the operational specifics of retail store build-outs and renovations, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of construction processes and materials.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Project Management.
Experience: 5-7 years of experience specifically in retail grocery construction.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for design and drafting, enabling detailed drawing creation and modification.
• Strong project management skills to oversee multiple construction projects simultaneously, managing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Proven experience in evaluating and approving construction materials, finishes, millwork, and décor to meet brand standards and functional requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities to address design and construction challenges proactively and efficiently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams, architects, engineers, and contractors.
• Demonstrated planning and time management capabilities to meet strict project deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Ability to interpret and understand complex construction documents and blueprints.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with retail grocery operations and specific equipment needs (e.g., refrigeration systems).
• Experience with value engineering methodologies and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and vendor management within the construction industry.
• Ability to conduct research and identify innovative construction materials and technologies.
• Experience participating in prototype design committees and contributing to strategic store design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design proficiency (AutoCAD), robust project execution capabilities (project management, planning, time management), and critical stakeholder engagement skills (communication, problem-solving). The specific requirement for "retail grocery construction" experience is a key differentiator, indicating the need for an understanding of the unique operational demands of this sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies of retail construction or renovation projects managed from design through completion, highlighting your specific role and contributions.
• For each case study, provide clear documentation of project timelines, budget adherence, and any cost-saving measures implemented (e.g., value engineering successes).
• Include examples of construction drawings, material specifications, or finish selections you were responsible for reviewing or approving.
• Demonstrate your ability to manage and update equipment specifications and documentation, perhaps by providing redacted examples or detailed descriptions of your system.
• Quantify the impact of your contributions, such as percentage of cost savings achieved through value engineering, adherence to project schedules, or improvements in material selection.

Process Documentation:

• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their established processes for managing design reviews, including specific checklists or criteria used for evaluating drawings, millwork, and décor.
• Be ready to articulate your approach to coordinating with procurement, architects, and engineers, detailing communication protocols and change management procedures.
• Prepare to describe your methodology for identifying and implementing value engineering initiatives, including how you research and propose alternative materials or construction methods.
• Outline your system for maintaining and updating equipment specifications and project documentation to ensure accuracy and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on construction design management, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills is paramount. The emphasis should be on tangible project outcomes, process efficiency, and problem-solving in real-world construction scenarios. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just what they did, but how they did it, with specific examples of their process and the resulting impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Construction Design Manager with 5-7 years of experience in Winston-Salem, NC, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $85,000 - $110,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of retail grocery construction management and the required skill set.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO package for work-life balance and personal well-being.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options for employees and their families.
• 401K and Pension Plan: Robust retirement savings plans contributing to long-term financial security.
• Shopping Discount: Exclusive employee discount at Lowes Foods stores, enhancing the employee experience.
• Additional Benefits: May include life insurance, disability coverage, and other programs designed to support employee welfare.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases or to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on average compensation data for similar roles in the Winston-Salem, NC area, considering the experience level and industry. Specific compensation will be determined by the employer based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The listed benefits are directly from the provided job data and are presented to highlight the comprehensive package Lowes Foods offers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Grocery)
Company Size: Lowes Foods is part of Alex Lee, Inc., a larger privately held company. Lowes Foods itself operates a significant number of stores, suggesting a size that balances operational scale with a community-focused approach. Alex Lee, Inc. has over 10,000 employees, indicating a substantial corporate structure with ample resources.
Founded: Lowes Foods was founded in 1954. This long history suggests a stable company with established operational traditions and a deep understanding of the retail grocery market.

Team Structure:

• The Construction Design Manager likely reports to a Director of Facility Engineering or a similar senior leadership role within the operations or facilities department.
• This role will involve close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including architects, engineers, procurement specialists, store operations, and third-party contractors.
• The team structure emphasizes a collaborative approach to project execution, where input from various disciplines is crucial for successful project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role requires research into new construction materials and applications to inform design decisions and cost efficiencies, indicating a reliance on data to support strategic choices.
• Process Optimization: A strong emphasis on value engineering and continuous improvement points to a culture that actively seeks to refine workflows and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Collaborative Execution: The need to coordinate with numerous internal and external stakeholders highlights a methodology centered on teamwork and shared responsibility for project outcomes.

Company Website: http://www.lowesfoods.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Lowes Foods' position as part of Alex Lee, Inc. is key. This suggests a company that values its local roots while benefiting from the resources of a larger organization. The longevity of Lowes Foods points to a stable operational environment. The emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement indicates a forward-thinking approach to managing its physical retail spaces.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Level Management. This role requires a substantial amount of specialized experience (5-7 years in retail grocery construction) and involves significant responsibility for project oversight, decision-making, and stakeholder management. It sits at a crucial intersection of design, engineering, and operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director of Facility Engineering or a similar senior operations leader. This position offers exposure to high-level strategic planning for store development and maintenance, with opportunities to influence the company's physical infrastructure decisions.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on Lowes Foods' operational capabilities and brand presence. Successful project management, effective cost control through value engineering, and timely execution of store designs directly contribute to:

• Customer Experience: Ensuring stores are modern, functional, and appealing.
• Operational Efficiency: Implementing designs that support smooth store operations and efficient stocking/merchandising.
• Cost Management: Directly influencing capital expenditure budgets through design choices and value engineering.
• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a uniform and high-quality brand image across all retail locations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Director-level role within Facilities Engineering or Construction Management as experience grows.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to take on larger, more complex projects or lead broader initiatives in store prototype development and rollout.
• Skill Specialization: Deeper dives into specific areas like sustainable construction, advanced refrigeration systems, or retail design trends.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into related operational leadership roles within Alex Lee, Inc., leveraging a broad understanding of retail operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for the physical infrastructure of a retail business. The growth potential lies in expanding the scope of responsibility, taking on more strategic planning, and potentially moving into higher leadership positions within the operations or facilities departments. The impact on the customer experience and operational efficiency makes it a high-visibility role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Winston-Salem, NC, at a corporate office location (1381 Old Mill Circle Suite 200). This suggests a professional office environment where design work, project planning, and administrative tasks will be performed.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Winston-Salem, NC. While the role oversees projects for Lowes Foods and Alex Lee Retail, the day-to-day operations and management will be conducted from this central office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment will likely facilitate regular meetings and discussions with internal teams (e.g., procurement, facility engineering) and potentially with external design partners via video conferencing or in-person meetings.
• Resource Availability: Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD), project management tools, and documentation systems will be provided.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues in engineering, operations, and other corporate functions, fostering a team-oriented approach to problem-solving and project execution.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site role. While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the nature of construction projects often requires flexibility. Candidates should anticipate the possibility of working beyond standard hours to meet critical deadlines, attend site visits, or respond to urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Winston-Salem indicates a traditional corporate office setting. The role will involve a mix of individual work on design and documentation, alongside frequent collaborative sessions with various internal and external stakeholders. The need for site visits to project locations is also implied.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly the 5-7 years of retail grocery construction experience and AutoCAD proficiency.
• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on your technical skills, including AutoCAD capabilities, understanding of construction documents, and experience with materials and finishes. Be prepared to discuss specific design and construction challenges you've overcome.
• Behavioral & Situational Interview: Evaluation of your problem-solving, communication, planning, and time management skills. Expect questions related to managing multiple projects, handling conflicts with stakeholders, and driving value engineering initiatives.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your project management experience, design contributions, and impact.
• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership (e.g., Director of Facility Engineering) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, grouping projects by type or chronologically. For each project, clearly state your role, responsibilities, key challenges, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence).
• Visuals: Include high-quality images, redacted drawings, or design documents that visually represent your work. Focus on examples that demonstrate your understanding of retail grocery environments, material selection, and construction processes.
• Process Emphasis: Be ready to walk through your typical project lifecycle, from design development and drawing review to material approval and final construction oversight. Highlight your use of AutoCAD and any other relevant design or project management tools.
• Value Engineering Focus: Specifically highlight any instances where you successfully implemented value engineering to reduce costs or improve efficiency, detailing the process and the results.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a specified timeframe, focusing on the most impactful and relevant projects for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• You may be given a hypothetical construction design scenario or a problem related to material selection or project coordination.
• Prepare to articulate your approach to problem-solving, your decision-making process, and how you would manage stakeholder expectations.
• Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely to a non-technical audience.
• Be ready to discuss how you would research new materials or construction techniques to achieve cost savings or performance improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Construction Design Manager will heavily scrutinize practical experience and problem-solving abilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates your project management process, technical skills, and demonstrated impact (especially in value engineering and cost savings) will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for design and drafting. Proficiency in creating, editing, and reviewing technical drawings and blueprints is a must.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for planning, scheduling, tracking progress, and resource allocation across multiple construction projects.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, data analysis, reporting, and presentations. Excel will be particularly important for budget tracking and data analysis related to value engineering.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel): For detailed cost analysis, budget tracking, material comparison, and reporting on project metrics.
• Data Visualization Tools (Potentially): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with tools that can present project data, cost-benefit analyses, or progress reports visually might be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: Lowes Foods likely uses internal systems for procurement, vendor management, and project documentation. Familiarity with navigating and utilizing such systems is important.
• Communication Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or email for day-to-day communication and collaboration with internal and external teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is AutoCAD. Beyond that, strong project management and analytical skills, primarily demonstrated through Microsoft Excel, are critical. The ability to navigate and utilize internal company systems for procurement and documentation is also a key operational requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality Focus: A commitment to maintaining high standards in design, materials, and construction to ensure durable and functional retail spaces.
• Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness: A drive to optimize processes, implement value engineering, and manage budgets effectively to maximize return on investment for construction projects.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: An emphasis on working effectively with diverse internal and external teams to achieve shared project goals.
• Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset towards identifying opportunities for process enhancement, material innovation, and operational excellence.
• Safety & Compliance: Adherence to all relevant building codes, safety regulations, and company policies throughout the design and construction phases.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with departments like Procurement, Store Operations, Marketing (for store branding), and Facility Engineering. Effective communication and understanding of each team's needs are vital.
• Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, and vendors is key to successful project delivery. This involves clear communication, managing expectations, and resolving issues collaboratively.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: Discussions will likely involve presenting data-backed recommendations for materials, designs, and cost-saving measures, encouraging a rational and analytical approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values pragmatic execution and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, is adept at managing diverse stakeholders, and is driven by achieving tangible results in terms of quality, efficiency, and cost savings within construction projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Cost vs. Quality: A constant challenge will be to deliver high-quality, aesthetically pleasing stores while adhering to strict budgets and identifying cost-saving opportunities through value engineering.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Coordinating the diverse needs and expectations of internal departments, external architects, engineers, and numerous contractors can be complex.
• Navigating Evolving Retail Trends: Staying abreast of new materials, construction technologies, and changing consumer preferences in retail design to ensure stores remain modern and competitive.
• Unforeseen Project Issues: Dealing with unexpected site conditions, material delays, or contractor performance issues that can impact project timelines and budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Construction Techniques: Opportunities to learn about and implement new building materials, sustainable construction practices, and innovative design solutions.
• Retail Prototype Development: Involvement in shaping the future of store design and customer experience through participation in prototype committees.
• Leadership Skills: Developing stronger negotiation, team management, and strategic planning skills through managing significant projects and cross-functional teams.
• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or specialized areas of construction and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges inherent to construction and project management, particularly in a dynamic retail environment. Growth opportunities are tied to developing expertise in design, project execution, and leadership, with the potential to significantly influence the physical footprint and operational effectiveness of Lowes Foods.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully implemented value engineering on a construction project. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on quantifiable savings and process.)
• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design teams, contractors, and internal stakeholders on complex projects?" (Highlight your communication strategies and conflict resolution.)
• "Walk me through your process for reviewing and approving construction drawings at the 60%, 80%, and 100% stages. What key elements do you scrutinize?" (Demonstrate your attention to detail and understanding of construction documentation.)
• "Imagine a key material supplier is experiencing delays that will impact your project timeline. How would you address this situation?" (Showcase your problem-solving and risk mitigation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Lowes Foods' approach to store design and customer experience?" (Research their recent store remodels or new store openings.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to the overall operational efficiency and brand image of Lowes Foods?" (Connect your responsibilities to business objectives.)
• "Describe your ideal working relationship with a Director of Facility Engineering." (Show your understanding of reporting structures and collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 projects that best exemplify your experience in retail grocery construction, your AutoCAD skills, and your success in value engineering or project management.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the scope, your role, the challenges, your solutions, and measurable results (e.g., % cost savings, schedule adherence, specific improvements).
• Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to verbally walk through the design and construction process for a chosen project, detailing your workflow and decision-making points.
• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (drawings, photos, charts) to illustrate your points without overwhelming the audience. Ensure any sensitive company information is redacted.
• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, making it engaging and easy to follow. Focus on the ‘problem, solution, result’ framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a deep understanding of the retail construction lifecycle, a strong command of design tools and processes, and a proven ability to manage costs and stakeholders effectively. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring strategic curation and clear articulation of achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Construction Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Lowes Foods careers portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases 2-3 significant retail construction projects. Ensure each project highlights your role, specific contributions to design and construction management, your use of AutoCAD, and any quantifiable achievements in value engineering, cost savings, or schedule adherence.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5-7 years of experience in retail grocery construction, your proficiency with AutoCAD, and your strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and research Lowes Foods' recent store developments and company values.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Lowes Foods' brand, its market position within the grocery industry, and any recent news or initiatives related to store design or expansion. Understand how your role contributes to their strategic 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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