Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director Company: Henderson Companies Location: Kansas City, MO; Lenexa, KS Job Type: Full-time Category: Engineering Leadership / Design Management Date Posted: January 12, 2026 Experience Level: 15+ years of relevant experience, with 5+ years in leadership Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This senior technical leadership role is pivotal in shaping engineering solutions for complex clients and programs, acting as a trusted advisor and thought leader.
• The Design Director will guide technical strategy, ensuring the highest standards of engineering excellence and client satisfaction are met across diverse projects.
• This position requires a deep understanding of building design and construction principles, coupled with advanced project management proficiency.
• The role involves significant client engagement, external representation, and the mentoring of emerging technical leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original job title "Design Director" is broad. Based on the description emphasizing engineering solutions, technical strategy, and building design, this role is categorized under Engineering Leadership and Design Management, aligning with operations-focused aspects of project delivery and technical governance. The extensive experience requirement (15+ years) and leadership focus indicate a strategic, high-impact operational role within the engineering discipline.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Engagement & Advisory: Serve as a primary client-facing expert and trusted technical advisor, building and maintaining strong relationships, and representing the organization's technical capabilities.
• Technical Strategy & Solution Development: Shape and guide engineering solutions for complex projects and programs, ensuring alignment with client needs, scope, schedule, cost, and quality objectives.
• Project & Program Oversight: Provide technical leadership and oversight on major, complex projects, ensuring design integrity, advanced problem-solving, and adherence to engineering quality standards from concept through completion.
• Business Development Support: Lead the development and maintenance of relationships with strategic partners and clients to expand business opportunities, participating in pursuits and industry events.
• Mentorship & Talent Development: Mentor and develop technical staff, including emerging leaders, by providing guidance on design deliverables, workflow, and best practices, and by fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Innovation & Best Practice Advancement: Identify and champion best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative design strategies to enhance project performance and drive technical innovation within the organization.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with project managers, practice leaders, and other discipline leads to ensure cohesive project execution, client satisfaction, and the growth of discipline expertise.
• Engineer of Record (EOR) Responsibilities: Potentially serve as an Engineer of Record, taking on additional responsibility for the signing and sealing of projects, ensuring compliance with all engineering standards and regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been structured to highlight the operational impact of this role, focusing on client relationship management, strategic technical direction, project governance, process adherence (scope, schedule, cost, quality), and talent development, all critical to efficient and effective service delivery in an engineering firm.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Protection, or Architectural) is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive, relevant experience in engineering design and project delivery.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership or management capacity, demonstrating the ability to guide teams and technical strategy.
• Demonstrated advanced proficiency in project management standards and methodologies.
• Proven success in leading complex, high-visibility projects or programs from initiation through completion.
• Experience as a client-facing expert and trusted advisor in the building design and construction industry.

Required Skills:

• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide advanced technical direction, problem-solving, and oversight across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Project Management: Advanced proficiency in project management principles, including scope, schedule, budget, and quality control.
• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build, maintain, and leverage strong client relationships, acting as a key point of contact and trusted advisor.
• Building Design & Construction Principles: Deep and advanced knowledge of building design and construction processes, methods, and industry standards.
• Business Development Acumen: Skill in identifying and pursuing business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and representing the company effectively.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders and foster collaborative environments.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address complex engineering challenges and drive innovative solutions.
• Mentoring & Staff Development: Demonstrated ability to mentor, guide, and develop technical staff at all levels, fostering professional growth and team expertise.
• Industry Knowledge: Regarded as an industry leader with deep technical expertise and the ability to influence the industry; expert-level knowledge across several disciplines.
• Proficiency in Design Software: Working knowledge of current industry-specific tools, including BIM modeling, markup and annotation software, and workflow/task management applications.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Additional certifications in relevant technical fields (e.g., BEMP, CPD, CDP, NICET, RCDD).
• Sustainability certifications (e.g., CDP, LEED, WELL).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been refined to emphasize operational competencies. "Advanced proficiency in project management standards" and "advanced knowledge and application of building design and construction principles" are highlighted as core operational requirements. The extensive experience and leadership components underscore the strategic nature of this role within the firm's operational framework.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase at least 3-5 complex, high-visibility projects or programs led, detailing your role, the project's technical challenges, your strategic approach, and the successful outcomes.
• Client Relationship Management Examples: Provide evidence of building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key clients, highlighting instances where you acted as a trusted technical advisor and contributed to business development.
• Technical Innovation & Problem-Solving: Include examples demonstrating your ability to develop out-of-the-box solutions for complex engineering problems, research and recommend innovative systems or equipment, and advance best practices.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Present examples of how you have mentored, trained, or developed technical staff, illustrating your impact on team growth and capability enhancement.
• Business Development Contributions: Detail specific contributions to business development efforts, such as leading pursuits, securing new clients, or expanding existing business relationships.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding and experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing engineering workflows from concept through completion, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Project Management Methodologies: Showcase proficiency in established project management processes, including scope definition, risk management, resource allocation, and deliverable tracking.
• System Implementation & Evaluation: Provide examples of evaluating and recommending specific products or systems for client applications, detailing the research, feasibility studies, and decision-making processes involved.
• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Illustrate how you have facilitated collaboration and integrated technical approaches across multiple engineering disciplines to achieve cohesive project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to a senior technical leadership role. The portfolio should focus on demonstrating strategic impact, client leadership, and operational excellence in project delivery and team development, rather than solely on design outputs. The emphasis is on showcasing the candidate's ability to manage complex processes and drive results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director with 15+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Kansas City/Lenexa, and considering the leadership and client-facing responsibilities, the estimated annual salary range is $170,000 - $240,000. This range accounts for the significant experience required, the strategic nature of the role, and the specific industry demands.

Benefits:

• Culture & Work Environment:
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Casual Dress Code
  • Paid Volunteer Time
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Health and Wellness Initiatives
  • Receptive and Forward-Thinking Leadership
  • Clear Career Path Options
• Financial & Retirement:
  • Industry-leading 401K match and profit sharing
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Performance Bonuses
• Professional Development:
  • Paid Training for Professional Development
• Insurance & Health:
  • Comprehensive and Extensive Insurance
  • Paid Term Life and Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Time Off:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Time Off
• Financial Wellness:
  • Financial Wellness & Coaching Program

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
• Flexible work hours are offered, allowing for adaptability while ensuring project and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on the role's seniority, location (Kansas City/Lenexa MSA), and industry standards for senior engineering leadership. The benefits are detailed and categorized for clarity, highlighting the company's ESOP structure and comprehensive support for employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, and Construction Services (specifically focusing on building systems design). Henderson Companies operates within high-growth markets including mission-critical, higher education, sports, healthcare, grocery, restaurant, and retail. Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 1,001-5,000 employees. This suggests a well-established organization with significant resources, a broad reach, and established operational processes, yet potentially still retaining a culture that values individual contribution and innovation. Founded: Henderson Companies was founded in 1963, indicating a long history of industry experience, stability, and adaptation to evolving market demands and technologies.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The Design Director will be part of the Venue Sector team, likely collaborating with Project Directors, other discipline leads (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), project managers, and design engineers.
• Reporting: The role is described as a technical counterpart to a Project Director, suggesting a dual leadership structure on projects. The Design Director likely reports to a senior operational leader within the Venue Sector or a broader engineering leadership role.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expected to work closely with various project stakeholders, including clients, architects, contractors, and internal design teams across multiple disciplines.

Methodology:

• Integrated Design & Construction: Henderson emphasizes integrating building design and construction, suggesting a collaborative, process-oriented approach.
• Technical Excellence & Innovation: The company prides itself on technical expertise, problem-solving, and out-of-the-box solutions, indicating a culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
• People-First & Employee Ownership: As an ESOP, there's a strong emphasis on employee well-being, engagement, and shared success, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Company Website: https://www.henderson-companies.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes Henderson's integrated approach to building design and construction, its strong people-first culture fueled by an ESOP, and its technical prowess. This context is crucial for understanding the operational environment and the expectations for a Design Director within this structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, representing the highest technical authority within their discipline for projects. It's a strategic role focused on external influence, technical excellence, and guiding complex project deliveries. It sits at the pinnacle of technical contribution for an engineering discipline.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director functions as the technical counterpart to a Project Director, indicating a collaborative leadership model. They will likely report to a senior leader within the Venue Sector or a Director of Engineering, overseeing their specific discipline's technical output and client engagement.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact is measured through the technical success of large-scale projects, client satisfaction, business development contributions, and the development of future technical leaders. They directly influence the firm's reputation for technical excellence and its ability to secure and deliver complex, high-profile projects, thereby driving revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into broader directorial roles, sector leadership, or executive positions within Henderson Companies, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple sectors.
• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in niche areas within venue design or related fields, becoming a recognized industry authority through speaking engagements, publications, or standards development.
• Business Development Leadership: Transition into a more formalized business development leadership role, leveraging client relationships and technical credibility to drive company growth.
• Mentorship & Training Programs: Lead the development and implementation of technical training programs, shaping the engineering talent pipeline for the organization.
• ESOP Contribution: As an employee-owner, contribute to the strategic direction and long-term success of the company through active participation and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the strategic operational impact and career progression within the context of an engineering firm. The role offers significant growth potential tied to technical mastery, leadership, and business development within the company's unique ESOP structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a collaborative office-based environment. Henderson Companies emphasizes a "people-first culture," suggesting a workplace designed to foster interaction, teamwork, and a sense of community. Office Location(s): Kansas City, MO, and Lenexa, KS. These locations likely offer modern office facilities conducive to design work and client meetings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect an environment that supports collaboration with project teams, including engineers, project managers, and potentially architects and clients, through dedicated meeting rooms and open-plan areas.
• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software, BIM modeling tools, and communication platforms necessary for complex project delivery.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with peers, mentors, and leadership, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 40 hours, with flexible work hours offered. This flexibility allows operations professionals to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring project deadlines and client availability are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasizing the "on-site" nature and "flexible work hours" provides clarity on the daily work environment and operational expectations for a Design Director, balancing structured work with professional autonomy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications and years of experience.
• Technical & Behavioral Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions covering your technical expertise, project leadership experience, client management skills, and problem-solving approaches. Behavioral questions will assess your leadership style, collaboration methods, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, demonstrating your strategic thinking, technical solutions, and impact on project success and client relationships.
• Leadership/Executive Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to discuss your vision for the role, strategic contributions, and long-term potential within Henderson Companies.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your experience in leading complex venue design projects, client engagement, and technical innovation.
• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach as Design Director, the technical solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., client satisfaction, cost savings, schedule adherence, innovation adoption).
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in guiding teams, mentoring engineers, and collaborating with stakeholders. Showcase your ability to manage technical strategy and provide expert advice.
• Demonstrate Business Acumen: Include examples of your involvement in business development, client relationship management, and how your technical leadership contributed to securing or expanding business.
• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your decision-making processes, challenges encountered, and how you navigated them. Anticipate questions about your leadership philosophy and vision for the Venue Sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Discussion: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical complex design challenges relevant to the venue sector, outlining your approach to problem-solving, stakeholder alignment, and solution development.
• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating your strategic approach to technical leadership, market trends, and talent development within the engineering design field.
• Company Alignment: Research Henderson's values, culture, and recent projects to articulate how your skills and experience align with their mission and the specific needs of the Venue Sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a senior technical leadership role, emphasizing the importance of a strategic portfolio that demonstrates leadership, client impact, and business acumen, alongside technical prowess.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Engineering Tools:

• BIM Modeling Software: Proficiency in industry-standard BIM platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is essential for creating, managing, and coordinating complex building designs.
• CAD Software: Experience with AutoCAD and other relevant CAD tools for detailed design and drafting.
• Markup & Annotation Tools: Familiarity with software used for reviewing and annotating design documents (e.g., Bluebeam Revu).

Project Management & Workflow Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Procore, MS Project, or similar tools for tracking project timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Workflow & Task Management Applications: Familiarity with tools that streamline task assignment, progress tracking, and team collaboration within design processes.

Collaboration & Communication Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint is standard.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external team communication.
• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing and sharing project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting Tools:

• While not explicitly detailed, expect to utilize tools for analyzing project performance, resource utilization, and potentially client satisfaction metrics. Proficiency in Excel for data analysis is a given.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems may be beneficial for understanding client interactions and business development. Automation tools are likely used for workflow optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the critical design and project management software expected for a Design Director. The emphasis on BIM and workflow management underscores the operational efficiency required in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative engineering solutions and pushing the boundaries of building design.
• Client Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction, acting as a trusted advisor, and building long-term, collaborative relationships.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards, taking ownership of responsibilities, and delivering on commitments. As an ESOP, this is amplified by a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals work together effectively across disciplines and departments to achieve common goals.
• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning, adapting, and proactively seeking ways to enhance processes, technologies, and personal development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with project managers, architects, other engineering disciplines, and clients to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication, with leadership's doors being "always open" to foster feedback and idea exchange.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing expertise, mentoring junior staff, and collectively elevating the technical capabilities of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are synthesized from the company description, highlighting the ESOP's influence on integrity and teamwork, alongside the core engineering values of technical excellence and client focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of multiple clients, internal teams, and external partners on high-visibility projects.
• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Industry: Championing new technologies and methodologies within a sector that can sometimes be resistant to change.
• Technical Oversight Across Disciplines: Maintaining deep expertise across multiple engineering fields while providing effective leadership and oversight.
• Developing Future Technical Leaders: Identifying and nurturing talent to ensure a strong pipeline of skilled engineers capable of taking on future leadership roles.
• Navigating Project Dynamics: Addressing unforeseen technical challenges, scope changes, and resource constraints inherent in large-scale construction and design projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Leadership: Opportunities to become a recognized thought leader through speaking engagements, publications, and participation in industry standards committees.
• Advanced Technical Training: Access to paid training and certifications to deepen expertise in specialized areas of venue design or emerging technologies.
• Leadership Development Programs: Structured opportunities to enhance leadership, strategic thinking, and business development skills, potentially leading to broader organizational roles.
• ESOP Engagement: Deeper involvement in the strategic direction and governance of the company as an employee-owner.
• Cross-Sector Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to and contribute to projects in other high-growth markets served by Henderson Companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a forward-looking perspective, identifying potential challenges inherent in a senior technical leadership role and outlining concrete avenues for professional growth and development within Henderson Companies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Vision: "How do you see the future of engineering design for large-scale venues, and what role does Henderson Companies play in shaping that future?" (Prepare to discuss industry trends, sustainability, smart building technologies, and your vision for innovation.)
• Client Relationship Management: "Describe a time you navigated a challenging client relationship or a complex project negotiation. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your approach to building trust, managing expectations, and achieving mutually beneficial solutions.)
• Leadership & Mentorship: "How do you approach mentoring junior engineers and developing technical talent within a team? Can you provide specific examples of individuals you've mentored and their growth?" (Highlight your philosophy on leadership, coaching, and fostering a learning environment.)
• Problem-Solving Approach: "Walk us through a complex engineering problem you encountered on a major project. What was your process for diagnosing the issue, developing solutions, and ensuring successful implementation?" (Use a structured approach like STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Cultural Fit: "What aspects of Henderson's culture, particularly its ESOP model and 'people-first' approach, resonate with you, and how do you see yourself contributing to it?" (Research the company's values and be prepared to articulate your alignment.)
• Industry Influence: "How do you stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies, and how have you previously influenced your organization or the broader industry?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and thought leadership.)
• Collaboration Style: "Describe your ideal collaboration style with project managers, other discipline leads, and clients. How do you ensure effective communication and alignment across diverse teams?" (Emphasize your ability to foster productive working relationships.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation around key projects, framing them as narratives that highlight challenges, your strategic leadership, innovative solutions, and impactful results.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., client satisfaction scores, budget adherence, schedule improvements, energy efficiency gains).
• Focus on "Director" Level Contributions: Emphasize your role in strategic decision-making, technical oversight, client engagement, and team leadership, rather than just design details.
• Tailor to Venue Sector: Highlight projects and experiences most relevant to the venue sector, showcasing your understanding of its unique complexities and requirements.
• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for questions and discussions. Make it an interactive presentation that allows for dialogue about your experience and approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This preparation guide focuses on strategic, leadership-oriented questions and presentation techniques relevant to a senior technical role, emphasizing the candidate's ability to influence, lead, and drive business outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your comprehensive resume through the provided application link, ensuring it details your 15+ years of progressive engineering experience and 5+ years of leadership.
• Prepare your portfolio, selecting 3-5 key projects that best illustrate your expertise in leading complex venue design projects, client advisory, technical innovation, and team mentorship. Focus on quantifiable achievements and your strategic contributions.
• Research Henderson Companies thoroughly. Understand their mission, values (especially the ESOP model), and the specific work within the Venue Sector to articulate your alignment and enthusiasm during interviews.
• Practice articulating your technical vision and leadership philosophy. Be ready to discuss industry trends, your problem-solving methodologies, and how you foster collaboration and drive innovation.
• Anticipate interview questions related to client management, technical challenges, and mentorship, preparing specific examples 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.