Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Audio Enhancement

Location: West Jordan, Utah, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Operations Support

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of designers responsible for critical project deliverables including design, drafting, construction estimating support, shop drawings, and Epic Map-related outputs.

• Oversee departmental budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource allocation to ensure alignment with project timelines and company financial objectives.

• Drive process improvement initiatives within the Design department to enhance accuracy, reduce rework, and streamline turnaround times for design-related tasks.

• Foster strong cross-departmental collaboration with Project Management, Sales, Operations, and Construction teams to ensure seamless project execution and clear communication.

• Monitor and report on department performance, focusing on key metrics such as design accuracy, deliverable timeliness, budget adherence, and team productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into operational oversight of a design function that directly supports project delivery and construction. The role requires a blend of people management, process optimization, and financial acumen, typical of a senior operations or GTM support role within a project-based organization. The mention of "Epic Map" suggests a proprietary system or specific deliverable crucial to the company's education technology solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the Design Team's daily operations, ensuring all design, drafting, shop drawing, and construction estimating support tasks are executed efficiently and accurately.

• Develop, manage, and monitor the Design department's annual budget, including forecasting workload, identifying resource needs, assessing staffing capacity, and tracking project-specific design costs.

• Establish and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Design department, regularly monitoring performance against budget, deadlines, accuracy goals, and overall deliverable expectations.

• Prepare and present comprehensive monthly reports to leadership, detailing design accuracy, project deliverable status, workload distribution, team performance metrics, and proposed process improvement opportunities.

• Act as a primary liaison between the Design Team and other departments (Project Management, Sales, Operations, Construction), ensuring clear understanding of project requirements, design intent, and timely delivery of all design-related documentation.

• Provide crucial support to Project Managers by supplying construction estimating-related information, offering design input, clarifying drawing specifications, and managing project documentation requirements.

• Proactively identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and gaps within current design and drafting processes, recommending and implementing practical improvements to boost accuracy, minimize rework, expedite turnaround times, and strengthen inter-departmental communication.

• Lead the resolution of design conflicts, project scope ambiguities, drawing discrepancies, field issues, and complex coordination challenges that arise during project lifecycles.

• Maintain consistent and effective communication channels with all internal stakeholders, ensuring transparency regarding project priorities, potential risks, scope changes, and critical deadlines.

• Oversee team performance management, providing regular constructive feedback, identifying coaching opportunities, and supporting professional development plans for all design team members.

• Participate in the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new design team members, ensuring a smooth integration into the department and company culture.

• Establish, document, and maintain robust department processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), design standards, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across all deliverables.

• Regularly communicate department priorities, performance updates, emerging challenges, and overall results to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders across the organization.

• Strategically manage department resources, workload distribution, and staffing levels to effectively support overarching business goals and fluctuating project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational focus on process, efficiency, and cross-functional alignment, typical for a role supporting a GTM or project delivery function. The emphasis on budgeting, reporting, and process improvement suggests a need for candidates with a solid understanding of operational metrics and workflow optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Industrial Design, Construction Management, or a related field is typically expected for a management role of this nature, though equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design, drafting, or construction support roles, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership or management capacity. Experience managing teams and departmental budgets is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership and team management capabilities with a track record of developing and motivating design professionals.

• Demonstrated experience managing the lifecycle of design, drafting, shop drawing creation, and construction estimating support deliverables.

• Strong ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, effectively prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and meet stakeholder expectations.

• Comprehensive understanding of construction drawings, detailed shop drawings, architectural design documentation, and complex project coordination processes.

• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to meticulously review information for accuracy, completeness, and consistency against project specifications.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to coordinate effectively across diverse internal departments and communicate technical information clearly.

• Aptitude for identifying process inefficiencies and a proactive approach to recommending and implementing practical, data-driven improvements.

• Robust problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving design conflicts, clarifying project scope ambiguities, addressing drawing discrepancies, and managing field coordination challenges.

• Experience in departmental budgeting, financial forecasting, workload planning, and creating performance-based reports.

• Demonstrated ability to coach, train, mentor, and develop individual team members to foster skill growth and career progression.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in the construction industry, with a focus on construction drawings and shop drawing production.

• Previous experience leading or directly supervising a design, drafting, or construction support team within a project-driven environment.

• Proven experience collaborating effectively with Project Managers, Sales teams, Operations, Construction departments, and other internal stakeholders to drive project execution and deliver high-quality outputs.

• Experience in preparing detailed monthly reports, rigorously tracking project deliverables, and monitoring key department performance metrics to inform strategic decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Experience" section strongly suggests that candidates with direct industry experience in construction and a proven ability to manage a design function supporting project delivery will have a significant advantage. The mention of "Epic Map" implies that any familiarity with proprietary systems or educational technology project workflows would be highly beneficial.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of managed design projects, highlighting leadership role in team coordination and project lifecycle oversight.

• Include case studies demonstrating process improvement initiatives led by the candidate, detailing the problem, implemented solution, and measurable impact on accuracy, efficiency, or cost reduction.

• Present examples of complex construction drawings or shop drawings managed by the team, emphasizing accuracy and adherence to specifications.

• Provide evidence of experience in budgeting and financial reporting for design departments, including workload forecasting and resource allocation strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for design review, approval, and revision processes, illustrating how consistency and quality are maintained.

• Examples of process documentation for shop drawing creation and submission, including coordination with external stakeholders.

• Methodologies for tracking design deliverable progress, identifying potential delays, and implementing corrective actions.

• Protocols for managing design-related documentation, ensuring version control and accessibility for relevant project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should emphasize not just individual design capabilities, but the candidate's ability to manage a team, optimize processes, and contribute to the operational efficiency of the design function, particularly in its support of project delivery. Demonstrating an understanding of how design outputs impact downstream operations (estimating, construction) is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Salary is negotiable based on skill level and experience. For a Design Manager role in West Jordan, UT, with the described responsibilities and implied experience level (5-10 years), a competitive annual salary range would typically fall between $85,000 and $120,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, the demand for skilled design and operations management professionals, and the specific requirements for software proficiency and team leadership.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Employer-funded Health Savings Account (HSA) to support healthcare expenses.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays for work-life balance.

• Employer-funded Short-Term Disability Insurance for income protection.

• Employer-funded Life Insurance for financial security.

• Matching 401k plan to support long-term retirement savings.

• On-site amenities including an exercise room, massage chair, and a soda fountain, promoting employee well-being and engagement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the potential for occasional overtime to meet critical project deadlines. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence in the West Jordan office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation benchmarks for similar roles in the specified geographic region and industry, factoring in the required experience and management responsibilities. The benefits package is detailed and attractive, offering a strong total compensation picture beyond base salary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Audio Enhancement operates within the Education Technology sector, providing solutions to improve learning environments in classrooms. Their focus on hardware and software integration for audio and visual systems in educational settings positions them as a key player in modernizing school infrastructure.

Company Size: Audio Enhancement is a growing organization, indicated by the need for a Design Manager overseeing multiple aspects of design operations and team development. While exact size isn't specified, the structured operational needs suggest a company beyond startup phase, likely mid-sized with established processes and a growing client base.

Founded: The company was founded with a mission to empower learning, suggesting a culture built around educational impact and innovation. The emphasis on "lifers" and becoming part of the "Audio Enhancement family" points to a culture that values long-term commitment, employee well-being, and a strong sense of community and partnership.

Team Structure:

• The Design Team is a core component of the project delivery and operational support structure, working closely with Project Managers, Sales, and Construction.

• The Design Manager reports to senior leadership, likely a Director of Operations, VP of Engineering, or similar executive overseeing project execution.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the requirement for performance reporting, budget management, and process improvement initiatives.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to the role, aiming to enhance accuracy, reduce turnaround times, and minimize rework in design deliverables.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, especially in leveraging software tools like AutoCAD and Salesforce to streamline design processes and project tracking.

Company Website: www.AudioEnhancement.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in education technology and its emphasis on a family-like culture are significant cultural indicators. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how their management approach aligns with fostering a supportive yet high-performing environment, and how their operational focus contributes to the company's educational mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-to-senior management level. It requires a blend of technical understanding in design and drafting, coupled with strong operational management skills. The scope includes team leadership, departmental budgeting, process optimization, and cross-functional coordination, indicating a significant level of responsibility and strategic input into project delivery operations.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level operations or engineering executive. They will, in turn, manage a team of designers and drafters. The role necessitates close collaboration with peer managers in Sales, Project Management, and Construction, forming a matrixed operational structure common in project-based businesses.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in the company's revenue operations by ensuring that design-related deliverables are accurate, timely, and cost-effective. High-quality design support directly impacts project success, client satisfaction, and the ability to scale operations efficiently. By optimizing design processes, the manager contributes to reduced project costs, faster project completion times, and improved overall profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership Path: Advancement could lead to a Director of Operations, VP of Project Delivery, or similar executive roles, overseeing broader operational functions.

• Process Excellence Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in process optimization and workflow automation within the company, potentially leading initiatives across multiple departments.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop deeper understanding and influence in areas like Sales Operations, Project Management, or Construction Management through close collaboration and potential rotations or project leadership roles.

• Team Development: Grow leadership skills by mentoring and developing a high-performing design team, potentially expanding the team's scope or responsibilities over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory suggests a path for ambitious operations professionals looking to build a career in project-driven industries. The emphasis on cross-functional impact and process optimization aligns with modern GTM operations career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position requiring regular presence in the West Jordan, UT office. The description implies a professional office setting where design, project management, sales, and construction teams collaborate.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 9858 South Audio Drive, West Jordan, UT 84081. This location is within the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, offering accessibility for local talent.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, with proximity to Project Managers, Sales, and Operations likely facilitating efficient communication and problem-solving.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology, including AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office Suite, will be integral to daily tasks.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with various operational teams will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment where design challenges are tackled collectively.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While on-site, the company also promotes employee well-being with amenities like an exercise room, suggesting a balance between demanding work and employee support. The need to manage project deadlines may occasionally require flexibility, but the core schedule is likely standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and collaborative environment are key aspects. Candidates should consider their preference for a hands-on, in-office management role where direct team and cross-functional interaction is paramount for operational success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with required experience and skills, particularly in design management, team leadership, and operational oversight.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Hiring Manager focusing on your leadership style, experience managing design teams, understanding of design processes, and ability to manage budgets and reporting. Be prepared to discuss your approach to process improvement and cross-departmental collaboration.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a review of your portfolio, including case studies of past projects, process improvements, and examples of managed deliverables. A practical exercise or discussion about specific software proficiency (AutoCAD, Bluebeam) might occur.

• Cross-Functional Interview: You may meet with key stakeholders from Project Management, Sales, or Construction to assess your collaboration skills and understanding of how design impacts their functions.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership to confirm cultural fit and discuss the role's strategic importance before extending an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Management: Highlight projects where you led a team to successful completion, detailing your role in resource allocation, timeline management, and quality control.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Prepare 1-2 detailed case studies on process improvements you've implemented. For each, clearly outline the problem, the steps taken, the tools used, and the quantifiable results (e.g., reduced turnaround time by X%, decreased rework by Y%, improved accuracy by Z%).

• Deliverable Examples: Include samples of complex construction drawings or shop drawings your team produced, explaining the coordination effort involved and the attention to detail required.

• Budgetary and Reporting Evidence: Present examples of budget management reports or workload planning documents, demonstrating your financial acumen and operational oversight capabilities.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office, explaining how you leverage these tools for team efficiency and project tracking.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Optimization Scenario: Be prepared for a scenario-based question where you're asked to identify and solve a design process issue, or improve a specific workflow. Think about how you would gather data, involve stakeholders, and implement changes.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving conflicts within the team, or motivating a team to meet tight deadlines.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with Sales, Project Management, or Construction teams to overcome challenges or achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a blend of technical understanding, operational management, and interpersonal skills. A strong portfolio demonstrating quantifiable process improvements and effective team leadership will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for managing and overseeing the creation of technical drawings and blueprints by the design team. Proficiency in understanding its capabilities and limitations is key for effective management.

• Bluebeam: Critical for document review, markup, and collaboration on construction drawings and project documentation. Experience with its advanced features for quantity take-offs and progress tracking is highly valuable.

• Salesforce: As a CRM, it will likely be used for tracking project pipelines, client interactions, and potentially managing design requests or approvals in conjunction with sales and project management. Understanding how design integrates with salesforce data is important.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Comprehensive proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is fundamental for reporting, budgeting, presentations, and internal communication. Excel, in particular, will be vital for data analysis and financial forecasting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Expected to be the primary tool for detailed data analysis, financial modeling, workload forecasting, and creating performance reports.

• Power BI/Tableau (Potential): While not explicitly mentioned, experience with business intelligence tools for creating interactive dashboards and visualizations for management reporting would be a strong asset.

• Company-Specific Reporting Tools: May include internal systems or custom reports generated from Salesforce or other project management software.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: As mentioned, its role in managing client and project data makes it central. Understanding its customization and reporting capabilities for the design department's needs is important.

• Potential Automation Tools: While not specified, the company may utilize workflow automation within Salesforce or other project management software to streamline design approval processes or task assignments. Any experience with workflow automation within business systems would be beneficial.

• Integration Knowledge: Understanding how design software outputs integrate with project management systems or CRMs to ensure data consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Salesforce, Microsoft Office) are standard for design and operations roles supporting project delivery. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their advanced usage and how they leverage these tools for team management and process optimization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality design deliverables on time, directly supporting project success and client satisfaction.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with internal teams (Sales, Project Management, Construction) and viewing them as partners in achieving common project goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset towards identifying inefficiencies, embracing new processes or technologies, and consistently seeking ways to enhance team performance and departmental output.

• Accountability and Ownership: Taking responsibility for departmental performance, budget adherence, and the quality of work produced by the design team.

• Supportive Team Environment: Building a culture where team members feel supported, are encouraged to develop their skills, and can rely on each other for collaborative problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with other departments to understand their needs, anticipate design requirements, and ensure seamless integration of design deliverables into broader project workflows.

• Open Feedback Loops: Encouraging a culture of constructive feedback, both within the design team and with collaborating departments, to identify areas for improvement and foster mutual understanding.

• Knowledge Sharing and Mentorship: Promoting an environment where team members share best practices, mentor junior colleagues, and collectively build expertise in design, software, and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a blend of performance-driven execution and collaborative, supportive team dynamics. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate how they embody these values in their leadership and day-to-day interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing multiple projects with varying deadlines and stakeholder demands simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Ensuring Design Accuracy and Consistency: Maintaining high standards of accuracy and consistency across a team, especially when dealing with complex technical documentation and tight schedules.

• Driving Process Adoption: Effectively implementing new processes or workflows and ensuring team buy-in and adherence, overcoming resistance to change.

• Resource Management: Optimizing the use of limited resources (staffing, time, budget) to meet high project demands and business objectives.

• Inter-Departmental Coordination: Navigating complex communication and coordination needs across different departments, each with its own priorities and workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AutoCAD, Bluebeam, or explore new design and project management technologies.

• Operations Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or operations management to enhance strategic and leadership capabilities.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Gaining deeper insights into the education technology sector, classroom audio/visual systems, and construction processes relevant to Audio Enhancement's offerings.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal or external training focused on strategic leadership, team building, financial management, and change management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a managerial role in a project-driven environment. Highlighting how candidates have successfully navigated similar situations in the past will be key. The growth opportunities are substantial for those looking to advance in operations management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a design team responsible for critical project deliverables like shop drawings and construction estimating support. How do you ensure accuracy and timely delivery?" (Focus on process, team motivation, and quality control.)

• "Walk me through a time you identified a significant process gap within a design or operations team. What steps did you take to address it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer demonstrating problem-solving, implementation, and quantifiable results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Audio Enhancement's mission to empower learning, and how do you see your role contributing to that mission?" (Research the company's impact in education technology and align your values.)

• "Describe your ideal team culture. How do you foster collaboration, accountability, and professional development within your team?" (Connect your leadership philosophy with the company's stated values and family-like culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For any process improvement case study, clearly state the metrics used (e.g., percentage reduction in errors, hours saved, cost savings) and the baseline from which you improved.

• Visual Storytelling: Use clear, concise visuals (charts, diagrams, sample drawings) to illustrate your points. For process improvements, a before-and-after workflow diagram can be very effective.

• Focus on Leadership: When discussing projects, emphasize your role as a manager – how you delegated, supported, and guided your team to achieve the results.

• Tool Integration: Briefly explain how you leverage AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Salesforce to enhance team efficiency and project management within your presented examples.

• Concise and Engaging: Aim for a presentation that is informative yet engaging, respecting the interviewer's time while thoroughly showcasing your capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical understanding, operational management prowess, and collaborative leadership. The portfolio is a critical tool for substantiating claims made during the interview.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your experience in managing design teams, driving process improvements, handling budgets, and working cross-functionally. If you have a portfolio, ensure it includes case studies demonstrating quantifiable results from your process optimization efforts and examples of managed project deliverables.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office. Use action verbs and quantify achievements whenever possible, focusing on leadership, operational efficiency, and project support.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method. Prepare specific examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and process improvement skills. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Audio Enhancement website (www.AudioEnhancement.com) to understand their mission, products, and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on empowering learning and their company culture.

⚠️ 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.