Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Interstates

Location: Tulsa, OK

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: March 09, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead client/owner relationships and design teams through the full project lifecycle, from pursuit to commissioning, ensuring successful project delivery.

• Act as the primary technical leader and design decision-maker, advocating for client requirements and delivering constructible design packages within budget constraints.

• Own the quality and satisfactory delivery of all design scope across Interstates' disciplines, ensuring alignment with internal standards and client expectations.

• Drive the Interstates Collaborative Design Process, managing design subcontractors and mentoring design team members to foster technical excellence and professional growth.

• Engage in sales-focused activities, including client presentations and proposal development, to support business growth and expand client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and emphasis on client relationships, project lifecycle management, and technical leadership position this role within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and Project Operations spectrum, rather than purely creative design. The role requires a blend of technical expertise and client-facing business development acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture client/owner relationships through sales-focused trips and engaging presentations.

• Analyze project information, develop conceptual designs, and define design scope to create compelling design proposals and support estimating efforts.

• Thoroughly review project specifications, contracts, and agreements to understand the full scope of work and identify any clarifications or exceptions.

• Serve as the main point of contact for clients/owners to establish design parameters, address technical inquiries, and problem-solve design solutions effectively.

• Define necessary deliverables to achieve project scope and align the design team to produce constructible designs that meet client needs and budget limitations.

• Collaborate closely with the Project Manager to set project goals, develop schedules, resolve issues, and provide progress updates, including tracking constraints and team communication.

• Manage design subcontractors in partnership with the Project Manager, ensuring efficient and effective execution of outsourced design tasks.

• Provide internal and external technical leadership by consistently supporting and mentoring all design team members.

• Identify skill or capability gaps within the project team and proactively align resources or training to address these needs.

• Take ownership of the delivery of all Interstates' design scope for the project by setting clear direction and managing design objectives throughout its duration.

• Ensure the final quality of Interstates' design deliverables by overseeing quality processes, conducting audits, and executing reviews against internal standards and client satisfaction.

• Participate actively in Construction Administration activities to support the client/owner and construction team in executing the project in accordance with the design intent.

• Maintain strong client/owner relationships through regular check-ins, both during and outside of active projects.

• Effectively manage responsibilities across multiple projects concurrently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily lean into project management, client acquisition, and technical oversight, typical of a senior role within an engineering or construction firm's design operations. It requires a strong ability to balance client-facing sales and relationship management with internal team leadership and project execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of direct experience working with clients/owners on design projects.

Required Skills:

• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients and owners.

• Technical Leadership: Capacity to provide technical direction, solve complex design challenges, and mentor engineering and design teams.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive understanding and experience managing projects from initial pursuit through final commissioning and support.

• Design Scoping & Proposal Development: Skill in analyzing requirements, defining scope, and developing compelling proposals and supporting estimates.

• Constructible Design Principles: Ability to translate client needs into practical, buildable design solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with Project Managers, estimating teams, and subcontractors.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to address design and project issues effectively.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for client presentations, internal team discussions, and technical documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Subcontractor Management: Experience overseeing and managing design subcontractors.

• Construction Administration: Familiarity with construction administration processes and supporting field execution.

• Interstates Collaborative Design Process: Familiarity or ability to quickly learn and own the company's proprietary design process.

• Mentoring & Team Development: Proven track record of developing and supporting junior team members.

• Sales Acumen: Experience or aptitude for client-focused sales activities and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "expertise in one or more of Interstates’ design disciplines and basic knowledge in all" suggests a need for a broad technical understanding within the industrial/commercial construction context, rather than deep specialization in a single niche. The "4 years of experience working directly with clients/owners" highlights the client-facing aspect as a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successfully managed design projects, highlighting client engagement from initial concept to final delivery.

• Include case studies demonstrating the development of constructible design packages that met specific client requirements and budget constraints.

• Present evidence of technical leadership, including problem-solving scenarios and team mentoring initiatives.

• Document your approach to managing project scope, schedule, and quality across multiple disciplines.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding and application of structured design processes, ideally including experience with stage-gated reviews or similar quality assurance methodologies.

• Illustrate your approach to defining project scope, developing detailed design deliverables, and ensuring constructability.

• Showcase experience in managing design subcontractors and collaborating with project management teams.

• Highlight your methods for ensuring the quality and accuracy of design deliverables, including any audit or review processes you've implemented or followed.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should focus on project management success, client satisfaction, and technical leadership in design execution, rather than purely visual design aesthetics. It should demonstrate the ability to manage complex processes and deliver tangible outcomes in an industrial/commercial context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $93,100 - $116,300+ annually

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay, reflecting the value of your contributions.

• 401(k) plan to support long-term financial planning and retirement savings.

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options to meet diverse healthcare needs.

• Paid Vacation time for personal rejuvenation and work-life balance.

• Performance Bonus opportunities, recognizing and rewarding individual and team achievements.

• Established Career Paths designed to guide professional development and advancement.

Working Hours:

• The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week.

• Occasional site travel may be required, not to exceed 35% of your time, indicating a need for flexibility in schedule and location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for the US market, specifically Tulsa, OK. This range is competitive for a Design Manager role with 4+ years of client-facing experience in the engineering/construction sector. The inclusion of "performance bonus" and "established career paths" suggests a performance-driven culture with opportunities for advancement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical, Controls, Automation, and OT (Operational Technology) for industrial facilities.

Company Size: Interstates is a medium-to-large enterprise, indicated by its widespread operations across the country and diverse service offerings.

Founded: Founded in 1970, Interstates has a long-standing history and established presence in its industry.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of a project team that likely includes Project Managers, other design discipline leaders, estimators, and field personnel.

• The role involves leading internal design teams and managing external design subcontractors.

Methodology:

• Emphasizes the "Interstates Collaborative Design Process," suggesting a structured, team-oriented approach to design and project execution.

• Focuses on delivering high-quality, constructible design packages that align with client requirements and budget.

• Incorporates regular design reviews and quality audits to ensure adherence to internal standards and client satisfaction.

• Values client relationship management and proactive communication throughout the project lifecycle.

Company Website: https://www.interstates.com/careers/jobs?gh_jid=4178146009&gh_jid=4178146009

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "Family-Like," emphasizing caring co-workers, individual treatment, flexible schedules, social activities, and community support. This suggests a supportive and team-oriented environment, appealing to candidates who value camaraderie and work-life balance alongside professional achievement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level management position within the design and project execution functions. It requires both technical depth and significant client-facing and leadership experience.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the design or project management division, such as a Director of Engineering, Director of Design, or a Senior Project Executive.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager directly influences project success by ensuring the technical feasibility, constructability, and quality of design solutions, which are critical for client satisfaction, project profitability, and Interstates' reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design disciplines or expand knowledge across more of Interstates' service offerings.

• Project Management Progression: Transition into full Project Manager roles with broader responsibility for overall project delivery and financial performance.

• Leadership Advancement: Move into senior leadership positions, such as Director of Design, Director of Engineering, or VP of Operations, managing larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Client Development: Grow into roles focused more heavily on business development and strategic client partnerships.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities for professional development, licensure support, and continuing education are explicitly mentioned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is well-defined, offering progression from technical leadership and client management to broader project oversight and strategic business development, aligning with a typical growth trajectory in the engineering and construction industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site in Tulsa, OK, indicating a traditional office-based work environment.

Office Location(s): Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. The company also has operations across the country, suggesting potential for collaboration with teams in other locations.

Workspace Context:

• The "Family-Like" culture suggests a collaborative and supportive office atmosphere with opportunities for social interaction and team building.

• Expect a professional office setting that supports focused work on design tasks, client calls, and team meetings.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily a 40-hour work week, but the "occasional site travel" (up to 35%) and the nature of project deadlines may require flexibility.

• The mention of "Flexible schedules" in the culture section might refer to accommodating personal needs where possible within project demands, rather than a fully remote or flexible work arrangement for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is clear, with travel up to 35% for client meetings, site visits, or project collaboration. The culture description suggests a blend of professional work and camaraderie.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely review your application and resume for basic qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Expect a discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your experience in design management, client relations, technical leadership, and project execution. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Technical/Team Interview: You may meet with other design leaders, project managers, or team members to assess your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. This could involve a case study or design challenge.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with Interstates' strategic goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your success in managing design scope, client relationships, technical leadership, and delivering constructible designs.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, highlight specific achievements using metrics where possible (e.g., project value, budget adherence, client satisfaction scores, timelines met, efficiency improvements).

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The client's problem or goal.
  • Your role and responsibilities.
  • The design and management approach taken.
  • Key challenges encountered and how you overcame them.
  • The successful outcome and impact.

• Demonstrate Process Ownership: Explain your understanding of design processes, quality assurance, and how you've applied them.

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase examples of mentoring team members and managing subcontractors effectively.

• Tailor to Interstates: Research Interstates’ projects and values, and subtly align your portfolio examples to demonstrate how you can contribute to their specific business.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios asking how you would approach a complex design problem, manage a difficult client, or resolve a conflict within a project team.

• Process Improvement: You might be asked to describe how you would improve a specific aspect of the design process or team collaboration.

• Technical Questions: Expect questions related to your core design discipline expertise and your understanding of other related disciplines.

• Client Management: Prepare to discuss strategies for building rapport, managing expectations, and handling client feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on client relationships and technical leadership suggests that interview questions will probe both your hard skills (technical design, project management) and soft skills (communication, leadership, client management). A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating tangible results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) is likely expected for design disciplines.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms for project scheduling, task management, and collaboration (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret project reports related to scope, budget, schedule, and quality.

• Data Analysis: Familiarity with analyzing project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is beneficial for managing client relationships and sales activities, though not explicitly stated as a requirement.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, organizing, and retrieving project documents and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Design Manager in this field would typically be expected to be proficient with common CAD/BIM software, project management tools, and communication platforms. The ability to leverage technology for process efficiency and data-driven decision-making is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, constructible design solutions.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs, satisfaction, and long-term relationships.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within project teams and across departments, fostering a team-oriented approach.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and "doing the right thing" in all business dealings.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design and project execution.

• Community: Commitment to making a positive difference in the communities where Interstates operates.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The "Family-Like" culture emphasizes mutual support, shared responsibility, and camaraderie.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Collaboration is essential between design, project management, estimating, sales, and construction teams.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, feedback exchange, and sharing of knowledge and best practices.

• Process-Driven: Adherence to the Interstates Collaborative Design Process ensures a structured and efficient workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture strongly emphasizes a supportive, family-like environment combined with a professional focus on quality, client satisfaction, and collaborative execution. Candidates who thrive in such settings will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing the demands of concurrent projects, each with its own client, scope, and timeline.

• Client Expectation Management: Navigating diverse client needs, budget constraints, and potential scope creep.

• Technical Problem Solving: Addressing complex engineering and design challenges that arise during project execution.

• Subcontractor Coordination: Ensuring subcontractors deliver quality work on time and within budget, aligning with the overall project goals.

• Team Skill Gaps: Identifying and mitigating skill deficiencies within the project team through training or resource allocation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Mentorship and opportunities to hone leadership skills in managing design teams and client relationships.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Support for expanding expertise in various design disciplines offered by Interstates.

• Professional Licensure & Education: Support for obtaining and maintaining professional licenses and pursuing continuing education.

• Industry Exposure: Involvement in diverse projects across industrial facilities offers broad learning experiences.

• Career Pathing: Clearly defined career paths provide a roadmap for advancement within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges, developing leadership capabilities, and expanding technical expertise within a supportive company environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a challenging client relationship. How did you resolve the situation and maintain the relationship?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through a complex design project you led from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure the design was constructible and met client goals?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio.)

• "How do you ensure the quality of design deliverables when managing multiple disciplines and subcontractors?" (Discuss your approach to quality assurance, audits, and reviews.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Interstates and this Design Manager role specifically?" (Research company projects, values, and tailor your answer.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and 'family-like' team environment?" (Provide examples aligning with Interstates' culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling narratives, focusing on the problem, your solution, and the positive outcome.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, sketches, or photos of completed projects (if permissible) to illustrate your work.

• Metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible – e.g., "Delivered project 10% under budget," "Reduced design review cycle by 15%."

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the design and management processes you followed.

• Client Impact: Emphasize how your work directly benefited the client and contributed to their business objectives.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects succinctly, ready to dive deeper into details if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past projects that demonstrate your ability to manage technically complex designs, lead teams, and foster strong client relationships. Quantifying your achievements will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Interstates careers page.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in design management, client relationship building, technical leadership, and project lifecycle management. Use keywords from the job description, such as "constructible design," "client/owner relationships," "technical leadership," and "project lifecycle."

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio that showcases 3-5 key projects. Focus on demonstrating your ability to manage scope, quality, and client expectations, and to lead design teams effectively. Quantify achievements and be ready to present case studies.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral questions by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and practice articulating your experience with specific examples relevant to design management and client engagement. Research Interstates' projects and culture.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Interstates' services, recent projects, and company values, particularly their "Family-Like" culture and commitment to quality and collaboration.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description has been developed using AI and industry best practices for roles in design management and project operations. While comprehensive, candidates should always refer to the official job posting and engage with Interstates' recruitment team for the most accurate and up-to-date information.