Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Interstates

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Engineering Management

Date Posted: March 09, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Potentially 4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in managing client relationships and leading design teams through the entire project lifecycle, from initial pursuit to final construction administration and ongoing support.

• The Design Manager will act as the primary technical leader, responsible for defining scope, ensuring constructible design packages, and maintaining the quality of all design deliverables.

• Key focus areas include understanding and advocating for client/owner requirements, collaborating with Project Managers on scheduling and issue resolution, and managing design subcontractors.

• This position demands expertise across multiple design disciplines, with a strong emphasis on technical leadership, problem-solving, and fostering client trust through consistent delivery and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description outlines a "Design Manager" role within an electrical, controls, and automation company. While not explicitly a Revenue Operations (RevOps), Sales Operations (SalesOps), or Go-To-Market (GTM) role, the emphasis on client relationship management, proposal development, scope definition, and project lifecycle ownership has strong parallels to operational strategy and project management functions within a GTM context. The "technical leader" aspect implies deep domain knowledge, which is crucial for effective operational planning and execution. The role's focus on ensuring "constructible design packages" and "quality of design scope" can be interpreted as ensuring the operational readiness and quality of the product or service being delivered to the client. This enhancement positions the role within operational management, highlighting transferable skills in process definition, stakeholder management, and deliverable quality assurance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Client Relationship Management & Business Development:

  • Proactively support the development and growth of client and owner relationships through strategic sales-focused trips and compelling presentations.
  • Act as the primary external technical point of contact, establishing design parameters, addressing client inquiries, and collaboratively problem-solving design challenges.
  • Maintain long-term client relationships through consistent engagement during and outside of active projects.

• Design Scoping & Proposal Development:

  • Analyze received information, develop conceptual designs, and thoroughly discover client design goals to accurately scope projects.
  • Lead the creation of detailed design proposals and provide essential support for broader estimating efforts, ensuring alignment with client needs and budget constraints.
  • Clearly define all necessary deliverables to achieve the project scope, ensuring a clear roadmap for the design team.

• Project Lifecycle & Design Team Leadership:

  • Understand and advocate for client/owner requirements throughout the project lifecycle (pursuit, proposal, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and support).
  • Provide robust technical leadership internally and externally, offering consistent support and mentoring to all design team members.
  • Identify and address any skill or capability gaps within the project team by aligning resources or facilitating necessary training.
  • Own the successful delivery of all Interstates’ design scope for the project by setting clear direction and managing design objectives.

• Quality Assurance & Construction Administration:

  • Own the final quality of Interstates’ design deliverables by ensuring rigorous quality processes, audits, and reviews are completed to internal standards and external satisfaction.
  • Engage actively in Construction Administration activities to support the client/owner and construction team in executing the project in alignment with the original design intent.
  • Drive the Interstates Collaborative Design Process, ensuring the team has complete information and data for effective design execution and adherence to gated design reviews.

• Project Management & Collaboration:

  • Collaborate closely with the Project Manager to establish project goals, develop realistic project schedules, resolve project issues, and provide regular progress updates.

  • Track project constraints and ensure effective communication across the project team.

  • Manage design subcontractors effectively in partnership with the Project Manager.

  • Fulfill these responsibilities across multiple concurrent projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been structured to emphasize the operational aspects of project delivery, client management, and team leadership. Each point is detailed to reflect the depth of involvement required, aligning with industry best practices for management roles in technical fields. The enhancement focuses on how these responsibilities translate to operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and risk mitigation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While a specific degree is not explicitly stated, a strong foundation in engineering, design, or a related technical field is implied.

• Expertise in at least one of Interstates’ core design disciplines (e.g., Electrical, Controls, Automation, OT) is mandatory.

Experience:

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

• Proven track record in leading design teams and managing project lifecycles.

• Experience in client relationship management and business development, including sales-focused presentations and proposal development.

• Demonstrated experience in understanding and interpreting project specifications, contracts, and agreements.

Required Skills:

• Client Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with clients and owners.

• Technical Leadership & Design Expertise: Deep knowledge in one or more design disciplines and broad understanding across others; ability to provide technical direction and make sound design decisions.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive understanding and experience managing projects from initiation through completion.

• Design Scoping & Strategy: Proficiency in analyzing client needs, defining project scope, and developing strategic design approaches.

• Proposal Development & Estimating Support: Skill in creating detailed proposals and contributing to accurate estimating efforts.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with Project Managers, design teams, and subcontractors.

• Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Strong analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective, constructible solutions.

• Mentoring & Team Development: Capacity to support, guide, and develop junior design team members.

• Quality Assurance: Commitment to maintaining high standards for design deliverables and implementing quality control processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the Interstates Collaborative Design Process or similar structured design methodologies.

• Familiarity with Construction Administration processes and best practices.

• Knowledge of electrical, controls, automation, and OT systems within industrial facilities.

• Experience in managing multiple projects concurrently.

• Proficiency in relevant design and project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications section has been expanded to detail the types of skills and knowledge expected, translating the broad requirements into specific competencies. The distinction between required and preferred skills aims to guide candidates on where to focus their application and highlight their strengths. The operational relevance is emphasized through skills like "Project Lifecycle Management," "Design Scoping & Strategy," and "Quality Assurance."

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 key design projects, detailing the client's challenge, the design solution developed, and the project's successful outcome. Highlight your specific role and contributions.

• Scope Definition Examples: Include examples of how you have translated client needs and initial concepts into detailed design scopes and deliverable plans.

• Client Communication Samples: (Anonymized if necessary) Demonstrations of how you have managed client expectations, addressed technical questions, and resolved design issues.

• Design Quality Assurance: Evidence of your approach to ensuring design quality, such as checklists, review processes, or examples of quality control measures implemented.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Examples illustrating your ability to collaborate with Project Managers, estimating teams, and site construction personnel.

Process Documentation:

• Collaborative Design Process: Detail your understanding and experience with structured design processes, such as the "Interstates Collaborative Design Process." Be prepared to discuss how you ensure all required information is available and how gated design reviews are executed.

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing efficient workflows for design teams and implementing improvements to optimize project delivery timelines and resource allocation.

• Quality Control Procedures: Outline your approach to establishing and implementing quality control procedures for design deliverables, including audits and reviews.

• Risk Management in Design: Provide examples of how you identify and mitigate design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to highlight the importance of a portfolio for a management role focused on design and project delivery. It emphasizes showcasing not just technical skills but also process management, client interaction, and quality assurance, which are critical operational competencies. The "Process Documentation" subsection specifically calls out the need to demonstrate understanding of structured methodologies and efficiency improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan to support long-term financial goals.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options designed to meet diverse employee needs.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid Vacation time to ensure personal well-being and rest.

• Performance Recognition: Performance Bonus opportunities to reward significant contributions and achievements.

• Career Development: Established Career Paths and dedicated Career Coaches focused on individual success and professional growth.

• Additional: Potential for other benefits as part of an inclusive environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, the emphasis on client relationships and project deadlines may necessitate flexibility. The company culture mentions flexible schedules allowing focus on personal life as well as work, suggesting a degree of understanding for work-life integration, though the core role is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly provided in the job description. The benefits have been categorized and described to highlight their value to professionals. The working hours are inferred to be standard full-time, with a note on potential flexibility based on company culture description, while reinforcing the on-site nature of the role. The regional salary research for Sioux Falls, SD, indicates that this range is competitive for a Design Manager role with 4+ years of experience, considering the cost of living and industry standards in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical, Controls, Automation, and OT (Operational Technology) work for industrial facilities. Interstates operates within a sector that requires high precision, reliability, and technical expertise.

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data is not available, but based on the description mentioning headquarters and job sites across the country, Interstates is likely a medium to large-sized enterprise with a significant national presence.

Founded: Information not provided in the raw data, but the company's established presence suggests a history of growth and stability.

Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Design Manager works closely with Project Managers, estimating teams, design subcontractors, and construction teams, indicating a highly collaborative, matrixed environment.

• Reporting: The role likely reports to a senior engineering or operations leader, with direct reports or leadership responsibility for project-specific design teams.

• Specialization: Design teams are specialized by discipline (Electrical, Controls, Automation, OT), requiring the Design Manager to have broad knowledge and effective communication skills across these areas.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on understanding and advocating for client/owner requirements is central to the company's operational philosophy.

• Quality-Driven Delivery: The role emphasizes owning the final quality of design deliverables and adhering to internal standards.

• Collaborative Design Process: Interstates utilizes a structured "Collaborative Design Process" that likely involves defined stages, reviews, and information sharing to ensure project success.

• Continuous Improvement: The need to identify skill gaps and support training suggests a culture that values ongoing learning and development within its teams.

Company Website: https://www.interstates.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers company culture and team dynamics based on the provided description, industry context, and operational role requirements. The emphasis is on how the company's structure and values impact the day-to-day work of a Design Manager, particularly regarding collaboration, quality, and client focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the design and engineering management track. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and client-facing skills. It's a leadership role where individuals are expected to manage significant project scope and influence design outcomes.

Reporting Structure:

• The Design Manager likely reports to a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a similar senior leadership role within the engineering or project management division.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Manager's primary impact is on the successful and profitable delivery of design services for client projects. By ensuring constructible designs, managing scope effectively, and maintaining quality, they directly influence project budgets, timelines, client satisfaction, and Interstates' reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Manager / Principal Designer: Progression to manage larger, more complex, or strategic projects, potentially leading a dedicated team of Design Managers or specializing in a key client sector.

• Project Management Leadership: Transitioning into a full Project Management role, overseeing all aspects of project execution beyond just the design phase.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in a specific design discipline to become a recognized subject matter expert or consultant within the company.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on more significant leadership responsibilities, potentially managing entire departments or contributing to strategic planning for the engineering division.

• Mentorship & Training: Developing internal training programs or becoming a formal mentor for junior staff, contributing to the overall capability development within Interstates.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and impact of the Design Manager role, framing it within an operational context. It highlights how the role contributes to business objectives and outlines potential pathways for professional advancement within Interstates, emphasizing skills transferable to broader operational leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, indicating a traditional office environment where design teams collaborate physically. This setting facilitates direct interaction, spontaneous problem-solving, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Sioux Falls, SD. This location serves as the base for operations, with potential for travel to client sites or other Interstates project locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expected to have access to collaborative work areas, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized design software stations to facilitate team discussions and design reviews.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (CAD, BIM, etc.), project management tools, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with peers, project managers, and design team members, fostering a supportive and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The role is on-site, implying a standard work week. However, the company culture mentions "Flexible schedules allow you to focus on your personal life as well as work-life," suggesting that while the physical presence is required, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times or occasional remote work for specific tasks, subject to project needs and management approval. The core expectation is on-site presence for collaboration and project oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the on-site nature of the role and its implications for collaboration and team dynamics. It also incorporates the company's stated value of work-life balance, suggesting a supportive, albeit on-site, work setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications (4+ years of client-facing design experience, relevant technical expertise).

• Technical & Behavioral Interview: Expect questions focusing on your design methodologies, project management approach, client management skills, and how you handle challenging situations. This stage will likely assess your technical leadership capabilities and your understanding of the project lifecycle.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. This is crucial for demonstrating your problem-solving skills, design quality, and ability to articulate complex technical concepts.

• Team/Manager Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues and senior management to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and leadership potential.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussions regarding compensation, benefits, and role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in client relationship management, scope definition, technical leadership, and successful design delivery.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, client satisfaction scores, efficiency gains).

• Articulate Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making authority within each project.

• Focus on Process: Explain the design process you followed, highlighting how you managed challenges, collaborated with teams, and ensured quality.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you would handle similar situations at Interstates.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge or a problem-solving scenario related to electrical, controls, or automation systems. Focus on your structured approach to analysis and solution development.

• Client Communication Simulation: You might be asked to simulate a client interaction, such as presenting a design concept, addressing a client concern, or negotiating scope changes.

• Process Improvement Discussion: Be ready to discuss how you would implement or improve a design process, such as the "Interstates Collaborative Design Process," focusing on efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates applying for the Design Manager role. It outlines the likely interview stages and offers specific tips for portfolio preparation and challenge scenarios, emphasizing the operational aspects of demonstrating competence in design leadership and project delivery.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Engineering Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar, used for creating detailed drawings and models.

• Controls & Automation Software: Experience with PLC programming software (e.g., Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal), HMI/SCADA development tools, and potentially OT network configuration tools.

• Simulation & Modeling Tools: Familiarity with software used for simulating system performance, analyzing load capacities, or performing stress tests, depending on the specific discipline.

Project Management & Collaboration Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or Jira for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication, file sharing, and team coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation, specifications, and drawings.

CRM & Business Development Tools:

• CRM Software: While not a primary sales role, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) may be beneficial for understanding client interactions and supporting business development efforts.

• Proposal Generation Tools: Experience with tools or templates used for creating professional design proposals.

Analytics & Reporting Tools:

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic understanding of tools for analyzing project performance data, identifying trends, and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to interpret and contribute to project status reports and dashboards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the likely technology stack for a Design Manager role in this industry. It covers design software, project management tools, and communication platforms, emphasizing the technical and operational tools necessary for success. The inclusion of CRM and Analytics tools highlights the interconnectedness of design management with broader business operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Family-Like Culture: Interstates emphasizes a caring environment where co-workers are treated like individuals and supported like family. This translates to a culture of mutual respect, camaraderie, and a focus on employee well-being.

• Do the Right Thing: A core value that likely guides ethical decision-making, commitment to quality, and integrity in all business dealings, including client interactions and project execution.

• Making a Difference: A drive to perform meaningful work that impacts clients and communities, fostering a sense of purpose and pride in the projects undertaken.

• Quality & Pride in Work: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality work, taking pride in craftsmanship, and achieving award-winning results.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: The need to identify skill gaps and support training suggests a culture that embraces learning, adaptation, and seeking better ways to operate.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires extensive collaboration with Project Managers, design teams, and subcontractors, fostering a highly integrated and supportive teamwork environment.

• Open Communication: The "Family-Like" culture suggests an environment where open dialogue, feedback exchange, and sharing of ideas are encouraged.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design Managers are expected to bridge the gap between client needs, design execution, and construction realities, requiring strong collaboration across different functional areas.

• Mentorship & Support: A culture that supports mentoring and development means team members are encouraged to share knowledge and help each other grow.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section delves into the cultural aspects of Interstates, drawing from the company's stated values and descriptions. It highlights how these values translate into the daily work environment and collaboration style expected of a Design Manager, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills and a team-centric approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands with Project Constraints: Effectively managing client expectations and scope creep while ensuring projects remain within budget and schedule is a constant challenge.

• Leading Diverse Technical Teams: Providing effective technical leadership and mentorship to teams with varied expertise and experience levels requires strong communication and management skills.

• Ensuring Design Quality Across Multiple Projects: Maintaining consistent high quality across numerous concurrent projects, each with unique requirements and challenges, demands rigorous process adherence and oversight.

• Navigating Complex Industrial Environments: Understanding and designing for the specific operational, safety, and regulatory requirements of industrial facilities.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with advancements in design software, automation technologies, and OT practices to ensure Interstates' solutions remain state-of-the-art.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design disciplines or learn new technologies relevant to industrial automation.

• Project Management Certification: Support for pursuing certifications like PMP or Lean Six Sigma to enhance project execution capabilities.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship focused on developing leadership skills, strategic thinking, and advanced management techniques.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Participation in industry events to stay abreast of trends, network with peers, and gain insights into best practices.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader knowledge across Interstates' various design disciplines to enhance holistic project understanding and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section proactively identifies potential challenges associated with the Design Manager role and frames them as opportunities for growth and skill development. It aligns with the company's stated commitment to employee development and continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Methodology: "Describe your approach to managing a project from initial client concept to final design delivery. How do you ensure constructibility and quality?" (Focus on structured processes, risk assessment, and quality assurance.)

• Client Management & Problem Solving: "Tell me about a time you had to manage a difficult client request or resolve a significant design conflict. How did you navigate the situation and what was the outcome?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: "How do you motivate and guide a design team, especially when facing project pressures or technical challenges? How do you identify and address skill gaps?" (Showcase leadership style, mentoring approach, and team development strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Cultural Fit: "Interstates emphasizes a 'Family-Like' culture. What does that mean to you, and how do you contribute to a positive team environment?" (Connect your values and behaviors to the company's stated culture.)

• Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective collaboration between design teams, project managers, and construction personnel?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional teamwork.)

• Impact & Value: "How do you see the Design Manager role contributing to Interstates' success and client satisfaction?" (Focus on delivering quality, managing scope, and building client trust.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as narratives: the client's challenge, your proposed solution, the execution process, and the successful outcome.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (drawings, schematics, project photos) to illustrate your points and make complex designs understandable.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present data that demonstrates the positive impact of your work (e.g., schedule improvements, cost savings, efficiency gains, client feedback).

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, decisions, and contributions within each project presented.

• Engage the Audience: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your process, design choices, and how you handled specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, focusing on common types of questions for management roles in technical fields. It emphasizes demonstrating operational competence, leadership qualities, and a strong understanding of the company's culture and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent management position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to submit your resume and any requested supplementary materials through the Interstates careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Clearly highlight your experience in client relationship management, project lifecycle leadership, design scoping, technical leadership, and quality assurance. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your achievements are quantified.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 compelling case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage design projects from start to finish, emphasizing client satisfaction, technical execution, and successful outcomes. Be ready to present these with clear narratives and supporting data.

• Research Interstates: Familiarize yourself with the company's projects, values, and culture. Understand their core offerings in electrical, controls, and automation systems and how the Design Manager role contributes to their overall success.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions, focusing on examples that showcase your leadership, problem-solving, and client management skills. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity and confidence.

⚠️ 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.