Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Olympic West Fire Protection LLC

Location: Tempe, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Full Time Non Union

Category: Operations Management / Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-03-27

Experience Level: Manager/Supervisor (5-10 years estimated)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees and mentors a team of Design Engineers, focusing on departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and design standardization.

• Facilitates seamless coordination between Sales, Project Management, and the Design team to align project schedules and technical requirements.

• Manages the assignment of projects to design team members, ensuring efficient workload distribution and timely task completion.

• Drives process improvements and champions best practices within the design department to enhance overall operational efficiency and output quality.

• Acts as a key liaison, building and maintaining strong relationships with internal departments, general contractors, building owners, and field personnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary function is design management, the emphasis on SOPs, standardization, and cross-functional coordination positions this role within the broader operational excellence framework. The core responsibilities directly impact project delivery timelines and resource allocation, making it a critical GTM operations support function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Sales and Project Managers to accurately verify schedule and design requirements for all incoming projects.

• Develop and manage the design schedule based on pipe-on-job status and specific project requirements, ensuring alignment with construction timelines.

• Ensure equitable and efficient assignment of design projects to appropriate team members, considering skill sets and workload.

• Verify that all essential plans and files are received and disseminated to the applicable designers in a timely manner.

• Maintain open and consistent communication channels, providing status reporting to team members and other relevant departments.

• Lead, train, mentor, and coach a team of designers, fostering professional development and team cohesion.

• Deliver responsive, concise, accurate, and professional support to the design team, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.

• Actively participate in turnover meetings, lead design meetings, and facilitate weekly "Pipe on Job" (POJ) meetings to ensure project alignment.

• Manage the design team’s workload, proactively identifying needs and securing support through subcontractors when necessary to meet deadlines.

• Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with customers, sales executives, superintendents, and field personnel to ensure project success.

• Monitor and manage commitment dates for design deliverables, communicating any risks or potential delays to appropriate team members and stakeholders.

• Participate in the recruitment and interviewing process for new design candidates, contributing to team growth and talent acquisition.

• Ensure designers thoroughly review project changes during the design phase, notifying applicable personnel of any impact on scope, schedule, or cost.

• Develop and document departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and best practices.

• Champion design standardization initiatives across all company locations, promoting uniformity and efficiency.

• Chair the "Best Practice" committee, actively implementing improvements based on committee feedback and operational analysis.

• Monitor job costs as they relate to design decisions and resource allocation, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains.

• Provide direct design support as needed to ensure commitment dates are met, demonstrating a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities blend technical design oversight with significant people management and process development. The emphasis on "Pipe on Job" (POJ) meetings and coordination with field personnel highlights a direct link to operational execution and GTM. The creation of SOPs and championing standardization are key indicators of a role focused on driving operational efficiency and scalability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate Degree in Fire Protection Design preferred, or equivalent experience.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of leadership/management experience is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience in fire sprinkler design and engineering is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Design experience specifically within the fire sprinkler industry.

• Proven leadership and management capabilities, with a track record of mentoring and developing teams.

• Proficiency in interpreting and applying applicable local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements, NFPA standards, and building codes.

• Strong understanding of commercial and industrial building construction principles.

• Ability to read and interpret complex documents, including codes, standards, specifications, architectural and structural drawings, safety rules, operating, and maintenance instructions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for clear stakeholder and team interaction.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, crucial for problem-solving and decision-making.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills, vital for managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• NICET certification in Fire Protection Engineering Technology.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for technical drawing and design.

• Proficiency in HydraCAD for fire sprinkler system design and hydraulic calculations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is robust, emphasizing technical domain knowledge (fire sprinkler design, codes, construction) and essential management competencies (leadership, communication, organization). The preferred skills point to specific technical tools critical for operations efficiency in this specialized field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Examples of successful design projects managed, showcasing a range of complexity and scale within the fire sprinkler industry.

• Documentation demonstrating the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for design teams.

• Case studies illustrating how design standardization was championed and implemented across multiple locations or projects.

• Evidence of process improvements initiated or influenced by the candidate, highlighting efficiency gains or cost savings in design workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow diagrams or descriptions of how design schedules are managed and coordinated with project management and sales teams.

• Examples of communication protocols and status reporting mechanisms used within a design team or across departments.

• Documentation outlining how project changes are managed and communicated to relevant stakeholders during the design phase.

• Records of participation in or chairing of "Best Practice" committees, with examples of implemented improvements.

• Metrics or reports demonstrating the monitoring of job costs as they relate to design, and any resulting cost-saving measures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role focused on process and standardization, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase technical design work but also evidence of leadership in process improvement, team development, and strategic implementation of operational best practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in a specialized field like fire protection, and considering the Tempe, Arizona location, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $85,000 - $115,000 annually. This range accounts for leadership responsibilities, technical expertise, and the demand for specialized skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued education, including support for certifications like NICET.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Access to company-provided tools and technology, including design software licenses.

Working Hours: The role is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment. Flexibility may be available, but the on-site nature and team management responsibilities necessitate consistent availability during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on common compensation structures for management roles in specialized engineering/construction fields in a mid-sized metropolitan area like Tempe, Arizona. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in the construction and engineering sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection Systems / Fire Sprinkler Installation and Design. Olympic West Fire Protection LLC operates within a critical sector of the construction industry, focused on life safety systems. This industry demands high standards of accuracy, reliability, and adherence to stringent codes and regulations.

Company Size: Based on LinkedIn data for Olympic West Fire Protection LLC, the company likely falls into the small to medium-sized business category (e.g., 50-200 employees). This size often implies a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: Company founded in 2015. This suggests a relatively established but still growing company, likely with evolving processes and opportunities for individuals to shape departmental functions.

Team Structure:

• The Design department is likely composed of Design Engineers, Drafters, and potentially Junior Designers, all reporting to the Design Manager.

• The Design Manager will report to a Director of Operations, VP of Engineering, or a similar senior leadership role.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implicit, particularly in hydraulic calculations, code compliance, and cost monitoring.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to the Design Manager's role, focusing on efficiency and accuracy in the design process.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, especially through the use of specialized design software like HydraCAD and AutoCAD.

Company Website: https://olympicwest.bamboohr.com/careers/93 (Note: This is the careers page URL provided, not the main company website.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on fire protection implies a culture that values safety, precision, and compliance. A smaller to medium-sized company often offers more direct impact and faster decision-making compared to larger corporations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management-level position, overseeing a specialized technical team. It requires a blend of technical expertise in fire sprinkler design and strong leadership capabilities. The role is critical for ensuring the efficiency and quality of the design phase, which directly impacts project profitability and client satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a senior executive within operations, such as a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or similar. They, in turn, manage a team of design professionals. This structure places the role in a key position for operational strategy execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work has a direct impact on:

• Project Profitability: Efficient and accurate designs minimize material waste, rework, and project delays, directly influencing job costs.

• Customer Satisfaction: Timely delivery of compliant designs leads to smoother project execution and positive client feedback.

• Team Performance: Effective leadership and process optimization enhance the productivity and quality of the design team's output.

• Risk Mitigation: Ensuring adherence to codes and standards reduces the risk of design errors, compliance issues, and potential safety hazards.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential advancement to Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a similar senior leadership role overseeing multiple departments or broader operational functions.

• Horizontal Growth: Opportunities to transition into related operational roles such as Project Management leadership, Estimating management, or process improvement specialist roles.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in fire protection codes, new design technologies, leadership best practices, and project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step into management within a specialized technical field. Growth is likely tied to expanding departmental responsibilities, driving strategic operational initiatives, and demonstrating leadership in efficiency and compliance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a standard office environment, as indicated by "Usual office working conditions." This suggests a professional setting equipped with the necessary tools for design and administrative tasks.

Office Location(s): Tempe, Arizona. This location provides access to a regional talent pool and is situated within a significant metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, requiring interaction with design team members and other departments.

• Access to design software (AutoCAD, HydraCAD), MS Office, and other necessary technological tools is expected.

• Opportunities for team interaction will be frequent, supporting a culture of shared problem-solving and knowledge transfer.

• While primarily office-based, the role may involve occasional site visits for project verification or to liaise with field personnel, requiring adaptability.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. While core office hours are expected, the nature of project deadlines may necessitate occasional flexibility to ensure commitment dates are met. This aligns with the operational need for responsiveness in project-driven environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "usual office working conditions" combined with "minimal physical exertion" and "frequently required to sit, stand, communicate" points to a standard professional office setup. The mention of potential job site exposure to noise suggests a dynamic environment where the employee might need to adapt to different settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications (experience, education, specific software proficiencies).

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager focusing on leadership experience, team management approach, understanding of fire sprinkler design principles, and familiarity with NFPA standards and building codes. Be prepared to discuss your management style, how you mentor teams, and your approach to SOP development.

• Technical/Team Interview: Potentially an interview with senior design engineers or other department leads. This stage may involve discussing specific design challenges, problem-solving scenarios, and your experience with AutoCAD and HydraCAD.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present examples of your work. This is where you will showcase your management of design projects, process improvements, and leadership initiatives.

• Final Interview: May involve higher-level management to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of teams you've managed, training programs you've developed, and how you've fostered professional growth in your team members.

• Highlight Process Improvement: Present case studies where you've developed or implemented SOPs, championed design standardization, or chaired "Best Practice" committees. Quantify the impact (e.g., reduced errors, improved efficiency, cost savings).

• Demonstrate Technical Oversight: While not expected to perform detailed design, show your understanding of the design process, code compliance, and the effective use of tools like AutoCAD and HydraCAD under your management.

• Address Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've worked effectively with Sales, Project Management, and field personnel to ensure project success.

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, initiative, or by the core responsibilities of the role. Prepare a concise narrative for each piece.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach scheduling design work for multiple concurrent projects with varying deadlines.

• Prepare to explain your strategy for ensuring design standardization across different teams or locations.

• Anticipate questions about managing difficult team members or resolving conflicts between design requirements and project constraints.

• Consider how you would measure the effectiveness of your design team and identify areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "schedules," "SOPs," and "standardization" suggests that interviewers will probe for practical application of these concepts. A strong portfolio demonstrating tangible results in these areas will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting and design visualization. Proficiency in managing AutoCAD workflows and ensuring drawing standards is key.

• HydraCAD: Specialized software for fire sprinkler system design, hydraulic calculations, and material takeoff. Expertise in its application and ensuring its effective use by the team is critical.

• MS Office Suite: Including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking (e.g., job costs, schedules), and PowerPoint for presentations and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Likely used for basic data analysis, tracking project timelines, and cost monitoring.

• Custom Reporting: The company may use internal systems or specific reporting functions within design software for project status, workload allocation, and commitment date tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not explicitly mentioned, strong collaboration with Sales implies interaction with or understanding of CRM data for project pipeline visibility.

• Project Management Software: May be used to track project progress and deadlines, requiring the Design Manager to input and monitor design-related milestones.

• Potential for Automation Tools: The role's focus on SOPs and standardization suggests an openness to or use of tools that automate repetitive tasks within the design process or reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with AutoCAD and HydraCAD is non-negotiable. The ability to leverage MS Office for operational management tasks like scheduling, cost tracking, and reporting is also fundamental.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: Given the life-safety nature of fire protection, meticulous attention to detail in design is paramount. Errors can have severe consequences.

• Compliance & Integrity: Adherence to NFPA standards, building codes, and AHJ requirements is fundamental. Operating with integrity ensures safety and builds trust.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Meeting project deadlines and optimizing design workflows to reduce costs and improve turnaround times are key operational drivers.

• Collaboration & Communication: Effective teamwork across departments (Sales, Project Management, Field) is crucial for successful project delivery.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to refining processes, adopting best practices, and developing team skills is implied by the "Best Practice" committee and SOP development responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration with Sales (understanding project scope and client needs), Project Management (aligning schedules and resources), and Field Personnel (ensuring designs are practical for installation).

• Process Review Culture: The presence of a "Best Practice" committee suggests an environment where processes are openly discussed, critiqued, and improved upon.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging a culture where designers share insights, challenges, and solutions is vital for team development and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a professional services environment within a regulated industry. Expect a culture that balances technical rigor with practical execution and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Managing a team, developing SOPs, ensuring design quality, and meeting project deadlines simultaneously can be demanding.

• Maintaining Standardization: Ensuring consistent application of standards across a team, especially if there are varying levels of experience or multiple locations, requires ongoing effort.

• Adapting to Code Changes: Fire protection codes and standards are updated periodically, requiring continuous learning and adaptation of design practices.

• Managing Subcontractor Support: Effectively coordinating and overseeing external design resources when internal capacity is stretched.

• Cost Control: Balancing design quality and timeliness with the need to maintain profitable job costs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software: Deepening expertise in AutoCAD, HydraCAD, or exploring complementary design and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools.

• Leadership & Management Training: Enhancing skills in team motivation, conflict resolution, performance management, and strategic planning.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing or maintaining NICET certifications and staying current with NFPA standards and building code updates.

• Operations Excellence: Learning methodologies for process mapping, workflow optimization, and implementing lean principles within a design context.

• Mentorship: Gaining insights from senior leadership within Olympic West Fire Protection LLC on broader business operations and strategic growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for growth within specialized operations management. The challenges are typical for a growing company in a technical field, and the opportunities align with developing both technical and leadership expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing SOPs for a design team that has historically relied on informal processes? What are the key considerations for successful implementation?" (Focus on change management, stakeholder buy-in, and documentation clarity.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting priorities between Sales requirements, Project Management deadlines, and your design team's capacity. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?" (Highlight problem-solving, negotiation, and prioritization skills.)

• "How do you ensure design standardization across multiple projects or team members? What metrics do you use to measure compliance and effectiveness?" (Emphasize process, communication, and data-driven evaluation.)

• "Walk us through your experience managing and mentoring design engineers. How do you foster professional development and address performance issues?" (Focus on leadership style, coaching techniques, and team building.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Olympic West Fire Protection LLC and our role in the fire protection industry?" (Research the company's history, projects, and values.)

• "How do you see your leadership style fitting within a company that is growing and potentially evolving its processes?" (Connect your approach to their likely need for structure and improvement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation around key responsibilities: Team Management, Process Development (SOPs, Standardization), Project Oversight, and Collaboration.

• Storytelling: For each example, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., "Reduced design errors by 15%," "Improved project delivery time by 10 days").

• Focus on Management: While technical understanding is important, emphasize your ability to lead teams, improve processes, and drive operational efficiency.

• Tools: Be ready to briefly discuss your team's use of AutoCAD and HydraCAD and how you ensured best practices were followed.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and present the most impactful examples clearly and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess both technical acumen related to fire protection design and the strategic, operational capabilities required for a management role. Your portfolio presentation should bridge these two areas, showing how your leadership drives operational excellence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Olympic West Fire Protection LLC careers page.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your leadership experience, success in developing SOPs, any experience with design standardization, and your proficiency with AutoCAD and HydraCAD. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., team size managed, percentage improvements).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of projects you've managed, process improvement initiatives you've led (SOPs, standardization), and evidence of your team leadership. Prepare a concise narrative for each piece that aligns with the job description's responsibilities.

• Research the Company: Understand Olympic West Fire Protection LLC's mission, values, and recent projects. Familiarize yourself with fire protection industry standards (NFPA) and local Arizona building codes.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions related to leadership, process management, and technical design oversight.

⚠️ 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.