Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Overwatch Mission Critical

Location: Remote (with travel to Port Washington, WI as needed)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: December 17, 2025

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

Remote Status: Remote Solely (with travel requirements)

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the entire design process for mission-critical infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and timelines.

• Act as a central liaison between Project Management, Construction Management, and Architecture & Engineering (A&E) teams to facilitate clear communication and resolve design-related issues.

• Drive the coordination of design efforts, submittals, and shop drawings to ensure timely closure and adherence to project specifications.

• Manage construction administration activities, including site visits, QA/QC, and the escalation of RFIs and submittals.

• Facilitate the integration of customer/tenant design requirements, ensuring seamless incorporation into the overall project design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the smooth execution of complex data center construction projects by bridging the gap between design intent and on-site reality. The focus on A&E coordination, Procore management, and change management indicates a need for a candidate with strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills within a fast-paced construction environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Procore Management:

  • Establish and maintain a structured file system within Procore for design documents.
  • Ensure architect/engineer partners comply with and maintain the designated file structure and project documentation standards.

• Design Schedule Management:

  • Oversee the accuracy and completeness of the design schedule, ensuring weekly updates are provided and reflect the current project status.
  • Proactively identify and address potential schedule deviations.

• Design Package Tracking & Scopes:

  • Track the progress of all design packages, including narratives and scopes of work (e.g., BB vs. TFO - Base Build vs. Tenant Fit-Out).
  • Ensure clear definition and communication of scope boundaries to all stakeholders.

• Design Alignment & Lessons Learned:

  • Facilitate the sharing of information and lessons learned between different buildings or project phases.
  • Drive value engineering (VE) initiatives to optimize design and cost-effectiveness.
  • Ensure design information is effectively shared among design partners and project teams.

• Design Management & Coordination:

  • Manage design assist processes and the engagement of Engineers of Record (EOR) and subcontractors.
  • Develop and maintain a meeting tracker for interactions with subcontractors and General Contractors (GCs).
  • Drive design clarity and ensure the timely closure of submittals and shop drawings.
  • Ensure cross-EOR coordination and alignment within the design documents.
  • Lead and facilitate design-related meetings, ensuring clear action items and follow-through.

• Construction Administration Management:

  • Conduct weekly meetings with A&E partners to review progress, address issues, and coordinate upcoming activities.
  • Manage the submittal and RFI process, including escalation and direct involvement when necessary.
  • Conduct site visits with A&E partners and the QA/QC team to assess progress, quality, and compliance.
  • Oversee mock-up reviews, First Of Kind (FOK) reviews, and other quality assurance checkpoints.

• Design Understanding & Liaison:

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of the project design, Basis of Design (BOD), and all related documentation.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between Project Management/Construction Management and the A&E team.

• Change Management & Cost Impact:

  • Train the GC team on contract expectations for change management.
  • Act as a resource for the Cost Management team, identifying and documenting potential cost impacts arising from RFIs or bulletins.
  • Ensure categories of change are clearly listed at the drawing sheet level for better tracking and accountability.

• Customer/Tenant Integration:

  • Assist with the integration of customer or tenant-specific design requirements as needed throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a candidate who can actively manage and drive the design process, not just passively review it. Emphasis on Procore, detailed tracking, and cross-functional coordination points to a role requiring strong project management and operational discipline within the design phase of construction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, construction administration, or a similar role within the mission-critical infrastructure or data center industry.

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex construction projects from design through completion.

Required Skills:

• Procore Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Procore for document management, project tracking, and team collaboration.

• Design Management Expertise: Deep understanding of architectural and engineering design processes, including submittal and RFI workflows.

• Construction Administration: Proven ability to manage construction administration tasks, including site inspections, QA/QC, and issue resolution.

• Stakeholder Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise between technical teams, project managers, and clients.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve design and construction issues promptly.

• Schedule Management: Proficient in managing and updating project schedules, identifying critical path items, and anticipating potential delays.

• Contractual Understanding: Familiarity with construction contracts and the process of managing change orders and entitlements.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Center Industry Experience: Specific experience in the design and construction of data centers or mission-critical facilities.

• Value Engineering (VE): Experience in identifying and implementing value engineering solutions.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify and mitigate potential design and construction risks.

• Lean Construction Principles: Familiarity with Lean construction methodologies for efficiency improvement.

• BIM/3D Modeling Software: Exposure to Building Information Modeling (BIM) or other 3D modeling software is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level suggests a candidate who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and bring established best practices to the role. The emphasis on specific tools like Procore and industry knowledge like data center construction is key for this position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Design Management: Showcase examples of projects where you successfully managed the design process from initiation to completion, highlighting your role in coordination, issue resolution, and adherence to scope.

• Documentation of Process Improvement: Present instances where you identified inefficiencies in design or construction administration processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in time, cost, or quality.

• System Implementation & Optimization Examples: Provide evidence of your experience with project management software (e.g., Procore), detailing how you managed file structures, workflows, and team collaboration within these systems.

• Demonstration of ROI/Efficiency Gains: Quantify the impact of your contributions, such as cost savings achieved through VE, time saved by expediting submittals, or quality improvements from rigorous QA/QC.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing and optimizing design review workflows, RFI processes, and submittal tracking to enhance efficiency and clarity.

• Implementation & Automation: Describe how you have implemented or improved processes related to design collaboration, document control, and communication, potentially leveraging technology.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the design and construction administration phases (e.g., RFI turnaround time, submittal approval rates, design change order volume) and use this data to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to manage complex processes, drive efficiency through systems, and deliver tangible results on construction projects. Quantifiable achievements and demonstrated understanding of project management software are crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)

• Life Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with potential company match

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of construction projects and the remote aspect, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, attend critical meetings, or coordinate with teams in different time zones. Travel to job sites will be necessary and will dictate on-site working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in the US, considering experience level and the specialized mission-critical construction sector. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the company's compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mission-Critical Infrastructure Construction (primarily Data Centers). Overwatch Mission Critical operates within a highly specialized and demanding sector that requires precision, reliability, and advanced technical expertise. This industry is characterized by rapid technological advancement, stringent security requirements, and a focus on uptime and operational continuity.

Company Size: Overwatch Mission Critical is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOB). While specific employee numbers are not provided, SDVOBs often foster a close-knit, mission-oriented culture where individual contributions are highly visible and valued. This size can mean more direct impact and agility.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but as an SDVOB, the company likely has a strong foundation built on principles of service, integrity, and dedication.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Project Management or Construction Management team. This team will include roles such as Project Managers, Construction Managers, Superintendents, and potentially specialized roles like QA/QC managers.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within Project Management or Construction Management, such as a Director of Project Management or a Senior Project Executive.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role necessitates extensive collaboration with internal teams (Project Management, Cost Management, Field Operations) and external partners (Architects, Engineers, General Contractors, Subcontractors, and potentially Clients/Tenants).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, the nature of mission-critical construction demands a data-driven approach to design, scheduling, and cost control. Expect a focus on metrics and performance analysis.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on Procore management and efficient workflows suggests a company that values structured processes and continuous improvement to ensure project success.

• Agile & Responsive: Given the dynamic nature of construction and the mission-critical industry, the company likely adopts a responsive and adaptable approach to project challenges.

Company Website: weareoverwatch.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Overwatch's SDVOB status is crucial, as it implies a culture that likely values leadership, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose. The mission-critical focus means an emphasis on quality, precision, and reliability in all operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the operations and project delivery framework. It requires a blend of technical design knowledge, project management acumen, and strong interpersonal skills to effectively manage a complex, cross-functional process. The Design Manager is a key contributor to project success, acting as a crucial link between design intent and field execution.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior project leadership role, such as a Director of Project Management or Senior Project Executive. This reporting line indicates the strategic importance of the role and the expectation of independent management and problem-solving. The role will also interface heavily with Project Managers and Construction Managers on a day-to-day basis.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on project outcomes. By ensuring design clarity, timely coordination, and effective change management, they contribute to:

• Cost Control: Minimizing costly design errors, RFIs, and change orders.

• Schedule Adherence: Preventing delays caused by design conflicts or incomplete documentation.

• Quality Assurance: Ensuring the design meets all specifications and performance requirements for mission-critical facilities.

• Client Satisfaction: Facilitating the smooth integration of client needs and ensuring the final product meets expectations.

• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying and addressing potential design and construction risks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Senior Design Manager, Director of Design, Project Executive, or Program Manager for larger initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of mission-critical construction, such as advanced cooling systems, power distribution, or data security integration.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in areas like advanced construction technologies, BIM, sustainable design practices, and new project management methodologies.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior design coordinators or project engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Design Manager in this industry is typically tied to increasing project complexity, team leadership, and broader project responsibility. Success in this role can open doors to executive-level positions within construction management firms specializing in critical infrastructure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily remote, offering flexibility. However, it requires significant travel to active job sites, specifically data center construction environments. The work environment will also include temporary field offices and potentially client/partner offices.

Office Location(s):

• Remote: The primary work location is remote within the USA.

• On-site Travel: Regular travel is required to Port Washington, WI, and potentially other project sites as needed for onsite coordination, meetings, and field oversight. This implies a need for a candidate comfortable with frequent travel.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic Construction Sites: The work environment will frequently be an active data center construction site. This involves navigating complex, evolving conditions, including uneven terrain, temporary structures, and active construction activity.

• Collaborative Hubs: Field offices and meeting rooms on-site will serve as hubs for collaboration with site personnel, A&E partners, and project teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with project management software (Procore), communication tools, and potentially design review software will be essential for the remote and on-site aspects of the role.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week).

• Flexibility is crucial, as project demands, site visits, and coordination with various stakeholders may require working beyond standard hours. This includes adapting to site-specific work schedules and attending critical meetings as scheduled by project leadership or partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote Solely" designation with travel requirements is key. Candidates must be comfortable with significant travel and working in less-than-ideal, active construction environments, while also maintaining remote productivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager or a senior project leader to delve deeper into your experience with design management, Procore, construction administration, and your problem-solving approach. Expect behavioral questions.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage may involve a technical assessment or a case study presentation. You might be asked to walk through a complex design challenge you solved, present a project from your portfolio, or discuss your approach to managing a specific aspect of the design process (e.g., submittal review, RFI escalation).

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key team members you would collaborate with, such as Project Managers, Construction Managers, or potentially an A&E partner representative, to assess collaboration style and functional fit.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership, potentially including a review of your portfolio, before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your experience in design management within the mission-critical or data center sector.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly outline the scope, your specific role and responsibilities, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, quality enhancements).

• Highlight Procore Usage: If possible, include screenshots or descriptions of how you utilized Procore for document control, communication, and tracking.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your understanding of design workflows, RFI/submittal processes, and change management. Showcase how you drove efficiency and clarity.

• Data-Driven Results: Quantify achievements whenever possible. Numbers speak volumes in construction operations.

• Tailor to Overwatch: Research Overwatch's projects and values. Frame your portfolio examples to align with their mission and operational focus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for scenarios like: "How would you handle a significant design conflict discovered late in the process?" or "What steps would you take if an A&E partner is consistently missing deadlines for submittals?"

• Procore Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific Procore modules relevant to design and construction administration.

• Change Management Scenarios: Prepare to explain your process for evaluating, documenting, and communicating the impact of changes on cost and schedule.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage difficult conversations with external partners or internal teams to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical competence in design management and the ability to navigate the complexities of construction project operations. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Procore: This is a mandatory requirement. Expect detailed questions about your experience with its document management, project tracking, RFI, submittal, and daily log functionalities.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel (for tracking, analysis, reporting), PowerPoint (for presentations), and Outlook (for communication).

• Bluebeam Revu: Commonly used for PDF markup, collaboration, and review of design documents and drawings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel/Google Sheets: For data analysis, creating custom tracking spreadsheets, and generating reports on RFI status, submittal progress, and change order logs.

• Procore Analytics: Familiarity with any built-in reporting or dashboard features within Procore to monitor project health.

• Potential for BI Tools: While not specified, experience with BI tools like Tableau or Power BI could be a plus for more advanced reporting if the company uses them for broader project oversight.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Procore serves as the central hub for project data, acting as a form of project-specific CRM.

• Communication Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email for daily communication and coordination.

• Potential for Specialized Design Software: While not a primary requirement for this role, awareness of software used by A&E partners (e.g., Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Procore is the cornerstone technology for this role. Candidates must demonstrate a strong, practical understanding of its capabilities in managing design and construction documentation and workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Oriented: As a Veteran-Owned business, expect a strong emphasis on mission accomplishment, dedication, and integrity. This translates to a commitment to delivering high-quality results for clients.

• Precision & Reliability: In the mission-critical industry, these values are paramount. Operations professionals are expected to exhibit meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to dependable execution.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The nature of construction projects requires seamless collaboration. Expect a culture that values mutual support and shared responsibility among team members and with external partners.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A focus on optimizing processes, leveraging technology like Procore, and learning from each project to enhance future performance.

• Accountability: A culture where individuals take ownership of their responsibilities and are accountable for project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Design Manager must foster strong working relationships with Project Managers, Construction Managers, field teams, and external A&E partners. This involves open communication and a proactive approach to resolving interdependencies.

• Process Review & Feedback: An environment that encourages constructive feedback on design processes and documentation to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where lessons learned from previous projects are actively shared and applied to current and future endeavors. This is particularly relevant for design alignment between different buildings or phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's identity as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned business likely shapes its core values, emphasizing discipline, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose in its operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Dynamics: Effectively managing expectations and communication between diverse groups, including A&E teams, GCs, subcontractors, and internal project leadership, each with potentially competing priorities.

• Ensuring Design Document Control: Maintaining accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of design documents within Procore amidst a high volume of updates, RFIs, and submittals.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Driving the design process forward efficiently to meet demanding project schedules without compromising the quality and accuracy required for mission-critical facilities.

• Adapting to Site Conditions: Working effectively in dynamic and sometimes challenging on-site environments that are subject to constant change during construction.

• Managing Change Effectively: Accurately assessing, documenting, and communicating the cost and schedule impacts of design changes, and ensuring proper contractual entitlement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Mission-Critical Design: Deepen knowledge of specialized systems and technologies relevant to modern data centers.

• Project Management Certifications: Opportunity to pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or LEED accreditation.

• Technology Adoption: Staying abreast of and potentially implementing new project management and design collaboration technologies.

• Leadership Development: Gaining experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex project phases, building towards senior leadership roles.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning and applying evolving best practices in design management and construction administration within the mission-critical sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a high-stakes industry and developing expertise in specialized construction project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Methodology: "Describe your process for managing the design review cycle for a complex data center project. How do you ensure timely feedback and resolution of comments?" "Walk me through how you would establish and manage design scope definitions (BB vs. TFO) to prevent scope creep."

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you approach building and maintaining strong working relationships with A&E partners, especially when there are disagreements or delays?" "Describe a situation where you had to mediate a conflict between different design disciplines or between design and construction teams. What was your approach and the outcome?"

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Tell me about a time you identified a significant design flaw or inefficiency. What steps did you take to address it, and what was the impact?" "How have you used Procore or similar tools to improve design document management or streamline the RFI/submittal process?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Overwatch Mission Critical and our focus on mission-critical infrastructure?"

• "How do you typically contribute to a team-oriented work environment, especially when working remotely?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each project presented, clearly state the project type, your role, the primary challenge, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results. Use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.

• Visual Aids: If possible, use anonymized drawings, process flowcharts, or Procore screenshots to illustrate your points.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the value you brought to the project, whether it was cost savings, schedule acceleration, risk mitigation, or quality improvement.

• Demonstrate Procore Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific features you used and how they benefited the project.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodologies, decision-making process, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to Overwatch's projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the design management lifecycle, practical experience with key tools like Procore, and the ability to articulate impact through concrete examples. Tailoring responses to Overwatch's mission and values will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on gem.com.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in mission-critical construction, data center projects, Procore management, design coordination, construction administration, and change management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio that showcases 2-3 relevant projects. Focus on demonstrating your process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable achievements in design management and construction administration. Be ready to present or discuss specific examples during interviews.

• Research Overwatch Mission Critical: Familiarize yourself with the company's background as an SDVOB, their focus on mission-critical infrastructure, and their values. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review common interview questions related to design management, Procore, RFI/submittal processes, and construction administration. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios and your problem-solving approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Overwatch Mission Critical before making application decisions.