Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: S. A. Comunale Co., Inc.

Location: West Lawn, PA (Spring Township, Berks County)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Fire Protection Design Management

Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years (with 5+ years in management)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the strategic direction and operational execution of the Sprinkler Design Department to drive revenue growth and profitability within the Sprinkler Operations division.

• Manages and mentors a team of Sprinkler Layout Technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement in design processes.

• Ensures adherence to all NFPA guidelines and relevant building codes across all national projects, mitigating design risks and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Acts as a key liaison between sales, project management, design staff, and external stakeholders to facilitate seamless project execution from bid to completion.

• Drives operational efficiency and data integrity through robust reporting, administration, and data management practices critical for business intelligence and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Manager," has significant operational oversight responsibilities. The focus on revenue growth, profit maintenance, customer satisfaction, and compliance with NFPA guidelines places it firmly within the realm of Operations Management, specifically within the specialized field of Fire Protection Systems. The need for administrative, organizational, reporting, and data management skills further underscores its operational nature.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Sprinkler Design Department employees, including involvement in hiring, training, and performance management to build a high-performing team.

• Facilitate and participate in sprinkler design meetings, providing technical expertise and ensuring alignment with project requirements and company objectives.

• Coordinate effectively with subcontractors, sales personnel, project managers, and design staff to gather necessary project information and ensure timely completion of design tasks.

• Manage the blueprint room interface for permits and submittals, ensuring all documentation is accurate, filed correctly, and submitted on schedule.

• Conduct on-site design surveys and field checks across various job sites nationwide, utilizing necessary equipment like ladders and man lifts to verify site conditions and design feasibility.

• Provide expert technical design guidance to owners, architects, general contractors, and internal Comunale staff to resolve complex design issues and ensure project success.

• Stay abreast of and ensure all sales, project management, and design staff are compliant with the latest code requirements and NFPA guidelines.

• Support the sales department by providing technical insights and clarifying criteria for projects under bid, contributing to accurate and competitive proposals.

• Update and meticulously log pipe data on job dates, ensuring accurate tracking of project progress and material requirements for reporting and inventory management.

• Oversee the completion of head count sheets for each project, ensuring accuracy and completeness for project close-out and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership and operational management. The emphasis on coordination, problem-solving, compliance, and staff supervision indicates a role that requires strong process management and execution capabilities, aligning with core operations functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. A degree from an accredited college or university is considered a plus.

Experience: 10+ years of direct sprinkler design experience; 5+ years of experience in a management or supervisory role within a design or operations context.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in sprinkler system design principles and methodologies.

• Significant knowledge and hands-on experience with AutoSprink and/or HydraTec design software.

• Practical experience utilizing Navisworks for design coordination and clash detection.

• Basic proficiency with Revit for 3D modeling and design visualization.

• In-depth understanding and application of NFPA guidelines and relevant fire protection codes.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, data analysis, and communication.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a team of technical professionals, including hiring and training.

• Excellent coordination and communication skills for effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) Certification in Fire Protection Engineering Technology.

• Experience in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment with a focus on administration, organization, reporting, data management, and customer service.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for extensive experience in specific design software (AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks, Revit) and industry standards (NFPA) indicates a highly specialized technical role with a strong operational component. The management experience is crucial for overseeing design operations and team performance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful sprinkler system designs, showcasing complexity, efficiency, and adherence to NFPA standards.

• Case studies detailing personal involvement in resolving design challenges or implementing process improvements within a design team.

• Examples of coordination efforts with subcontractors, project managers, and sales teams, highlighting communication and problem-solving strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow examples illustrating the process of design review, from initial information gathering to final submittal and permit acquisition.

• Examples of how data is managed and reported for design projects, including tracking progress, head counts, and pipe logs.

• Documentation of experience in implementing or adhering to standardized design processes and quality control measures.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement, candidates are expected to demonstrate their experience through their qualifications and interview responses. Highlighting specific projects, management successes, and process improvements will be critical. The emphasis on data management and reporting suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with system-level operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the 10+ years of experience, 5+ years in management, specialized technical skills, and location (West Lawn, PA), the estimated annual salary range for a Design Manager in this industry and region is typically between $90,000 and $130,000. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Mid-Atlantic region, considering the company's size and specialization.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education, including support for NICET certification.

• Company-provided tools and equipment for site surveys (ladders, man lifts).

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or client demands. Travel to job sites will be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry standards for a Design Manager role with significant experience in specialized technical fields and management responsibilities within the construction and fire protection sector in Pennsylvania. Benefits are typical for a full-time position at a company of S.A. Comunale's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fire Protection, Mechanical, and HVAC Services. S.A. Comunale is a well-established leader providing end-to-end solutions.

Company Size: 15 locations with over 1,300 employees, including 651 skilled tradespeople. This indicates a large, organized, and geographically diverse company with significant operational capacity.

Founded: Nearly 100 years of history, suggesting a stable, experienced, and reputable organization with deep industry knowledge and established processes.

Team Structure:

• The Sprinkler Design Department serves the Harrisburg and Reading locations, implying a localized team structure within a larger regional framework (Eastern Pennsylvania).

• This role reports to the Vice President of Eastern Pennsylvania, signifying a direct line to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.

Methodology:

• Focus on growing Sprinkler Operations revenue while maintaining profits, indicating a metrics-driven approach to business development and financial management.

• Emphasis on satisfying customer requirements and maintaining compliance with NFPA guidelines, highlighting a commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory adherence.

• Operations are supported by skilled tradespeople across multiple market sectors and facility types, showcasing adaptability and broad service capability.

Company Website: www.comunale.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history, substantial employee base, and wide geographic reach suggest a robust operational infrastructure. The culture likely values expertise, reliability, safety, and customer focus, typical of established players in the construction and trades industries.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior management role within the specialized operations of fire protection design. It bridges technical expertise with team leadership and strategic operational goals.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Eastern Pennsylvania, offering high visibility and direct interaction with senior leadership. This structure allows for significant influence on departmental strategy and performance.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue growth and profitability of the Sprinkler Operations division by ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-quality design services. Effective management and technical guidance contribute to client satisfaction, project success, and the company's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand leadership responsibilities within the Eastern Pennsylvania region or potentially at a national level as the company grows.

• Opportunities to contribute to the strategic planning and development of new design technologies or process optimizations within the company.

• Development of broader operational management skills beyond design, potentially leading to roles with wider scope in project management or operations leadership.

• Continuous learning and professional development, including support for advancing certifications like NICET, can open doors to more senior technical or leadership positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for an experienced sprinkler designer looking to move into management. The direct reporting line to a VP and the focus on revenue and profit indicate a strategic position with substantial opportunity for impact and career advancement within the specialized operations of the fire protection sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at one of S.A. Comunale's 15 locations, likely within a regional office that supports both Harrisburg and Reading operations. This environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, supporting administrative and management functions.

Office Location(s): West Lawn, PA (Spring Township, Berks County). This location serves as a hub for design support for the Harrisburg and Reading areas.

Workspace Context:

• The role requires a blend of office-based work and on-site job site visits. The office environment will involve interaction with design staff, project managers, and sales teams.

• Access to necessary design software (AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks, Revit) and Microsoft Office applications will be provided.

• Opportunities for collaboration will exist through team meetings, project reviews, and cross-functional discussions.

Work Schedule: Primarily a standard 40-hour work week, but the nature of construction projects and client demands may necessitate flexibility and occasional extended hours or weekend work, especially during critical project phases or when performing field checks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for field checks is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring adaptability and comfort working in various conditions. The blend of office tasks and field work is common in operational management roles within the construction trades.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to ensure minimum requirements (10+ years design, 5+ years management, software proficiency, NFPA knowledge) are met.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (VP Eastern Pennsylvania) or a senior member of the operations/design team. Focus will be on your experience, management style, technical expertise, and understanding of operational goals like revenue growth and profit.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to discuss a complex design challenge you've managed, present a hypothetical design scenario, or walk through a past project that demonstrates your technical and leadership capabilities. Be prepared to discuss software proficiency and NFPA compliance.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional senior leadership or key stakeholders. This stage assesses cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, be prepared to discuss specific projects that highlight your sprinkler design expertise, problem-solving skills, and management achievements.

• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible: e.g., "Managed a team of 5 designers, increasing design output by 15% while maintaining quality standards."

• Be ready to articulate your approach to managing design teams, ensuring code compliance, and coordinating with various project stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate questions about how you would handle design conflicts between departments, manage underperforming team members, or ensure compliance with evolving NFPA codes.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks, and Revit, including your comfort level and specific applications.

• Think about how you would contribute to the company's goal of growing Sprinkler Operations revenue while maintaining profitability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the operational focus of the role, interviewers will likely probe your ability to manage processes, teams, and financial targets, not just technical design skills. Demonstrating a strategic, results-oriented approach will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Sprinkler Design Software: AutoSprink (required, significant knowledge), HydraTec (required, significant knowledge). These are critical for hydraulic calculations and system layout.

• 3D Modeling/Coordination Software: Navisworks (required, experience with coordination), Revit (required, basic knowledge). Essential for clash detection, visualization, and BIM integration.

• Project Management/Tracking Software: While not explicitly named, familiarity with project management tools is beneficial for tracking design progress, permits, and submittals.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint (required, significant experience). Used for reporting, data analysis, presentations, and general communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: Expected to be used extensively for data analysis, creating reports on design progress, team performance, and potentially financial metrics related to design operations.

• Internal Reporting Systems: The company likely has internal systems for tracking project status, financials, and operational KPIs. Experience adapting to and utilizing such systems is valuable.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems might be beneficial for understanding sales pipeline context and customer requirements, though direct usage may not be required.

• Automation Tools: While not specified, an understanding of how design processes can be automated or streamlined using technology would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoSprink and HydraTec is non-negotiable. Experience with Navisworks and Revit is also a core requirement, indicating a move towards integrated design workflows. The emphasis on reporting and data management suggests that candidates should be comfortable using standard office productivity tools for analytical purposes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Compliance: A strong emphasis on accurate, efficient, and code-compliant designs is paramount. Adherence to NFPA guidelines is a core operational tenet.

• Customer Focus: Delivering on customer requirements and ensuring satisfaction through reliable service and effective communication is a key driver.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role requires close collaboration across departments (sales, project management, design) and with external partners (subcontractors, clients).

• Efficiency & Profitability: A business-oriented mindset focused on growing revenue while maintaining profitability is expected from leadership.

• Safety & Reliability: As a fire protection company, safety is intrinsically linked to the quality and reliability of the designs produced.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a hands-on, collaborative approach, especially with the design team. Managers are expected to provide guidance and support.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to bridge the gap between technical design, sales objectives, and project execution.

• A culture that values problem-solving and continuous improvement, encouraging open discussion of design challenges and potential solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long-standing presence and industry leadership suggest a culture that values expertise, professionalism, and a commitment to quality. The emphasis on revenue growth and profit indicates that operational efficiency and business acumen are highly valued in leadership roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Growth and Profitability: Maintaining high profit margins while aggressively pursuing revenue growth in a competitive market.

• Managing Diverse Projects: Overseeing designs for various project types and complexities across different geographic locations, each with unique requirements and challenges.

• Keeping Pace with Codes & Technology: Ensuring the design team is consistently updated on evolving NFPA guidelines and adopting new design software and technologies efficiently.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining skilled Sprinkler Layout Technicians and fostering their development within the team.

• Resolving Design Issues: Effectively troubleshooting and resolving complex design problems that arise during project execution across the country.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Navisworks, Revit, or even explore other design and project management technologies.

• NICET Certification Support: Pursuing and obtaining higher levels of NICET certification can enhance professional credibility and open doors to more senior roles.

• Leadership Development: Gaining experience in managing larger teams, contributing to strategic planning, and potentially taking on broader operational responsibilities.

• Industry Seminars & Conferences: Staying current with industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes through participation in industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to tackle significant operational challenges within a specialized industry, offering substantial learning and growth potential for ambitious professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach increasing the revenue of the Sprinkler Operations division by 15% in the next fiscal year while maintaining current profit margins?" (Focus on strategies for sales support, efficiency, and team productivity.)

• "Describe a time you had to resolve a complex design conflict between a project manager, a subcontractor, and an architect. What was your process and the outcome?" (Highlight your problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of S.A. Comunale, what do you see as the biggest operational challenge for our Sprinkler Operations, and how would you address it?" (Show you've researched the company and understand its goals.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a design team, and how do you ensure effective communication with other departments like sales and project management?" (Focus on your leadership and interpersonal skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be prepared to walk through 1-2 key projects that showcase your design leadership, problem-solving capabilities, and management experience.

• For each project, articulate the challenge, your role/approach, the tools used (especially AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks), the outcome, and any quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, time efficiency, error reduction).

• If discussing management experience, highlight instances where you mentored staff, improved team processes, or contributed to business objectives.

• Emphasize your understanding of NFPA guidelines and how you ensure compliance in your designs and team's work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess your ability to balance technical expertise with operational management and business acumen. Candidates should be ready to discuss how they drive results, manage teams, and contribute to the company's strategic objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the S.A. Comunale careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of sprinkler design experience and 5+ years of management experience prominently. Quantify achievements related to revenue growth, profit, team leadership, and process efficiency.

• Prepare specific examples: For each core responsibility and required skill, have concrete examples ready, especially concerning your use of AutoSprink, HydraTec, Navisworks, Revit, and your knowledge of NFPA guidelines.

• Develop case studies: Prepare to discuss 1-2 significant projects where you led design efforts, managed a team, or resolved complex operational or technical challenges. Focus on the problem, your solution, the tools used, and the positive outcome.

• Research S.A. Comunale: Understand their services, company size, history, and their stated goals (e.g., growing Sprinkler Operations revenue). Be ready to articulate how your skills align with these objectives.

⚠️ 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.

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