Design Manager III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager III

Company: The Greenridge Group

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Project & Construction Management / Design Oversight

Date Posted: February 26, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive design oversight for major terminal improvements within the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh Program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

• Serve as a critical technical liaison between developers, design-build teams, subject matter experts (SMEs), and project leadership.

• Manage and resolve design comments, ensuring strict adherence to established review procedures and quality control standards.

• Drive consistency and compliance across all architectural and engineering disciplines, including Arch, Structural, MEP, Civil, Utilities, and IT.

• Ensure all design activities align with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) standards, design guidelines, and project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager III, indicating a senior-level position requiring significant experience in managing complex, large-scale design projects, particularly within the aviation sector. The focus on "refresh" and "improvements" suggests a role that balances new development with modernization and upgrade initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the meticulous review and approval process for all architectural and engineering design deliverables, ensuring quality and compliance.

• Act as the primary technical point of contact, facilitating communication and collaboration between stakeholders, including developers, design-build teams, and internal SMEs.

• Proactively manage the resolution of design comments, ensuring timely feedback loops and strict enforcement of established review procedures.

• Support comprehensive scope management and champion design consistency across all involved disciplines (Architectural, Structural, MEP, Civil, Utilities, IT).

• Monitor and ensure strict compliance with all applicable LAWA standards, design guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee the production and coordination of Building Information Modeling (BIM) data, ensuring alignment with LAWA Central BIM (cBIM) standards and execution plans.

• Support the permitting processes, including coordinating with relevant agencies and ensuring all design documentation meets submission requirements.

• Review and assess scope changes, ensuring they align with overall project objectives and budget constraints.

• Prepare technical briefings, reports, and presentations to support Board and Steering Committee meetings, effectively communicating design progress and critical issues.

• Ensure that all design reviews are completed efficiently, on time, and within allocated budgets, driving project schedule adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, stakeholder coordination, and technical quality assurance within a complex airport environment. The mention of specific disciplines and BIM coordination points to the need for a manager with a broad technical understanding and meticulous attention to detail.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of dedicated design management experience is essential.

• Proven track record of successfully managing large, complex building projects valued at $100 million or more.

• Mandatory experience in aviation/airport terminal design is required.

• Demonstrated experience with multiple project delivery methods, including:

  • Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
  • Design-Build (DB)

Required Skills:

• Design Oversight & Management: Expertise in leading and managing the entire design process from concept to construction documentation.

• Airport Terminal Operations: Deep understanding of passenger processing, baggage handling systems, airline operations, and aircraft/apron requirements.

• Technical Liaison & Communication: Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse stakeholders, including clients, design teams, and executive leadership.

• BIM Coordination & Execution: Familiarity with BIM coordination principles and the ability to oversee the development and implementation of BIM execution plans.

• LAWA Standards & Compliance: Thorough knowledge of and ability to ensure adherence to LAWA standards, design guidelines, and airport regulations.

• Microsoft Office Suite & Bluebeam: Proficiency in productivity tools for documentation, communication, and project tracking.

Preferred Skills:

• CAD or Revit Proficiency: While not strictly required, hands-on experience with CAD or Revit software is a significant advantage for understanding technical details.

• Permitting & Agency Coordination: Experience navigating complex permitting processes and coordinating with various regulatory agencies.

• Scope Management & Change Control: Advanced skills in defining, managing, and controlling project scope and changes.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of project budgeting and managing design within financial constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of deep technical knowledge in airport design and operations, coupled with robust project and stakeholder management capabilities. The preference for licensure and extensive experience in large-scale airport projects signals a critical role demanding seasoned expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Review Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex architectural and engineering designs you have managed, detailing the review process, challenges encountered, and how quality and compliance were ensured.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Present instances where you effectively acted as a technical liaison, managing communication and resolving conflicts between diverse project stakeholders (developers, contractors, agencies).

• BIM Coordination Projects: Include documentation or case studies demonstrating your involvement in BIM coordination, highlighting how BIM was utilized to improve design accuracy, identify clashes, and facilitate communication.

• LAWA Standards Implementation: Provide evidence or describe projects where you successfully ensured designs met stringent client or regulatory standards, similar to LAWA requirements.

Process Documentation:

• Design Review Workflow: Detail your approach to establishing and managing design review workflows, including comment tracking, resolution protocols, and approval processes.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Illustrate your methodologies for ensuring seamless coordination and integration between various design disciplines (e.g., architectural, structural, MEP, IT).

• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Demonstrate how you track and report on design progress, budget adherence, and compliance metrics, utilizing tools like Microsoft Office and Bluebeam.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to have a strong portfolio that not only demonstrates successful project completion but also highlights their proficiency in managing complex design processes, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and adhering to strict regulatory and client-specific standards, particularly within the aviation sector.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $165,000 - $180,000 per year. This range is dependent on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with 100% employer-paid monthly premiums for employees.
  • 50% coverage for dependents on the company-sponsored medical plan.

• Life Insurance: Company-paid coverage up to $50,000.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrues up to 80 hours per year, with increased accrual based on tenure.

• Paid Sick Leave: 10 days of paid sick leave annually, exceeding industry averages.

• Paid Holidays: 9 standard paid holidays, plus 2 floating holidays, and a paid day off for your birthday.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match of up to 4% (100% of the first 3%, 50% of the next 2%).

• Professional Development: Education support for tuition, licenses, and professional certifications.

• Employee Referral Bonus: A high-value referral program offering $5,000–$10,000 depending on the hire's level.

• Additional Paid Leave: Extra paid leave for jury duty, bereavement, and voting time.

• Client Shutdown Days: Additional paid days off when client offices are closed.

• Equipment & Stipends: Laptop provided as needed and a $100 monthly stipend for eligible roles (likely for cell phone usage).

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility or overtime depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level Design Manager in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles, especially within the specialized field of airport construction management. The benefits package is exceptionally robust, with a strong emphasis on employer-paid premiums and generous leave policies, signaling a commitment to employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Greenridge Group operates as a prime contractor and consulting firm specializing in Project and Construction Management, primarily for major public-sector agencies. This focus implies a culture centered on delivering essential infrastructure projects with high standards of accountability, compliance, and public service.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the context of managing major public-sector projects and offering extensive benefits suggests a well-established firm with a significant operational footprint and employee base, likely mid-to-large sized within the consulting and construction management sector.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's established presence in prime contracting for public agencies indicates longevity and a solid track record.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: Likely comprises experienced project managers, construction managers, design managers, schedulers, cost estimators, and administrative support staff, all focused on client delivery.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager III will likely report to a Program Director or a Senior Vice President of Project Management, with direct oversight of design consultants and design-build teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role will heavily involve collaboration with internal project teams, external design consultants, construction contractors, airport operations staff (LAWA), regulatory agencies, and potentially other Greenridge Group departments (e.g., legal, finance).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using project data, performance metrics, and technical reviews to inform decisions and ensure project success.

• Process Optimization: A core focus on refining workflows for design review, comment resolution, and interdisciplinary coordination to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of risks associated with complex design and construction projects, particularly in a high-stakes airport environment.

• Client-Centric Approach: Prioritizing client satisfaction by meeting or exceeding project requirements, timelines, and budget constraints, in line with public sector expectations.

Company Website: https://www.greenridgegrp.com/ (Derived from domain greenridgegrp.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on public sector projects suggests a culture that values integrity, reliability, and long-term relationships. The specific role at LAX indicates involvement in high-profile, critical infrastructure development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Design Manager III, representing a senior leadership position within the design management hierarchy. It signifies a high level of responsibility, requiring extensive experience in managing complex projects and leading design efforts. It's a critical role for professionals with a deep understanding of architectural and engineering processes, particularly within the specialized domain of airport infrastructure.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager III will report to a higher-level executive, such as a Program Director or VP of Operations, and will directly manage or oversee the work of external design consultants and potentially junior design staff. This structure places them in a pivotal role for translating high-level program objectives into actionable design strategies and ensuring their execution.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager III's impact is paramount to the success of the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh Program. By ensuring the quality, consistency, and compliance of the design, they directly influence the project's adherence to budget, schedule, safety standards, sustainability goals, and overall passenger experience enhancements. Effective design management mitigates risks, prevents costly rework, and ensures the final product meets LAWA's strategic objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership Roles: Progression to Program Director, Senior Design Manager, or VP of Project/Construction Management within The Greenridge Group, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple projects.

• Specialization Expansion: Deepening expertise in specific areas of airport infrastructure or project delivery methods, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing stronger relationships with public sector clients, potentially leading to more significant roles on future large-scale public projects.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Opportunities to mentor junior staff, build high-performing design teams, and contribute to the company's knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for experienced design professionals to advance into senior management and leadership positions within a reputable firm focused on impactful public infrastructure projects. The emphasis on airport design provides a specialized, high-demand career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site within the Los Angeles area, likely involving a mix of office-based work and site visits to the LAX airport environment. This suggests a dynamic workspace that requires adaptability and presence in multiple locations.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Los Angeles, California, specifically supporting the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh Program at LAX. This involves being embedded within or closely connected to the airport's operational infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role demands constant collaboration with a wide array of internal and external teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, airport operations personnel, and project management staff. The workspace must facilitate effective communication and problem-solving.

• Dynamic & High-Profile: Working within a major international airport like LAX is inherently fast-paced, high-pressure, and subject to intense public scrutiny. The environment requires resilience, quick decision-making, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Access to Technology: The role will require access to standard office technology, project management software, and potentially specialized design software (e.g., BIM platforms, Bluebeam) to effectively manage design documentation and communication.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the demands of large-scale project management, especially in an airport setting, may require flexibility to attend meetings, address urgent issues, or meet critical deadlines outside of standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a dynamic airport environment underscores the need for a candidate who thrives in hands-on, collaborative, and sometimes demanding settings, with the ability to navigate the complexities of a live airport operation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with the Design Manager III role and airport project requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on design management methodologies, experience with airport projects, technical knowledge (BIM, specific disciplines), and problem-solving skills related to design challenges. This stage will likely involve reviewing specific case studies from the candidate's portfolio.

• Stakeholder/Panel Interview: An opportunity to meet with key stakeholders, including potential direct reports, peers, and executive leadership. This assesses communication style, leadership potential, and cultural fit within The Greenridge Group and the project team.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior management to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm salary expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Airport Expertise: Clearly showcase projects specifically within the aviation/airport terminal sector. Detail your role, responsibilities, and contributions to the design and approval process.

• Demonstrate Process Management: For each relevant project, outline your approach to design oversight, including how you managed reviews, resolved comments, ensured consistency across disciplines, and adhered to client standards (e.g., LAWA).

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate impact. For instance, "Managed design reviews for a $150M terminal expansion, completing all phases 2 weeks ahead of schedule" or "Resolved over 500 design comments, reducing RFI volume by 15%."

• Showcase BIM Proficiency: Include examples of BIM coordination projects, illustrating how BIM facilitated clash detection, improved collaboration, or enhanced visualization.

• Address LAWA Standards: If possible, mention any prior experience with LAWA standards or similar stringent airport authority requirements. If not, articulate your process for quickly understanding and implementing new client standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Review Scenario: Be prepared to walk through a hypothetical design review process for a complex airport component, explaining your steps, key considerations, and how you would manage feedback.

• Problem-Solving Case Study: Anticipate questions about how you would address design conflicts, scope creep, or delays in a high-profile airport project. Focus on your systematic approach and solution-oriented mindset.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would manage differing opinions or priorities among architects, engineers, contractors, and airport operations personnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly vet candidates for their technical expertise, project management capabilities, and ability to navigate the unique challenges of airport design and construction. A well-curated portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical experience and problem-solving skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word (documentation), Excel (tracking, analysis, budgeting), PowerPoint (presentations), and Outlook (communication).

• Bluebeam Revu: Critically important for PDF markup, collaboration, and review processes, commonly used in AEC industries for design document management.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, familiarity with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Primavera P6) for tracking progress, managing documents, and communication is highly advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, creating custom reports, and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget, and compliance.

• BIM Software Platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks): While direct proficiency might be preferred, the ability to understand and coordinate BIM outputs is key. Familiarity with how these tools generate data for analysis and reporting is valuable.

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically central to this role: CRM systems are less relevant for a Design Manager focused on project execution. Automation might be relevant in terms of workflow tools within project management or document management systems.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with cloud-based document repositories and version control systems is essential for managing large volumes of design documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Bluebeam and a strong command of Microsoft Office are considered essential. Familiarity with BIM coordination tools and broader project management software will significantly enhance a candidate's suitability for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards in public sector projects, taking ownership of responsibilities, and ensuring transparency in all dealings.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality design and construction outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations and industry benchmarks.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams can work together effectively to overcome challenges and achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance design processes, improve efficiency, and deliver sustainable, resilient infrastructure.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and objectives, building strong relationships, and ensuring successful project delivery that benefits the public.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Communicative: Encouraging open and frequent communication across all project stakeholders, proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on finding practical, effective solutions to design and construction challenges, rather than dwelling on problems.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively working to bridge gaps between different disciplines and departments, ensuring that all parties are aligned and working towards shared project goals.

• Respectful & Professional: Maintaining a professional demeanor and fostering a respectful environment for all team members, regardless of their role or background.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values likely reflect the demands of public sector contracting: reliability, quality, and a strong sense of responsibility. The collaborative style emphasizes proactive problem-solving and effective communication within complex, multidisciplinary teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the often-competing priorities of developers, design teams, airport operations, LAWA, and other regulatory bodies.

• Navigating Complex Airport Regulations: Ensuring strict adherence to LAWA standards, airport operational requirements, and evolving aviation security and safety protocols.

• Maintaining Design Consistency and Quality: Overseeing multiple architectural and engineering disciplines to ensure a cohesive and high-quality final design.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Working within the dynamic and high-pressure atmosphere of a major international airport, requiring rapid decision-making and adaptability.

• Scope Management: Effectively controlling scope creep and managing change orders to keep projects on budget and schedule.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Airport Design Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of cutting-edge airport terminal design, sustainability initiatives, and passenger experience enhancements.

• Large-Scale Program Management: Developing skills in managing extensive capital programs with significant budgets and complex logistical requirements.

• Public Sector Project Delivery: Enhancing understanding of public procurement, contract management, and agency coordination specific to government projects.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through managing teams, mentoring junior professionals, and contributing to strategic planning.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED AP) to further professional development and credibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. Successfully navigating these complexities will equip professionals with highly sought-after expertise in airport infrastructure development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Oversight Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design review process for a large-scale airport terminal project. How do you ensure consistency and quality across multiple disciplines, and what steps do you take to resolve design comments efficiently?" (Focus on process, tools like Bluebeam, and stakeholder management).

• Technical Liaison Role: "How do you effectively communicate complex technical design issues to non-technical stakeholders, such as airport operations or executive leadership? Provide an example of a time you had to bridge a communication gap between technical teams and management." (Highlight communication skills and stakeholder empathy).

• Problem-Solving in Airport Design: "Imagine a critical design clash is discovered late in the design phase for a key passenger processing area. How would you approach resolving this issue, considering the potential impact on schedule, budget, and airport operations?" (Showcase analytical skills, risk assessment, and solution-oriented approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding LAWA Standards: "What is your process for understanding and implementing client-specific standards, such as those from LAWA? Have you worked with similar authorities before, and what was your experience?" (Demonstrate research capabilities and adaptability).

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your preferred collaboration style when working with design consultants and construction teams. How do you foster a positive and productive working relationship within a high-pressure project environment?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution).

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts? What key metrics do you track to demonstrate the value and impact of your role on a project's overall success?" (Focus on quantifiable results, budget adherence, schedule compliance, and quality outcomes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved. Use a consistent format.

• Highlight Key Responsibilities: Ensure your portfolio directly addresses the core responsibilities listed in the job description, especially those related to design oversight, technical liaison, comment resolution, and LAWA standards.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, including BIM coordination, specific architectural/engineering challenges, and how you ensured technical integrity.

• Emphasize Airport Experience: If you have multiple airport projects, prioritize the ones most relevant to terminal improvements and passenger experience.

• Practice Your Narrative: Be ready to succinctly and confidently explain your contributions and the outcomes of your work, tailoring your presentation to the interviewer's focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the design management lifecycle within the context of large-scale airport projects, emphasizing problem-solving, communication, and adherence to stringent standards.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 15+ years of design management experience, with a specific emphasis on large-scale building projects ($100M+) and mandatory aviation/airport terminal design experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Oversight," "LAWA Standards," "BIM Coordination," and "Airport Terminal Operations."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, especially those in aviation. Focus on case studies demonstrating your ability to manage design reviews, resolve comments, ensure cross-disciplinary consistency, and meet stringent client standards like LAWA. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your design management processes, technical knowledge (BIM, MEP, structural, etc.), and experience with various delivery methods (DBB, CMAR, DB). Be ready to discuss specific airport operational considerations.

• Research The Greenridge Group and LAX: Understand the company's focus on public sector projects and the specific goals of the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh Program. This demonstrates your interest and preparedness.

⚠️ 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.