Design Manager III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager III

Company: Vanir Construction Management, Inc.

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: February 23, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years (or 15+ years specifically in design management)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and enforce architectural and engineering review procedures to ensure adherence to best practices and contractual standards.

• Manage design support, scope of work, and BIM coordination for large, complex building, utility, and infrastructure projects.

• Serve as a key technical liaison, facilitating communication and comment resolution between design-build teams, subject matter experts, and project stakeholders.

• Ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with architectural and engineering guidelines throughout the project lifecycle, particularly for the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh project.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager III, indicating a senior-level position within Vanir's project management and construction management (PMCM) framework. The focus on "Design Operations" highlights the critical function of managing the intricate processes and technical documentation involved in large-scale construction design, rather than direct design creation. The emphasis on "program consistency" and "technical liaison" points to a role that bridges technical design execution with broader project objectives and stakeholder management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Review & Approval: Oversee the comprehensive review and approval process for all architectural and engineering technical documents, ensuring alignment with project specifications and industry best practices.

• Scope Management & Tracking: Develop and maintain a detailed project scope tracker to verify that all scope elements are accounted for, assigned, and progressing as planned, providing critical oversight for project scope integrity.

• Comment Resolution & Technical Liaison: Act as the primary technical liaison, facilitating meetings and resolving comments between Developers/Design-Builders, Project Managers, and Subject Matter Expert teams to ensure clear communication and efficient progress.

• Permitting & Agency Coordination: Monitor the permitting information and processes required by the design team, supporting the Project Manager in navigating regulatory requirements and agency coordination to avoid delays.

• BIM Coordination & Strategy: Monitor Building Information Modelling (BIM) productions from all designers and contractors, ensuring compliance with BIM Standards and the BIM Execution Plan. Collaborate with Central Building Information Management (cBIM) to define and execute the BIM implementation and review strategy.

• Submittal Procedures & Auditing: Establish robust submittal approval procedures and ensure uniformity in the review approach across all disciplines, auditing project team comments and designer responses for quality and completeness.

• Guidance & Compliance: Provide technical guidance to the Project Manager on defining, reviewing, and approving design requirements, ensuring program consistency and addressing any ambiguities in functional requirements or technical specifications.

• Change Management Support: Provide technical review of proposed changes to the scope of work for each project, assessing their impact on design requirements and overall project objectives.

• Cross-Discipline Coordination: Ensure technical support and coordination across all disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, civil, utilities, IT) to maintain program consistency and facilitate accurate interface with adjacent projects.

• Reporting & Briefing Preparation: Prepare and review briefings, meeting agendas, and supporting materials for various stakeholder meetings, including Board presentations, Steering Committee meetings, and stakeholder outreach sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of responsibilities, particularly regarding BIM strategy, scope tracking, and multi-disciplinary coordination for complex aviation projects, signifies a senior role requiring deep expertise in project lifecycle management and technical oversight. The emphasis on "enforcing procedures" and "auditing" suggests a critical control function within the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience managing the design of large, complex building projects, utilities, and infrastructure improvements.

• Specific experience in aviation projects is highly preferred.

• Proven track record managing projects with values exceeding $100 million.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Extensive experience in overseeing and managing the design process for major construction projects.

• Technical Review: Proficient in reviewing architectural, structural, MEP, civil, utility, and IT design documents for compliance and quality.

• BIM Proficiency: Strong understanding of BIM standards, execution plans, and coordination processes; ability to work with BIM strategy development.

• Scope Management: Expertise in defining, tracking, and managing project scope of work to ensure project objectives are met.

• Permitting & Agency Coordination: Familiarity with project permitting processes and effective strategies for coordinating with regulatory agencies.

• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage comment resolution effectively.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Bluebeam: Proficient use of Bluebeam Revu for document review and markup.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional Licensure: Professionally licensed Architect (RA) and/or Professional Engineer (PE) is strongly preferred.

• Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): Familiarity with PMIS platforms for project execution and data management.

• CAD/Revit Proficiency: Ability to work with or interpret CAD or Revit files is considered a significant advantage.

• Airport Project Experience: Specific, hands-on experience with airport infrastructure and terminal projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit preference for professional licensure and the "15 years or more" requirement for managing complex projects, particularly aviation-related ones, underscore the senior and specialized nature of this Design Manager position. The inclusion of specific software like Bluebeam and the mention of CAD/Revit indicate a need for practical, hands-on technical understanding beyond just management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Review Case Studies: Provide documented examples of successful architectural and engineering design reviews conducted for large-scale projects, highlighting your role in identifying critical issues and ensuring compliance.

• Scope Management Examples: Showcase instances where you developed and managed project scope trackers, demonstrating your ability to maintain project integrity and track progress against defined objectives.

• BIM Implementation & Coordination: Present examples of your involvement in BIM coordination efforts, including how you monitored BIM productions, contributed to BIM Execution Plans, or collaborated on BIM strategy.

• Comment Resolution Documentation: Include examples of how you facilitated and managed technical comment resolution between design teams and stakeholders, showcasing effective communication and problem-solving strategies.

• Permitting Process Navigation: Illustrate your experience in managing or supporting the permitting process for complex projects, outlining strategies for agency coordination and timely approvals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding and application of established workflows for architectural and engineering design reviews, submittal processes, and comment resolution. Highlight any contributions to optimizing these workflows for efficiency.

• Implementation & Automation: Show experience in implementing new processes or utilizing technology (like BIM and PMIS) to improve design management efficiency and data integrity.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you tracked and reported on the performance of design processes, including timeliness of reviews, scope adherence, and quality of design submissions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on design process management, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their experience not just through resumes, but through tangible examples of their work in managing complex design processes, scopes, and technical communications, particularly within the context of large infrastructure projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) Savings Plan with employer matching contributions.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Includes employer contributions.

• Life & Disability: Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and disability benefits.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): For healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Additional Benefits: Voluntary benefits, Teladoc (telehealth services), and pet insurance.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) policy.

• Employee Support: National Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and employee referral program.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically Monday to Friday.

• On-site presence is required at the office or project site.

• Flexibility may be needed, including potential after-hours or weekend work, to fulfill the duties of the position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the Los Angeles, CA area, which is a high cost of living region. This range is competitive for a senior Design Manager role with extensive experience requirements, particularly within the construction and program management sector. The benefits package is robust and aligns with industry standards for comprehensive employee support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Program, Project, and Construction Management (PMCM) and Real Estate Development. Vanir operates across diverse sectors including aviation, healthcare, education, justice, science and technology, state and local government, transportation, water and wastewater, energy, and commercial/nonprofit markets.

Company Size: Large (likely hundreds to thousands of employees, given its national leadership status and project scale). Vanir is described as a "national leader" and is ranked by ENR, suggesting significant scale and operational capacity.

Founded: 1964. With over six decades of experience, Vanir has established a strong reputation and deep expertise in the industry.

Team Structure:

• PMCM Framework: Operates within a structured Program, Project, and Construction Management (PMCM) environment.

• Cross-Functional Teams: The Design Manager will likely work within project-specific teams comprising Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, Construction Managers, Schedulers, Cost Engineers, and other technical specialists.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Reports to a Project Manager or Program Director, with close collaboration with various Subject Matter Expert (SME) teams and potentially a Central BIM (cBIM) group.

Methodology:

• Best Practices & Standards: Emphasis on enforcing procedures according to best practices and contractual standards.

• Data-Driven Oversight: Utilizes technical review, auditing, and scope tracking to ensure project adherence and quality.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Facilitates meetings and acts as a technical liaison to resolve issues and ensure alignment between diverse project stakeholders.

• Proactive Management: Requires a self-starter attitude with a proactive, results-oriented focus.

Company Website: http://www.vanir.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Vanir's long history and recognition as a national leader suggest a culture that values expertise, reliability, and client satisfaction. The "minority- and woman-owned" status may also indicate a commitment to diversity and inclusion within their operational framework. For a Design Manager, this means operating within established, robust processes while contributing to continuous improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position (Design Manager III), indicating a significant level of responsibility and expertise. It's a critical role within the project execution phase, focusing on the technical integrity and process management of the design components of large capital projects.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Project Manager or Program Director. The role involves significant interaction with external design firms (Developers/Design-Builders) and internal Subject Matter Expert (SME) teams, including potentially a dedicated BIM coordination group.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful execution of project design. By ensuring design quality, adherence to scope, timely reviews, and effective BIM coordination, this role directly contributes to:

• Cost Control: Preventing design errors and omissions that lead to costly change orders.

• Schedule Adherence: Ensuring timely design approvals and permitting to keep the project on track.

• Quality Assurance: Upholding architectural and engineering standards for the final built product.

• Risk Mitigation: Identifying potential issues early in the design phase.

• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Facilitating clear communication and meeting project requirements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Program/Project Director: Progression to managing larger, more complex programs or multiple projects simultaneously.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like BIM strategy, aviation projects, or specific delivery methods.

• Leadership Development: Mentoring junior design managers or technical staff.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potentially moving into broader project management or construction management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "III" in the title suggests a defined career ladder within Vanir. Growth from this position would typically involve taking on more strategic oversight, managing larger teams or more complex programs, and potentially developing specialized expertise that becomes valuable across the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires on-site presence, either at a corporate office or directly on the project site. This implies a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment typical of large construction management firms.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Los Angeles, California, working on projects like the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh. Vanir has multiple offices, but this specific role is tied to the Los Angeles operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will likely be a hub for collaboration, involving frequent meetings with internal teams, external consultants, and contractors.

• Technology-Rich: Access to necessary project management software, communication tools, and design software (e.g., Bluebeam, potentially CAD/Revit interfaces).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with project managers, engineers, architects, and other construction professionals, fostering a strong sense of team effort towards project goals.

Work Schedule:

• Standard Monday-Friday work week is the baseline.

• The nature of large-scale construction projects means that flexibility, including potential for extended hours, evenings, or weekends, may be required to meet critical deadlines or address urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is significant. Candidates should be prepared for a work environment that is project-driven and may involve site visits, which can require adherence to site-specific safety protocols and working conditions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Project Director or Senior Project Manager) to delve into experience, technical skills, and understanding of PMCM principles.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage will likely involve a panel of technical experts (e.g., senior engineers, architects, BIM specialists) to assess your depth of knowledge in design review, BIM, permitting, and scope management. They may present hypothetical scenarios or case studies.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your experience with complex projects, design challenges, and successful outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or a key stakeholder to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with Vanir's culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and actions, the processes you managed or improved, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, quality enhancements).

• Demonstrate Process Management: Highlight your experience in managing design reviews, scope tracking, BIM coordination, and comment resolution. Use visual aids if possible (e.g., simplified workflow diagrams).

• Showcase Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of architectural, engineering (MEP, Civil, Structural), and IT disciplines, as well as BIM standards and best practices.

• Tailor to Vanir: Research Vanir's recent projects, particularly in aviation, and try to align your portfolio examples with the types of challenges they typically face.

• Conciseness is Key: Select 3-4 strong, representative projects. Be prepared to discuss them in detail but also to summarize them effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions that present a design-related problem (e.g., a significant design conflict, a permitting delay, a scope creep issue) and ask how you would approach resolving it.

• Process Design: You might be asked to outline the steps you would take to manage a design review for a complex component of an airport project or how you would establish BIM coordination protocols for a new project.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you have led teams, managed diverse stakeholders, and facilitated effective communication between technical groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and technical assessments suggests that Vanir places a high value on practical, demonstrated experience over theoretical knowledge alone. Candidates should meticulously prepare their portfolio to highlight their most relevant achievements in managing complex design processes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily communication, reporting, and documentation (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Bluebeam Revu: Crucial for technical document review, markup, and collaboration on PDFs. Proficiency is a requirement.

• Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): Familiarity with platforms used for managing project documentation, schedules, and communication. Examples could include Procore, Oracle Aconex, or similar enterprise-level systems.

• CAD/Revit Software: While not explicitly required for direct design work, familiarity with or ability to interpret CAD and Revit models is a significant plus, especially for BIM coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Scope Tracking Tools: Likely custom spreadsheets (Excel) or integrated PMIS modules for tracking project scope elements.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or interpreting performance reports related to design review timelines, comment resolution status, and budget adherence.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates into broader project management systems is key. The focus is on managing design workflows and ensuring data integrity within project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Bluebeam and the "plus" for CAD/Revit indicates a need for hands-on technical interaction with design documents and models. Proficiency in these tools will be critical for effective performance in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to upholding high standards in project delivery and client satisfaction, reflected in their long-standing reputation.

• Integrity & Ethics: As a long-standing firm, Vanir likely values ethical conduct and professional integrity in all business dealings.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Essential for managing complex projects, fostering an environment where team members contribute their expertise towards a common goal.

• Proactive & Results-Oriented: A drive to achieve project objectives efficiently and effectively, emphasizing self-starters who can take initiative.

• Diversity & Inclusion: As a minority- and woman-owned company, diversity and inclusion are likely core values that shape their operational approach and workforce.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration with Project Managers, technical SMEs, design teams, and potentially regulatory bodies.

• Facilitative Leadership: The Design Manager acts as a facilitator, bringing parties together to resolve technical issues and drive decisions.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where technical feedback is provided constructively to ensure design quality and process improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices and lessons learned across projects, especially concerning design management and BIM implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should emphasize their ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, manage technical discussions, and contribute to a culture that values both rigorous process adherence and proactive problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Large-Scale Projects: Managing design for multi-billion dollar aviation projects involves intricate systems, numerous stakeholders, and stringent regulatory requirements.

• Balancing Design & Schedule: Ensuring timely design reviews and approvals while maintaining the highest quality standards can be a constant challenge.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Effectively coordinating architectural, structural, MEP, civil, utility, and IT disciplines to ensure seamless integration and avoid conflicts.