Design Manager, Lebanon, IN

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: World Wide Professional Solutions

Location: Lebanon, IN

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / GTM Operations (Project Execution)

Date Posted: October 14, 2025

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the integration of engineering and design deliverables for a large-scale Bio Pharma construction project, ensuring alignment with cGMP and regulatory compliance.

• Drive technical planning, scope development, and change management processes to meet evolving manufacturing technology and capacity needs.

• Serve as a critical liaison between owners, stakeholders, designers, engineers, and construction teams to achieve project success metrics.

• Influence design standards, construction specifications, and operational readiness criteria by collaborating closely with client engineering and operations teams.

• Implement innovative methodologies to enhance project effectiveness and delivery within aggressive timelines for state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operations umbrella, specifically focusing on the execution and project management aspects of capital construction projects that directly enable market-ready production facilities. The emphasis on cGMP, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness highlights its critical function in bringing new biopharmaceutical products to market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and integrate all facets of technical planning, scope definition, change management, positioning, programming, design, and engineering services for Bio Pharma facility construction and retrofits.

• Gather, align, and translate complex technical and business requirements from diverse stakeholders (owners, quality, regulatory, engineering, operations) into clearly defined scopes of work that establish baseline cost and schedule.

• Proactively drive scope change management processes to effectively accommodate evolving manufacturing technologies, stringent compliance standards, and dynamic capacity requirements.

• Lead the development of high-quality design deliverables that are optimized for efficient and precise construction execution, particularly under demanding project timelines.

• Develop and issue comprehensive Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for consultants and A&E services; effectively manage external design partners to ensure all deliverables strictly adhere to cGMP, FDA, and other relevant regulatory compliance standards.

• Collaborate intimately with client engineering and operations teams to strategically influence the development of design standards, construction specifications, validation requirements, and critical operational readiness criteria.

• Conduct thorough conceptual engineering analyses across multiple scenarios to provide data-driven insights supporting critical cost and schedule decisions.

• Integrate "safety by design" and "compliance by design" principles as foundational elements throughout all project deliverables.

• Partner closely with Project Managers and Construction Managers to ensure seamless alignment and coordinated execution between design, procurement, and construction phases, minimizing interface risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic oversight and granular management of the design process within a highly regulated industry. The requirement to translate business needs into technical scopes of work, manage change effectively, and ensure compliance with cGMP and FDA standards are core to successful Bio Pharma project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BS in Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience: 10+ years in project engineering and/or project management, with 7+ years in people management. Direct Bio Pharma Construction Project Experience is a mandatory requirement. Experience in cleanroom, or life sciences facility design is strongly preferred. Construction Management experience is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Direct Bio Pharma Construction Project Experience

• Proven track record in managing design and engineering for large, complex technical facilities within the Bio Pharma, Life Sciences, or other highly regulated industries.

• Strong technical expertise across multiple engineering disciplines, enabling strategic and tactical direction to large design teams (direct and matrixed).

• Familiarity with cleanroom design principles, process utilities (e.g., WFI, CIP/SIP, HVAC for controlled environments), and validated systems.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex technical information for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholder management and drive decision-making processes effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific Bio Pharma manufacturing processes (e.g., biologics, small molecule API).

• Proficiency in project management software and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Project, Procore, BIM platforms).

• Knowledge of lean construction principles and collaborative contracting models.

• Experience with pharmaceutical validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) processes and documentation.

• Understanding of advanced automation and control systems in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on direct Bio Pharma construction experience is critical. For operations professionals, this implies a need to showcase projects where they've navigated the unique complexities of cGMP environments, sterile processing, and stringent regulatory oversight within the life sciences sector. The preferred skills point towards candidates who can bring advanced project execution methodologies and a deeper understanding of the end-to-end lifecycle of a biopharmaceutical facility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase case studies of complex Bio Pharma or life sciences facility design projects managed from inception through design completion.

• Provide examples of technical scope development, demonstrating how business requirements were translated into actionable engineering and design plans.

• Present documentation illustrating effective change management processes and their impact on project cost, schedule, and scope.

• Include examples of RFP development and management for A&E services, highlighting selection criteria and successful partner integration.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization for the design and engineering phases of capital projects, with a focus on efficiency and risk mitigation.

• Implementation and automation methods for design review processes, ensuring timely feedback loops and stakeholder alignment.

• Measurement and performance analysis of design-phase activities, including metrics for schedule adherence, budget control, and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role within Bio Pharma construction, a portfolio should not just list projects but illustrate the candidate's strategic thinking and process management capabilities. Evidence of managing complex interfaces, driving compliance, and achieving specific project objectives (cost, schedule, quality) through structured processes will be key. The ability to articulate the "how" behind their successes, particularly concerning regulatory adherence and operational readiness, is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the senior level, specialized industry (Bio Pharma), and critical on-site nature of this role in Lebanon, IN, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $150,000 - $200,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in specialized construction management, considering the high demand for expertise in regulated environments like Bio Pharma. Factors such as specific years of highly relevant experience, advanced degrees, and demonstrated success in managing multi-million dollar projects could influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life Insurance coverage.

• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage.

• Company-match Retirement Plan, enhancing long-term financial security.

• Paid Holidays and generous Time Off, promoting work-life balance.

• Potential for Per-Diem arrangement for eligible candidates supporting the project onsite.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically involving a standard 40-hour work week. However, due to the demanding nature of large-scale construction projects, extended hours and weekend work may be required to meet critical project milestones and deadlines. Flexibility and commitment to project success are essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is derived from industry salary surveys (e.g., Glassdoor, Salary.com, LinkedIn Salary) for "Design Manager" or "Senior Project Manager" roles in heavy construction and specialized engineering sectors, particularly in the Midwest US. Adjustments were made for the Bio Pharma specialization, which commands a premium due to regulatory complexity and required expertise. The per-diem mention indicates a potential for significant compensation benefits for candidates willing to relocate or travel to the site.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Project solutions organization specializing in lean construction, collaborative contracting, and execution approaches for performance breakthroughs. The company operates within the highly regulated Bio Pharma, Life Sciences, and related technical facility construction sectors.

Company Size: World Wide Professional Solutions is a growing organization, likely employing between 50-250 professionals, allowing for a blend of structured processes and agile team dynamics.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's focus on modern construction methodologies suggests a more recent establishment or a strategic pivot towards advanced project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a specialized team of engineers, designers, and technical coordinators, potentially working within a matrixed structure.

• Reporting to a senior project executive or director, with close collaboration with Project Managers, Construction Managers, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on implementing lean construction principles to optimize workflow and reduce waste in the design and execution phases.

• Utilization of collaborative contracting and execution approaches to foster strong partnerships between all project stakeholders.

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging conceptual engineering analyses and performance metrics to guide project direction.

• Commitment to "safety by design" and "compliance by design" as core operational tenets.

Company Website: https://www.wwprosolutions.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: WWPS positions itself as a forward-thinking construction solutions provider. For operations professionals, this means an environment that values efficiency, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving, particularly within the highly demanding Bio Pharma sector. The company's methodology suggests a focus on process optimization and integrated project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior-level position, typically requiring 10+ years of progressive experience in project engineering and management, with a significant portion dedicated to leading design efforts within specialized, regulated industries like Bio Pharma. It represents a key leadership role responsible for the technical integrity and successful execution of major capital projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within WWPS, such as a Director of Project Delivery or a Vice President of Operations. They will manage direct reports (engineers, designers) and matrixed project team members, while collaborating extensively with client-side counterparts in engineering, operations, and quality assurance.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is critical to the successful delivery of state-of-the-art Bio Pharma facilities. Their ability to ensure designs meet cGMP standards, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance directly impacts the client's ability to bring life-saving therapeutics to market, thereby having a profound impact on the company's revenue generation potential and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in Bio Pharma facility design and construction, potentially leading to roles managing larger, more complex projects or multiple projects simultaneously.

• Leadership Development: Transition into broader project executive or program management roles, overseeing entire portfolios of capital projects.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a more comprehensive understanding of the entire Bio Pharma lifecycle, including manufacturing operations, validation, and regulatory affairs, enhancing overall GTM operational knowledge.

• Methodology Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in lean construction, collaborative contracting, and advanced project delivery techniques within the life sciences sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for operations professionals looking to lead critical infrastructure projects. The growth path emphasizes deepening technical expertise and expanding leadership scope within a high-impact industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is primarily on-site at a large-scale Bio Pharma construction project in Lebanon, IN. This implies a dynamic environment that may include a project office trailer, site visits, and interaction with construction teams, as well as potential collaboration with corporate or regional offices.

Office Location(s): Lebanon, IN. Candidates are expected to be local, open to relocation with an approved package, or able to support the project onsite through a per-diem arrangement, indicating a strong need for on-the-ground presence.

Workspace Context:

• Work will involve close collaboration with a diverse project team, including engineers, construction professionals, client representatives, and regulatory personnel.

• Access to project management software, design collaboration platforms, and potentially BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools will be standard.

• The environment is fast-paced and demanding, requiring individuals who thrive under pressure and can manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with site operations and construction activities will be frequent.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is the baseline, the nature of large construction projects often necessitates extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet critical deadlines and project milestones. Flexibility and a results-oriented approach are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" designation is critical; this is not a remote role. Candidates must be prepared for the realities of a construction project environment, which demands a hands-on presence and the ability to navigate complex site logistics and stakeholder interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess direct Bio Pharma construction experience and relevant technical qualifications.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with hiring managers and senior engineers/project leaders to evaluate your technical expertise in Bio Pharma facility design, cGMP compliance, and engineering disciplines. Expect questions on process utilities, cleanroom design, and regulatory frameworks.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results. Focus on demonstrating your impact on scope management, stakeholder alignment, and adherence to compliance standards.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Assessment of your leadership style, communication skills, stakeholder management capabilities, and problem-solving approach through scenario-based questions.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term vision, and overall alignment with World Wide Professional Solutions' operational philosophy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the scale, budget, timeline, and your specific contributions. Use metrics to demonstrate success (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, reduction in design changes).

• Highlight Bio Pharma Specifics: Emphasize your experience with cGMP, FDA regulations, cleanroom environments, process utilities (WFI, HVAC, etc.), and validation requirements. Showcase how you integrated these into the design.

• Demonstrate Process Management: Present how you managed scope development, change control, RFP processes, and stakeholder communication. Use process diagrams or workflow examples if applicable.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation around key challenges and how your strategic and tactical decisions led to successful outcomes. Focus on your problem-solving capabilities and leadership in complex situations.

• Tailor to the Role: Connect your past experiences directly to the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description, especially regarding Bio Pharma construction and design integration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scope Integration: Be prepared for a case study or discussion on how you would approach integrating diverse stakeholder requirements into a cohesive design scope for a new biopharmaceutical manufacturing suite.

• Change Management Scenario: Anticipate questions about managing a significant scope change mid-design phase – e.g., a new manufacturing technology requirement or a change in regulatory guidance. How would you assess impact, communicate, and manage the process?

• Stakeholder Alignment: Prepare to discuss strategies for aligning conflicting priorities among different stakeholder groups (e.g., R&D, Operations, Quality, Engineering) during the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is not just a collection of past work but a critical tool to demonstrate mastery of specialized processes and technical challenges within the Bio Pharma construction domain. The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to articulate their impact and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar for document management, communication, and field reporting.

• Design & Engineering Software: While not a direct user of CAD/BIM, understanding of how these tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) are used and integrated into the overall design process is essential. Experience with BIM coordination and review processes is highly valued.

• ERP Systems: Basic understanding of how project financial data flows into Enterprise Resource Planning systems for cost control and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Management Tools: Experience with software or spreadsheets for detailed cost estimating, tracking, and forecasting.

• Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and contribute to project performance dashboards that track key metrics like schedule adherence, budget variance, and risk status.

• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for optimization.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project information and client relationships are managed is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts within project management and design review processes to enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Design Manager in Bio Pharma construction focuses on project execution, collaboration, and data management. While deep technical engineering software skills might not be required, understanding their application and integration into the project lifecycle is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant, and efficient Bio Pharma facilities that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with all internal teams, external consultants, contractors, and client stakeholders.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking and implementing new methodologies and technologies to enhance project delivery and operational effectiveness.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and ensuring strict adherence to all cGMP, FDA, and safety regulations.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and driving projects to successful completion with a focus on results and impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Teams: Encouraging a team-oriented approach where all disciplines work cohesively towards common project goals.

• Open Communication: Promoting transparency and proactive communication to address challenges early and ensure alignment across all stakeholders.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Actively bridging gaps between design, engineering, construction, quality assurance, and client operations to ensure a holistic project approach.

• Constructive Feedback: Valuing a culture where feedback is shared openly and constructively to drive continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: WWPS's emphasis on lean construction and collaborative contracting suggests a culture that values efficiency, teamwork, and proactive problem-solving. For operations professionals, this means an environment where process improvement and cross-functional alignment are highly prized.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring strict adherence to evolving cGMP, FDA, and other life sciences regulations throughout the design process.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing potentially conflicting priorities and requirements from owners, R&D, operations, quality, and regulatory teams.

• Accelerated Project Timelines: Delivering complex, state-of-the-art facilities within aggressive schedules without compromising quality or compliance.

• Integrating New Technologies: Incorporating cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and automation into facility designs while ensuring validation and operational readiness.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively coordinating between design, procurement, construction, and client operational teams to ensure seamless project execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Bio Pharma Design: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like aseptic processing, containment strategies, or advanced utility systems.

• Project Leadership: Developing skills in managing larger project portfolios, strategic planning, and executive-level stakeholder engagement.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge construction methodologies, lean principles, and digital transformation in project delivery.

• Regulatory Deep Dives: Gaining expert-level knowledge of pharmaceutical regulatory requirements and their impact on facility design and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of high-stakes Bio Pharma projects, requiring strong technical acumen, strategic thinking, and exceptional stakeholder management skills. The growth opportunities are designed to foster deep specialization and broad leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Bio Pharma Design Strategy: "Describe your approach to developing a design strategy for a new biologics manufacturing facility, focusing on how you would ensure cGMP compliance and operational efficiency from the outset." (Preparation: Outline your methodology for requirements gathering, risk assessment, and early-stage design decisions specific to Bio Pharma.)

• Stakeholder Management: "How would you manage conflicting design input from the client's R&D team (focused on innovation) and their Operations team (focused on reliability and maintainability) for a critical utility system?" (Preparation: Prepare examples of how you've navigated similar conflicts, focusing on communication, data-driven decisions, and finding common ground.)

• Change Management Process: "Walk us through a complex scope change you managed during a Bio Pharma project. What was the challenge, how did you assess its impact, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Choose a significant example and detail the steps you took, the tools you used, and the quantifiable results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• WWPS Methodology: "WWPS emphasizes lean construction and collaborative contracting. How have you applied these principles in past projects, and what benefits did you observe?" (Preparation: Research lean construction and collaborative contracting. Prepare examples of your experience or articulate how you would apply these principles.)

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal working relationship with Project Managers and Construction Managers on a large-scale project. How do you ensure seamless integration between design and execution?" (Preparation: Focus on communication, proactive problem-solving, and shared goals.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of the design phase of a Bio Pharma project, beyond just schedule and budget?" (Preparation: Think about metrics related to constructability, operational readiness, compliance adherence, and long-term facility performance.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your narrative.

• Highlight Bio Pharma Expertise: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase your understanding of cGMP, cleanrooms, process utilities, and validation. Explain how you integrated these critical elements into the design.

• Demonstrate Process Mastery: Show examples of your process management: scope definition, RFP creation, change control documentation, and stakeholder alignment strategies.

• Visual Aids: Utilize diagrams, flowcharts, or simplified project plans to illustrate complex processes or facility layouts. Ensure visuals are clean and easy to understand.

• Connect to WWPS: Conclude by explaining how your experience and approach align with World Wide Professional Solutions' mission and values, particularly their focus on lean construction and collaborative execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily emphasize demonstrating technical depth within the Bio Pharma sector, strategic process management, and strong leadership capabilities. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and any supplementary materials to prominently highlight your direct Bio Pharma construction project experience, emphasizing your role in design management, cGMP compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Prepare 2-3 key project case studies that best exemplify your capabilities in these areas for potential portfolio discussion.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 10+ years of project engineering/management experience, with at least 7 years in people management. Use keywords such as "Bio Pharma Construction," "Design Management," "cGMP," "Cleanroom Design," "Process Utilities," "Regulatory Compliance," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the "Interview Preparation" section of this enhanced job description. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership in Bio Pharma construction projects.

• Company Research: Visit the World Wide Professional Solutions website (https://www.wwprosolutions.com/) to understand their project methodologies, company values, and recent work. Prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their operational philosophy, particularly their commitment to lean construction and collaborative execution.

⚠️ 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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