Design Manager - Project Hire/Internal Assignment

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Project Hire/Internal Assignment

Company: The Walt Disney Company

Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

Job Type: FULL_TIME, TEMPORARY

Category: Project Management / Design Management (Themed Entertainment)

Date Posted: 2026-04-20

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead architecture, design, and planning disciplines for large-scale, critical themed entertainment projects from conception to completion.

• Serve as the primary representative for the Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) division within project core teams, ensuring alignment with divisional objectives and standards.

• Manage and coordinate internal staff and external consultants, including architects, engineers, and specialized vendors, throughout the design and documentation phases.

• Oversee financial health of projects by managing budgets, labor estimates, and schedule tracking, ensuring cost-effective delivery.

• Integrate cross-disciplinary design elements, including show design, ride systems, themed lighting, graphics, and interiors, to achieve a cohesive and immersive guest experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically identified as a "Project Hire/Internal Assignment," indicating it's a temporary position tied to a specific project lifecycle. While it offers significant project leadership, candidates should be aware of the potential for non-permanent employment. The focus on "first-of-its-kind" innovation and "influencing positive change" suggests a culture that values groundbreaking creativity and impactful design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive project management and technical leadership for architecture and facilities engineering within a major themed entertainment project.

• Act as the AD&E division's representative on project core teams, reporting to the Division Vice President and Project Manager on the design process and outcomes.

• Coordinate with functional management to align staffing, costing, and strategic planning for project design phases.

• Direct the efforts of internal teams and external consultants in preparing detailed construction contract documents.

• Ensure seamless integration of multi-discipline architectural, environmental design, and engineering scopes, including show and ride system requirements.

• Develop and meticulously manage design schedules, labor estimates, and project budgets, implementing robust cost and schedule tracking mechanisms.

• Ensure strict adherence to all divisional standards, procedures, and best practices throughout the design lifecycle.

• Oversee design/build consultants in an owner's representative capacity, making informed recommendations on bid packages.

• May serve as the Project Architect for assigned venues if the company self-performs specific architectural tasks.

• Coordinate closely with specialized teams such as Graphics, Themed Lighting, Show Set, and Interiors to ensure aesthetic and functional harmony.

• Provide regular project reporting on AD&E risks, budget status (internal and external), and key issues, actively participating in project staff meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects within a high-stakes creative environment. The role requires a blend of technical project management, financial oversight, and cross-functional coordination, typical of senior roles within large-scale design and construction organizations like WDI.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or Architecture is required.

• An advanced degree in a related field is desired but not mandatory.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in architecture and facilities engineering project management is mandatory.

• Experience within the themed entertainment industry is highly preferred, offering a significant advantage.

• Prior experience managing teams of professional employees is a preferred qualification.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in architecture and facilities engineering project management.

• Strong working knowledge of Building Information Management (BIM) principles and implementation.

• Familiarity with Integrated Product Delivery (IPD) methodologies and their application in project execution.

• Understanding of Design Assist processes and their role in optimizing project design and constructability.

• Knowledge of Building Specification Design Programs and their importance in detailed project documentation.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the technical coordination of multi-discipline design documents.

• Robust financial acumen with a proven ability to manage and control project budgets effectively.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence and persuade stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing complex projects within the themed entertainment sector.

• Leadership experience managing and developing teams of design professionals.

• In-depth knowledge of Disney's unique design standards, operational workflows, and project execution methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical project management skills, specific industry knowledge (themed entertainment), and an understanding of advanced design and construction methodologies like BIM and IPD. The preference for Disney-specific experience and team management suggests a need for candidates who can quickly integrate into the company's established processes and leadership structure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant architectural or facilities engineering projects, preferably within large-scale entertainment or complex environments.

• For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, responsibilities, and the impact of your contributions.

• Provide concrete examples of how you managed project scope, schedule, and budget, detailing any challenges overcome and solutions implemented.

• Demonstrate expertise in technical coordination across multiple design disciplines (e.g., structural, MEP, thematic, interiors).

Process Documentation:

• Prepare case studies detailing your approach to project lifecycle management, from conceptualization and design development through construction administration.

• Document your experience with BIM implementation, including how it facilitated coordination, clash detection, and improved design accuracy.

• Illustrate your methods for managing external consultants and ensuring their deliverables meet project requirements and company standards.

• Provide examples of how you tracked and reported on project performance metrics, including budget adherence, schedule milestones, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Be ready to discuss your process for integrating show systems, ride engineering, and themed elements with architectural and facility designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience beyond a resume. The emphasis should be on showcasing the ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects and to articulate the impact of design decisions on cost, schedule, and overall project success. The inclusion of BIM and IPD in required skills suggests that evidence of using these methodologies in past projects would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated hiring range for this position in Florida is $120,800 to $161,900 per year. This range is based on the provided information and reflects industry standards for a Design Manager role with 5+ years of experience in the competitive Florida market, particularly within the entertainment sector. Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as internal equity, geographic region, candidate's specific knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits package.

• Robust savings benefits programs.

• Opportunities for educational advancement and skill development.

Working Hours:

This is a full-time position. While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, project demands and deadlines may require extended hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly during critical project phases. The hybrid work arrangement will involve a combination of on-site work at the Epcot - Main Building (WDI) and remote work flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range is specific to Florida. For candidates in other regions, compensation may vary. The inclusion of "Project Hire" status may influence the benefits package or long-term incentives compared to a permanent role. The benefits listed are general; candidates should inquire about specifics related to temporary positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Walt Disney Company operates within the highly competitive and dynamic entertainment and media industry, with a significant presence in theme parks, resorts, and immersive experiences. Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the specialized division responsible for the creative and technical design of these global destinations. The industry context is one of continuous innovation, high guest expectations, and a commitment to storytelling and magical experiences.

Company Size: The Walt Disney Company is a global conglomerate with hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide. Walt Disney Imagineering, while a significant entity within the company, operates as a specialized, highly skilled creative and technical studio. This size provides immense resources and stability but also means navigating a large corporate structure. For operations professionals, this translates to opportunities for broad impact but also requires adaptability within established corporate processes.

Founded: The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923. Walt Disney Imagineering, in its current form, evolved over decades, with its roots in Walt Disney's original vision for Disneyland. This long history imbues the company with a deep legacy of innovation, creativity, and a commitment to quality that shapes its culture and operational approach.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the Architecture, Design & Planning disciplines within Walt Disney Imagineering. This team likely comprises specialized architects, engineers, urban planners, and design coordinators.

• The role reports to the Studio Executive, Architecture & Design Management, indicating a hierarchical structure with clear leadership oversight.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly detailed for this role, WDI projects are informed by extensive guest research, market analysis, and feasibility studies to ensure commercial viability and guest satisfaction.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role directly involves managing design schedules and labor estimates, requiring meticulous workflow planning and optimization to meet project milestones and budget constraints.

• Automation & Efficiency: The mention of BIM and potentially other digital tools suggests a focus on leveraging technology for design efficiency, coordination, and reducing rework during construction.

Company Website: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding WDI's position within the larger Disney organization is key. It's a highly specialized, creative, and technically advanced unit. The "project hire" designation suggests the team structure might be project-specific, with individuals brought together for particular initiatives, fostering a dynamic and focused work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within project management and design leadership. It's a significant opportunity for professionals to lead critical aspects of world-renowned entertainment projects. The scope involves managing multifaceted design processes, significant budgets, and diverse teams, offering a substantial step-up in responsibility and impact.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to the Studio Executive, Architecture & Design Management. This implies a clear line of reporting and mentorship. The role also acts as a key liaison and representative for the AD&E division on project core teams, necessitating strong collaboration and communication with project managers and other studio leads.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's operations have a direct and profound impact on the financial health and creative success of major Disney entertainment projects. Effective management of design processes, budgets, and schedules is crucial for delivering these experiences on time and within budget, directly contributing to the company's revenue streams and brand reputation. The quality of the design product directly influences guest satisfaction and the overall immersive experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: This project provides hands-on experience managing complex, high-visibility projects, honing skills in large-scale budget management, cross-disciplinary team leadership, and advanced design technologies (BIM, IPD).

• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise within the highly specialized themed entertainment design industry, which is a unique and valuable niche.

• Leadership Development: The opportunity to act as a technical lead and owner's representative prepares individuals for more senior management roles within WDI or other large-scale project development organizations. Potential progression could lead to roles like Senior Design Manager, Studio Executive, or Program Director for larger initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a project hire, the experience gained is highly transferable and valuable. The "project hire" status might limit immediate long-term career progression within Disney unless converted to a permanent role, but the resume-building aspect of leading such significant projects is substantial.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Lake Buena Vista, FL, at the Epcot - Main Building (WDI). This suggests a creative studio environment characteristic of Walt Disney Imagineering. Expect collaborative workspaces, design studios, meeting rooms, and potentially access to advanced visualization or prototyping facilities. The "Hybrid" work arrangement indicates a blend of on-site presence for critical collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is specified as Epcot - Main Building (WDI) in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This is a central hub for Imagineering's creative and design operations in Florida. Proximity to Orlando's major theme parks and resorts is a significant aspect of this location.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among diverse creative and technical professionals. Expect an environment where brainstorming, design reviews, and cross-functional problem-solving are daily occurrences.

• Access to cutting-edge design software, visualization tools, and potentially VR/AR technologies would be anticipated, supporting the innovative nature of WDI's work.

• Opportunities for interaction with a wide range of Imagineers—from storytellers and artists to engineers and technical specialists—will be frequent, facilitating knowledge exchange and creative synergy.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time role, typically involving a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the project-driven nature and critical deadlines inherent in theme park development, flexibility is expected. This may include occasional extended hours, weekend work, or adjusted schedules during peak project phases to ensure timely delivery of design milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills when working remotely, balanced with the ability to be present and engaged for key on-site meetings, reviews, and collaborative sessions. The Epcot location places the employee at the heart of Disney's theme park innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter and hiring manager to assess qualifications against the core requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on project management methodologies, technical coordination experience (BIM, IPD), budget and schedule management, and problem-solving scenarios related to architectural and facilities engineering. Expect questions about specific projects from your portfolio.

• Panel Interview: A session with key stakeholders, including Studio Executives, Project Managers, and potentially representatives from other disciplines (Creative, Show Design). This assesses your collaborative style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into the WDI team.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your approach to a complex design challenge, your management process, and the quantifiable outcomes. This is a critical part of evaluating your ability to articulate and defend your work.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to confirm cultural fit and overall suitability for the project hire.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best exemplify your experience in large-scale design management, technical coordination, and budget/schedule oversight. Prioritize projects with similar complexity or industry relevance to Disney's work.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the solutions you implemented, the tools and methodologies used (e.g., BIM, IPD), and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, design quality improvements).

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with diverse teams (creative, engineering, production) and managed external consultants. Showcase your ability to integrate different design elements.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is visually professional and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images, clear diagrams, and concise text.

• Be Prepared to Defend: Know every detail of your presented projects and be ready to answer in-depth questions about your decision-making process, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Project Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage conflicting priorities, scope creep, budget overruns, or technical challenges within a large themed entertainment project.

• Technical Coordination: Be ready to explain your process for ensuring seamless integration between architectural plans, show systems, and ride engineering requirements.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating your communication strategy for keeping diverse stakeholders informed and aligned on project progress, risks, and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this at Disney/WDI is likely rigorous, focusing not only on technical skills but also on creative problem-solving, collaborative aptitude, and the ability to thrive in a unique, high-stakes environment. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Building Information Management (BIM) Software: Proficiency with BIM platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is essential for model coordination, clash detection, and integrated design processes.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or Monday.com for scheduling, task management, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other enterprise communication and document-sharing systems for team collaboration.

• CAD Software: While BIM is primary, understanding of AutoCAD or similar CAD software may be beneficial for legacy projects or specific documentation needs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Budgeting & Financial Tracking Tools: Proficiency with budgeting software or advanced Excel functions for financial management, cost tracking, and variance reporting.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel charting for presenting project status, risks, and financial data.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret project dashboards for key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget adherence, and schedule milestones.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design inputs feed into broader project management or enterprise systems may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools or processes that streamline design review, approval, or documentation distribution could be an advantage.

• Knowledge of system integration concepts, particularly how architectural and engineering models integrate with other project systems, is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on BIM and IPD in the requirements strongly suggests that hands-on experience with these technologies is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific usage and benefits derived from these tools in past projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A core value at WDI, encouraging the pursuit of novel solutions and groundbreaking experiences that push the boundaries of entertainment design.

• Storytelling & Immersion: A fundamental principle, ensuring that all design decisions serve the narrative and create deeply engaging environments for guests.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Essential for integrating diverse talents and disciplines, fostering an environment where collective success is paramount.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering exceptionally high standards in all aspects of design and execution, reflecting the Disney brand.

• Guest Focus: Designing with the end-user experience at the forefront, ensuring that every element contributes to magical and memorable moments for guests.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The culture strongly supports collaboration across creative, technical, and production teams. The Design Manager must be adept at bridging gaps between different disciplines, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Process Review & Feedback: An environment that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design processes. Openness to critique and a willingness to refine designs based on input from various stakeholders are key.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative techniques across projects and teams. This might manifest in design reviews, internal workshops, or documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values. The ability to articulate how one has embodied these principles in past roles, particularly in collaborative and innovative settings, will be crucial during interviews.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Practical Constraints: Navigating the inherent tension between ambitious creative concepts and the realities of budget, schedule, and technical feasibility.

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Coordinating input and expectations from a wide array of stakeholders, including creative leads, project managers, operations, and executive leadership.

• Technical Integration of Novel Technologies: Working with and integrating cutting-edge or first-of-their-kind technologies that may have unproven aspects.

• Project-Specific Demands: As a project hire, the challenge of integrating into an existing project team and delivering immediate value under potentially tight timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Gaining experience managing the full lifecycle of a major themed entertainment project, significantly enhancing project management expertise.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Deepening understanding of the unique design, engineering, and operational considerations within the themed entertainment industry.

• Exposure to Innovation: Working alongside world-class innovators and potentially contributing to the development and implementation of new technologies and design approaches.

• Networking: Building valuable professional relationships within Walt Disney Imagineering and across relevant Disney divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "project hire" nature means the primary growth will be experiential, focused on the specific project’s challenges and learnings. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-profile projects, which is a significant career differentiator.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design process for a large-scale project with multiple, potentially conflicting, stakeholder requirements. How did you manage these and ensure project success?" (Assesses stakeholder management, negotiation, and strategic thinking).

• "Walk us through your process for managing architectural and engineering budgets and schedules on a complex project. What tools and techniques do you employ for tracking and reporting?" (Evaluates financial acumen, project control, and reporting capabilities).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Walt Disney Imagineering and our approach to creating immersive guest experiences?" (Gauges passion for the brand and understanding of WDI's mission).

• "Describe a situation where you had to champion an innovative design idea that faced resistance. How did you approach it?" (Assesses advocacy for innovation and persuasive communication).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific contributions, the methodologies used (e.g., BIM, IPD), and the tangible outcomes (cost savings, schedule improvements, design quality).

• Visual Storytelling: Use compelling visuals (renderings, diagrams, photos) to illustrate your design solutions and project scope. Keep text concise and focus on key messages.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, challenges, and how you managed trade-offs. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of every aspect of your presented work.

• Tailor to Disney: Where possible, draw parallels between your past projects and the types of experiences Disney creates, demonstrating an understanding of their brand and guest expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. For technical and portfolio questions, be ready to discuss specific project details, challenges, and your problem-solving approach in depth.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Disney Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights your most relevant project management and design leadership experience, specifically focusing on large-scale architectural or facilities engineering projects. Ensure it demonstrates your proficiency with BIM and your ability to manage budgets and schedules effectively.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "project management," "architecture," "facilities engineering," "BIM," "IPD," "budget management," and "technical coordination." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare to present a detailed case study from your portfolio. Research Walt Disney Imagineering's recent projects and design philosophies to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Walt Disney Company's mission, values, and the specific work of Walt Disney Imagineering. Understand the unique culture and the importance of storytelling in their design process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Walt Disney Company hiring organization before making application decisions. This role is a "Project Hire," meaning it is a temporary position tied to the duration of a specific project.