Design Manager - Southwest Region

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Southwest Region

Company: HENSEL PHELPS

Location: Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; Albuquerque, NM; Yuma, AZ; Calexico, CA; Douglas, AZ; Los Alamos, NM

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the end-to-end design process for construction projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and company standards.

• Manages and coordinates multidisciplinary design teams, including architects, engineers, trade partners, and BIM technicians, to facilitate efficient and buildable designs.

• Develops and implements robust design management tools and processes to ensure project schedules, budgets, and quality are met.

• Plays a critical role in translating client needs and contractual requirements into comprehensive plans and specifications for construction.

• Drives constructability reviews and integrates best practices and safety measures into project designs from inception through completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and qualifications strongly indicate a role within the construction industry, focusing on the operational aspects of design development and project execution. The role requires a blend of technical understanding, project coordination, and stakeholder management, aligning it with specialized roles within large-scale construction operations. The "Southwest Region" designation implies a management scope across multiple project sites.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design team throughout all project phases, from conceptualization to final construction documentation.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project design schedules, ensuring timely delivery of plans and specifications that support overall project timelines.

• Implement and enforce Hensel Phelps's design management tools and processes to track progress, identify risks, and ensure adherence to best practices.

• Conduct thorough constructability reviews and third-party peer reviews to identify and mitigate potential construction challenges and optimize design for efficiency and safety.

• Collaborate closely with estimators and operations managers to ensure the design remains within established budgets and meets cost, schedule, and performance criteria.

• Manage the change and/or trend estimate process during the design phase, ensuring all approved cost adjustments are reflected in project documentation.

• Review and contribute to the writing of bid packages, ensuring clarity and completeness of design requirements for trade partners.

• Maintain meticulous documentation of all design-related meetings, packages, changes, and communications.

• Develop compelling proposal narratives that articulate Hensel Phelps's preconstruction and design management capabilities.

• Oversee and manage the LEED certification process for projects requiring sustainable design and construction standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed "Essential Duties" are directly translated into primary responsibilities, with an emphasis on the operational and management aspects of the design process within a construction context. This includes schedule adherence, budget control, stakeholder coordination, and documentation management, all critical for successful project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Marketing (required).

Experience:

• Minimum of 15-20 years of sales and business development experience in the local Southwest market (required).

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to manage complex design processes and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.

• Strong understanding of construction project lifecycles, from preconstruction through to closeout.

• Expertise in developing and managing project schedules, with a focus on design phase timelines.

• Proficient in budget management and cost control throughout the design and preconstruction phases.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners.

• Demonstrated experience in managing change orders and trend estimates during design.

• Proficiency in developing detailed project documentation, including meeting minutes and design package records.

• Experience in writing proposal narratives and contributing to bid package development.

• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with LEED certification process and sustainable building practices.

• Familiarity with database applications, specifically Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel-based templates.

• Experience with project scheduling software such as Primavera.

• Familiarity with design and BIM software suites like Autodesk.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Position Qualifications" and "Preferred Qualifications" have been separated into required and preferred categories. The description emphasizes the blend of sales/business development experience with construction project management, a unique combination for this role. The "Southwest Region" focus highlights the importance of local market knowledge and established connections.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented examples of successful project design management, showcasing the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.

• Case studies detailing the coordination of design teams (architects, engineers, trade partners) and the resolution of complex design challenges.

• Evidence of implementing and utilizing design management tools or methodologies to improve efficiency and project outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflows demonstrating the process for developing project plans and specifications from initial client requirements.

• Examples of constructability review processes, including how issues were identified and resolved.

• Documentation illustrating the management of design schedules and the coordination with various project stakeholders to ensure timely progress.

• Records of change management processes within the design phase, including trend estimate incorporation and cost issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of a "Design Manager" role in construction, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management, coordination, and problem-solving skills is essential. This section outlines what such a portfolio should contain, focusing on process, outcomes, and stakeholder interaction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Company-paid medical insurance.

• Company-paid life insurance.

• Company-paid accidental death & dismemberment insurance.

• Company-paid long-term disability insurance.

• 401(K) retirement plan.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) (excluding Hawaii).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Employee-paid vision insurance.

• Employee-paid dental insurance.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) starting upon hire.

• Annual bonus plan (subject to company and employee performance).

• Company cell phone or cell phone allowance.

• Vehicle or vehicle allowance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time operational hours, typically 40 hours per week. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines and ensure timely completion of design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on the experience level (10+ years, with preferred 15-20 years of sales/development experience) and the specified locations (major metropolitan areas in AZ and NM). Benefits are directly extracted and organized for clarity. The working hours are inferred from "FULL_TIME" employment type and standard industry practice.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Building Development, Facility Services, Aviation, Government, Commercial, Transportation, Critical Facilities, Healthcare.

Company Size: Large (over 1,000 employees, based on typical scale of Hensel Phelps' operations and project types).

Founded: 1937. Hensel Phelps has a long-standing reputation and a history of significant projects, contributing to a culture of stability, expertise, and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Manager, Estimator-in-Charge, or Operations Manager, indicating a role integrated within project leadership.

• This position manages a "design team," which likely includes architects, engineers, BIM technicians, and potentially design-build trade partners, requiring strong leadership and coordination skills.

Methodology:

• Hensel Phelps emphasizes delivering "EXCELLENCE" driven by core values: Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity, and Community.

• The company utilizes specialized design management tools and processes to ensure efficient and successful project execution.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the focus on metrics, budget control, and performance analysis in design.

• Continuous improvement is fostered through "lessons learned" and the implementation of best practices in design and construction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information is derived from the provided description. The culture is inferred from stated core values and the company's long history and market position. Team structure and methodology are extrapolated from the role's reporting lines and responsibilities within a large construction firm.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Specialized Leadership. This role sits at a crucial intersection of preconstruction and project execution, requiring significant experience and a broad understanding of construction processes. It's a leadership position that directly influences project viability and success.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Project Manager, Estimator-in-Charge, or Operations Manager. This implies a direct line of responsibility for the design phase's success and its integration with the broader project execution strategy.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a profound impact on project success by:

• Ensuring designs are cost-effective and within budget, directly affecting project profitability.

• Optimizing designs for constructability, which reduces field labor costs, minimizes rework, and improves overall project efficiency.

• Guaranteeing designs meet client requirements and contractual obligations, leading to client satisfaction and future business opportunities.

• Integrating safety into the design phase, which is critical for reducing incidents and ensuring the long-term safety of the constructed facility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to higher project leadership roles such as Senior Project Manager, Operations Manager, or Regional Design Director.

• Specialization in specific market sectors (e.g., aviation, healthcare) where design complexity is high.

• Opportunities to mentor junior design engineers, BIM specialists, or project engineers.

• Development of expertise in advanced preconstruction methodologies, BIM integration, and sustainable design practices.

• Potential to contribute to company-wide design standards and best practice development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis is based on the seniority of the role, the critical nature of its responsibilities to project success, and typical career paths within large construction organizations. The "Operations Impact" section details how this Design Manager role contributes to the company's operational and financial goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office-based role with significant field interaction. The description mentions visiting different offices and seeing work being completed, indicating a blend of administrative and site-visit responsibilities.

Office Location(s): Multiple locations across the Southwest region (Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, Yuma, Calexico, Douglas, Los Alamos). This suggests a regional management role requiring travel between project sites and potentially multiple company offices within the designated area.

Workspace Context:

• The role involves constant computer operation, analysis, and communication, typical of professional office environments.

• Significant collaboration with internal teams (project managers, estimators) and external stakeholders (architects, engineers, trade partners) is a key aspect.

• Access to standard office machinery and technology is assumed.

• The work environment requires the ability to compute, analyze, and conceptualize, indicating a mentally demanding role.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard business hours (40 hours/week), but the demanding nature of construction projects and regional responsibilities may necessitate flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends to meet critical deadlines. Travel between locations is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is inferred from the company's industry, the role's responsibilities (including travel and site visits), and the physical work classification provided. The emphasis on multiple locations highlights the need for adaptability and travel proficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications, focusing on your experience in design management, construction projects, and sales/business development within the Southwest region.

2. Hensel Phelps Application Review: Formal submission and review of your application through the UltiPro system.

3. Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussions focused on your experience leading design teams, managing design schedules and budgets, understanding constructability, and your familiarity with construction processes. Expect behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership.

4. Portfolio Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing key design management projects, highlighting your role, the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and project outcomes. This is crucial for demonstrating practical skills.

5. Final Interviews: Discussions with senior leadership (e.g., Operations Manager, VP) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and Hensel Phelps's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining your specific role and responsibilities, project scope, key stakeholders, and the timeline.

• Content: Include examples of design development processes, coordination efforts, constructability review findings and resolutions, budget management strategies, and schedule adherence. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., cost savings realized, schedule acceleration achieved).

• Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, articulating your decision-making process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your contributions. Focus on how you integrated design with construction operations.

• Company Alignment: Tailor your presentation to highlight how your experience aligns with Hensel Phelps's core values (Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity, Community) and their commitment to "EXCELLENCE."

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to design conflicts, schedule delays, budget overruns, or stakeholder disagreements. Prepare to outline your systematic approach to resolving these issues, emphasizing collaboration and data-driven decision-making.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of the Southwest construction market and your established network within it.

• Review key Hensel Phelps projects and their approach to design and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is developed based on standard hiring practices for senior management roles in the construction industry, combined with the specific requirements and company context provided. The emphasis on portfolio review is derived from the nature of the role and industry best practices.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely includes company-specific platforms or industry standards for tracking project progress, documentation, and communication.

• Design Software Suites: Familiarity with Autodesk Suite (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and potentially other architectural/engineering design software is essential for understanding and coordinating designs.

• Scheduling Software: Proficiency with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project is expected for managing complex project timelines.

• BIM (Building Information Modeling) Software: Understanding of BIM workflows and coordination is critical, as BIM technicians are part of the design team.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for financial analysis, reporting, and template creation is a must.

• CRM Software: Experience with Microsoft Dynamics CRM is explicitly required, indicating its use for managing client relationships and business development efforts.

• Reporting Tools: Capability to generate reports on design progress, budget status, and potential risks.

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Dynamics CRM: Essential for managing sales pipelines, client interactions, and business development activities.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams or similar for internal and external communication and document sharing.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, sharing, and archiving project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are derived from the "Preferred Qualifications" and "Position Qualifications" sections, along with common industry standards for large construction firms. The emphasis is on design, project management, and business development technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership: Taking full responsibility for the design process, from conception to execution, and proactively identifying and solving problems.

• Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical standards in all dealings with clients, team members, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency in design and budgeting.

• Builder: A deep understanding of and passion for the construction process, focusing on creating functional, safe, and high-quality structures.

• Diversity: Valuing diverse perspectives and backgrounds within the design and construction teams, fostering an inclusive environment that drives innovation.

• Community: Contributing positively to the communities in which projects are built, considering the long-term impact and integration of the structures.

• Excellence: A relentless pursuit of high-quality outcomes in all aspects of design and project delivery, exceeding client expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with estimating, preconstruction, and project management teams to ensure design is aligned with business objectives.

• Proactive Communication: Regular and clear communication with architects, engineers, trade partners, and clients to manage expectations and resolve issues swiftly.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to collaboration, utilizing defined meeting cadences, documentation protocols, and feedback mechanisms to streamline workflows.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collaborative environment where challenges are addressed constructively, leveraging the expertise of the entire team to find optimal solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated core values are directly applied to the operations context of this role. The collaboration style is inferred from the need to manage diverse stakeholders and complex project phases within a large organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Simultaneously managing design schedules, budgets, client expectations, and team coordination across multiple projects or a large region.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Needs: Reconciling diverse requirements and expectations from clients, regulatory bodies, internal teams, and various design consultants.

• Ensuring Design-to-Budget Adherence: Maintaining cost control throughout the design process, especially when facing scope changes or market fluctuations.

• Geographic Management: Overseeing design activities across a wide geographic area (Southwest), requiring effective remote management and travel coordination.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting to evolving design technologies, BIM advancements, and new project management tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Construction Management: Deepening expertise in large-scale project delivery, complex contract negotiation, and risk management.

• Specialized Market Focus: Developing in-depth knowledge and project experience within specific high-demand sectors like aviation, critical facilities, or healthcare.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in team leadership, strategic planning, and mentoring junior professionals.

• Technology Adoption: Gaining proficiency in cutting-edge BIM implementation, digital twins, and advanced data analytics for project optimization.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications such as LEED AP, PMP, or CCM to enhance professional credentials and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the inherent complexities of a senior design management role in construction, particularly within a multi-location regional scope. Growth opportunities are framed within typical career progression paths for such positions in the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex design project where the design team faced significant challenges (e.g., budget constraints, schedule delays, technical issues). How did you lead the team to a successful resolution, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, leadership, and process management).

• "How do you ensure that a design remains aligned with the project budget throughout its development, especially when client requests or market conditions change?" (Assess financial acumen and change management skills).

• "Walk me through your process for conducting a constructability review. What key elements do you look for, and how do you integrate findings into the design and bid packages?" (Evaluate understanding of practical construction and risk mitigation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Hensel Phelps's core values (Ownership, Integrity, Builder, Diversity, Community), and how do you see yourself embodying them in this Design Manager role?" (Assess cultural fit and alignment).

• "How do you approach building relationships with architects, engineers, and trade partners to foster a collaborative project environment?" (Gauge collaboration style and stakeholder management).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contribution, the challenges you overcame, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction).

• Process Focus: Demonstrate your understanding of the design lifecycle, from conceptualization to construction documents, and how you managed each phase effectively.

• Tools & Technology: Showcase your proficiency with relevant software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Primavera, MS Dynamics CRM) and how you leveraged them to improve outcomes.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as compelling narratives that showcase your problem-solving abilities, leadership, and commitment to Hensel Phelps's values.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are designed to probe the core competencies required for a Design Manager in construction, emphasizing practical experience, strategic thinking, and alignment with company values. The portfolio presentation strategy provides actionable advice for candidates.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ultipro recruiting platform.

• Resume Tailoring: Customize your resume to highlight experience in design management, construction project coordination, budget control, schedule adherence, and business development within the Southwest region. Use keywords from the job description, such as "design development," "constructability review," "stakeholder management," and "LEED."

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a portfolio that showcases 2-3 key construction projects where you managed the design process. Include examples of plans, specifications, design change logs, constructability review reports, and any documentation demonstrating budget and schedule control. Be prepared to discuss your specific role and contributions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Hensel Phelps, focusing on their recent projects, company culture, core values, and their presence in the Southwest region. Understand their approach to innovation and client service.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and practice articulating your approach to common design management challenges. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

⚠️ 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.