LAWA Design Manager III T7 & T8

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager III (T7 & T8)

Company: Pacific Pros

Location: Aliso Viejo, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Project Management / Operations

Date Posted: February 18, 2026

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as the Owner's Representative for Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) on critical Terminal 7 and Terminal 8 Refresh projects, ensuring the successful execution of design phases.

• Oversee and manage the comprehensive design process for large-scale airport terminal improvements, focusing on enhancing resiliency, sustainability, and user experience.

• Act as a key technical liaison, facilitating collaboration between developers, design-builders, and LAWA's Subject Matter Expert teams to ensure project alignment and quality.

• Drive the review and approval of all architectural, structural, MEP, civil, utilities, and IT design deliverables, ensuring compliance with LAWA standards and best practices.

• Manage design scope, comment resolution, and BIM coordination, providing critical oversight for projects exceeding $100 million in value.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior Design Manager, requiring extensive experience in managing complex, large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, particularly within the aviation sector. The "Owner's Representative" aspect highlights a critical function of ensuring the client's (LAWA's) interests are paramount throughout the design and pre-construction phases, demanding strong stakeholder management and decision-making capabilities. The "T7 & T8" designation specifies the immediate project focus, while "III" suggests a level of seniority within the Design Manager hierarchy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Oversight: Lead the architectural and engineering review activities, enforcing procedures according to contract standards and LAWA's best practices.

• Deliverable Management: Oversee the review and approval of technical documents, including architectural, structural, MEP, civil, utilities, and IT disciplines, ensuring quality and completeness.

• Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the primary technical liaison between developers/design-builders and LAWA's Subject Matter Expert teams, facilitating meetings and managing comment resolution.

• Scope and Requirements Management: Work with the Project Manager to define, review, and approve design requirements, responsibilities, and program consistency, providing guidance on unclear specifications.

• Permitting & Agency Coordination: Monitor permitting information and the permitting process required by the design team, and support agency coordination efforts.

• BIM Coordination: Monitor BIM productions of all designers and contractors per LAWA BIM Standards and the BIM Execution Plan, collaborating with LAWA's Central Building Information Management (cBIM) team on implementation strategy.

• Change Management: Provide technical review of changes to the scope of work for each project, assessing impact on design requirements and program consistency.

• Process Standardization: Establish and enforce submittal approval procedures to ensure uniformity in review approach and audit project team comments and designer responses.

• Scope Tracking: Develop and maintain the Terminal 7 & 8 Project scope tracker to ensure all scope elements are accounted for and assigned.

• Functional Guidance: Provide guidance related to the functional requirements contained in technical specifications and other project documents supplied by LAWA.

• Interface Coordination: Provide technical support and coordination between the Terminal 7 & 8 Project team and other TDIP project teams for program consistency and ensure accurate interface with adjacent LAWA projects.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design review and management, with a strong focus on process adherence, stakeholder engagement, and technical expertise across multiple engineering disciplines. The inclusion of BIM coordination and scope tracking highlights the need for meticulous attention to detail and advanced project management skills. The role demands proactive problem-solving and a deep understanding of airport operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 15 years or more of experience managing the design of large, complex building projects, utilities, and infrastructure improvements.

• Direct experience with airport projects and complex aviation improvements is required.

• Proven track record managing projects valued at over $100 million.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Extensive experience in leading and managing design phases for large-scale construction projects.

• Airport Operations Knowledge: Solid understanding of airport terminal functions (passenger processing, baggage, airline operations, aircraft/apron requirements).

• Technical Review Proficiency: Ability to critically review architectural, structural, MEP, civil, utilities, and IT design deliverables for quality and compliance.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in facilitating meetings, managing comment resolution, and acting as a technical liaison between diverse groups.

• Permitting & Agency Coordination: Familiarity with construction permitting processes and experienced in coordinating with relevant agencies.

• BIM Expertise: Understanding of BIM standards (LAWA BIM Standards) and execution plans, with the ability to monitor BIM production.

• Contract Administration: Thorough knowledge of industry practices, regulations, and contract requirements for design services.

• Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills for preparing briefings and liaising with stakeholders at various technical levels.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive, results-oriented approach with the ability to identify design solutions and overcome challenges.

• Organization: Detail-oriented and highly organized with the ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously.

Preferred Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Bluebeam: Advanced proficiency in Bluebeam for document review and markup.

• PM Web: Familiarity with Project Management Information Systems like PM Web.

• Revit/CAD: Ability to work with or understand CAD or Revit software is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "15 years or more experience" and "complex aviation improvements" signifies a senior-level role. The preference for a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) license is a strong indicator of the technical depth and authority expected. The inclusion of specific software like Bluebeam and familiarity with PM Web points to the need for efficiency in digital workflows and project documentation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful management of design phases for large-scale construction projects, ideally within the aviation or infrastructure sectors.

• Project Lifecycle Documentation: Examples of managing design deliverables through review, approval, and permitting stages.

• Stakeholder Engagement Examples: Evidence of facilitating complex stakeholder meetings, resolving design conflicts, and managing comment resolution processes.

• BIM Integration Examples: Documentation showcasing experience with BIM coordination, adherence to BIM standards, and effective use of BIM for design review and clash detection.

• Scope Management Tools: Examples of creating and utilizing scope trackers or similar tools to manage project scope and ensure all elements are accounted for.

Process Documentation:

• Design Review Procedures: Documented processes for architectural and engineering review, including submittal approval workflows and comment resolution protocols.

• Permitting Process Management: Outlined procedures for managing the permitting process with relevant agencies.

• BIM Execution Plans: Examples of contributions to or adherence to BIM Execution Plans, detailing coordination strategies and deliverable requirements.

• Change Order/Scope Change Management: Documented processes for technically reviewing and evaluating changes to project scope and their impact on design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and in the construction/aviation sector, a portfolio is crucial. It should highlight not just successful project outcomes but also the processes and methodologies employed to achieve them. Candidates should be prepared to present specific case studies that demonstrate their ability to manage complex design challenges, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver projects on time and within budget, all while adhering to stringent client standards like those of LAWA.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $153,920 - $180,960 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• May require working past regular work shifts, various shifts, or weekend work as operations demand. This is considered part of the salary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior Design Manager role in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, especially for specialized projects like airport infrastructure. The benefits package is standard for full-time employees and includes retirement savings with matching, comprehensive health coverage, and paid time off. The explicit mention that extended hours are part of the salary expectation is important for candidates to understand the total commitment required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Project Management, Aviation Infrastructure

Company Size: Pacific Pros' exact size is not specified, but they operate as a staffing and recruitment firm, placing professionals in roles across various industries, including large-scale projects like those at LAWA. This suggests they partner with organizations that manage significant capital projects.

Founded: Pacific Pros was founded in 2009, indicating over a decade of experience in the recruitment and staffing sector.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Design Manager III will report directly to the Terminal 7 / Terminal Project Manager.

• Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including developers, design-builders, LAWA's internal technical teams (Subject Matter Experts), other TDIP project teams, and external agencies.

• Project Focus: The immediate team focus is on the Terminal 7 and Terminal 8 Refresh projects, necessitating close coordination with other project managers and discipline leads involved in these specific upgrades.

Methodology:

• Design Review Standards: Adherence to LAWA's established procedures for architectural and engineering review, ensuring best practices and contract compliance.

• BIM Integration: Implementation and monitoring of LAWA's BIM Standards and Execution Plan for consistent data management and coordination.

• Project Management Frameworks: Application of principles for scope of work management, comment resolution, and technical document approval, tailored to large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Stakeholder Engagement: A proactive, collaborative approach to managing relationships and communication with all project stakeholders.

Company Website: https://pacificpros.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Pacific Pros acts as the employer, placing the candidate with LAWA for the duration of the project. The culture will largely be dictated by LAWA's operational environment and the specific project team dynamics. The emphasis on "Owner's Representative" suggests a culture of accountability, client advocacy, and proactive problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the project management and design oversight domain. It is a critical leadership role focused on delivering specific, high-value infrastructure projects. The "III" in the title indicates it is a mid-to-high tier within a potential Design Manager progression.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager III reports to a Project Manager, who likely oversees broader project aspects. This implies a structured hierarchy with clear lines of responsibility and decision-making authority. The Design Manager is responsible for a specific functional area (design) within the larger project.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is profound, directly influencing the quality, cost, schedule, and overall success of the Terminal 7 and 8 Refresh projects. Effective design management prevents costly rework, ensures compliance with regulations, and contributes to the operational efficiency and user experience of critical airport infrastructure. This role is pivotal in translating LAWA's strategic vision into tangible, constructible designs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design efforts on even larger or more complex airport infrastructure projects within LAWA or similar organizations.

• Program Management: Advancement to Program Manager roles, overseeing multiple related projects or a broader portfolio of capital improvements.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as aviation design standards, BIM strategy, or sustainable infrastructure development.

• Client-Side Transition: Opportunity to transition into a permanent role with LAWA or other large public sector entities managing capital programs.

• Consulting: Leveraging extensive experience to move into high-level consulting roles for airport authorities or major construction firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a significant opportunity for an experienced design professional to make a tangible impact on a high-profile public infrastructure project. The role offers a clear path for career progression within large-scale project management, with potential for leadership in the aviation and infrastructure sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "full-time on-site" and requires the candidate to be "local" for the position. This implies a primary work location at or near the LAX airport, within the operational environment of LAWA.

Office Location(s): The work will be conducted at LAWA (Los Angeles World Airports), specifically focusing on Terminal 7 and Terminal 8. This means the candidate will be immersed in an active airport environment, requiring an understanding of airport operations and access protocols.

Workspace Context:

• On-Site Immersion: Working directly within the airport environment provides firsthand exposure to operational challenges and opportunities, facilitating better design decisions.

• Collaborative Hub: The role necessitates frequent interaction with project teams, developers, and LAWA personnel, likely in project offices or designated meeting spaces at the airport.

• Technology Access: Expect access to standard office technology, project management software (like PM Web), and communication tools essential for coordinating complex design efforts.

Work Schedule:

• The standard schedule is Monday to Friday, full-time (40 hours).

• However, the role explicitly states that "After-hours or weekend work may be required" and that this is "considered part of the salary." This indicates a demanding schedule typical of large capital projects where timely progress is critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a demanding, on-site role within a live airport environment. Candidates must be comfortable with the pace, potential for extended hours, and the unique operational context of LAX. The requirement for candidates to be "local" emphasizes the need for immediate availability and capacity to work within the specified geographic area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications by Pacific Pros to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly the 15+ years of experience and aviation project background.

• Technical Interview (Pacific Pros/LAWA): In-depth discussion focusing on your design management experience, technical expertise across disciplines (architecture, MEP, civil, etc.), understanding of airport operations, and familiarity with project delivery methods. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of your portfolio, highlighting key projects, your specific role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes. This is where you demonstrate your process and impact.

• Stakeholder/Team Fit Interview: Interaction with the Project Manager and potentially other key LAWA stakeholders to assess your communication style, collaboration approach, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the project team and LAWA environment.

• Final Selection: Based on the cumulative assessment of your technical skills, experience, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, risk mitigation).

• Process Demonstration: Show, don't just tell. Use diagrams, flowcharts, or examples of documentation to illustrate your design review, permitting, or BIM coordination processes.

• LAWA Relevance: Tailor your examples to highlight experience that is directly relevant to LAWA's needs – large-scale aviation infrastructure, complex stakeholder management, and adherence to stringent standards.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss technical challenges and solutions across various disciplines (structural, MEP, civil, IT).

• Conciseness: Present your most impactful projects efficiently, focusing on the aspects most relevant to this specific Design Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions like: "How would you handle a significant design conflict between architectural and MEP teams?" or "Describe a time you had to push back on a design decision that you felt compromised quality or safety."

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would initiate and manage process improvements within the design review framework at LAWA.

• BIM Strategy: Prepare to discuss your approach to BIM implementation and coordination for a project of this scale.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, from technical experts to potentially non-technical executives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage, designed to thoroughly vet candidates for a critical, high-visibility role. The portfolio review is a key component, so candidates should invest significant time in preparing compelling case studies that showcase their process-driven approach and quantifiable achievements in large-scale design management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily communication, documentation, and reporting. Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is expected.

• Bluebeam: A critical tool for technical document review, markup, and collaboration among design teams. Advanced proficiency is highly desirable.

• Project Management Information Systems (PM Web): Familiarity with systems like PM Web is required for managing project documentation, submittals, RFIs, and other project-specific data.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, tracking, and reporting on design progress, scope, and potential issues.

• BIM Software (Revit/CAD): While not strictly required, familiarity with or the ability to work within Revit or CAD environments is a significant advantage for understanding and reviewing design models.

CRM & Automation:

• PM Web: Serves as a central hub for project data, acting as a form of project-specific CRM and workflow management system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on essential project management and design review tools. The emphasis on Bluebeam and PM Web suggests that proficiency in these specific applications is key to operational efficiency and effective collaboration on LAWA projects. While direct CAD/Revit skills are a plus, the core requirement is the ability to manage and review designs produced using these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design deliverables and ensuring they meet LAWA's standards for quality, safety, and functionality.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and mutual support are prioritized among design teams, project managers, and LAWA stakeholders.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and acting in the best interest of LAWA as the Owner's Representative.

• Efficiency: Driving processes that ensure timely review cycles, effective comment resolution, and adherence to project schedules.

• Detail-Oriented: Maintaining meticulous attention to detail in reviewing technical documents, scope requirements, and compliance standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively initiating communication and coordination with all relevant parties to prevent issues and drive progress.

• Technical Liaison: Serving as a clear and effective bridge for technical information between diverse groups, translating complex details into actionable insights.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing clear, actionable feedback on design documents and addressing comments constructively to improve project outcomes.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Ensuring seamless coordination and consistency across architectural, structural, MEP, civil, IT, and other relevant disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within LAWA projects, especially for an Owner's Representative role, typically emphasizes a strong commitment to public service, rigorous adherence to standards, and a collaborative approach to complex problem-solving. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of working within a structured, regulated environment where public trust and project success are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Large-Scale Complexity: Managing the intricate interdependencies of design elements across multiple disciplines for vast airport infrastructure projects.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse interests and priorities among developers, contractors, LAWA departments, and regulatory agencies.

• Pace and Pressure: Meeting stringent deadlines and managing the inherent pressures of large capital projects, including potential for extended hours.

• Technical Scrutiny: Ensuring all designs meet rigorous airport operational, safety, and regulatory standards.

• BIM Integration: Effectively implementing and overseeing BIM processes in a complex, multi-contractor environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Airport Infrastructure Expertise: Deepen specialized knowledge of airport terminal design, operations, and regulatory requirements.

• Public Sector Project Management: Gain invaluable experience in managing large-scale public works projects and navigating government procurement and approval processes.

• Advanced BIM Applications: Enhance skills in BIM coordination, strategy, and implementation within a major airport context.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership and stakeholder management skills within a high-stakes project environment.

• Industry Networking: Build a strong professional network within the aviation and infrastructure sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. Successfully navigating these challenges will equip the Design Manager with highly sought-after expertise in a critical and growing sector of the economy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Philosophy: "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a large-scale airport project. What are your key priorities and methodologies?" (Prepare to discuss phases, deliverables, quality control, and risk management.)

• Stakeholder Engagement: "How do you effectively manage communication and resolve conflicts between multiple stakeholders with competing interests (e.g., Developers, LAWA SMEs, regulatory bodies)?" (Prepare examples of difficult negotiations and successful resolutions.)

• Technical Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a complex design challenge you encountered on a past project and how you, as a design manager, facilitated its resolution. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your role in problem-solving, not just the technical solution itself.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• LAWA Understanding: "What do you understand about LAWA's mission and the importance of the Terminal 7/8 Refresh project?" (Research LAWA's strategic goals, recent projects, and the purpose of these specific renovations.)

• Owner's Representative Role: "How do you embody the 'Owner's Representative' mindset in your daily work and decision-making?" (Focus on client advocacy, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring project alignment with owner objectives.)

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal collaboration style with design teams and project managers. How do you foster a positive and productive working relationship?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects that showcase your experience with large-scale construction, aviation, and design management.

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project Scope & Objectives
  • Your Specific Role & Responsibilities
  • Key Design Challenges & Your Solutions
  • Processes Used (e.g., review, permitting, BIM)
  • Outcomes & Metrics (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements)

• Visual Aids: Use clear visuals (renderings, diagrams, charts) to illustrate your points.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative, highlighting your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize demonstrating a deep understanding of airport operations, large-scale project management, and the specific responsibilities of an Owner's Representative. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples that align with the job description's requirements and showcase their process-driven approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Pacific Pros career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 15+ years of experience in managing large-scale construction and aviation design projects. Prepare a concise portfolio that showcases 2-3 key projects, detailing your role, challenges, processes, and outcomes, with a focus on airport infrastructure if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists experience with design management, architectural/engineering review, permitting, BIM coordination, and stakeholder liaison. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering scenario-based questions related to design challenges, stakeholder management, and your understanding of airport operations. Prepare a compelling narrative for your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Pacific Pros and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). Understand LAWA's mission, recent projects, and the significance of the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh project to prepare for company-specific questions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Pacific Pros or Los Angeles World Airports before making application decisions. The role requires on-site presence and a strong focus on construction project management within an airport environment.