Technical & Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical & Design Manager

Company: Pattison ID

Location: Heath Springs, SC, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Technical Design Management / Operations

Date Posted: March 3, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of technical designers, ensuring structural integrity and high-quality deliverables across the entire design lifecycle.

• Drive process innovation and standardization within the design team, focusing on improving turnaround times, design consistency, and manufacturability.

• Monitor and report on team performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery and design turnaround time.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with Estimating, Sales, Art, Project Management, and Manufacturing to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with client brand expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges technical design, team leadership, and operational efficiency within a manufacturing context (signage). The focus on process standardization, KPI monitoring, and cross-functional collaboration clearly places it within the broader operations and GTM (Go-To-Market) support functions, requiring a blend of technical acumen and operational management skills. The "Technical & Design Manager" title, combined with responsibilities like "process innovation," "KPI monitoring," and "cross-functional collaboration," indicates a strong operational component beyond pure design oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management: Manage and assign daily/weekly workloads to optimize resource allocation, monitor real-time capacity, and rebalance assignments proactively to maintain throughput and service levels. Conduct regular 1:1s, performance evaluations, and coaching sessions to support team development.

• Technical Design Oversight: Oversee the full lifecycle of technical design development, from preliminary concepting to final production-ready files, ensuring structural integrity, quality, and adherence to codes, manufacturing capabilities, and installation best practices.

• Process Improvement & Standardization: Drive continuous improvement by standardizing design practices and documentation across all signage projects. Lead the implementation and adoption of core design software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, CorelDRAW) within the team.

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor and report on team performance using KPIs such as on-time delivery, design turnaround time, and design-related non-conformities. Utilize KPIs to guide performance discussions, process adjustments, and team coaching.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Estimating, Sales, Art, Project Management, and Manufacturing teams to align technical solutions with project requirements. Participate in regular meetings to support interdepartmental workflows and ensure design intent is maintained through production.

• Client & Stakeholder Support: Provide technical support for sales or project teams during client meetings as needed, ensuring customer requirements are effectively translated into manufacturable technical designs.

• Strategic Input: Provide recommendations to senior management on design tooling, process improvements, and emerging technologies. Contribute to the vision for technical design excellence and digital evolution within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw description lists responsibilities, the emphasis on "driving continuous improvement," "standardization of design practices," "KPI monitoring," and "cross-functional collaboration" strongly suggests a need for candidates who can not only manage a design team but also optimize the operational processes that support design delivery. This implies a need for candidates with a background in operational excellence or process management within a design or manufacturing context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Design, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical field is typically expected for a management role of this nature.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in technical design, with a significant portion in a leadership or management capacity.

Required Skills:

• Technical Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of designers.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in core design software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, and CorelDRAW.

• Process Optimization: Demonstrated experience in driving process innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• KPI Management & Reporting: Ability to define, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive team performance and identify areas for improvement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with sales, project management, manufacturing, and other departments.

• Structural Integrity & Feasibility: Deep understanding of structural feasibility, material selection, and code compliance relevant to signage and fabrication.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the signage or architectural fabrication industry.

• Familiarity with project management software and methodologies.

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles for process enhancement.

• Experience with digital transformation initiatives within design or manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI's "5-10" year experience level aligns well with a management role requiring both technical depth and operational leadership. The "Technical Design Leadership," "Process Innovation," and "KPI Monitoring" skills are directly derived from the job description and are critical for operations-focused candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Process Improvement: Showcase specific examples of how you have standardized design practices, improved workflow efficiency, or reduced design-related non-conformities. Quantify the impact where possible.

• Demonstration of CAD Proficiency: While direct software demonstration might occur during interviews, your portfolio should highlight complex projects where you utilized AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or CorelDRAW to solve intricate design challenges.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Illustrate your ability to manage projects from concept through to production-ready files, demonstrating an understanding of all stages and potential bottlenecks.

• Cross-Functional Project Examples: Include projects where you successfully collaborated with manufacturing, sales, or project management teams, highlighting how you ensured design intent was met and technical requirements were satisfied.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Evidence of creating clear, standardized design workflows, including documentation for each stage of the design development lifecycle.

• Implementation of New Tools/Processes: Examples of leading the adoption of new design software or process innovations within a team, detailing the change management and training involved.

• Performance Measurement and Analysis: Documentation of how you have defined, tracked, and reported on KPIs for a design or operations team, including analysis of trends and actionable insights derived from data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with strong operational and process improvement components, a portfolio is essential. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just design output, but the process behind it and the results achieved through optimization and leadership. This goes beyond a typical design portfolio and requires showcasing operational impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) matching program.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-sponsored coverage.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime depending on project demands and deadlines. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on a combination of Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary data for similar "Technical Design Manager" or "Engineering Manager" roles in the South Carolina region, adjusted for the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly the operational and leadership aspects. The on-site nature also influences the range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Signage Manufacturing & Digital Solutions. Pattison ID operates within the dynamic signage industry, providing comprehensive solutions that often integrate physical fabrication with digital technologies. This requires a keen understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and evolving design trends.

Company Size: While specific numbers aren't provided, the mention of "senior manager & plant manager" and multiple departments (Estimating, Sales, Art, Project Management, Manufacturing) suggests a medium to large-sized organization with established operational structures. This implies a need for structured processes and clear communication channels.

Founded: Information on the founding date of Pattison ID is not available in the provided data.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: This role directly manages a multidisciplinary team of technical designers, likely specializing in different aspects of signage design (e.g., structural, graphic integration, digital components).

• Reporting Structure: The Technical & Design Manager reports to a senior manager and potentially a plant manager, indicating a hierarchical structure within operations or manufacturing.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role is designed to be a central hub, collaborating closely with departments across the entire product lifecycle, from initial sales and estimation through to final manufacturing and project completion.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The emphasis on KPI monitoring and reporting suggests a culture that values quantifiable results and uses data to inform process adjustments and performance discussions.

• Process Standardization & Improvement: A commitment to continuously refining design practices and documentation to ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality.

• Technology Adoption: An openness to implementing and adopting new design software and emerging technologies to enhance capabilities and competitive edge.

Company Website: https://www.pattisonid.com/ (Assuming this is the correct company website based on the name)

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's focus on "digital evolution within the signage pillar" and collaboration with "Architectural and Digital pillars" suggests a forward-thinking company that embraces technological integration in its traditional manufacturing space. Understanding this blend of traditional fabrication and modern digital solutions will be key for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level management opportunity. It requires a solid foundation in technical design principles coupled with demonstrable skills in team leadership, process management, and operational efficiency. The scope includes direct team management, cross-functional influence, and strategic input into departmental improvements.

Reporting Structure: The Technical & Design Manager reports to a senior manager and potentially a plant manager, indicating a clear line of authority within the operations or manufacturing division. This structure provides opportunities for mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on revenue and business decisions by:

• Ensuring the quality and manufacturability of design deliverables, directly affecting production costs and timelines.

• Improving design turnaround times, which can accelerate sales cycles and project completion.

• Maintaining client satisfaction through high-quality, brand-aligned designs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Management: Potential to move into roles like Director of Operations, Plant Manager, or head of a broader design/engineering department, overseeing larger teams and more complex functions.

• Specialization in Operations/Process Excellence: Opportunity to deepen expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or operational strategy, potentially leading dedicated process improvement initiatives.

• Leadership in Digital Transformation: Contribute to and lead the integration of new digital technologies and workflows within the design and manufacturing processes.

• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Potential to move into roles in Project Management, Manufacturing Operations, or even Sales Engineering, leveraging a broad understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a candidate who can balance technical design expertise with strong operational management skills. Growth opportunities will likely involve expanding scope in operations, leading larger teams, or specializing further in process engineering or digital transformation within manufacturing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, likely involving a combination of office-based work for management duties and potentially some time spent in workshops or production areas to understand manufacturing constraints and collaborate directly with production teams.

Office Location(s): Heath Springs, SC. This location suggests a manufacturing hub environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close interaction with various departments (Sales, Estimating, Project Management, Manufacturing), requiring an environment that facilitates open communication and teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, CorelDRAW) and potentially project management and KPI tracking tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, 1:1s, and informal check-ins will be part of the daily routine, fostering a culture of shared problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the understanding that project deadlines may require occasional flexibility or overtime. The on-site requirement ensures full integration with the plant's operational rhythm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. Candidates should be comfortable working within a manufacturing setting and understand the dynamics of a plant environment, which often involves a different pace and set of challenges than a purely corporate office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications, focusing on experience with technical design leadership, CAD proficiency, and process improvement.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the senior manager or plant manager to assess leadership style, operational thinking, and strategic alignment. Expect questions about team management, process challenges, and previous improvement initiatives.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into your portfolio, potentially involving a presentation of a key process improvement case study or a complex technical design challenge you solved. This stage will assess your CAD skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of manufacturing constraints.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Sales, Project Management, and Manufacturing to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and understanding of interdepartmental workflows.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final conversation with senior leadership to confirm cultural fit and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project or case study, clearly state the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., X% reduction in design time, Y% decrease in non-conformities, Z% improvement in on-time delivery).

• Showcase Process Thinking: Don't just show finished designs; explain the process you used. Highlight how you standardized workflows, implemented new tools, or managed team capacity.

• Tailor to Operations: Emphasize aspects of your work that demonstrate operational efficiency, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Prepare for Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss specific CAD functionalities, material properties, and structural considerations relevant to signage manufacturing.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, skill area, or chronologically, with clear explanations for each item.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Improvement Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to improve a specific design process (e.g., reduce errors in client specification translation). Outline your approach, data collection methods, and potential solutions.

• Team Management Scenario: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, rebalancing workloads during peak periods, or resolving conflicts.

• Technical Problem-Solving: You might be presented with a complex design challenge that requires creative solutions balancing aesthetics, structural integrity, and manufacturing feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the blend of technical design and operations management, interviewers will likely probe for both hands-on technical skills and strategic operational thinking. A strong portfolio demonstrating process improvement and quantifiable results is crucial for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, CorelDRAW. Proficiency in at least one, ideally multiple, is critical. Expect to demonstrate advanced usage and potentially train others.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering Software: Potentially used for concept visualization and client presentations.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Monday.com, Jira, or MS Project may be used for task management, workflow tracking, and team collaboration.

• ERP/MRP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning or Manufacturing Resource Planning systems is beneficial for understanding how design integrates with production planning, inventory, and costing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills are essential for KPI tracking, data analysis, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and visualizing performance metrics.

• Custom Reporting Tools: The company might have internal systems for tracking design-related KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding how CRM data (e.g., from Salesforce) informs sales project requirements and how design specifications are handed off.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how design processes can be automated or integrated with other business systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, and CorelDRAW is a strong indicator of the required technical stack. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their depth of experience with these specific tools and how they leverage them for efficient design and production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound designs that meet stringent standards for structural integrity and client expectations.

• Efficiency & Throughput: A focus on optimizing processes to ensure timely delivery and maximize the team's output without compromising quality.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where designers, project managers, sales, and manufacturing teams work cohesively towards common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and proactive efforts to refine workflows, adopt new technologies, and enhance overall design capabilities.

• Accountability: A culture where individuals take ownership of their tasks, deadlines, and the quality of their work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative style, acting as a bridge between design, sales, project management, and manufacturing. This involves proactive communication, active listening, and a willingness to understand and address the needs of other departments.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open feedback loop where design processes are regularly reviewed, and constructive criticism is shared and acted upon to drive improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned to elevate the collective skill set and efficiency of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation" and "driving continuous improvement" highlights the company's desired operational ethos. Candidates should align their responses with these values, demonstrating how they embody them in their leadership and daily work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Speed: The primary challenge will be ensuring structural integrity and adherence to standards while meeting aggressive project timelines and client demands.

• Managing Diverse Skill Sets: Leading a multidisciplinary team requires adapting management style to individuals with different technical strengths and personalities.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying abreast of and implementing new design software, fabrication techniques, or digital integration methods can be complex and require significant change management.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring consistent communication and seamless workflow integration between design and other departments (especially Sales and Manufacturing) can be challenging due to differing priorities and perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD & Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in current tools or learn new specialized design software relevant to the industry.

• Operations & Lean Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or project management to enhance operational efficiency skills.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to training focused on effective team management, strategic planning, and leadership communication.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending events related to signage design, manufacturing technology, and digital integration to stay current with trends and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting these challenges and corresponding growth opportunities demonstrates an understanding of the role's complexities and a commitment to continuous professional development, which is valued in operations and management roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you implemented a new design process or standardized a workflow. What was the impact, and what challenges did you face?" (Focus on process improvement, data, and overcoming obstacles.)

• "How do you ensure your design team's output aligns with manufacturing capabilities and client requirements simultaneously?" (Emphasize cross-functional collaboration and understanding of the full lifecycle.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Pattison ID and the signage industry? How do you see your role contributing to our success?" (Research the company website, recent news, and understand their market position.)

• "How would you foster a culture of innovation and accountability within your design team?" (Align your answer with the company's stated values of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your most significant process improvement or leadership success story. Quantify results upfront.

• Walk Through the Process: For design projects, explain not just the final output but the journey: requirements gathering, concept development, technical detailing, collaboration with other teams, and final handover.

• Highlight Collaboration: Use examples where you successfully partnered with sales, estimating, or manufacturing to achieve a project goal.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss how you leverage specific CAD features or other software to enhance efficiency or solve complex problems.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about structural feasibility, material selection, and code compliance relevant to signage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that demonstrate both technical design expertise and strong operational management capabilities will be key. The interview will likely assess how well you can translate technical knowledge into actionable operational improvements and effective team leadership.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical & Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ultipro portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences related to technical design leadership, CAD software proficiency (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.), process innovation, KPI monitoring, team management, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Reduced design turnaround time by 15%").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your best work that showcases your ability to lead design teams, improve processes, and manage projects from concept to production. Focus on case studies demonstrating quantifiable results and strong cross-functional collaboration.

• Research Pattison ID: Thoroughly review the company website and any available information to understand their products, services, market position, and company culture. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience align with their specific needs and values.

• Practice Interview Responses: Anticipate common interview questions related to leadership, problem-solving, process improvement, and technical challenges. Prepare to articulate your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ 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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