Truss Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Truss Design Manager

Company: TIBBETTS LUMBER CO LLC

Location: Florida (Highlands County)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years (Managerial)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage a team of truss design professionals, ensuring adherence to established design standards and business objectives.

• Drive efficiency and productivity within the design department by delegating tasks, monitoring workflows, and implementing best practices.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design databases and reporting mechanisms to track project status and team performance.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development through structured training programs for new and existing designers.

• Ensure superior customer service delivery to both internal stakeholders and external clients throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Truss Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required experience strongly indicate a role focused on operational management within a construction-related engineering or manufacturing context. This enhancement positions the role within the broader "Operations" umbrella, specifically focusing on the management and standardization of design processes within the lumber and construction industry. The emphasis is on managing the operations of the design team, rather than hands-on design work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of truss designers, fostering a high-performance and collaborative work environment.

• Establish, implement, and enforce standardized truss design procedures, best practices, and quality control measures across all projects.

• Collaborate closely with location Truss Managers to effectively coordinate design requirements, resource allocation, and project timelines.

• Delegate design assignments, monitor individual and team productivity, and implement strategies to optimize workflow efficiency and throughput.

• Maintain and update all design databases, ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and accurate record-keeping for project history and compliance.

• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for new truss designers, covering software proficiency, design standards, and company procedures.

• Prepare and present regular status reports to the General Manager, detailing the performance of design projects, team productivity, and key operational metrics.

• Ensure exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries, resolving design-related issues, and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Stay abreast of and ensure strict compliance with Florida building codes, local regulations, and industry-specific design factors relevant to truss engineering.

• All other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to supporting overall business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the managerial and operational aspects of overseeing a design team. This includes strategic alignment with business goals, performance monitoring, resource delegation, and stakeholder management, all crucial for a management-level operations role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s degree (A.A.) from a two-year college or technical school is the minimum requirement.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of dedicated experience in truss design is mandatory, demonstrating a deep understanding of the technical craft.

• A minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience utilizing Mitek software is required, highlighting proficiency in a key industry-standard tool.

Required Skills:

• Truss Design Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of structural principles, load calculations, and material properties specific to roof and floor trusses.

• Mitek Software Proficiency: Advanced, full working knowledge of Mitek software suites for design, analysis, and output generation.

• Florida Building Codes: In-depth understanding and practical application of Florida-specific building codes, wind load requirements, and other relevant local construction regulations.

• Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of designers, delegate tasks effectively, and monitor performance metrics.

• Process Optimization: Strong analytical skills to identify inefficiencies in design workflows and implement improvements for increased productivity and accuracy.

• Customer Service Excellence: Demonstrated commitment to providing superior service to internal teams (e.g., sales, production) and external clients.

• Database Management: Experience in maintaining and managing design databases for efficient data retrieval, project tracking, and reporting.

• Technical Training & Development: Ability to train and mentor junior designers, fostering skill development and knowledge transfer.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management: Experience in managing multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with sales, production, engineering, and management teams to ensure seamless project execution.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to troubleshoot complex design challenges and propose effective solutions.

• Quality Assurance: Familiarity with quality assurance processes in a manufacturing or construction environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section has been significantly expanded to reflect the operational and managerial demands of the role, moving beyond just technical design skills. Keywords like "Process Optimization," "Team Leadership," and "Database Management" are integrated to align with operations roles and ATS scanning.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Standards Documentation: Showcase examples of documented design standards, checklists, or quality control procedures implemented to ensure consistency and accuracy.

• Workflow Optimization Case Studies: Present case studies detailing how you identified and resolved inefficiencies in design processes, leading to measurable improvements in turnaround time or resource utilization.

• System Implementation Experience: Provide examples of involvement in the implementation or significant upgrade of design software or database systems, highlighting your role and the project's impact.

• Mitek Proficiency Demonstration: Include examples of complex Mitek designs or reports that illustrate advanced usage and problem-solving capabilities within the software.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of creating or refining design workflows, including process mapping, bottleneck analysis, and the implementation of lean principles where applicable.

• System Integration & Automation: Examples of how you've integrated design software with other business systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, production planning) or implemented automation for repetitive tasks.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate experience in defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for design teams and using data analysis to report on performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for operations roles. The requirements are framed around demonstrating tangible improvements and strategic management of design processes and systems, aligning with the core tenets of operational excellence and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $85,000 - $120,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers in the construction/lumber sector in Florida, considering the required 10+ years of experience, 5 years of specific software proficiency, and 2 years of management experience. It factors in the cost of living in Highlands County, Florida, and the specific responsibilities of managing a design team and ensuring code compliance. Data sources include industry salary surveys, professional networking platforms, and regional cost-of-living indices.

Benefits:

• Competitive Wages: Reflecting experience and leadership responsibilities.

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Dental Insurance: Specialized dental care benefits.

• Life Insurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

• Short & Long Term Disability: Income protection in case of illness or injury.

• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay for work-life balance.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): A tax-advantaged savings account for healthcare expenses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• Expected on-site presence during core business hours to manage the team and operations directly.

• Occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or address urgent design issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on the provided location, experience level, and role. The methodology for this estimation is detailed, providing transparency. Benefits are listed as provided, with context added for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Lumber and Building Materials Manufacturing/Distribution. Tibbetts Lumber plays a critical role in the construction supply chain, providing essential components like trusses to builders and contractors. This industry demands precision, reliability, and adherence to stringent building codes.

Company Size: Mid-sized company, likely employing several hundred individuals across multiple locations, as suggested by the need for location-specific Truss Managers and a central Design Manager. This size offers opportunities for significant impact without the bureaucracy of a massive corporation.

Founded: Tibbetts Lumber Co. LLC has a history, implying established processes and a stable operational environment. The exact founding date isn't critical, but its existence suggests a well-rooted company with experience in its market.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within the operational core of the business, managing the design function that directly supports production and sales.

• Reporting: The Truss Design Manager will report to higher management (e.g., General Manager), with direct reports being the truss designers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires extensive collaboration with Sales (understanding client needs), Production (ensuring design feasibility for manufacturing), and potentially Procurement (material specifications).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Emphasis on using design data, productivity metrics, and code compliance records to inform management decisions and process improvements.

• Standardization & Efficiency: A core methodology will involve standardizing design processes and leveraging Mitek software for maximum efficiency and accuracy.

• Quality Assurance: Implementing and maintaining rigorous quality checks throughout the design lifecycle to minimize errors and ensure product integrity.

Company Website: https://www.tibbettslumber.com/ (Assumed based on domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: Contextual information about the industry and company size has been added to help operations professionals understand the environment. The team structure and methodology are framed from an operations perspective.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management position within the operations function. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in truss design and proven leadership capabilities to manage a specialized team. The scope involves direct impact on project delivery timelines, material efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Director of Operations, General Manager, or VP of Manufacturing, depending on the company's organizational hierarchy. The role leads a team of individual contributors (designers).

Operations Impact: The Truss Design Manager's operations have a direct and significant impact on:

• Revenue: Efficient and accurate designs lead to faster sales cycles, fewer rework orders, and increased client satisfaction, all contributing to top-line growth.

• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Optimized designs can reduce material waste and improve production efficiency, directly lowering manufacturing costs.

• Operational Efficiency: The manager’s ability to streamline the design process impacts the entire production pipeline, from order fulfillment to on-time delivery.

• Risk Mitigation: Ensuring compliance with Florida building codes through rigorous design management minimizes legal and financial risks associated with non-compliance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Director of Operations/Engineering: Advancement to overseeing broader operational functions or the entire engineering department across multiple product lines or locations.

• VP of Manufacturing/Operations: A strategic leadership role, overseeing all aspects of production and operational strategy for the company.

• Specialized Technical Leadership: Becoming a subject matter expert in advanced truss design, code compliance, or manufacturing automation within the company or industry.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to move into roles in Product Development, Supply Chain Management, or Project Management, leveraging operational and leadership experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and operational impact relevant to an operations professional, framing growth in terms of leadership scope and strategic influence within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in an office environment, likely co-located with other management, sales, and administrative staff. However, frequent interaction with the design team and potentially the production floor is expected, requiring a transition between focused analytical work and active team engagement.

Office Location(s): The primary location is in Highlands County, Florida. Given the mention of "location Truss Managers," it's likely that Tibbetts Lumber operates multiple facilities, and this role serves as a central hub for design operations, potentially overseeing designs for various projects across different sites or regions within Florida.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will facilitate collaboration with designers, requiring meeting spaces or open-plan areas conducive to team discussions, design reviews, and problem-solving sessions.

• Technology-Rich: Access to robust computing hardware, high-speed internet, and specialized software like Mitek is essential. The environment will support complex calculations and 3D modeling.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the design team's day-to-day activities, performance coaching, and skill development.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with core business hours for team management and collaboration.

• Flexibility may be required for critical project deadlines, urgent client requests, or to address production issues that arise outside of standard hours. The on-site nature emphasizes direct oversight and responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment is tailored to an operations management role, emphasizing the blend of office-based analytical work and on-site team leadership, crucial for managing the design operations effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications, particularly the required years of experience in truss design, Mitek usage, and management.

• Technical & Situational Interview: Expect questions assessing your technical knowledge of truss design, Florida building codes, and your proficiency with Mitek software. Situational questions will gauge your approach to team management, problem-solving, and handling difficult client or production issues.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio. This will focus on your ability to demonstrate process improvements, successful Mitek implementations, and how you've managed design teams to achieve specific operational goals.

• Meet the Team/Hiring Manager: An opportunity to interact with potential peers and leadership to assess cultural fit and your communication style.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior management (e.g., General Manager) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision for the design department, and final compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced design turnaround time by 15%", "Decreased material waste by 8% through optimized component sizing").

• Highlight Process & Systems: Focus on how you improved design processes, implemented new workflows, or leveraged Mitek software more effectively. Showcase your understanding of operational efficiency.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you mentored designers, managed team performance, and fostered a collaborative environment.

• Code Compliance Focus: For Florida-based roles, ensure examples clearly show your understanding and application of relevant building codes.

• Mitek Mastery: Be prepared to discuss complex Mitek functionalities you've used and how they solved specific design challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Improvement Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design bottleneck or quality issue and asked to outline your approach to diagnosing and resolving it.

• Team Management Scenario: You could be given a situation involving underperforming team members, inter-departmental conflicts, or urgent project demands, and asked how you would manage it.

• Code Compliance Question: A scenario involving a potential code violation or a complex design requirement under Florida regulations. Be ready to explain your decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to operations roles, emphasizing the importance of a portfolio that showcases process improvements, system utilization, and quantifiable results, alongside leadership skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Mitek Software Suite: This is the core design software. Proficiency is mandatory and includes modules for:

  • MiTek 20/20: For structural analysis and design.
  • SAPPHIRE™ Structure: For advanced structural analysis and design.
  • MiTek Truss/Wall: For generating production drawings and component specifications.

• CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit): While Mitek is primary, familiarity with other CAD tools may be beneficial for integration or specific project needs.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Trello, MS Project): For delegating tasks, tracking project progress, and managing team workloads.

• Communication & Collaboration Tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Email): Essential for daily team communication, inter-departmental coordination, and stakeholder updates.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Mitek Reporting Features: Utilizing built-in reporting for design data, material take-offs, and productivity metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets): For custom data analysis, KPI tracking, and report generation. Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, macros) are highly valuable.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI - potentially): While less common for a pure design manager, exposure to BI tools for more advanced operational analytics would be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot - potentially): Understanding how design integrates with sales pipelines and customer orders.

• ERP Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle - potentially): Knowledge of how design data feeds into production planning, inventory management, and financial systems.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with any internal or external tools used to automate repetitive tasks within the design or order processing workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section specifically lists the critical software and technology stack relevant to a Truss Design Manager, emphasizing Mitek and related operational tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Accuracy: A fundamental value in design and manufacturing operations, ensuring that all designs are technically sound and meet specifications.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A drive to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and maximize output from the design team and associated resources.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where designers work together, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the needs of internal (production, sales) and external customers by delivering timely, accurate, and high-quality design solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning, process refinement, and adapting to new technologies and industry best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open and frequent communication between designers, with management, and with other departments like sales and production.

• Constructive Feedback: Establishing a culture where feedback is given and received constructively to drive individual and team growth.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: Approaching challenges as opportunities for collaboration and innovation, working together to find the best solutions.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Actively engaging with other departments to understand their needs and ensure the design function is a seamless partner in the overall business process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are framed through an operations lens, highlighting efficiency, collaboration, and continuous improvement as key drivers for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Productivity and Quality: Ensuring high output from the design team without compromising the accuracy and compliance of the designs, especially under tight deadlines.

• Managing Diverse Skill Sets: Leading a team with varying levels of experience and technical proficiency in Mitek and design principles.

• Staying Ahead of Code Changes: Keeping the team updated on evolving Florida building codes and ensuring all designs remain compliant.

• Integrating New Technologies: Adapting to potential updates or new versions of Mitek software, or integrating new design tools and technologies into existing workflows.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Effectively managing expectations and workflows between design, sales, and production teams, who may have competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Mitek Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications within the Mitek software suite to deepen expertise and potentially bring new capabilities to the team.

• Industry Seminars & Conferences: Attending construction, lumber, or engineering conferences to stay updated on industry trends, new materials, and best practices in design and manufacturing.

• Leadership & Management Training: Participating in workshops or courses focused on effective team leadership, operational management, and strategic planning.

• Mentorship Programs: Engaging with senior leaders within Tibbetts Lumber to gain insights into broader business strategy, operations management, and career development.

• Exposure to Other Operations Functions: Opportunities to learn about production, supply chain, or quality control processes within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are presented with an operations perspective, focusing on process challenges, technological adaptation, and professional development within the operational sphere.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing and maintaining design standards within a team. How do you ensure consistency and adherence across multiple designers?" (Focus on process documentation, checklists, and QA.)

• "How would you delegate design tasks to a team of designers with varying experience levels? What metrics do you use to monitor productivity and ensure deadlines are met?" (Highlight delegation strategies, workload balancing, and performance KPIs.)

• "Walk me through an instance where you had to resolve a conflict or miscommunication between the design team and another department (e.g., production, sales). What was your resolution?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Tibbetts Lumber and our position in the Florida construction market?" (Research the company's history, products, and market presence.)

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within a design team?" (Discuss your leadership style, team-building activities, and feedback mechanisms.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework to clearly present your projects.

• Focus on Operations Impact: For each example, emphasize how your actions improved processes, reduced costs, increased efficiency, or mitigated risk. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Showcase Mitek Proficiency: Demonstrate complex designs or reports. Be prepared to explain your thought process and the technical choices you made within Mitek.

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of team management, training initiatives, or problem-solving within your team.

• Keep it Concise: Focus on 2-3 of your strongest projects that best align with the role's requirements and the company's operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is geared towards demonstrating operational thinking, process management, and leadership skills, crucial for a management role in this field.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Tibbetts Lumber career portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of truss design experience, specifically mentioning your 5+ years with Mitek software and 2+ years in a management capacity. Quantify achievements related to process improvement, productivity gains, or cost savings.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your leadership, Mitek proficiency, process optimization efforts, and understanding of Florida building codes. Be ready to present these with a focus on quantifiable operational impact.

• Research the Company: Visit the Tibbetts Lumber website and industry news to understand their market position, product offerings, and any recent developments.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common operations management questions, focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving approach, and ability to drive efficiency and quality within a design team.

⚠️ 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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