Kiewit - Building Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Building Design Manager

Company: Kiewit

Location: Dallas, TX; Lone Tree, CO; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Lenexa, KS

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Design Engineering / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-07-30

Experience Level: Senior Level (10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary building design teams, encompassing architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and BIM designers, to ensure successful project execution from concept through construction.

• Serve as the primary interface for assigned projects, coordinating with proposal, engineering, construction, procurement, and client teams within a highly matrixed environment.

• Drive project performance by setting and monitoring expectations for productivity, quality, schedule, and budget, implementing recovery plans as needed to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.

• Champion Design-Build (DB) and Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) methodologies, ensuring the team operates with a forward-thinking, integrated project delivery mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Kiewit's Industrial Building A&E team, focusing on complex DB or EPC projects. The emphasis on managing multi-disciplinary teams and driving project performance from design through construction indicates a strong need for strategic operational oversight and process-driven execution. The role requires a blend of technical expertise and robust project management skills within the industrial sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the building project team, establishing clear expectations for performance, productivity, and quality.

• Act as the central point of contact for project teams, engineering discipline leads, and other key stakeholders, fostering seamless communication and collaboration.

• Oversee project initiation and development during both estimating and execution phases, ensuring projects are strategically set up for success.

• Proactively manage project staffing needs, balancing project demands with the professional development of team members.

• Drive clear and consistent communication across the project team and with various stakeholders regarding ongoing activities, contractual obligations, budget adherence, and overall project schedules.

• Collaborate closely with the estimating department, leveraging lessons learned from production to inform future bids and project planning.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules for design, procurement, installation, and commissioning phases, working in conjunction with the project controls team.

• Oversee the complete building scope of a project, acting as the primary liaison for procurement, construction, clients, and project management concerning building design and execution.

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with Design-Build (DB) and EPC project stakeholders, representing Kiewit Architectural & Engineering's (KAE) expertise in building solutions.

• Lead design reviews and facilitate technical coordination among disciplines to ensure project milestones are met efficiently and effectively.

• Conduct weekly internal building coordination meetings, engineering meetings, and participate in key project meetings such as project controls, model walks, and procurement sessions.

• Provide accurate forecasting of project manpower requirements to IBG KAE department managers.

• Define, own, and manage project schedules and various document control metrics to ensure compliance and progress.

• Drive the adoption and execution of Design-Build and EPC project delivery mindsets within the project team.

• Thoroughly understand and manage project contract requirements, ensuring alignment with the project estimate and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on operational management, including resource allocation, performance monitoring, and schedule/budget control, which are core to revenue and sales operations functions. The need to integrate design with construction and procurement underscores the GTM (Go-To-Market) operations aspect of ensuring project delivery aligns with client contracts and estimates.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Architectural Engineering is required.

• A Master’s degree is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of relevant design and Project Management experience.

• At least 7 years of experience specifically in building design.

• At least 3 years of relevant building project management experience, including leading a team.

• Experience where the candidate has served as the central point of contact for coordinating engineering, construction, and vendors. Required Skills:

• Proven leadership experience in managing multi-discipline building design teams (Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, BIM).

• Expertise in Design-Build (DB) and Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) project delivery methodologies.

• Strong understanding of industrial market sectors, including experience with pharmaceutical, nuclear, federal projects, aviation, transportation, data centers, hospitals, education, biotech, distribution centers, power, water/wastewater treatment, and sports arenas.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to drive project execution, manage scope, schedule, and budget effectively.

• Solution-driven mindset with a strong ability to problem-solve and implement recovery plans.

• Proficiency in project scheduling and man-hour budget management.

• Familiarity with contract requirements and estimating principles for building projects. Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) license.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.

• Experience in regulated environments or clean rooms.

• Advanced knowledge of BIM design and its application in project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience, with a significant portion in building design and project management, positions this as a senior-level operations role. The emphasis on DB/EPC and specific industrial market sectors indicates a need for candidates with a strong understanding of complex project lifecycle operations and client-facing responsibilities, aligning with GTM and project operations functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful leadership of multi-disciplinary building design teams on complex industrial projects.

• Evidence of managing project budgets and schedules, showcasing on-time and within-budget project delivery with quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration).

• Examples of implemented process improvements or innovative solutions that enhanced project efficiency, quality, or safety.

• Documentation of experience with Design-Build and EPC project delivery models, highlighting your role in their successful execution.

• Projects showcasing experience with various industrial market sectors relevant to Kiewit’s focus areas. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have developed and maintained project schedules and man-hour budgets.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to managing project scope, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies.

• Case studies detailing how you facilitated technical coordination between architectural, mechanical, electrical, and BIM disciplines.

• Evidence of your approach to stakeholder management and communication across diverse project teams and client representatives.

• Examples of how you have collaborated with estimating teams and leveraged production lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this caliber, a portfolio is crucial to showcase practical application of skills. The focus should be on demonstrating process ownership, from initial project setup and team formation through to execution, monitoring, and successful completion, highlighting quantifiable outcomes and adherence to complex delivery models like DB and EPC.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $155,000 per year (Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

Benefits:

• Top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents.

• Voluntary wellness programs and employee assistance programs.

• Life insurance.

• Disability insurance.

• Retirement plans with matching contributions (e.g., 401K).

• Generous paid time off (PTO). Working Hours:

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

• Overtime and weekend work may be required based on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level Project/Design Manager role in the construction and engineering industry, particularly for a company of Kiewit's stature. The comprehensive benefits package is standard for large, established firms and is designed to attract and retain experienced professionals. The mention of potential overtime aligns with the demanding nature of large-scale construction projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering (specifically Industrial Buildings A&E)

Company Size: Kiewit is a large, employee-owned company, typically employing over 20,000 people globally. This size indicates a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and a broad project portfolio. For operations professionals, this means potential for structured career paths, established processes, and opportunities for cross-functional exposure.

Founded: Kiewit was founded in 1884, signifying a long history of stability, expertise, and adaptation in the construction and engineering sectors. This longevity suggests a company deeply invested in its long-term vision and employee development.

Team Structure:

• The Kiewit Architectural & Engineering (KAE) division operates within Kiewit's broader Industrial and Water Engineering group.

• This role is within the Design Engineering department, focusing on the Industrial market.

• The Building Design Manager will lead a multi-discipline team, including architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and BIM designers.

• The role operates in a highly matrixed environment, requiring collaboration with various project teams, construction operations, estimating, and procurement. Methodology:

• KAE focuses on delivering integrated design and engineering solutions, often through Progressive Design Build (PDB), EPC, and other alternative delivery models.

• Emphasis is placed on creating high-performance, sustainable facilities across diverse growth markets.

• Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement are likely core tenets, with a focus on lessons learned from project execution to inform estimating and future designs.

• Collaboration between design and construction operations is a key methodology to reduce risk and accelerate delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kiewit's employee-owned structure often fosters a strong culture of commitment, shared success, and long-term career investment. The emphasis on integrated delivery models (DB, EPC) means operations professionals here are involved in the entire project lifecycle, from pre-construction planning and estimating through final handover and client satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Level position, equivalent to a Project Manager or senior Design Lead within the operations and engineering framework. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, responsibility for significant project outcomes, and the leadership of technical teams. The role is focused on the strategic execution of building design within large-scale industrial projects.

Reporting Structure:

• The Building Design Manager will report to department managers within the Kiewit Industrial & Water Engineering (KIW) group, specifically within the Kiewit Architectural & Engineering (KAE) division.

• They will lead a team of architects and engineers, acting as the primary interface for project management and other key stakeholders.

• This role requires navigating a matrixed organizational structure, collaborating with various functional groups and project teams. Operations Impact:

• The Building Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on project profitability, schedule adherence, and client satisfaction by ensuring the efficient and effective execution of building designs.

• Their leadership influences the productivity, quality, and technical integrity of the building components of large-scale industrial projects, which are critical to Kiewit's overall success in its core markets.

• By driving the DB/EPC mindset and fostering strong stakeholder relationships, they contribute to Kiewit's reputation as a leading integrated project delivery firm. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential to advance into higher-level project management roles, program management, or leadership positions within the KAE division, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific industrial market sectors (e.g., Nuclear, Federal, Data Centers) or in advanced project delivery methodologies.

• Technical Advancement: Opportunities to contribute to the development of Kiewit's engineering standards, best practices, and technology adoption within the building design domain.

• Mentorship: Become a mentor for junior engineers and designers, contributing to Kiewit's talent development pipeline.

• Business Development Support: Contribute to proposal development and client engagement, leveraging project experience to secure new business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Building Design Manager at Kiewit is geared towards operational leadership within large, complex projects. The emphasis on DB/EPC and diverse market sectors provides ample opportunities for specialization and advancement into roles with broader strategic and financial responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, requiring the Building Design Manager to be present at one of the designated office locations (Lone Tree, CO; Lenexa, KS; Dallas, TX; or Houston, TX). While Kiewit offers relocation assistance for Lenexa, KS or Lone Tree, CO, candidates in Dallas or Houston are expected to be local.

Office Location(s): The specific office locations are:

• Lone Tree, Colorado

• Lenexa, Kansas

• Dallas, Texas

• Houston, Texas Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, involving close interaction with project teams, engineering disciplines, and project management staff.

• Access to necessary design and project management software, tools, and technology will be provided to support project execution.

• The environment likely fosters a results-oriented culture, where efficiency, problem-solving, and timely delivery are highly valued.

• Regular participation in project meetings, design reviews, and coordination sessions will be a key aspect of the daily workspace. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.

• Flexibility may be required, with potential for overtime and weekend work to meet project deadlines and critical milestones, especially during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and potential for travel (up to 25%) indicate a hands-on role deeply integrated with project teams. This environment is best suited for individuals who thrive on direct collaboration and are comfortable working within a dynamic project setting that may necessitate extended hours to ensure project success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications against the minimum requirements, focusing on years of experience, education, and relevant industry/project type background.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and senior engineering/project management staff to evaluate technical expertise in building design, understanding of DB/EPC, and experience with industrial projects. Expect questions on project challenges, problem-solving approaches, and team leadership.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of selected projects from your portfolio, highlighting your role, responsibilities, project outcomes, and specific contributions to design execution, schedule, and budget management. This is a critical stage to demonstrate practical application of skills.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of leadership style, communication skills, collaboration approach, and alignment with Kiewit's company culture and values. Questions will likely focus on how you handle conflict, motivate teams, and manage stakeholder relationships.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management to discuss strategic fit and long-term career aspirations within Kiewit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in managing multi-disciplinary building design teams for complex industrial projects, ideally demonstrating DB/EPC experience.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the project's scope, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule improvements, quality enhancements). Use specific metrics and data.

• Highlight Process Ownership: Detail your approach to team leadership, communication strategies, schedule and budget management, risk mitigation, and technical coordination. Show how you achieved results.

• Demonstrate DB/EPC Understanding: Be prepared to explain your role and contributions within these specific project delivery models, emphasizing integration and collaboration.

• Tailor to Kiewit: Understand Kiewit's market focus and operational style, and be ready to connect your experience to their needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: You may be asked to present a hypothetical or past project scenario and outline your approach to managing specific challenges related to design coordination, budget overruns, or schedule delays.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared for questions that assess your ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, and propose practical, efficient solutions.

• Leadership Scenarios: Questions about motivating teams, resolving conflicts, and driving performance under pressure are common.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills through portfolio review and scenario-based questions. Candidates should prepare to articulate their operational methodologies and showcase concrete examples of how they have successfully managed complex building design projects from a leadership and execution standpoint.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms for scheduling, budgeting, and tracking (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Procore, or Kiewit's internal systems).

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for design coordination, clash detection, and visualization.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools facilitating team communication and document sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Autodesk Construction Cloud).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data, man-hour reports, budget forecasts, and schedule variance reports. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and analysis is essential.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience working with or contributing to project dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget status, and schedule adherence.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding client relationship management principles is key for stakeholder engagement.

• Experience with workflow automation within design or project management processes, if applicable, would be beneficial.

• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or integrated project delivery platforms that connect design, procurement, and construction operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in project management and BIM software is critical. The role requires strong analytical skills to interpret project data and contribute to reporting, underscoring the operational aspect of managing project performance metrics. Experience with integrated platforms that connect various project phases is highly valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the construction industry; adherence to safety protocols and promoting a safe working environment is expected.

• Integrity: Conducting business ethically and honestly, building trust with clients, team members, and stakeholders.

• Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality design and construction, meeting or exceeding client expectations.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Emphasis on working together across disciplines and departments to achieve common project goals. Kiewit's employee-ownership model often reinforces this value.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Driving continuous improvement in processes, technologies, and project delivery methods to enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building long-term relationships.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration with construction, procurement, estimating, and other engineering disciplines to ensure a cohesive project approach.

• Proactive Communication: An open and proactive communication style is essential for managing expectations, resolving issues, and keeping all stakeholders informed.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous learning, enabling the team to adapt and improve throughout the project lifecycle.

• Results-Oriented: A shared focus on achieving project milestones, delivering on commitments, and driving successful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kiewit's values, particularly safety, integrity, and teamwork, are foundational. For an operations-focused role, demonstrating how these values translate into daily work, such as proactive safety reporting, ethical decision-making in budget management, and collaborative problem-solving across teams, will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity: Overseeing multi-disciplinary teams on large, complex industrial building projects requires sophisticated coordination and problem-solving skills.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the diverse expectations of clients, construction teams, engineering disciplines, and management within a matrixed structure.

• Schedule and Budget Pressures: The inherent pressure to deliver projects on time and within budget in the construction industry, especially with tight market demands.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of new design software, BIM advancements, and construction technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

• Geographic Distribution: Coordinating with teams and stakeholders across different office locations or even project sites.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex projects, potentially at a program management level.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific industrial sectors or advanced building technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Kiewit likely offers internal training and development programs focused on leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional licenses (PE/RA) and relevant certifications in project management or specific engineering fields.

• Mentorship: Gaining insights and guidance from experienced senior leaders within Kiewit's extensive network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that translate directly into growth opportunities. Successfully navigating the complexities of large-scale industrial projects and leading diverse teams will build a strong foundation for further career advancement within Kiewit's operational leadership ranks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a multi-disciplinary team facing conflicting priorities. How did you ensure project alignment and successful delivery?" (Focus on collaboration, conflict resolution, and outcome.)

• "Walk us through a complex industrial building project you managed from design through construction. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you address them to meet schedule and budget?" (Prepare a detailed case study emphasizing your process and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you approach forecasting manpower needs and managing project budgets and schedules for large-scale design-build or EPC projects?" (Demonstrate your understanding of project controls and resource management.)

• "Imagine a critical design element is delayed, impacting the construction schedule. What steps would you take to mitigate this risk and communicate with stakeholders?" (Showcase problem-solving, risk management, and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kiewit's approach to Design-Build and EPC projects, and how does your experience align with this?" (Research Kiewit's project delivery methods and client successes.)

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and quality within your project teams?" (Connect to Kiewit's core values.)

• "Describe your experience working in a matrixed organization. How do you ensure effective collaboration and accountability across different functional groups?" (Highlight your adaptability and stakeholder management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, use a clear structure: Project Overview -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Key Challenges -> Solutions/Processes Implemented -> Quantifiable Outcomes -> Lessons Learned.

• Highlight Operational Impact: Focus on how you managed the project operations – your leadership, decision-making, process improvements, and how these directly contributed to meeting scope, schedule, and budget.

• Visual Aids: Use slides with key metrics, project timelines, team structures, and perhaps visual examples of the buildings designed, if appropriate and non-confidential.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific decisions, technical aspects, or team dynamics within your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your operational methodologies for project execution, team leadership, and risk management. Your portfolio should serve as tangible evidence of your ability to manage complex building design projects within Kiewit's preferred delivery models.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Building Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Kiewit careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of relevant experience, focusing on building design, project management, multi-disciplinary team leadership, and specific industrial market sector expertise. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best exemplify your leadership in managing complex industrial building designs using DB/EPC methodologies. Quantify your achievements in schedule, budget, and quality.

• Research Kiewit: Familiarize yourself with Kiewit's company history, values, current projects, and their approach to Design-Build and EPC delivery. Understand their key markets and operational philosophy.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your experience, leadership style, and project management approach concisely and effectively, especially during portfolio review and interview stages.

⚠️ 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.

---