Pre-Construction Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Pre-Construction Design Manager

Company: Marian Development Group LLC

Location: Louisville, KY, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Construction Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the full lifecycle management of third-party design consultants for assigned projects, ensuring design intent, budget, and schedule alignment from concept through Issued for Construction (IFC) documentation.

• Serves as the central coordinator between internal stakeholders (Development, Estimating, Operations), external design firms (Architecture, Civil, Structural, MEP, Interior Design, specialty consultants), and general contractors.

• Drives design quality and ensures adherence to company product standards to support successful project execution.

• Specializes in project types including multifamily housing, assisted living (LIHTC and market rate), and build-to-rent townhome communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the operational feasibility and constructability of development projects by bridging the gap between design conception and execution. It requires a blend of technical design understanding, project management rigor, and strong stakeholder management skills within the real estate development and construction lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the selection, engagement, and performance of third-party design consultants throughout the project lifecycle.

• Facilitate and document design coordination meetings, ensuring clear communication and timely resolution of design-related issues among all project stakeholders.

• Oversee the development and review of design documents, including schematic design, design development, and Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings and specifications, ensuring constructability and compliance with project requirements.

• Drive value engineering initiatives and design optimization efforts to identify cost savings and improve project efficiency without compromising quality or design intent.

• Ensure all design deliverables align with budget constraints, project schedules, and company product standards and best practices.

• Coordinate with permitting agencies and relevant authorities to facilitate the timely approval of design documents and construction permits.

• Review contractor submittals and respond to RFIs (Requests for Information) during the construction phase to ensure design intent is maintained.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of design processes, decisions, and changes, ensuring a clear audit trail for all projects.

• Collaborate with estimating and operations teams to provide design insights that inform accurate cost projections and operational planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive approach to design management, focusing on early identification and mitigation of potential issues before they impact budget or schedule during construction. This proactive stance is a hallmark of effective pre-construction operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in design management, architecture, engineering coordination, or preconstruction.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary design consultants across architectural and engineering disciplines.

• Strong understanding of construction execution and experience working closely with general contractors.

• Familiarity with multifamily, assisted living, or residential product types is highly preferred.

• Proficiency with design and construction management tools, including Autodesk Construction Cloud and Bluebeam.

• Comprehensive knowledge of building codes, permitting processes, and construction methods.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

• Ability to accurately read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects.

• Familiarity with various construction methods and materials relevant to multifamily and assisted living developments.

• Advanced proficiency in project scheduling software.

• Experience in contract negotiation and management for design consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software like Autodesk Construction Cloud and Bluebeam, along with experience in residential product types, points to a need for practical, hands-on operational skills directly applicable to the firm's core business. The 10+ years of experience requirement suggests a senior-level role requiring significant autonomy and strategic input.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex design management projects, ideally within the multifamily or assisted living sectors, demonstrating full lifecycle oversight.

• Evidence of successful consultant coordination, highlighting how complex design challenges were navigated and resolved.

• Examples of design documentation (e.g., key drawings, specifications excerpts) that illustrate attention to detail and adherence to standards.

• Case studies detailing value engineering initiatives and their impact on budget and constructability.

Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for managing third-party design consultants from RFP to project completion.

• Examples of design review checklists and constructability assessment reports.

• Processes for integrating design feedback from estimating and operations teams.

• Systems for tracking design progress against project schedules and budgets.

• Procedures for managing design changes and ensuring compliance with building codes and permitting requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to design management, including tangible results from value engineering and constructability reviews, will be crucial for showcasing operational expertise. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the processes behind their project successes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in the Louisville, KY area, the estimated salary range is $100,000 - $130,000 per year. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the specialized industry experience required, and the cost of living in Louisville, KY.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, Dental & Vision coverage.

• Company-paid Life Insurance.

• Company-paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance.

• 401K Plan with potential company match.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).

• 9 Paid Holidays per year.

• On-site In-house Gym facility.

• Professional Development Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required during critical project phases, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in major metropolitan areas. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The comprehensive benefits package reflects a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, common in established development firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development & Construction, with a specialization in affordable and market-rate multifamily housing and affordable assisted living.

Company Size: The Marian Group has approximately 50-200 employees, indicating a mid-sized organization where individuals can have a significant impact.

Founded: Founded in 1997, Marian Development Group has over two decades of experience, suggesting a stable and established company with a deep understanding of its market.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a dedicated Development or Pre-Construction team, potentially reporting to a Director of Development or VP of Pre-Construction.

• The team structure emphasizes collaboration across departments, including Development, Estimating, and Operations, to ensure integrated project planning and execution.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the focus on budget alignment, schedule coordination, and performance metrics.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to managing the design process efficiently and ensuring constructability.

• Automation and efficiency practices are supported by the requirement for proficiency in tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud and Bluebeam, which streamline documentation and collaboration.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=610402ee-f925-4726-8bf7-5694c33964d3&ccId=19000101_000003

📝 Enhancement Note: Marian Development Group's stated commitment to "People, Neighborhoods and Community" and core values (Purpose Driven, Innovative, Compassion & Team-Work) suggests a culture that values impact, collaboration, and employee well-being. This is a key differentiator for candidates seeking purpose-driven work in operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the operations and development lifecycle. It requires extensive experience and the ability to manage complex processes and external relationships independently. The scope includes strategic oversight of the pre-construction design phase.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Development or Pre-Construction department, such as a Director of Development or VP of Pre-Construction. They will manage relationships with external consultants and collaborate closely with internal departments.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly influences project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ultimate success of development projects. By ensuring designs are aligned with budget, schedule, and constructability, they mitigate risks and optimize outcomes for the company's portfolio, directly impacting profitability and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product types (e.g., LIHTC, senior living) or advanced design technologies.

• Leadership: Progress to a Director-level role, managing a larger team of design managers or overseeing broader pre-construction functions.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Transition into broader development management roles, leveraging design and pre-construction expertise.

• Professional Development: Access to company-sponsored training, certifications, and industry conferences to enhance skills in areas like sustainable design, advanced construction techniques, and project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for impact and growth within a specialized sector of real estate development. Candidates should highlight their experience in managing complex projects and their ability to contribute strategically to the company's development pipeline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a professional office environment supporting development and construction operations. This setting is typically collaborative, with dedicated workspaces for project teams.

Office Location(s): Louisville, KY, with the primary office likely located in a business district that facilitates access for employees and visitors. Specific address details would be available upon application.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms and common areas for team interaction.

• Access to necessary technology and software for design management, project tracking, and communication will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with various internal teams (development, estimating, operations) and external partners (designers, contractors) are integral to the daily work environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and critical design milestones. This might involve occasional extended hours or weekend work during peak periods, typical for project-driven environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct engagement with project-related activities and personnel. This environment is conducive to hands-on problem-solving and relationship building.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or HR representative to discuss background, experience, and initial fit. Questions will focus on design management experience, project examples, and understanding of the construction lifecycle.

• Second Interview/Panel Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Pre-Construction, Director of Development) and potentially key team members. This stage will delve deeper into technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and strategic thinking. Expect case studies or scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their most relevant projects, detailing their role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Interview/Reference Checks: Concluding discussions and verification of professional references.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 2-3 projects that best represent your design management expertise, particularly those in multifamily or assisted living.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to demonstrate impact – e.g., cost savings from value engineering, schedule improvements, reduction in RFIs due to constructability reviews.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and actions, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results.

• Highlight Process: Explain the methodologies and systems you used for consultant management, design reviews, and cross-functional coordination.

• Showcase Tools: Briefly mention your proficiency with tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud and Bluebeam within the context of your project work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge, such as a zoning issue, a material constraint, or a budget overrun during the design phase.

• Consultant Management Scenarios: Prepare to answer questions about managing underperforming consultants or resolving disputes between design disciplines.

• Constructability Review: Discuss your approach to conducting constructability reviews and identifying potential issues early in the design process.

• Budget & Schedule Integration: Be ready to explain how you ensure design decisions align with project budgets and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly evaluate a candidate's technical acumen, project management capabilities, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process and impact is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC): Expected to be used for project documentation management, collaboration, and workflow automation. Proficiency in its features for design review, document control, and team communication is key.

• Bluebeam Revu: Essential for PDF markups, document comparison, and collaborative review of architectural and engineering drawings. Candidates should be comfortable using its advanced features for annotation, measurement, and quality control.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard use of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, reporting, analysis, and presentations. Advanced Excel skills for budget tracking and analysis may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, the company likely uses a system for project tracking, scheduling, and reporting. Experience with integrated project management platforms is advantageous.

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze project data from various sources (e.g., design documents, cost reports, schedules) to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with internal company systems for development and operations management is important.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with general collaboration tools (e.g., email, instant messaging, video conferencing) for effective communication with internal and external teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Autodesk Construction Cloud and Bluebeam is explicitly stated as a requirement, indicating these are critical operational tools for managing design documentation and collaboration. Familiarity with project management platforms that integrate design and construction data will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose Driven: A strong orientation towards creating positive impact through the development of quality living options for residents and communities.

• Innovative: Openness to new approaches in design, construction, and project management to drive efficiency and improve outcomes.

• Compassion & Team-Work: Emphasis on collaborative relationships, empathy, and mutual support within the team and with stakeholders.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities and delivering on commitments, particularly in managing complex projects and external consultants.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing data and analysis to inform decisions, track progress, and optimize project performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with Development, Estimating, and Operations teams, requiring strong communication and a shared understanding of project goals.

• Proactive Communication: An emphasis on clear, timely, and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including external design consultants and general contractors, to prevent issues and foster positive working relationships.

• Process Improvement Focus: A culture that encourages continuous evaluation of existing processes for design management and pre-construction to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values—Purpose Driven, Innovative, Compassion & Team-Work—are central to its culture. Candidates who can demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly in their approach to collaboration and problem-solving, will be a strong fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of various internal departments, external design consultants with different specializations, and general contractors.

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Staying abreast of evolving building codes, zoning laws, and permitting requirements across different jurisdictions.

• Budgetary Constraints: Ensuring design decisions remain within budget parameters while meeting quality and functional requirements, often requiring difficult trade-offs.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to aggressive project timelines and managing multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality or attention to detail.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Industry Training: Opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and pursue certifications related to multifamily housing, assisted living development, and construction management.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior leaders within the development and pre-construction teams to foster professional growth.

• Exposure to New Technologies: Learning to leverage advanced features of design and project management software, and potentially exploring new technologies in construction and design.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on more complex projects, lead cross-functional teams, and develop strategic decision-making skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges inherent in real estate development, fostering resilience and strategic thinking. The company's commitment to professional development suggests a supportive environment for continuous learning and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting and managing third-party design consultants. What criteria do you prioritize, and how do you ensure accountability?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to resolve a significant design conflict between architectural and engineering disciplines. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure that design decisions align with project budgets and construction schedules? Provide an example."

• "Describe your experience with value engineering. How do you identify opportunities, and how do you present recommendations to stakeholders?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our company values (Purpose Driven, Innovative, Compassion & Team-Work), how would you approach a challenging situation with a design consultant?"

• "How do you foster collaboration between design teams and construction teams to ensure a smooth project handover and execution?"

• "What aspects of multifamily or assisted living development excite you the most, and why are you interested in working with Marian Development Group?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your project examples as compelling narratives, highlighting the challenge, your role, the solution, and the quantifiable results.

• Visual Aids: Use key drawings, process diagrams, or photos to illustrate your points. Keep slides concise and impactful.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your contributions directly benefited the project in terms of cost, schedule, quality, or risk mitigation.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate the methodologies and systems you employed, especially in relation to consultant management, design reviews, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Tool Integration: Explain how you leveraged tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud and Bluebeam to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience using concrete examples and quantifiable results. Demonstrating a strategic understanding of the design-to-construction lifecycle, coupled with strong communication and collaboration skills, will be key to a successful interview.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Pre-Construction Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience in design management, preconstruction, and consultant coordination. Emphasize specific achievements in multifamily and assisted living projects.

• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a portfolio that showcases 2-3 key projects, detailing your role, the challenges, your solutions, and quantifiable results. Include examples of design coordination, value engineering, and constructability reviews.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific examples, focusing on your ability to manage consultants, integrate design with budget/schedule, and collaborate cross-functionally. Be ready for scenario-based questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Marian Development Group's projects, core values, and mission. Understand their focus on People, Neighborhoods, and Community, and how your role contributes to these principles.

⚠️ 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.