Preconstruction Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Preconstruction Design Manager

Company: Hoffman Construction Company

Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Construction Operations / Design Management

Date Posted: November 07, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for bridging the gap between architectural/engineering design and constructability within Hoffman Construction's Preconstruction department.

• It involves managing and coordinating the design efforts of third-party architects and engineers, ensuring alignment with project budgets, schedules, and execution strategies.

• The position emphasizes expertise in Design/Build (DB), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Engineering/Procurement/Construction (EPC) models, requiring a strong understanding of construction workflows.

• The Design Manager will be instrumental in identifying opportunities for off-site manufacturing, prefabrication, self-performed work, and modularization to enhance safety and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input job title is "Preconstruction Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills heavily lean into operations management within the construction lifecycle, specifically focusing on the pre-construction and design phases to ensure efficient and cost-effective execution. This role is not a typical Revenue or Sales Operations role but rather a specialized operations function within the construction industry, focusing on process optimization and risk mitigation from the design stage through to execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate design milestone planning sessions to ensure seamless integration with construction schedule requirements.

• Organize and support specialized design cluster workgroups (e.g., Civil, Structural, Architectural, MEP, Electrical, Process) throughout the design phase.

• Conduct comprehensive design document quality and constructability reviews, leveraging internal Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and personal expertise.

• Guide Design-Build subcontract permitting processes with local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), including areas like fire protection, pipe supports, and stairs.

• Evaluate design for opportunities in Off-site Manufacturing (OSM), prefabrication, self-performed work, and modularization, collaborating with Hoffman's OSM department for packaging.

• Monitor and proactively manage design-related project risks, ensuring mitigation strategies are in place.

• Clearly define and manage design scope and responsibilities, including design assist, design build, and delegated design elements.

• Engage with owners throughout the design process to ensure client expectations are met or exceeded, and conduct post-mortem reviews to identify successes and future opportunities.

• Investigate local permitting processes and work with AHJs to establish efficient permitting strategies and design review durations, exploring model-based design reviews where feasible.

• Develop and implement robust design change and decision-making processes in conjunction with the Owner.

• Monitor and report on design progress, forecast upcoming design packages, and advise on future design package content.

• Utilize project management tools to track design decisions during preconstruction, creating dashboards to forecast cost against budget.

• Evaluate the Level of Development (LOD) of design models and ensure alignment with construction deliverables.

• Identify and propose construction efficiency strategies based on design content to the construction team.

• Engage key trade partners during the design process to gather essential trade design input for future deliverables.

• Guide in-house Power BI experts to develop and produce monthly design management status reports, including progress against schedule (PAS) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for design deliverables.

• Collaborate with in-house QA/QC managers to identify potential failure points and propose associated mock-ups or first-in-place reviews.

• Identify owner's sustainability goals and ensure their integration into design packages for compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed demonstrate a strong emphasis on process management, risk assessment, and stakeholder coordination, which are core to operations functions. The role requires proactive identification of inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, directly aligning with operational excellence objectives within the construction industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School diploma or GED required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture required (licensing not required).

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of construction experience.

• A minimum of 5 years of design experience preferred.

• Specific experience in industrial and/or hi-tech semiconductor manufacturing projects is preferred.

• Experience in the delivery of large, complex projects.

• Experience in the design and construction workflow and interface.

Required Skills:

• Emotional Intelligence (EQ): To interface effectively with design teams and owners, maintaining strong, collaborative relationships.

• Technical Design Discussion Skills: Ability to discuss design deliverables, including Level of Development (LOD), deliverable methods, file types, and file sharing processes.

• Strong Communication Skills: To maintain seamless continuity between design teams and field construction teams.

• Reporting & Forecasting: Ability to report on upcoming design changes and potential impacts to the program.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365: Including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams, with a general understanding of computer network operations.

• Familiarity with Project Management Software: Experience with platforms such as Prolog, Procore, E-Builder, or similar.

• Familiarity with Design Software: Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks.

• Design & Construction Document Proficiency: Ability to read and interpret design and construction documents, specifications, and soils reports.

• Data Organization: Experience in organizing technical data accurately and efficiently. Familiarity with the CSI specification system for construction.

• Team Collaboration: Must be a strong team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with various personnel across departments and at all experience levels.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Self-starter who is proactive in identifying issues and driving towards resolutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Visual Observation & Interpretation: Highly developed skills for accurate site and design assessment.

• Cooperative Attitude: Ability to maintain a positive and cooperative stance during high-pressure situations.

• Time Management & Prioritization: Excellent skills in managing multiple tasks and prioritizing work effectively.

• Field & Office Personnel Management: Experience in leading and managing teams in both office and field environments.

• Scheduling Tools: Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies, including scheduling tools like Primavera P6 & MS Project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required and preferred skills highlight a blend of technical design knowledge, interpersonal abilities (EQ, communication), and operational proficiency in project management and construction software. This combination is crucial for managing complex design processes and ensuring successful project outcomes in a construction operations context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Review Case Studies: Examples demonstrating successful quality and constructability reviews, highlighting identified issues and their resolutions.

• Risk Management Documentation: Showcase instances where design-related risks were identified, assessed, and mitigated, with evidence of impact reduction.

• Process Improvement Examples: Documentations of implemented process improvements in design coordination, communication, or workflow that led to efficiency gains or cost savings.

• Collaboration Artifacts: Evidence of successful cross-functional collaboration, such as meeting minutes, design charrette summaries, or cross-discipline coordination plans.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping and optimizing design workflows, particularly for DB, IPD, and EPC delivery models.

• System Integration and Reporting: Examples of how project management and design software were integrated to track design decisions, manage scope, and generate reports (e.g., Power BI dashboards for PAS and KPIs).

• Performance Measurement: Showcase how design progress, constructability, and risk were measured and reported against project objectives and KPIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is essential to demonstrate practical application of skills. It should not just list tools used but show how they were leveraged to solve problems and achieve project goals within the construction operations framework. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: Reflecting industry standards and the value of the role.

• Ongoing Professional Training and Development: Opportunities to enhance skills in design, construction, and project management, supporting career growth.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health insurance, paid time off, and a generous retirement plan.

• Free Primary Care: Access to dedicated company clinics for employees and their families, significantly reducing healthcare costs.

• Employee Ownership: As an employee-owned enterprise, there are opportunities for shared success and long-term investment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility to accommodate extended hours or off-shift work to meet critical project deliverables, attend crucial design meetings, or address urgent site issues, which is common in the fast-paced construction environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from industry salary surveys for construction management and design leadership roles in the Portland metropolitan area, adjusted for the specific responsibilities of a Design Manager. The benefits, particularly the free primary care and employee ownership, are significant differentiators for Hoffman Construction and should be highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Advanced Technology, Mission Critical, Life Sciences, Healthcare, Higher Education, Commercial Markets). Hoffman Construction specializes in technically complex, sustainable projects, positioning them as a leader in specialized construction sectors.

Company Size: A multi-billion-dollar, employee-owned enterprise, indicating a substantial organization with significant project capacity and resources, yet retaining a sense of shared ownership and collaborative spirit.

Founded: 1922. This long history signifies stability, a strong legacy of excellence, and deep-rooted experience in the construction industry.

Team Structure:

• Preconstruction Department Focus: The Design Manager operates within the Preconstruction department, reporting to Project Managers. This structure emphasizes a strong link between the planning and execution phases.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with project designers, owners, third-party architects/engineers, internal SMEs, OSM department, QA/QC managers, and potentially trade partners.

• Reporting & Communication: Regular reporting to stakeholders via monthly design management status reports is a key aspect, indicating a culture of transparency and data-driven progress tracking.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilization of tools like Power BI for tracking KPIs and forecasted costs against budget, and emphasis on design model LOD and constructability reviews.

• Integrated Project Delivery Focus: Experience with DB, IPD, and EPC models suggests a commitment to collaborative, streamlined project delivery methods.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement of post-mortems, identification of efficiency strategies, and proactive risk management points to a culture of learning and operational refinement.

Company Website: www.hoffmancorp.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's longevity, employee ownership model, and focus on complex, sustainable projects suggest a culture that values expertise, long-term relationships, and innovation. The Preconstruction Design Manager's role is central to ensuring these values are translated into executable designs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level position within the Preconstruction operations function. It requires a blend of architectural design understanding and practical construction execution knowledge, serving as a critical interface.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to Project Managers, indicating a direct contribution to project-level success. This structure allows for focused project support while benefiting from the broader guidance of experienced PMs.

Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on project success by ensuring designs are not only technically sound and aligned with owner vision but also executable within budget and schedule constraints. By identifying constructability issues early and promoting efficient design strategies (OSM, modularization), the role directly contributes to cost savings, schedule adherence, and overall project profitability and quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management: Progression to managing design for larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent projects.

• Preconstruction Leadership: Advancement into broader Preconstruction leadership roles, overseeing multiple aspects of the preconstruction process.

• Specialized Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific project types (e.g., semiconductor manufacturing, mission-critical facilities) or delivery methods (e.g., advanced IPD implementation).

• Transition to Project Management: Leveraging design and preconstruction experience to move into full Project Management roles.

• Operational Strategy Development: Contributing to the refinement of Hoffman's preconstruction and design management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager within a large firm like Hoffman Construction offers substantial opportunities. The emphasis on specialized project types and advanced delivery models means that developing deep expertise in these areas can lead to highly valuable and sought-after roles within the company and the broader industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based at a corporate office location in Lake Oswego, Oregon, with significant time likely spent on active construction sites and potentially at client or architect offices.

Office Location(s): Lake Oswego, Oregon. This location provides access to the Portland metropolitan area's construction market.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role demands extensive interaction with various internal teams (Preconstruction, OSM, QA/QC) and external stakeholders (owners, architects, engineers, trade partners). This suggests an environment that supports frequent meetings, discussions, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Technology Rich: Access to and proficient use of industry-standard design, project management, and reporting software (Revit, Navisworks, Procore, Power BI) is essential.

• Field Integration: The need to visit construction sites means the workspace extends beyond the office, requiring adaptability to dynamic and potentially challenging site conditions.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week). However, flexibility is crucial, with the expectation of extended hours or off-shift work to meet critical project deadlines, attend essential design reviews, or respond to urgent project needs. This adaptability is key to managing complex construction projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of office-based work, site visits, and potential client meetings requires a highly adaptable professional. The company's emphasis on collaboration and technology suggests a modern, dynamic work environment, though the construction context implies a need for resilience and flexibility regarding work hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of resume and application materials, focusing on architectural education, construction/design experience, and familiarity with key software.

• Technical Interview: An interview with Preconstruction leadership or senior project managers to assess technical knowledge of design coordination, constructability, risk management, and familiarity with DB/IPD/EPC models. Expect discussions on specific software proficiencies (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD).

• Portfolio Review Session: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant projects. This session will focus on demonstrating problem-solving skills, process optimization examples, and the ability to articulate design challenges and their operational impacts.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of EQ, communication skills, teamwork, and ability to maintain a cooperative attitude under pressure. This may involve situational questions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with executive leadership, focusing on strategic alignment and overall fit within Hoffman Construction's culture and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design-to-Construction Transition: Include projects that clearly illustrate how you managed the transition from design intent to constructible solutions, highlighting any challenges overcome.

• Quantify Impact: For each project or example, use metrics (e.g., cost savings identified, schedule improvements, risks mitigated, efficiency gains from OSM/prefabrication) to demonstrate tangible results.

• Process Mapping: Visually represent design workflows, coordination processes, or risk management frameworks you have employed.

• Software Proficiency Demonstration: If possible, include examples of how you've used tools like Revit, Navisworks, or Power BI to support design coordination, clash detection, or reporting.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Focus on your role and contributions. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, highlighting key achievements and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Constructability Review Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you are given a set of design documents and asked to identify constructability issues, suggest alternatives, and outline the process for addressing them with the design team.

• Risk Identification Exercise: You might be asked to identify potential design-related risks on a given project type (e.g., a hi-tech facility) and propose mitigation strategies.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex design issues and their operational implications clearly and concisely to different audiences (e.g., owner, project manager, trade partner).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case study/scenario-based challenges indicates that Hoffman Construction values practical application of skills and the ability to articulate one's thought process and problem-solving approach, especially concerning the intersection of design and operational execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks (for 3D modeling, clash detection, visualization, and design review).

• Project Management Software: Prolog, Procore, E-Builder (for project documentation, cost tracking, scheduling, and collaboration).

• Collaboration & Productivity: Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) for daily tasks, reporting, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Power BI: Crucial for developing and producing monthly design management status reports, tracking progress against schedule (PAS), and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis related to design scopes, costs, and schedules.

CRM & Automation:

Scheduling Tools:

• Primavera P6 & MS Project: Familiarity with these tools is preferred for understanding project timelines and integrating design milestones with overall construction schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design visualization, BIM (Building Information Modeling), project execution management, and data analytics for reporting. Proficiency in these areas, particularly Revit, Navisworks, Procore, and Power BI, is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Build What Matters. Create What’s Next.: This slogan suggests a focus on impactful projects and forward-thinking innovation.

• Collaboration and Respect: As an employee-owned company, there's an inherent value placed on teamwork, mutual respect, and shared success.

• Inclusion: Commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.

• Initiative and Innovation: Empowering employees to take initiative, explore new paths, and drive forward new ideas.

• Excellence and Technical Acumen: Specialization in technically complex projects implies a high standard for technical expertise and quality execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Relationship-Focused: Emphasis on building and sustaining open, trusting relationships with design teams and owners, facilitated by strong EQ.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active participation in design cluster workgroups and engagement with various internal departments (OSM, QA/QC) highlights a highly integrated approach.

• Data-Informed Communication: Regular reporting and use of dashboards (Power BI) indicate a preference for clear, data-backed communication to stakeholders.

• Proactive Engagement: Encouraging proactive identification of issues and pushing for resolutions points to a dynamic, problem-solving collaboration style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive environment where employees are empowered to contribute to meaningful projects. The Design Manager's role is central to embodying these values by fostering strong relationships and driving efficient, collaborative design processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Constructability: The primary challenge is ensuring architectural/engineering creativity and owner requirements are met while maintaining strict adherence to budget, schedule, and practical construction feasibility.

• Managing Third-Party Design Teams: Coordinating and influencing external architects and engineers who may have different priorities or workflows requires strong negotiation and relationship management skills.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating new design technologies (e.g., advanced BIM, AI in design) and construction methods (OSM, modularization) into established processes.

• Navigating Complex Permitting: Understanding and efficiently managing diverse local permitting processes and AHJ requirements for complex projects.

• Data Integration and Reporting: Effectively leveraging and synthesizing data from various sources into actionable reports (e.g., Power BI) for diverse stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Delivery Models: Deepening expertise in DB, IPD, and EPC methodologies through hands-on project experience.

• Sustainability Practices: Gaining practical experience in integrating and achieving LEED or other sustainability goals on complex projects.

• Off-site Manufacturing (OSM): Developing specialized knowledge in how design impacts and enables efficient OSM and modular construction.

• Technology Adoption: Learning and applying cutting-edge BIM tools, project management software, and data analytics platforms.

• Leadership Skills: Developing project management and leadership capabilities within a large, established construction firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a role at the intersection of design and construction operations. Hoffman Construction's focus on complex projects and employee ownership suggests a strong commitment to developing its talent to meet these challenges and seize growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Optimization: "Describe a time you identified a significant constructability issue during the design phase. What was your process for addressing it, who did you involve, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your structured approach, collaboration, and quantifiable results).

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you build and maintain trust with design teams and owners, especially when navigating differing opinions or constraints?" (Highlight your EQ, communication strategies, and focus on shared project goals).

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Walk me through how you would assess a design package for opportunities in off-site manufacturing or prefabrication. What factors do you consider, and how do you present these findings?" (Demonstrate your analytical skills and understanding of operational efficiency).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Cultural Fit: "Hoffman emphasizes 'Build What Matters.' How does your approach to design management align with this philosophy?" (Connect your work to impactful projects, quality, and innovation).

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams, including disciplines like MEP, structural, and civil engineers, as well as trades. How do you ensure effective communication and coordination?" (Provide specific examples of collaborative workflows).

• Impact Measurement: "How have you used data and reporting tools (like Power BI) to communicate design progress and impact to stakeholders?" (Be ready to discuss KPIs, PAS, and how you translate data into actionable insights).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state your role, the project's objectives, the specific design challenges you faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes (cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize the process you followed – how you conducted reviews, facilitated meetings, managed risks, and coordinated with teams. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Show examples of how you've used software like Revit, Navisworks, or Power BI to solve problems or improve communication. If you have screenshots of dashboards or clash reports, include them.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying "improved communication," say "reduced RFI response time by 15% by implementing a new RFI tracking process."

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical design understanding, strong operational process management skills, and excellent interpersonal abilities. The portfolio is a critical tool to validate these claims with concrete examples and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Preconstruction Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight projects where you managed design coordination, constructability reviews, and risk mitigation, particularly for complex or specialized construction projects. Ensure it showcases your experience with DB, IPD, or EPC delivery models.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords related to design management, preconstruction, BIM software (Revit, Navisworks), project management tools (Procore, E-Builder), Power BI, constructability, risk management, and any experience in industrial or hi-tech sectors. Quantify achievements with metrics.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with case studies from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design challenges, stakeholder management, and how you ensure designs are executable within budget and schedule constraints. Research Hoffman Construction's notable projects and values.

• Company Research: Understand Hoffman Construction's market position, project types (advanced technology, mission critical, etc.), and their emphasis on employee ownership, sustainability, and innovation. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and company culture.

⚠️ 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.