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 / Preconstruction Management

Date Posted: 2026-04-29T18:37:41

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead design coordination and management within preconstruction phases for complex construction projects, focusing on Design/Build, IPD, and EPC delivery models.

• Bridge the critical gap between architectural/engineering design intent and constructability, ensuring technical soundness aligns with project budget and schedule constraints.

• Facilitate and lead design milestone planning, quality reviews, and constructability assessments, leveraging in-house Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and external consultants.

• Drive innovation in construction methods by identifying opportunities for Off-site Manufacturing (OSM), prefabrication, modularization, and self-performed work, collaborating closely with Hoffman’s OSM department.

• Manage design-related project risks and proactively identify potential failure points, proposing mock-ups or first-in-place reviews to mitigate issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Preconstruction Design Manager is crucial for ensuring that the complex interplay between design and construction is managed effectively from the outset. This position requires a deep understanding of construction methodologies and the ability to translate intricate design documents into executable construction plans, particularly within advanced project delivery models like Design/Build and IPD. The emphasis on Off-site Manufacturing (OSM) and prefabrication indicates a forward-thinking approach to construction efficiency and sustainability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead collaborative chartering sessions with owners, designers, and contractors to establish shared project missions, communication protocols, and foundational understanding.

• Cultivate and maintain robust, trust-based relationships with design teams, serving as the primary conduit for program-level design progression, continuous improvement, and opportunity identification.

• Organize and facilitate design cluster work groups (e.g., Civil, Structural, Architectural, MEP, ELIT) and actively participate throughout the entire design phase.

• Guide the permitting process for Design-Build subcontracts with local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), including specific elements like fire protection, pipe supports, and stairs.

• Review design documentation to identify opportunities for Off-site Manufacturing (OSM) and prefabrication, collaborating with Hoffman’s OSM department to package designs for modularization.

• Proactively monitor and manage design-related project risks, evaluating and defining design scope and responsibilities, including design assist, design build, and delegated design.

• Engage continuously with the owner throughout the design process to ensure alignment with and exceeding client expectations, conducting post-mortems to capture lessons learned and future opportunities.

• Investigate local permitting processes and collaborate with AHJs to establish permitting strategies and optimize design review durations, advocating for model-based design reviews where feasible.

• Develop and implement a clear design change and decision-making process in conjunction with the Owner, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

• Monitor and report on design progress, forecast upcoming design packages, and provide expert advice on future design package content and requirements.

• Utilize project management and design tracking tools to monitor design decisions during preconstruction, generating dashboards that compare forecasted costs against budget.

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

• Identify and propose construction efficiency strategies based on design content, working with the construction team to implement improvements.

• Engage key trade partners during the design process to incorporate trade-specific design input into future deliverables, enhancing constructability and cost-effectiveness.

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

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

• Ensure owner's sustainability goals are identified and integrated into design packages, promoting compliance and environmental responsibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a highly proactive and collaborative role. The emphasis on detailed reporting, risk management, and stakeholder engagement underscores the importance of strong operational rigor. The specific mention of Power BI for reporting and the integration with OSM and QA/QC departments points to a data-driven and quality-focused approach to preconstruction.

🎓 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 and 5 years of design experience is preferred.

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

• Proven experience in the delivery of large, complex projects.

• Extensive experience in coordinating and understanding multiple design scopes (Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Process, etc.).

Required Skills:

• Strong emotional intelligence (EQ) to foster and maintain robust relationships with design teams and owners.

• Technical acumen to discuss design deliverables, including Level of Development (LOD), deliverable methods, file types, and file sharing protocols.

• Excellent communication skills to ensure seamless continuity between design teams and field construction teams.

• Ability to effectively report on upcoming design changes and their potential impacts on the program.

• Proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), with a general understanding of network environments.

• Experience with project management software such as Prolog, Procore, E-Builder, or similar platforms.

• Experience with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks.

• Proficient in reading and interpreting design and construction documents, specifications, and soils reports.

• Demonstrated ability to organize technical data neatly and accurately, with familiarity with the CSI specification system.

• Experience in organizing technical data neatly and accurately, familiar with the CSI specification system for construction.

• Highly developed visual observation and interpretation skills for design review and site assessment.

• Ability to maintain a cooperative and constructive attitude in high-pressure situations.

• Excellent time-management skills with the capacity to multitask and prioritize work effectively.

• Strong team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse personnel across departments and experience levels.

• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies, including scheduling tools (Primavera P6 & MS Project).

Preferred Skills:

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

• LEED Accreditation or the ability to obtain certification within 18-24 months.

• Experience with field and office personnel management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required technical skills emphasize a blend of design software familiarity (Revit, Navisworks) and project management platforms (Procore, E-Builder), which are standard in modern construction operations. The emphasis on EQ and communication highlights the people-centric nature of bridging design and construction. The preference for industrial/semiconductor experience suggests a specialization focus for Hoffman Construction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful design coordination and management on complex construction projects, ideally within Design/Build, IPD, or EPC frameworks.

• Clearly articulate your role in bridging design and construction, highlighting how you ensured technical feasibility within budget and schedule constraints.

• Provide examples of how you facilitated design milestone planning, constructability reviews, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Include evidence of your ability to identify and implement Off-site Manufacturing (OSM), prefabrication, or modularization opportunities.

Process Documentation:

• Exemplify your approach to facilitating design chartering sessions and establishing clear communication protocols.

• Document your methodology for leading design cluster work groups and managing design document quality.

• Illustrate your process for identifying and mitigating design-related project risks.

• Showcase your experience in developing and implementing design change and decision-making processes.

• Provide examples of how you have monitored and reported on design progress, forecasting upcoming packages and advising on content.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should not only list completed projects but also deep-dive into the process by which design challenges were overcome. Demonstrating the ability to create and interpret reports (like Power BI dashboards) and manage complex workflows within project management software will be critical. Highlighting early involvement in constructability reviews and risk assessment during the design phase is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 to $165,000 DOE (Depending on Experience)

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As an employee-owned company, you'll have a direct stake in Hoffman's long-term success.

• Free Primary Healthcare: Access to dedicated healthcare clinics for employees and their families.

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

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Generous Retirement Program: A robust 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan.

• Professional Skills Training: Opportunities for continuous learning and development.

• Potential for Extended Hours/Off-Shift Work: Flexibility to accommodate critical project deliverables, with commensurate compensation or time-in-lieu where applicable.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility required for extended hours or off-shift work to accommodate critical project-related deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Preconstruction Design Manager role in the Portland metropolitan area, reflecting the specialized skills and experience required. The emphasis on employee ownership and free primary healthcare clinics are significant differentiators in the benefits package, indicating a strong commitment to employee well-being and long-term retention. The flexibility in working hours is typical for preconstruction roles but is balanced by the strong benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (General Building, Infrastructure, Industrial Manufacturing, Healthcare, Aviation, Education, etc.)

Company Size: Large (Likely 500+ employees, based on the scope of projects mentioned like Portland International Airport and the description of a century-old, employee-owned firm with extensive operations).

Founded: Approximately a century ago, indicating a long-standing reputation and deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

• The Preconstruction department is a key functional area within Hoffman Construction.

• The Design Manager reports to Project Managers on specific projects, indicating a project-centric reporting structure within preconstruction.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is evident through the use of Power BI for reporting KPIs and tracking forecasted costs against budget.

• Emphasis on process optimization through constructability reviews, risk management, and the integration of new construction technologies and methods (e.g., OSM, modularization).

• Collaborative approach to design development, fostering strong relationships and open communication channels between all project stakeholders.

• Commitment to quality assurance and control is integrated into the design review process, with proactive identification of potential failure points.

Company Website: https://www.hoffmancorp.com/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: Hoffman Construction's long history and employee-owned structure suggest a culture that values stability, long-term commitment, and shared success. The mention of iconic projects indicates a focus on high-impact, complex construction. The integration of specialized departments like OSM and internal healthcare clinics points to a sophisticated operational structure and a strong investment in employee welfare.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the preconstruction operations function. It requires a strong foundation in design principles and construction practices, coupled with leadership and project management capabilities. The position is critical for ensuring the successful initiation and planning phases of large-scale projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to Project Managers on a project-by-project basis. This structure allows for direct involvement in project execution while maintaining a focus on the specialized area of design coordination. The role also interfaces with various internal departments and external stakeholders, requiring strong cross-functional communication.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on project success by:

• Ensuring designs are constructible, cost-effective, and meet project goals, directly influencing project profitability and schedule adherence.

• Mitigating risks early in the project lifecycle, preventing costly changes and delays during construction.

• Driving innovation in construction methods, potentially leading to improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability for the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into Senior Design Manager roles, Program Management, or Executive Preconstruction leadership positions, overseeing multiple projects or entire preconstruction departments.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., semiconductor manufacturing, industrial facilities) or advanced construction methodologies (e.g., BIM, modular construction, sustainability integration).

• Cross-Functional Movement: Opportunities to move into broader project management roles, operational strategy, or business development, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the project lifecycle.

• Continuous Learning: Access to ongoing professional development, training, and potential for certifications (e.g., LEED, PMP) supported by the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Preconstruction Design Manager at a firm like Hoffman Construction often leads to significant project leadership. The emphasis on employee ownership can also mean that leadership roles come with greater responsibility and a more direct stake in the company's financial performance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in an office environment, likely a modern corporate office setting, as indicated by the company's headquarters location and the nature of preconstruction work. However, it requires frequent site visits.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is 5500 Meadows Road, Suite 500, Suite 2100, Lake Oswego, OR 97035. This is a key operational hub for Hoffman Construction.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to foster collaboration, with teams working on project planning and design coordination. Expect interaction with project managers, estimators, schedulers, and other preconstruction specialists.

• Technology & Tools: Access to a robust technology stack, including advanced design software (Revit, Navisworks), project management platforms (Procore, E-Builder), and data analysis tools (Power BI). High-speed internet and network access are essential.

• Field Integration: Regular travel to active construction sites is a critical component of the role, requiring adaptability to dynamic and sometimes challenging site conditions. This provides opportunities for direct observation and interaction with field teams.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but flexibility is essential. The demands of preconstruction and active construction sites often necessitate extended hours, weekend work, or off-shift involvement to meet critical deadlines and address emergent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of office-based strategic planning and on-site operational assessment is typical for this role. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires adapting to both detailed analytical tasks and the practical realities of a construction site.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience in preconstruction, design management, and your understanding of relevant project delivery models (DB, IPD, EPC). Expect questions about your approach to collaboration, risk management, and problem-solving.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve a panel interview with members of the preconstruction team, project managers, or senior leadership. You may be asked to discuss specific case studies from your portfolio, detailing your contributions and the outcomes. Technical questions regarding design software, BIM, and constructability will likely be explored.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated segment where you will present key projects and initiatives from your portfolio. This is an opportunity to showcase your process, problem-solving skills, and impact with data and visual aids.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or a department head to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within Hoffman Construction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 projects that best demonstrate your experience in design management, preconstruction, and working with complex delivery models.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making processes within each project. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., cost savings identified, schedule improvements implemented).

• Showcase Process: Detail your methodology for design coordination, constructability reviews, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.

• Data Visualization: Present data effectively, using charts and graphs to illustrate progress, cost forecasts, risk mitigation, and KPIs. If you have experience with Power BI, showcase relevant dashboards.

• Problem/Solution/Outcome: Structure your case studies around a clear problem, the solution you implemented, and the positive outcome achieved.

• Tailor to Hoffman: Research Hoffman Construction's project types and values. Highlight experiences that align with their focus on iconic projects, employee ownership, and innovation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be presented with a hypothetical design scenario and asked to identify potential constructability issues, propose efficiency strategies, or outline a risk mitigation plan.

• Process Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your typical process for managing design changes, conducting a constructability review, or facilitating a design milestone meeting.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Practice responding to questions about how you would handle disagreements between design teams and construction teams, or how you would communicate bad news about design impacts to an owner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and demonstrable experience. A well-prepared portfolio that vividly illustrates your process and impact will be a significant advantage. The specific mention of Power BI suggests that demonstrating data analysis and reporting skills within your portfolio will be highly valued.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Prolog, Procore, E-Builder (Experience with at least one is expected). These tools are critical for managing project documentation, communication, and workflows.

• Design Software: AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks (Familiarity with these is essential for understanding and reviewing design deliverables).

• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) are fundamental.

• Scheduling Software: Primavera P6, MS Project (Understanding scheduling principles and software is key for design milestone planning).

• Document Management: Adobe Acrobat (for PDF manipulation and review), Bluebeam Revu (highly common for markups and collaboration on construction documents).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence: Power BI (explicitly mentioned for generating monthly design management status reports and tracking KPIs). Proficiency in creating dashboards and reports is a significant asset.

• Data Analysis: Advanced Excel skills are assumed for data manipulation and analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, understanding the CRM's role in client management and how preconstruction data feeds into it could be beneficial. Automation, particularly in workflow management and reporting, is implied through the use of BI tools.

• Integration: General understanding of how different software systems (e.g., CRM, PM software, design tools) might integrate to streamline data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is robust and industry-standard for large-scale construction operations. Demonstrating proficiency not just in using these tools but in leveraging them for process improvement, data analysis, and reporting (especially Power BI) will set candidates apart.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: As an employee-owned company, a high degree of integrity and trustworthiness is expected, fostering a culture where individuals have a stake in collective success.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasized through the need for strong relationships with design teams, owners, and internal departments. The culture values mutual support and shared problem-solving.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraged through the focus on Off-site Manufacturing (OSM), prefabrication, and the drive to find efficiency in design and construction processes.

• Quality & Excellence: A core tenet, evident in the emphasis on constructability reviews, QA/QC integration, and the company's portfolio of iconic projects.

• Accountability: Individual and team accountability for project success, driven by the employee-ownership model and project-centric reporting.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration is essential between design, preconstruction, construction, and specialized departments like OSM and QA/QC.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that encourages open dialogue, early identification of issues, and transparent reporting to all stakeholders.

• Feedback-Driven: A willingness to engage in constructive feedback, both for design improvements and personal/process development, as suggested by post-mortem reviews.

• Efficiency-Oriented: A shared goal of streamlining processes, optimizing workflows, and leveraging technology to achieve project objectives more effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of employee ownership and a focus on delivering complex, high-profile projects suggests a culture that is both people-centric and performance-driven. Candidates who thrive in environments where they have a direct impact and are part of a supportive, high-achieving team will be well-suited.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing the often-conflicting demands of design intent, owner expectations, budget constraints, and construction schedules requires sophisticated prioritization and negotiation skills.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Dynamics: Effectively communicating and aligning diverse stakeholders (owners, architects, engineers, trades, internal teams) with potentially different priorities and communication styles.

• Integrating Emerging Technologies: Staying abreast of and successfully integrating new design tools, BIM advancements, OSM techniques, and data analytics platforms into established workflows.

• Managing Project-Specific Risks: Proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks that could impact project cost, schedule, or quality.

• Adapting to Site Conditions: Transitioning from office-based design review to on-site assessment requires adaptability to varying environments, weather, and safety protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Delivery Methods: Deepen expertise in Design/Build, IPD, and EPC project delivery models through hands-on experience and company-supported training.

• Technology Proficiency: Gain advanced skills in BIM coordination, data analytics (Power BI), and potentially explore new preconstruction technologies.

• Sustainability Integration: Develop expertise in integrating LEED and other sustainability goals into design packages, a growing area in the construction industry.

• Leadership Skills: Develop project management and team leadership capabilities through mentorship and exposure to complex project leadership.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue and be sponsored for professional certifications such as LEED Accreditation or potentially PMP.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to complex preconstruction roles. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for individuals looking to specialize in advanced project delivery or technology integration within the construction sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a significant design change that impacted the project budget or schedule. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, communication, and problem-solving).

• "How do you approach building trust and rapport with external design teams, especially when there are disagreements on constructability or cost?" (Highlight EQ, communication strategies, and collaborative problem-solving).

• "Walk me through your process for conducting a constructability review on a complex project. What key areas do you focus on, and how do you document findings?" (Demonstrate structured methodology and attention to detail).

• "Tell me about a situation where you identified an opportunity for Off-site Manufacturing (OSM) or prefabrication. How did you propose and implement it, and what were the benefits?" (Showcase innovation and impact on efficiency).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Hoffman Construction's commitment to employee ownership, and how do you think that impacts the company culture and project delivery?" (Research the company's ESOP model and its implications).

• "How do you ensure that sustainability goals are integrated into design packages, as mentioned in the job description?" (Relate to your experience with LEED or similar initiatives).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the project's objectives and your role's importance in achieving them.

• Structure Your Case Study: Use a Problem-Solution-Outcome framework. Clearly define the challenge, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results.

• Visualize Your Process: Use diagrams, screenshots of reports (e.g., Power BI dashboards), or project timelines to illustrate your workflow and findings.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly connect your project examples back to the skills and responsibilities listed in the job description (e.g., "This case study demonstrates my ability to manage design risk...").

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific tools like Power BI and Navisworks in detail, and how you've used them to drive outcomes. Your portfolio should be a narrative that demonstrates your ability to not just manage design, but to strategically influence it for better construction results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Preconstruction Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application thoroughly through the Oracle Cloud portal, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in preconstruction, design management, specific project delivery models (Design/Build, IPD, EPC), and proficiency with industry-standard software (Procore, Revit, Navisworks, Power BI). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-4 strong case studies that showcase your process, problem-solving, and impact in design coordination and preconstruction. Focus on quantifiable results and your specific contributions. Be ready to present these virtually or in person.

• Research Hoffman Construction: Understand their project portfolio, company values (especially employee ownership), and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your technical skills and strategic approach.

⚠️ 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.