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: June 12, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and coordinate design efforts performed by third-party architects and engineers within the Preconstruction department.

• Serve as a critical liaison between design teams, owners, and construction personnel to bridge the gap between design intent and constructability.

• Provide essential design guidance and interface for various project types, ensuring alignment with technical soundness, budget, and schedule constraints.

• Focus on advanced delivery models such as Design/Build (DB), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Engineering/Procurement/Construction (EPC).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided title is "Preconstruction Design Manager," the detailed responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role focused on the operational aspects of design within a construction context. This role requires a deep understanding of construction processes, project management, and the technicalities of design documentation, rather than pure architectural design. The emphasis on constructability, budget, and schedule management places this firmly within the realm of construction operations and project delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Guide owners, designers, and contractors through project chartering sessions to establish shared mission statements and communication protocols for selected new projects.

• Foster and maintain strong, trusting relationships with design teams, acting as the primary conduit for program-level design progression, improvements, and opportunity identification.

• Lead and facilitate design milestone planning sessions, ensuring alignment between design deliverable timelines and critical construction schedule requirements.

• Organize and support design cluster work groups (e.g., Civil, Structural, Architectural, MEP, ELIT), actively participating throughout the design phase to ensure constructability.

• Lead and facilitate 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) for specific elements like fire protection, pipe supports, and stairs.

• Review designs to identify opportunities for Off-site Manufacturing (OSM), prefabrication, self-performed work, modularization, enhanced safety, and overall construction efficiency.

• Collaborate with Hoffman’s OSM department to package designs that support modularization strategies.

• Proactively monitor and manage design-related project risks, developing mitigation strategies as needed.

• Evaluate and clearly define design scope and responsibilities, including design assist, design build, and delegated design elements.

• Engage continuously with owners throughout the design process to ensure client expectations are met or exceeded, conducting post-mortems to capture lessons learned and future opportunities.

• Investigate local permitting processes and collaborate 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 review/advise on future design package content.

• Utilize current tools to track design decisions during preconstruction, developing dashboards to forecast costs against budget.

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

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

• Engage key trade partners during the design process to solicit valuable trade design input for future deliverables.

• 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 and propose associated mock-ups or first-in-place reviews.

• Identify and ensure integration of owner’s sustainability goals into design packages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are extensive and highly detailed, indicating a senior-level role focused on proactive risk management, efficiency optimization, and strategic stakeholder management within the preconstruction phase. The emphasis on advanced delivery models (DB, IPD, EPC) and specific technologies like OSM and Power BI highlights the modern, operational focus of this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School diploma or GED required.

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

• LEED Accreditation or the ability to become certified within 18-24 months is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of construction experience is preferred.

• A minimum of 5 years of design experience is preferred.

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

• Experience in the delivery of large, complex projects is essential.

• Proven experience in the design and construction workflow and interface management. Required Skills:

• Exceptional emotional intelligence (EQ) to effectively interface with design teams and owners, fostering strong relationships.

• Strong technical aptitude to discuss design deliverables and their impact on construction processes, including understanding of LOD, deliverable methods, file types, and file sharing protocols.

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) to maintain continuity and clarity between design teams and field construction teams.

• Demonstrated ability to report out on upcoming design changes and potential impacts to the overall program.

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

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

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

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

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

• Ability to maintain a cooperative and professional attitude, especially during high-pressure situations.

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

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

• Self-starter who is proactive in identifying issues and driving towards resolutions.

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

• Experience with project management software such as Prolog, Procore, E-Builder, Bluebeam, and ACC.

• Experience with field and office personnel management.

• Ability to monitor and report on design progress, forecast upcoming design packages, and advise on future design package content.

• Experience with model-based design reviews and understanding of Level of Development (LOD) standards.

• Familiarity with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and permitting processes for complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "10+" years (derived from 5 years construction + 5 years design preferred) indicates a senior-level role. The emphasis on both architectural background (degree required) and construction experience, coupled with specific software proficiency and soft skills like EQ, positions this as a highly specialized operational role within the preconstruction domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful coordination of complex design packages for large-scale projects, highlighting the interface between architectural vision and construction execution.

• Case studies showcasing proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies related to design challenges and their impact on project timelines and budgets.

• Examples of design reviews focused on constructability, constructability improvements, and the integration of Off-site Manufacturing (OSM) or prefabrication techniques.

• Documentation of experience in facilitating design milestone planning and workgroup sessions, illustrating process ownership and outcome.

• Evidence of managing design scope and responsibilities across various project delivery models (DB, IPD, EPC). Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs for managing design changes and decision-making processes, emphasizing clarity and stakeholder alignment.

• Methodologies for conducting design document quality and constructability reviews, including the use of internal SMEs.

• Strategies for engaging with AHJs to streamline permitting processes and optimize design review durations.

• Examples of tracking design decisions during preconstruction, including the development and utilization of dashboards for cost forecasting against budget.

• Processes for evaluating design model Level of Development (LOD) and ensuring its alignment with construction deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, the detailed responsibilities and required skills imply that candidates will need to showcase their experience through concrete examples during interviews. The "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" section is constructed to reflect the types of evidence a candidate should be prepared to present to demonstrate proficiency in the core duties of this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $165,000 per year (DOE - Depending on Experience)

Benefits:

• Competitive pay structure.

• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.

• Ongoing professional training and development programs.

• Comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Generous retirement plan (likely a 401k with company match, common in the industry).

• Exclusive benefit: Free primary care for employees and their families through dedicated Hoffman clinics. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, but flexibility is required for extended hours or off-shift work to accommodate critical project-related deliverables and changing construction schedules. This is typical for demanding preconstruction roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within the expected range for a senior-level Design Manager role in a major construction firm in a high-cost-of-living area like the Portland metro region. The unique benefit of free primary care clinics is a significant differentiator and should be highlighted. The flexibility in working hours is standard for this type of role in construction.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Specializing in technically complex, sustainable projects for advanced technology, mission-critical, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, and commercial markets).

Company Size: Multi-billion-dollar, employee-owned enterprise. This implies a large, established organization with significant resources and a robust operational structure.

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

Team Structure:

• The Preconstruction department is a key function, supporting project managers.

• The Design Manager reports to respective Project Managers on supported projects, indicating a matrixed reporting structure where functional expertise is leveraged project-by-project.

• Collaboration is expected with project designers, owners, construction teams, third-party architects/engineers, and internal SMEs (e.g., OSM department, QA/QC managers, Power BI experts).

• The company emphasizes an employee-owned structure, which often fosters a culture of shared responsibility, engagement, and long-term commitment. Methodology:

• Focus on advanced project delivery models: Design/Build (DB), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Engineering/Procurement/Construction (EPC).

• Emphasis on proactive risk management and constructability reviews.

• Utilization of modern tools for design tracking, cost forecasting, and reporting (e.g., Power BI, project management software).

• Commitment to sustainability goals and integration of these into design packages.

• A culture that encourages initiative, exploration of new paths, and innovation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Hoffman Construction's long history, employee-ownership model, and specialization in complex projects suggest a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and long-term impact. The company's scale means operations professionals will likely work with sophisticated systems and processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Preconstruction Design Manager role represents a senior-level position within the operational side of construction project delivery. It requires a blend of technical design understanding, practical construction knowledge, and strong project management and interpersonal skills. It’s a critical role that directly influences project success by ensuring designs are aligned with construction realities.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to respective Project Managers on the projects they support. This structure allows for project-specific focus while leveraging the Design Manager's specialized expertise. Collaboration with various departments and external stakeholders is a significant aspect of this position.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's primary impact is on the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and constructability of projects during the critical preconstruction phase. By bridging the gap between design and construction, they help prevent costly changes, delays, and errors during the construction phase, directly contributing to project profitability and client satisfaction. Their work also influences safety, sustainability, and the adoption of innovative construction methods like OSM.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., semiconductor, high-tech) or delivery models (e.g., IPD).

• Leadership: Potentially move into senior management roles within Preconstruction, overseeing multiple Design Managers or leading larger preconstruction efforts.

• Cross-functional Roles: Transition into broader Project Management roles, leveraging design coordination skills to manage entire projects.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to refine design management processes, implement new technologies, or develop best practices for the company.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior design coordinators or engineers within the preconstruction team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in a firm like Hoffman Construction is typically one of increasing responsibility on more complex projects, or a move into leadership within the preconstruction department. The emphasis on advanced delivery models also opens doors to roles focused on innovation in project execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, involving significant time spent in both office settings and active construction sites. The company has a corporate office in Lake Oswego, OR, which will serve as a base.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: 5500 Meadows Road, Suite 500, Suite 2100, Lake Oswego, OR 97035.

• The role also requires site visits to active construction locations, which can vary. Workspace Context:

• A blend of office work (computer-based tasks, meetings) and field work (site inspections, coordination).

• Access to standard office productivity software (Microsoft Office 365) and specialized design/construction software (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Procore, E-Builder, Bluebeam, ACC).

• Opportunities for collaboration with internal SMEs, design teams, and field personnel.

• The nature of site work requires adaptability to varying conditions, including outdoor weather and active construction hazards. Work Schedule:

• While a standard work schedule is expected, flexibility is crucial. Extended hours or off-shift work may be necessary to meet critical project deadlines and adapt to the dynamic nature of construction schedules. This indicates a demanding but potentially rewarding work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for on-site presence and site visits is critical. Candidates must be prepared for a dynamic work environment that blends office-based analytical tasks with hands-on site engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the requirements. Be sure to highlight your degree in Architecture, years of construction and design experience, and specific project types.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth discussions about your experience with design coordination, constructability reviews, risk management, and your familiarity with design software (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD) and project management tools (Procore, E-Builder, etc.).

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions will likely assess your emotional intelligence, communication skills, ability to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders (owners, design teams, field crews), and problem-solving capabilities under pressure. Be prepared to provide specific examples.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical scenario demonstrating your approach to design management, constructability review, or risk mitigation. Focus on process, methodology, and quantifiable results.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to assess cultural fit and overall suitability for the role and Hoffman Construction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantifiable Achievements: For any projects you discuss or present, focus on measurable outcomes. For example, "Identified X constructability issues that saved Y dollars/weeks," or "Streamlined the design review process, reducing turnaround time by Z%."

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your process for managing design deliverables, conducting reviews, and interfacing with stakeholders. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific software relevant to design coordination (Revit, Navisworks) and project management (Procore, E-Builder).

• Problem-Solving Examples: Prepare specific examples of challenges you've faced in design coordination and how you resolved them, emphasizing your analytical and interpersonal skills.

• Industry Relevance: Tailor your examples to the types of projects Hoffman Construction specializes in (industrial, hi-tech semiconductor, etc.) if possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario Analysis: Be prepared for questions that present a design challenge (e.g., a conflict between disciplines, a budget overrun due to design choices) and ask how you would approach resolving it.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would communicate difficult news to an owner or resolve a disagreement between a design team and field superintendent.

• Risk Assessment: Be ready to discuss how you identify and mitigate design-related risks on complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on bridging design and construction, expect interview questions to heavily scrutinize your ability to translate technical design information into actionable construction plans and to manage the relationships involved in that complex process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks (essential for reviewing and coordinating BIM models and 2D drawings).

• Project Management Software: Procore, E-Builder, Prolog, ACC (for document control, RFI management, submittals, daily logs, and overall project tracking).

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, potentially others for virtual meetings and document sharing.

• Document Review/Markup: Bluebeam (critical for annotating PDFs, conducting reviews, and redlining documents).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Power BI: Explicitly mentioned for generating monthly design management status reports, tracking KPIs and PAS. Proficiency in understanding and guiding the creation of these reports is key.

• Microsoft Excel: Essential for data analysis, cost tracking, and creating custom reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding how design data interfaces with project management systems is crucial.

• Off-site Manufacturing (OSM) Integration: Familiarity with processes or systems that facilitate the integration of OSM into design and construction workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in BIM-related software (Revit, Navisworks) and project management platforms (Procore, E-Builder) is paramount. The specific mention of Power BI for reporting highlights the increasing importance of data analytics in construction operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Encouraging exploration of new paths and ideas, particularly in design and construction methodologies (e.g., OSM, modularization).

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-departmental interaction, and building trusting relationships with internal teams, owners, and design partners.

• Excellence: A legacy of quality and technically complex project delivery since 1922, suggesting a commitment to high standards.

• Employee Ownership: Fostering a sense of shared responsibility, accountability, and long-term commitment to the company's success.

• Integrity: Implied by the company's long history and focus on complex, high-value projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Project Managers, field teams, design consultants, owners, and internal specialists (OSM, QA/QC, Power BI).

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining continuity and clear communication channels between design and construction teams is vital.

• Relationship Building: Strong emphasis on emotional intelligence and fostering open, trusting relationships with all stakeholders.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing reporting tools like Power BI to inform decisions and track progress against KPIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and employee-ownership model suggest a culture that values experience, partnership, and a collective drive for success. The "Build What Matters. Create What’s Next." slogan points to a forward-thinking and impactful approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design & Construction Gaps: Effectively translating complex architectural/engineering designs into constructible plans while managing owner expectations and budget/schedule constraints.

• Managing Third-Party Consultants: Coordinating and ensuring quality from external architects and engineers, who may have different priorities or workflows.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to the dynamic nature of construction projects, requiring flexible work hours and rapid decision-making.

• Technical Complexity: Staying current with evolving design technologies (BIM, LOD), construction methods (OSM), and reporting tools (Power BI).

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse interests and potential conflicts among owners, design teams, and field personnel.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Delivery Models: Gaining deeper expertise in DB, IPD, and EPC project delivery strategies.

• Technology Adoption: Working with cutting-edge tools for design coordination, project management, and data analytics.

• Sustainability Integration: Developing skills in incorporating and managing sustainability goals within design packages.

• Industry Specialization: Becoming a subject matter expert in specific complex project sectors like semiconductor manufacturing.

• Leadership Development: Potential for growth into senior management roles within preconstruction or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges inherent in large-scale, complex construction projects but also offers significant opportunities for professional development in modern construction methodologies and technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a large, complex industrial project that utilizes Design/Build. How do you ensure constructability and alignment with budget and schedule?" (Focus on process, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and use of tools like Revit/Navisworks).

• Stakeholder Communication: "How do you handle a situation where the design team proposes a solution that is technically sound but significantly over budget or behind schedule? How do you communicate this to the owner and work towards a resolution?" (Emphasize EQ, negotiation, problem-solving, and data-driven recommendations).

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Walk me through a time you identified a significant constructability issue during the design phase. What was the issue, how did you identify it, and what was the impact of your proposed solution?" (Highlight analytical skills, proactive identification, and quantifiable results).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Alignment: "What interests you about Hoffman Construction's focus on technically complex, sustainable projects, and how does your experience align with this?" (Research their recent projects, sustainability initiatives, and employee-owned structure).

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal working relationship with a project manager and a design team. How do you foster collaboration and ensure everyone is working towards a common goal?" (Focus on communication, trust-building, and shared objectives).

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts? What KPIs do you typically track, and how do you report on them?" (Refer to PAS, cost forecasting, risk reduction, and Power BI reporting experience).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation by project, focusing on challenges, your role, the process you followed, and the outcomes achieved. Use visuals where possible (e.g., screenshots of models, process diagrams).

• Quantify Impact: For each example, clearly state the quantifiable benefits of your involvement (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration, risk reduction).

• Process & Tools: Detail the methodologies and software you employed. Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Revit, Navisworks, Procore, and Power BI.

• Stakeholder Focus: Highlight how you managed relationships and communicated effectively with owners, design teams, and field personnel.

• Hoffman Context: Relate your experience to Hoffman's project types and values (e.g., sustainability, advanced delivery models).

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect a rigorous interview process that probes both technical proficiency and the ability to effectively manage complex interpersonal dynamics within high-stakes construction projects. Demonstrating a proactive, problem-solving mindset is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Preconstruction Design Manager position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to explicitly highlight your Bachelor's degree in Architecture, your combined years of construction and design experience, and any experience with industrial/hi-tech semiconductor projects. Integrate keywords from the job description such as "Design/Build," "IPD," "EPC," "constructability review," "Revit," "Navisworks," and "Power BI."

• Prepare Your Talking Points: Be ready to discuss specific examples of your experience managing design processes, conducting constructability reviews, mitigating design-related risks, and working with advanced project delivery models. Prepare to articulate your technical proficiency with relevant software.

• Research Hoffman Construction: Understand their project portfolio, company culture (employee-owned, focus on complex and sustainable projects), and values. Be prepared to explain why you are a good fit for their organization and how you can contribute to their mission of "Build What Matters. Create What’s Next."

• Anticipate Portfolio Discussion: While a formal portfolio may not be required, be ready to discuss specific projects in detail, focusing on your role, the challenges, your process, and the quantifiable outcomes you achieved.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details should be verified directly with Hoffman Construction Company before making application decisions. Pay close attention to the specific requirements and company culture outlined.