Program Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Program Design Manager

Company: Faith Technologies

Location: Olathe, KS, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations - GTM Strategy & Execution / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: 8-12+ Years (depending on education)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads the end-to-end development of complex, multi-disciplinary programs from initial concept through detailed engineering and successful handover to execution teams.

• Acts as the primary client-facing design lead, responsible for defining program requirements, developing innovative design solutions, and driving critical decisions.

• Manages program schedules, facilitates cross-functional design reviews, and ensures seamless integration between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and construction phases.

• Drives standardization and product evolution by leveraging lessons learned, reusable design strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives within the engineered-to-order (ETO) framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Program Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly indicate a strong overlap with Sales Operations, GTM Operations, and Project Management functions, particularly in client engagement, requirement definition, and cross-functional team coordination for complex projects. The emphasis on ETO, Design-Build, and mission-critical projects suggests a need for robust operational planning and execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams from program/project pursuit through design completion and transition to execution, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

• Serve as the primary design-phase leader for all stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and internal teams, driving design schedules and facilitating timely decisions.

• Drive the development of comprehensive design solutions, from initial concept ideation through detailed engineering documentation and technical strategy.

• Champion standardization and product evolution across programs by identifying and implementing reusable design strategies and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Oversee and coordinate design activities across engineering, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and operations teams to ensure cohesive project development.

• Partner with Estimating, Procurement, and Engineering departments to evaluate cost impacts, explore design alternatives, and identify value engineering opportunities for optimal project outcomes.

• Develop and manage team budgets and cost estimates, ensuring financial adherence throughout the design lifecycle.

• Proactively track design progress, manage design changes, and identify/mitigate risks throughout the entire program lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain Program Requirements Documentation, serving as the definitive Source-of-Truth (SoT) for all program/product design requirements.

• Ensure seamless alignment between design intent, manufacturing capabilities, and constructability to optimize production and installation efficiency.

• Verify design compliance with all relevant codes, specifications, and specific customer requirements.

• Facilitate a smooth and efficient transition from the design phase into program execution, minimizing handover friction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design leadership and operational project management. The "Program Requirements Documentation" as a "Source-of-Truth" highlights the critical need for meticulous documentation and process management, a core tenet of operations roles. The partnership with Estimating and Procurement points to strong cross-functional operational collaboration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Associate's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 12+ years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting.

• Alternatively, 10+ years of experience if holding an Associate's Degree.

• Alternatively, 8+ years of experience if holding a Bachelor's Degree.

• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary projects from concept through execution, showcasing end-to-end project lifecycle oversight. Required Skills:

• Program Design Management: Proven ability to lead complex programs from ideation to detailed engineering, with a focus on client requirements and technical solutions.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong capability in serving as the primary client-facing lead, managing expectations, and driving consensus on design decisions.

• Cross-functional Team Leadership: Expertise in leading diverse teams (engineering, BIM, operations, estimating, procurement) towards a unified program objective.

• Project Schedule Management: Proficient in developing, monitoring, and managing project schedules, ensuring timely delivery of design milestones.

• ETO & Design-Build Expertise: Deep understanding of Engineered-to-Order (ETO) product design, Design-Build, Mission Critical, and Integrated Project Delivery models.

• Risk Management: Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design and project risks early in the lifecycle.

• Technical Documentation: Skill in developing and maintaining comprehensive Program Requirements Documentation and other technical reports.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Excellent ability to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, facilitating communication and decision-making.

Preferred Skills:

• BIM Proficiency: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) for design coordination and visualization.

• Value Engineering: Strong aptitude for identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing design solutions through value engineering.

• Budget Management: Experience in developing and managing project budgets and cost estimates.

• Constructability & Manufacturability Analysis: Ability to assess designs for practical implementation in manufacturing and construction environments.

• Code Compliance: Knowledge of relevant industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are tiered based on education, suggesting flexibility in candidate profiles. The "ETO" and "Design-Build" experience are crucial for understanding the operational nuances of custom-engineered solutions. The emphasis on client-facing roles and cross-functional leadership aligns with GTM and Sales Operations roles that bridge technical execution with client needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Solution Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex programs led from concept to detailed design, highlighting innovative problem-solving and client requirement fulfillment.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Demonstrate experience managing projects across all phases, from initial pursuit and design through to execution handover, with clear documentation of process.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Examples: Provide evidence of successful collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and construction teams, detailing communication strategies and integration methods.

• Documentation & Requirements Management: Present examples of Program Requirements Documentation or similar structured documents that served as a definitive Source-of-Truth, illustrating process for capturing and managing requirements.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Include case studies that detail how design or project risks were identified early and effectively mitigated, showcasing proactive operational planning.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail methodologies used to design, document, and optimize workflows for program development, ensuring efficiency and clarity.

• Requirements Gathering & Management: Explain processes for eliciting, documenting, and managing client and stakeholder requirements throughout the design lifecycle.

• Cross-functional Handoff Procedures: Illustrate established procedures or best practices for seamless transitions between design and execution phases, highlighting communication protocols and documentation standards.

• Continuous Improvement Cycles: Provide examples of how lessons learned from previous projects were incorporated into design processes and documentation for future programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs is essential. Operations candidates should highlight their ability to create and manage documentation that acts as a single source of truth and their experience in optimizing handoff processes between different functional teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The typical salary range for a Program Design Manager with 8-12+ years of experience in Olathe, KS, falls between $100,000 and $140,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the construction, engineering, and manufacturing sectors within the Kansas City metropolitan area, considering the employer's stated focus on merit-based compensation and the experience level required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Industry-leading benefits for team members and their families.

• Career Development Programs: Structured opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

• Continued Education Programs: Support for ongoing learning and professional certifications.

• Merit-Based Compensation: Competitive, performance-driven salary structure rewarding top performers.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Options for long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policies.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours: Typical work hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, flexibility is expected, as work may be required at any time on any day of the week to meet business needs, common in project-driven environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the role's seniority, location (Olathe, KS), and industry (Construction/Engineering/Manufacturing). Faith Technologies emphasizes merit-based compensation, suggesting that actual salaries may vary based on individual performance and negotiation. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, highlighting the company's investment in its employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Faith Technologies operates within the Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Renewable Energy sectors. This diversified approach provides a dynamic environment where innovation in energy design, application, and consumption is a core focus.

Company Size: Faith Technologies is a significant player, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category based on its "Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America" recognition and the scope of its operations. This size suggests established processes but also potential for impactful individual contributions.

Founded: Founded with a vision to lead in its respective industries, Faith Technologies has a history of growth and adaptation to market demands, fostering a culture of thoughtful expansion and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Program Design Manager will likely be part of a larger engineering or project management department, potentially reporting to a Director or VP of Engineering/Operations.

• The role requires close collaboration with dedicated teams in Estimating, Procurement, Engineering (including BIM specialists), Manufacturing, Logistics, and Construction.

• Cross-functional collaboration is central, requiring strong communication skills to bridge technical disciplines and ensure alignment from concept to execution, a hallmark of effective GTM and operations teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and client requirements to inform design solutions and drive decisions.

• Agile Program Development: While not explicitly stated, the iterative nature of design reviews, adjustments, and handoffs suggests an agile or adaptive approach to program management.

• Process Standardization & Improvement: A focus on leveraging lessons learned and reusable strategies to drive efficiency and evolution across programs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "leading the way" and "redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed" indicates a forward-thinking environment. The "Culture of Care" suggests a supportive workplace, which is attractive for operations professionals who often work under pressure. The blend of industries implies a need for adaptable operations professionals who can navigate diverse project types.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and project management spectrum. It requires deep technical expertise combined with significant leadership and client-facing experience, typically aligning with a senior individual contributor or a lead role overseeing complex initiatives rather than direct people management.

Reporting Structure: The Program Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within Engineering, Project Management, or Operations, such as a Director or Vice President. They will, in turn, lead and coordinate cross-functional project teams without necessarily having direct reports, emphasizing influence and collaboration.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the company's revenue and project success. By effectively translating client requirements into executable designs, the Program Design Manager ensures projects are technically sound, cost-effective, and align with manufacturing and construction capabilities. This directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's ability to win and deliver complex, engineered-to-order solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Advanced Projects: Opportunity to lead increasingly complex and high-profile programs within renewable energy, mission-critical infrastructure, and large-scale construction projects.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in specific areas like Design-Build, ETO product development, or mission-critical systems through hands-on project experience and company-sponsored training.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: Potential to mentor junior engineers and project managers, contributing to the development of the next generation of technical leaders within Faith Technologies.

• Strategic Contribution: Influence the evolution of design processes, product standardization, and best practices across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within technical leadership and project execution, rather than traditional people management. The emphasis on "leading discussions," "driving decisions," and "turning customer requirements into solutions" highlights the strategic operational influence of this position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site in Olathe, KS, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setting is conducive to face-to-face collaboration, design reviews, and direct interaction with project teams and stakeholders.

Office Location(s): Olathe, Kansas, provides a central US location for operations. The specific office will offer facilities for design work, meetings, and administrative tasks, supporting the daily functions of the Program Design Manager.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to facilitate robust collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and access to project management tools.

• Technology-Rich: Access to necessary design software (CAD, BIM), project management platforms, and communication tools is essential for efficient program design.

• Cross-functional Interaction: The workspace will likely foster frequent interaction with engineering, project management, estimating, and other operational teams, encouraging a cohesive project approach.

Work Schedule: While standard business hours are typical, the role requires flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, client needs, and potential travel. This means occasional work outside of standard hours or days may be necessary to ensure program success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" nature of this role is critical for operations professionals who thrive on direct team interaction, spontaneous problem-solving, and the ability to physically engage with project documentation and team members. This is a key differentiator from remote roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with minimum requirements and core responsibilities, with a focus on demonstrated experience in program design, ETO, and client management.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, leadership style, and understanding of complex program development. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of projects you've led from concept to execution.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from engineering, operations, or estimating teams. This stage assesses your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and integrate diverse technical perspectives. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present case studies from your portfolio, showcasing your approach to program design, problem-solving, and stakeholder management. Candidates may be asked to walk through a sample project lifecycle.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Engineering/Operations) to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within Faith Technologies.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Impactful Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in leading complex, multi-disciplinary programs from concept to execution. Highlight ETO, Design-Build, or mission-critical project experience if possible.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions developed, the process followed (including documentation and stakeholder management), and the quantifiable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Process Documentation: Include examples of Program Requirements Documentation or similar artifacts that demonstrate your ability to establish a "Source-of-Truth" and manage information flow.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you facilitated communication and decision-making among diverse teams (engineering, manufacturing, construction, client).

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your programs (e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, client satisfaction improvements, risk reduction).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready for a hypothetical scenario requiring you to outline an approach to designing a solution for a complex client need, considering technical, budgetary, and timeline constraints. Focus on your thought process and how you'd engage teams.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Prepare to discuss strategies for aligning diverse stakeholders with potentially conflicting priorities on a large-scale program.

• Process Improvement: Anticipate questions about how you would identify and implement improvements to existing design or program management processes within Faith Technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and presentation suggests that Faith Technologies values tangible evidence of past performance and structured approaches. Operations candidates should prepare to articulate their processes and demonstrate their impact through case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks) is crucial for design visualization, coordination, and documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com) for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team coordination.

• ERP/MRP Systems: Exposure to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) systems may be beneficial for understanding how designs integrate with broader business operations, procurement, and manufacturing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, cost tracking, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary sales role, understanding CRM principles and data flow (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) can be helpful for understanding client project history and requirements.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, versioning, and sharing project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools mentioned (CAD/BIM, Project Management Software) are critical for this role. Operations professionals should highlight their proficiency not just in using these tools, but in leveraging them to optimize processes, improve collaboration, and drive project efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Culture of Care: A core value emphasizing well-being, not just for clients but for team members. This translates to a supportive work environment, focus on work-life balance where possible, and mutual respect.

• Excellence & Innovation: A drive to lead the industry, redefine energy solutions, and continuously improve processes and offerings. This values proactive problem-solving and forward-thinking.

• Integrity & Accountability: A commitment to ethical practices and taking ownership of responsibilities, from initial design concepts to project execution.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of diverse teams working together to achieve complex goals, fostering an environment where input from all disciplines is valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric: The primary focus is on understanding and meeting client needs through effective design solutions and clear communication.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Works closely with various departments, requiring strong interpersonal skills to build consensus and align diverse technical and operational perspectives.

• Open Communication: Encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of lessons learned to drive continuous improvement.

• Problem-Solving Focused: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges collaboratively, ensuring project momentum is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Culture of Care" is a significant differentiator and suggests an organization that values its employees holistically. For operations roles, this often means a more supportive environment for managing demanding project cycles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing multiple stakeholders with often differing needs and timelines while ensuring adherence to budget and technical specifications.

• Navigating Complex Technical Requirements: Translating intricate client needs into feasible, manufacturable, and constructible designs, especially in rapidly evolving energy sectors.

• Driving Design Decisions: Facilitating consensus and timely decision-making among diverse teams and stakeholders, overcoming potential roadblocks or disagreements.

• Adapting to ETO Complexity: Effectively managing the unique challenges of Engineered-to-Order products, where customization requires rigorous process control and documentation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Leadership: Gain experience managing larger, more complex, and strategically important programs within Faith Technologies' diverse portfolio.

• Industry Best Practices: Deepen knowledge of cutting-edge design, engineering, and construction methodologies through project exposure and company-supported learning.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Enhance understanding of manufacturing, logistics, and construction processes through close collaboration with these teams.

• Potential for Strategic Influence: Contribute to the refinement of organizational design processes, standards, and best practices, influencing the company's operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong operational discipline, communication, and problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities focus on expanding expertise in complex project management and cross-functional integration, aligning well with career progression in operations and GTM roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex program from initial concept through engineering completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure alignment across engineering, manufacturing, and construction teams?" (Focus on your process, communication, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach developing Program Requirements Documentation to serve as a 'Source-of-Truth' for a multi-disciplinary project?" (Highlight your documentation standards, stakeholder input methods, and change management.)

• "Walk me through your experience with ETO product design or Design-Build projects. What are the critical operational considerations you prioritize?" (Emphasize your understanding of custom solutions and the associated project complexities.)

• "How do you manage competing priorities and drive timely decisions when stakeholders have differing opinions or needs on a program?" (Demonstrate your negotiation, facilitation, and decision-making skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Faith Technologies' 'Culture of Care' and our work in renewable energy and construction?" (Show you've researched the company and understand its mission and values.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to Faith Technologies' goal of 'redefining how energy is designed, applied, and consumed'?" (Connect your skills to the company's strategic vision.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to adapt your approach based on feedback from manufacturing or construction teams regarding design feasibility." (Illustrate your collaborative and adaptive mindset.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a concise overview of your role and the project's objectives. Then, detail the process you followed, emphasizing how you managed requirements, facilitated cross-functional input, and drove decisions. Conclude with the outcomes and lessons learned.

• Visual Aids: Use slides to showcase key diagrams, timelines, or documentation samples (e.g., snippets of requirements documents, coordination meeting summaries). Avoid overwhelming detail; focus on illustrating your process.

• Quantify Success: Be ready with metrics related to schedule, budget, risk mitigation, or client satisfaction.

• Engage Your Audience: Treat it as a collaborative discussion. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your decision-making process, the tools you used, and how you handled specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating structured thinking, collaborative leadership, and a deep understanding of the program lifecycle, all critical for operations roles. The portfolio presentation is key to showcasing practical application of these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Faith Technologies Workday portal.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in program design management, client-facing roles, cross-functional team leadership, ETO/Design-Build projects, and project lifecycle management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your ability to lead complex programs from concept to execution. Focus on demonstrating your process for requirements gathering, stakeholder alignment, risk mitigation, and successful handoffs.

• Research Faith Technologies: Familiarize yourself with their "Culture of Care," their work in renewable energy and construction, and their mission to redefine energy solutions. Understand their project types and approach.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear communication, logical flow, and quantifiable results. Be ready to articulate your "why" behind key decisions.

⚠️ 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.