Program Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Program Design Manager

Company: Faith Technologies

Location: Menasha, WI, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: GTM Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: June 23, 2026

Experience Level: 8-12+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads the strategic design and development of complex, multi-disciplinary programs from inception through engineering completion, ensuring alignment with client requirements and business objectives.

• Acts as the principal client-facing design authority, fostering strong relationships and driving critical design decisions to successful outcomes.

• Orchestrates seamless collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and construction teams to translate technical strategies into executable plans.

• Drives continuous improvement and standardization across programs by leveraging lessons learned and advocating for reusable design strategies.

• Oversees the creation and maintenance of comprehensive Program Requirements Documentation, serving as the definitive source of truth for program design.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Program Design Manager," the responsibilities and required experience indicate a role that bridges strategic GTM (Go-To-Market) planning with project execution. This role is less about traditional Revenue or Sales Operations and more aligned with GTM operations that focus on product/solution development and delivery within a complex engineering and manufacturing environment. The emphasis on client-facing leadership, technical strategy, and cross-functional coordination places it within the broader GTM operations umbrella, specifically concerning the operationalization of new programs and solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead cross-functional teams from initial program pursuit through final design completion and transition to the execution phase.

• Serve as the primary design lead for client interactions, consultants, and internal stakeholders, managing design schedules, coordinating deliverables, and facilitating timely decisions.

• Drive the development of innovative design solutions, progressing from conceptualization to detailed engineering documentation.

• Champion standardization and product evolution across programs by identifying and implementing reusable design strategies and incorporating lessons learned from previous projects.

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

• Collaborate closely with Estimating, Procurement, and Engineering departments to assess cost impacts, explore design alternatives, and identify value engineering opportunities.

• Develop and manage program budgets and cost estimates, ensuring financial feasibility and accountability.

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

• Create and maintain comprehensive Program Requirements Documentation, establishing it as the single source of truth for all program and product design elements.

• Ensure robust alignment between design intent, manufacturing capabilities, and constructability considerations.

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

• Facilitate a seamless transition from the design phase into effective program execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process ownership, stakeholder management, and the operationalization of design. The "Program Requirements Documentation" responsibility is critical and indicates a need for rigorous process documentation and data integrity, core to operations roles. The focus on "turning customer requirements into solutions that can be engineered, manufactured, delivered, and successfully executed" underscores the GTM operations aspect of ensuring successful product or solution launches.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent; OR

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

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

• A minimum of 8+ years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting, with a Bachelor's degree.

• A minimum of 10+ years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting, with an Associate's degree.

• A minimum of 12+ years of experience in engineering, preconstruction, or general/MEP contracting, with a High School Diploma or GED.

• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary projects from concept through execution.

• Proven track record in leading client-facing meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project teams.

• Extensive knowledge of Engineered-to-Order (ETO) product design, Design-Build, Mission Critical, and integrated project delivery models.

• A verifiable ability to manage project schedules, coordinate diverse stakeholders, and drive design decisions to timely completion. Required Skills:

• Program Design Leadership: Ability to conceptualize, develop, and oversee complex programs from initiation to completion.

• Cross-Functional Team Management: Proven experience leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, BIM, manufacturing, and construction.

• Client Relationship Management: Skill in serving as the primary client-facing design lead, managing expectations, and fostering strong partnerships.

• Project Schedule & Decision Management: Expertise in managing project schedules, driving critical design decisions, and ensuring timely stakeholder alignment.

• ETO & Design-Build Methodologies: Deep understanding of Engineered-to-Order (ETO) principles and the intricacies of Design-Build project delivery models.

Preferred Skills:

• BIM Proficiency: Familiarity and experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes and tools for design coordination.

• Value Engineering: Ability to identify and implement value engineering opportunities to optimize cost and performance.

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

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Proactive approach to identifying potential design and execution risks and developing mitigation strategies.

• Requirements Documentation: Skill in creating and maintaining clear, comprehensive Program Requirements Documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are tiered based on education, offering flexibility. The "Required Skills" section has been tailored to emphasize operational aspects like "Cross-Functional Team Management," "Project Schedule & Decision Management," and "ETO & Design-Build Methodologies," which are critical for successful program execution in an operations context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 complex, multidisciplinary programs managed from concept to execution, detailing your role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Design Solution Examples: Provide examples of design solutions you've developed, illustrating your problem-solving approach and technical acumen.

• Documentation Samples: Include anonymized samples of Program Requirements Documentation or similar critical project documentation to demonstrate your ability to establish a clear source of truth.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Highlight instances where you successfully managed client expectations, coordinated diverse stakeholders, and drove critical design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in defining and optimizing workflows for program design, from initial concept through engineering handoff.

• Cross-Functional Process Integration: Illustrate how you've integrated design processes with manufacturing, procurement, and construction operations to ensure seamless execution.

• Requirements Management Process: Detail your approach to capturing, documenting, and managing program requirements, ensuring clarity and alignment.

• Risk Management Process: Outline your methodology for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within the program design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. The suggested items focus on demonstrating process ownership, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate concepts into tangible, executable plans, which are hallmarks of effective operations professionals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary range for a Program Design Manager in Menasha, WI, with 8-12+ years of experience, is between $110,000 and $150,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the region, considering the company's focus on specialized engineering and construction services. Factors such as specific experience, education, and performance during the interview process may influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Flexible and Robust Benefits Package: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage.

• Career Development Programs: Opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and advancement within Faith Technologies.

• Continued Education Programs: Support for ongoing learning, certifications, and advanced training to maintain industry expertise.

• Merit-Based Compensation: Competitive salary structure with potential for performance-based bonuses and merit increases.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With company matching contributions to support long-term financial planning.

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

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Resources and support for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard work hours are typically between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Flexibility is required, as work may be performed at any time on any day of the week to meet business needs, common in project-driven environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general industry data for Program Managers and Design Managers in the Midwest US, adjusted for experience level. Faith Technologies' provided benefits are integrated directly. The "Work Schedule" has been clarified to reflect the typical operational flexibility required in project management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Faith Technologies operates within the dynamic sectors of Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Renewable Energy. This diverse industrial footprint allows for complex, integrated projects that demand robust operational oversight and strategic program design. The company's commitment to "leading the way" suggests an environment that values innovation and forward-thinking solutions.

Company Size: Faith Technologies is a substantial organization, likely employing several hundred to thousands of individuals, as indicated by the "100 Healthiest Workplaces in America" recognition and breadth of services. This size implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact and growth within specialized teams.

Founded: Founded with a vision to redefine energy design, application, and consumption, Faith Technologies has a history of growth and adaptation. This longevity suggests stability and a deep understanding of market evolution, which is crucial for a role focused on program design and execution.

Team Structure:

• The Program Design Manager will likely be part of a core engineering or project development group, working within a matrixed structure.

• Reporting likely goes to a Director or VP of Engineering/Operations, with direct project reporting lines to specific program leads or executives.

• Close collaboration is expected with departments such as Estimating, Procurement, Manufacturing Engineering, Field Operations, and Sales/Business Development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data from project performance, client feedback, and market trends to inform design and strategic choices.

• Agile Program Development: While not explicitly stated, the need to manage complex, evolving programs suggests an agile or iterative approach to design and development.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning from past projects, optimizing processes, and implementing best practices across all programs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about Faith Technologies' industry and size is derived from the provided description and common knowledge of companies in this sector. The "Culture of Care" is highlighted as a key differentiator for prospective employees, suggesting a people-centric operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is considered a senior-level position, often termed a "Lead" or "Principal" within operations or engineering functions. It requires significant autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to influence project direction and cross-functional teams. It sits above a standard project engineer or designer, focusing on the overarching program architecture and client interface.

Reporting Structure: The Program Design Manager will report to a senior leader within engineering or operations, such as a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or similar. They will, in turn, manage or lead project teams composed of engineers, designers, BIM specialists, and potentially coordinate with execution leads from manufacturing and construction.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Faith Technologies' ability to secure and successfully deliver complex projects. By effectively translating client needs into executable designs and managing the program lifecycle, the Program Design Manager directly influences revenue generation, project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation for innovation and execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Progression to roles like Director of Program Management, VP of Engineering, or Head of Operations, with broader strategic responsibilities.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific high-growth areas like renewable energy solutions, advanced manufacturing processes, or mission-critical infrastructure design.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Transitioning into roles focused on optimizing design, engineering, and GTM operational processes across the organization.

• Business Development Support: Leveraging program design expertise to support sales efforts, proposal development, and strategic client partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis positions the role within a typical operations and GTM career ladder, emphasizing its strategic importance and potential for advancement. The "Operations Impact" section directly links the role's success to core business metrics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Menasha, WI, indicating a traditional office environment within Faith Technologies' facilities. This suggests a collaborative, in-person workspace designed for team interaction and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Menasha, WI. The company also operates in other locations, as suggested by the "Company Locations" data if available, but this specific role is tied to the Menasha operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace likely facilitates regular design reviews, planning workshops, and cross-functional team meetings, fostering a dynamic and interactive environment.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to advanced design software, BIM tools, project management platforms, and communication technologies will be standard.

• Interdisciplinary Interaction: Frequent opportunities to engage with engineers, manufacturing specialists, project managers, and client representatives, promoting knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While standard business hours are noted, the role requires flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, client demands, and the dynamic nature of engineering and construction projects. This adaptability is key to successful program management in this industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workspace Context" is inferred based on the nature of the role and industry, emphasizing collaboration and technology crucial for design and project management operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your experience with ETO, Design-Build, and managing complex programs.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your technical expertise, project management methodologies, and leadership style. Focus on specific examples from your resume and portfolio that align with the responsibilities outlined.

• Cross-Functional Panel Interview: You will likely meet with key stakeholders from engineering, manufacturing, and construction. This assesses your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively across disciplines, and understand constructability and manufacturing constraints. Prepare to discuss how you've resolved conflicts or aligned diverse team objectives.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study: A dedicated session where you present selected projects from your portfolio. Be ready to walk through the design process, challenges, decisions made, and the resulting impact (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, client satisfaction).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive, focusing on strategic alignment, long-term vision, and cultural fit within Faith Technologies' "Culture of Care."

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful and relevant projects that showcase your end-to-end program design and management capabilities.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the process you followed, and quantifiable results (e.g., % cost savings, % schedule improvement, successful product launch).

• Structure Your Narrative: Use a clear story arc: Challenge -> Your Approach/Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with various teams (engineering, manufacturing, sales, clients) and managed their input and requirements.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, but tailor the explanation to your audience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be ready for a hypothetical scenario where you need to design a solution for a client's complex need. Focus on your structured approach: information gathering, requirement definition, solution ideation, risk assessment, and stakeholder alignment.

• Process Improvement Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would improve a specific aspect of Faith Technologies' program design process, drawing on your experience with ETO, Design-Build, or BIM.

• Stakeholder Alignment Exercise: Anticipate questions about how you would manage conflicting priorities or technical disagreements between different departments or with a client.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a structured approach to preparing for the interview process, with specific advice tailored to the role's demands for technical leadership, process management, and client interaction. The portfolio review tips are designed to help candidates showcase their operational capabilities effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, or similar for 2D design and 3D modeling is essential. Experience with BIM coordination platforms is highly valued.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar for scheduling, task management, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Suites: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• ERP/MRP Systems: Understanding of how design integrates with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems for cost tracking, procurement, and production planning.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with Excel for data analysis and reporting on project metrics is assumed. Experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for dashboard creation would be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience working with CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) to understand client requirements and project context, though direct CRM management may not be a primary function.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how design processes can be automated or streamlined through technology to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the expected technology stack based on the role's responsibilities in engineering, design, and project management within a manufacturing and construction context. Emphasis is placed on tools that support design collaboration, project execution, and operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Culture of Care: This is Faith Technologies' foundational value, emphasizing employee well-being, mutual respect, and support. Operations professionals are expected to embody this by fostering positive team dynamics and prioritizing safety and quality.

• Innovation & Leading the Way: A drive to push boundaries in construction, engineering, and energy solutions. This translates to an operational expectation of proactive problem-solving and embracing new technologies or methodologies.

• Integrity & Accountability: Operating with honesty and taking ownership of responsibilities, particularly crucial in managing complex programs with significant client and financial implications.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across diverse teams to achieve shared goals. Operations roles require a strong collaborative spirit to bridge gaps between design, manufacturing, and construction.

• Efficiency & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work efficiently, optimizing processes, and striving for best-in-class outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires a highly collaborative style, acting as a central point connecting design with execution. This involves active listening, clear communication, and a willingness to find common ground.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: An environment where feedback on processes and designs is welcomed and used for continuous improvement. Operations professionals are expected to contribute constructively to these discussions.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, lessons learned, and best practices across teams to elevate the collective capability of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Culture of Care" is a unique selling point and is integrated as a core operational value. The other values are inferred from the company's industry position and the nature of a large, established engineering firm.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands with Technical Feasibility: The primary challenge is translating ambitious client visions into designs that are technically achievable, cost-effective, and manufacturable/constructible within project constraints.

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Juggling the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of clients, internal engineering teams, manufacturing, procurement, and construction operations.

• Driving Design Decisions in a Matrixed Environment: Navigating organizational structures to ensure timely decisions are made and implemented, overcoming potential silos or bureaucratic hurdles.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in engineering, manufacturing, BIM, and renewable energy technologies to ensure designs are current and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Program Management: Opportunities to gain certifications or training in advanced project and program management methodologies.

• Industry-Specific Expertise: Deepening knowledge in specialized areas like Mission Critical facilities, renewable energy systems, or advanced manufacturing techniques through internal training and external resources.

• Leadership Development: Access to programs designed to enhance leadership skills, strategic thinking, and executive presence.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining hands-on experience and understanding of manufacturing and construction operations, broadening overall GTM operational insight.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed to reflect the operational realities of managing complex projects in a large engineering firm. Growth opportunities are presented as direct pathways for career progression and skill enhancement relevant to operations and GTM leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex client requirement into a detailed engineering design. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your structured approach, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.)

• "How do you ensure alignment between design intent and manufacturing/construction capabilities? Provide an example of a potential conflict and how you resolved it." (Highlight your understanding of constructability, manufacturing constraints, and your negotiation/communication skills.)

• "Walk me through your process for creating and maintaining Program Requirements Documentation. Why is this critical for program success?" (Emphasize your commitment to establishing a single source of truth, process rigor, and data integrity.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your role contributing to Faith Technologies' 'Culture of Care'?" (Connect your collaborative, supportive, and quality-focused approach to their core values.)

• "What are your thoughts on leading multidisciplinary teams in a project pursuit phase versus an execution phase?" (Demonstrate your strategic thinking and adaptability across different project lifecycle stages.)

• "How do you stay current with advancements in engineering, manufacturing, and renewable energy technologies?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning and industry relevance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary First: Begin with a high-level overview of each project, focusing on the business problem and the overall solution and impact.

• Deep Dive into Process: For each case study, clearly articulate the specific steps you took, the decisions you made, and the tools/methodologies you employed. Explain why you chose that approach.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use metrics for schedule adherence, cost savings, efficiency gains, client satisfaction scores, or any other relevant performance indicators.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you engaged with different departments and stakeholders, and how you managed their input and expectations.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: While the role is managerial, be ready to discuss technical details of your projects at a level appropriate for experienced engineers and managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to help candidates demonstrate not only their technical and managerial skills but also their understanding of operational best practices, process management, and cultural alignment with Faith Technologies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Program Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with ETO, Design-Build, managing multidisciplinary programs, and client-facing responsibilities. Prepare 2-3 key projects for your portfolio that strongly align with the "Primary Responsibilities" and "Skills & Qualifications."

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, educational background, and specific achievements using keywords from the job description (e.g., "Program Design," "Cross-functional Leadership," "ETO," "Design-Build," "Stakeholder Coordination"). Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples for each key responsibility and skill listed. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, impact, and process.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review Faith Technologies' website, focusing on their "Culture of Care," project portfolio, and stated mission. Understand their place in the construction, engineering, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors. This research will be invaluable for answering culture-fit questions and demonstrating genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.