Project Design Manager, Surgical
π Job Overview
Job Title: Project Design Manager, Surgical
Company: STERIS Corporation
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Project Management / Healthcare Design / Sales Operations
Date Posted: 2026-05-23
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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Spearheads strategic project design initiatives within the surgical domain, focusing on healthcare construction and renovation projects to drive STERIS product and service adoption.
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Acts as a key consultant to hospitals and health systems, aligning STERIS solutions with customer goals and long-term needs through comprehensive project management.
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Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with architects, consultants, equipment planners, and other stakeholders to identify and pursue future capital project business.
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Manages the entire project lifecycle, from initial analysis and conceptual design through installation and final completion, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
π Enhancement Note: This role is not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role but shares significant overlap in its strategic, client-facing, and project-driven nature. The emphasis on "winning more business," "consulting to hospitals," and "managing diverse stakeholders" positions this as a GTM-adjacent role with strong operational underpinnings in project execution and client relationship management. The operations aspect lies in the meticulous management of project scope, budget, timelines, and cross-functional resource coordination.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Serve as a STERIS Project Consultant, identifying customer needs and ensuring conceptual design and space planning requirements are met for healthcare construction and renovation projects.
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Conduct comprehensive customer presentations, effectively communicating STERISβs complete offering of products and services to meet specific client objectives.
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Act as a technical consultant for Account Managers and external stakeholders, including architects, consultants, planners, contractors, and end-customers.
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Formulate and define project scope of work and objectives, developing detailed project work plans that encompass timelines, funding limitations, contract costs, and risk factors.
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Manage design deliverables for projects from initial analysis through installation, overseeing the entire project lifecycle to ensure successful completion.
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Collaborate with architectural and engineering hospital consultants, reviewing all drawings and specifications to ensure designs are appropriate, cost-effective, code-compliant, and accurately reflected in customer documentation.
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Prepare and monitor project planning, design, regulatory, and construction phases, recommending project budget needs and ensuring deliverables remain on-time, on-target, and on-budget.
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Perform comprehensive project management, coordinating and directing large, complex, multi-disciplinary development, redevelopment, and capital improvement projects from initiation through execution.
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Educate Account Managers on project lifecycles, key milestones, software applications, and leveraging available resources to comprehensively present STERISβs total offering and create customer solutions.
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Conduct training seminars and educational sessions for the professional community, serving in a consultative and supportive role to foster STERISβs market presence.
π Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of technical project management, consultative sales support, and strategic relationship building within the healthcare construction and design ecosystem. From an operations perspective, the emphasis on defining scope, managing budgets, monitoring timelines, and ensuring regulatory compliance are critical project execution functions that directly impact revenue realization and customer satisfaction.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
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Bachelorβs Degree required. Experience:
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Minimum of 6 years of documented successful experience in Healthcare Design, Construction, or Capital Sales.
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Preferred: 2 years of Sales Management experience. Required Skills:
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Deep knowledge of technical, professional, and business aspects within healthcare delivery, architecture, and construction, including building design processes.
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Proficient understanding of space planning and the intricacies of construction/remodel projects within healthcare facilities.
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Strong comprehension of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) building systems.
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Thorough knowledge of legal issues, safety standards, and regulatory compliance relevant to healthcare construction.
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Excellent consultative selling and client relationship management skills, with a proven ability to identify needs and propose solutions.
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Robust project management capabilities, including scope definition, timeline management, budget oversight, and risk assessment.
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Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information to diverse audiences.
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Ability to travel overnight up to 40% of the time.
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Must be able to comply with hospital/customer credentialing requirements. Preferred Skills:
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Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or REVIT software for design and planning.
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Experience in sales management, team leadership, and coaching.
π Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical expertise in healthcare design and construction, strong project management acumen, and consultative sales abilities. From an operations viewpoint, the proficiency in space planning, MEP systems, and construction project lifecycle management are critical for effective execution. AutoCAD/REVIT skills are highly desirable for visualizing and communicating design plans, which directly impacts the clarity and efficiency of project proposals and execution.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant healthcare construction or renovation projects managed from inception to completion, demonstrating your role and contributions.
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Detail projects where you served as a primary consultant, highlighting your involvement in needs assessment, space planning, and STERIS solution integration.
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Include examples of project plans, scope definitions, and budget outlines, illustrating your project management methodology.
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Present case studies that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments (architects, consultants, hospital staff) and achieve consensus. Process Documentation:
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Provide documentation or case studies illustrating your approach to defining project scope, objectives, and work plans, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
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Demonstrate your process for collaborating with architectural and engineering teams, including reviewing drawings and specifications to ensure alignment with customer needs and STERIS offerings.
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Showcase your methods for monitoring project progress against timelines, budgets, and quality standards, with examples of how you ensured deliverables remained on track.
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Exhibit your approach to educating internal teams (e.g., Account Managers) and external stakeholders on project lifecycles and STERIS capabilities.
π Enhancement Note: While not a traditional Revenue Operations role, a strong portfolio is crucial. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their project management capabilities, consultative approach, and ability to influence outcomes in complex healthcare construction environments. Highlighting experience with space planning, MEP integration, and cross-functional stakeholder management will be key. Demonstrating an understanding of the full project lifecycle and how STERIS's solutions fit within it will be critical for evaluation.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
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Base Salary: $105,000 - $136,000 USD per year.
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Target Earnings (including incentive compensation): $170,000 - $217,000 USD per year, dependent on performance.
π Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for the base component. The significant portion of total compensation is tied to performance through an incentive program, typical for sales and client-facing roles where revenue generation and project acquisition are key metrics. The target earnings reflect the variable component, which can be substantial. This structure aligns with roles that drive business growth and require a results-oriented approach. The salary bands are estimated based on industry standards for Project Design Managers in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, factoring in the specified experience level and the specialized nature of the healthcare construction/design field.
Benefits:
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Base Salary + Incentive Compensation Program
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Vehicle Reimbursement Plan (includes monthly stipend + mileage reimbursement)
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Cell Phone Stipend
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Robust Sales Training Program
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Flexible Time Off
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9 Corporate Holidays Per Year
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Excellent Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits
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Healthcare and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
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Long/Short Term Disability Coverage
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401(k) with a Company Match
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Parental Leave
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Tuition Reimbursement Program
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Additional Add-On Benefits/Discounts Working Hours:
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Standard full-time position, estimated at 40 hours per week.
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The role requires significant travel (up to 40%), indicating a flexible work schedule that accommodates client needs and project demands across a wide territory.
π Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, providing a strong safety net and support for professional development, which is attractive for mid-to-senior level professionals. The inclusion of a vehicle reimbursement plan and cell phone stipend acknowledges the travel-intensive nature of the role. The flexible time off is also a key benefit for roles that often require extended hours or travel.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Healthcare Equipment & Services, Medical Devices, Infection Prevention. STERIS is a leading global provider of products and services that support patient care with an emphasis on infection prevention.
Company Size: STERIS is a large, established corporation, indicated by its global presence and comprehensive offerings.
Founded: STERIS Corporation was founded in 1985.
Team Structure:
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The role operates within the Healthcare Design Team, coordinating resources to secure project business.
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This position requires close collaboration with Account Managers, architects, consultants, equipment planners, engineers, and other internal/external stakeholders.
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The reporting structure likely involves a Sales Director or similar leadership role overseeing regional project sales and design efforts. Methodology:
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Consultative Approach: Serving as a consultant to hospitals and systems, identifying needs and aligning STERIS solutions.
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Project Management Excellence: Managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects from initial concept through completion, adhering to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
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Relationship Building: Establishing and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key influencers and decision-makers in the healthcare construction and design industry.
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Technical Expertise: Providing technical consultation and ensuring design is appropriate, cost-effective, and code-compliant.
Company Website: www.steris.com
π Enhancement Note: STERIS's focus on infection prevention and patient care in the healthcare sector provides a strong mission-driven context for the role. The company's established nature suggests a structured environment with clear processes, but the nature of project management and sales consulting also implies a degree of autonomy and strategic thinking. The emphasis on collaboration and technical consultation indicates a culture that values expertise and partnership.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level Project Design Manager, requiring significant experience and strategic oversight. It's a critical client-facing position that directly influences business development and revenue capture within the capital projects segment.
Reporting Structure: The role reports within a regional sales or project management structure, likely to a Director or VP overseeing a specific territory or business unit. The individual will manage relationships with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders, acting as a central point of coordination.
Operations Impact: The Project Design Manager's success directly impacts STERIS's ability to secure large capital projects, thereby driving significant revenue. By effectively consulting with clients and positioning STERIS solutions, they influence the adoption of products and services that contribute to safer healthcare environments and operational efficiencies for hospitals.
Growth Opportunities:
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Leadership Development: Potential to move into Sales Management roles, managing a team of Account Managers or Project Designers.
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Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific surgical or healthcare design areas, becoming a subject matter expert within STERIS.
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Strategic Account Management: Transition to managing larger, more complex, or key strategic accounts within the healthcare system.
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Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into other areas of STERIS's global operations or product management, leveraging a deep understanding of the healthcare market.
π Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large, established organization. The combination of project management, technical sales, and client relationship skills is highly transferable. The emphasis on "winning more business" and managing complex projects positions individuals for leadership roles and strategic impact within the company's growth trajectory.
π Work Environment
Office Type: This is primarily a field-based role requiring significant travel, with the "office" being a mix of client sites (hospitals), home office, and potentially occasional corporate meetings.
Office Location(s): The territory covers Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and the Western Part of Texas. The ideal candidate would reside in or near Los Angeles, California.
Workspace Context:
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Autonomous: While part of a team, the role demands significant independence and self-direction due to extensive travel and client-facing responsibilities.
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Collaborative: Requires constant interaction and collaboration with internal sales teams, project managers, engineering, and external clients, architects, and consultants.
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Technology-Enabled: Access to STERIS's CRM, project management tools, and design software (AutoCAD/REVIT) will be essential for managing projects and communicating with stakeholders.
Work Schedule:
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Primarily driven by project needs and client availability, often requiring flexibility beyond a standard 9-to-5.
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Up to 40% overnight travel is expected.
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The role involves managing long-term capital projects (6-48 months), requiring sustained focus and proactive engagement.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and requires adaptability. Field-based roles necessitate strong time management and self-discipline. The extensive travel means that effective remote work tools and communication strategies are paramount for staying connected with the team and managing projects efficiently.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
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Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focused on your project management experience, healthcare design knowledge, sales acumen, and understanding of STERIS's offerings.
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Panel Interview: You may meet with a panel of stakeholders, including Account Managers, engineers, or other project managers, to assess your collaborative skills and technical depth.
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Case Study/Presentation: A potential requirement is to present a past project or a proposed solution for a hypothetical scenario, demonstrating your design thinking, project planning, and communication skills.
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Final Interview: May involve higher-level management to confirm fit and discuss compensation and logistics.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your role, the scope of work, budget managed, timeline, and key outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, successful STERIS integration).
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Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you managed diverse stakeholder groups (architects, consultants, hospital staff, internal teams) and navigated their needs and concerns.
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Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Include examples of your understanding of space planning, MEP systems, and architectural/construction processes. If you have AutoCAD/REVIT experience, showcase relevant examples.
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Focus on STERIS Alignment: Frame your experience in a way that aligns with how STERIS's products and services can solve customer challenges in construction and renovation projects.
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Keep it Concise: Prepare a presentation that is clear, well-organized, and highlights your most impactful contributions. Tailor it to the specific requirements of this role.
Challenge Preparation:
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Project Management Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a complex healthcare project, manage scope creep, handle budget overruns, or resolve conflicts between stakeholders.
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Consultative Selling Practice: Rehearse how you would identify a hospitalβs needs regarding surgical suite design and then present STERISβs solutions as the ideal fit.
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Technical Questions: Brush up on healthcare construction phases, building systems (MEP), and relevant regulatory standards.
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Territory Management: Think about how you would approach developing business across your assigned territory (Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, West Texas).
π Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on assessing your ability to manage complex projects, influence stakeholders, and drive business through consultative selling within the specialized healthcare construction market. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates your project successes and demonstrates your technical and interpersonal skills will be critical.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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CRM System: Likely Salesforce or a similar platform for managing customer interactions, tracking sales opportunities, and monitoring project pipelines.
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Project Management Software: Tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or specialized construction/design project management software for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.
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Design Software (Preferred): AutoCAD and/or REVIT for creating and reviewing architectural drawings, space plans, and equipment layouts.
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Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external communication and document sharing.
Analytics & Reporting:
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Sales Performance Dashboards: Tools for tracking sales metrics, project acquisition rates, and revenue against targets.
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Budget Tracking Tools: Software or spreadsheets for monitoring project costs and ensuring financial adherence.
CRM & Automation:
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STERIS Internal Systems: Familiarity with proprietary STERIS systems for order processing, project management, and client data management.
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Automation Tools: While not explicitly stated, any experience with workflow automation for proposal generation or project initiation documentation would be beneficial.
π Enhancement Note: Proficiency with CRM systems and project management tools is essential for effective territory management and project execution. While AutoCAD/REVIT are preferred, demonstrating an understanding of design principles and the ability to interpret technical drawings is crucial. The ability to leverage technology for communication and data analysis will be a key differentiator.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Customer Centricity: A primary focus on understanding and meeting the unique needs of healthcare clients undergoing construction or renovation.
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Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to rigorous healthcare industry standards, safety regulations, and ethical business practices.
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Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across internal departments (sales, engineering) and external partners (architects, consultants) to achieve shared project goals.
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Innovation & Problem-Solving: Proactively identifying challenges in healthcare design and construction and developing effective solutions with STERIS products and services.
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Accountability: Taking ownership of project deliverables, timelines, and budgets from initiation through completion.
Collaboration Style:
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Consultative Partnerships: Building trust and acting as a valued advisor to clients, architects, and consultants.
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Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and coordination between STERIS Account Managers, design teams, and other internal resources.
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Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders on project progress, potential risks, and required actions.
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Feedback Integration: Open to feedback from clients and colleagues to refine project plans and improve service delivery.
π Enhancement Note: STERIS's mission to "Create a Healthier and Safer World" likely permeates its culture. For this role, a strong emphasis on integrity, customer focus, and collaborative problem-solving is expected. The ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment with diverse internal and external stakeholders is paramount.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Long Sales Cycles: Capital projects in healthcare can have extended sales cycles (6-48 months), requiring patience, persistence, and consistent follow-up.
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Complex Stakeholder Management: Navigating the diverse needs and priorities of hospital administrators, clinical staff, architects, engineers, and contractors.
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Intense Competition: The healthcare design and construction market is competitive, requiring strong differentiation and value proposition.
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Navigating Hospital Bureaucracy: Understanding and complying with the procurement processes, credentialing requirements, and internal politics of large hospital systems.
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Territory Management: Effectively balancing time and resources across a broad geographical territory (Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, West Texas).
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Deep Healthcare Industry Insight: Gaining extensive knowledge of healthcare facility design trends, operational workflows, and infection prevention strategies.
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Project Management Mastery: Developing advanced skills in managing complex, multi-phase capital projects.
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Consultative Selling Expertise: Honing skills in identifying complex customer needs and architecting integrated solutions.
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Networking: Building a strong professional network within the healthcare architecture, consulting, and construction industries.
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Product & Service Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert on STERIS's full suite of offerings and their application in new healthcare constructions.
π Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the complexity of the healthcare construction market and the long sales cycles. However, these challenges are also catalysts for substantial professional growth, offering opportunities to develop deep industry expertise, advanced project management skills, and a robust professional network.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a complex healthcare construction project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them to ensure STERIS's successful involvement?" (Focus on project management, problem-solving, and stakeholder influence.)
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"How would you approach identifying the unmet needs of a hospital undergoing a surgical suite renovation, and how would you position STERIS's integrated offerings to address those needs?" (Emphasis on consultative selling, needs assessment, and solution articulation.)
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"Imagine you're working with an architect who has proposed a design that doesn't fully align with STERIS's product capabilities or optimal space planning. How would you handle this situation to ensure the best outcome for both the client and STERIS?" (Tests collaboration, technical negotiation, and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:
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"What do you know about STERIS's mission and its role in infection prevention within healthcare facilities?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company values.)
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"How do you typically collaborate with Account Managers and technical teams to develop comprehensive project proposals?" (Assesses teamwork and cross-functional communication.)
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"How do you stay updated on healthcare design trends, construction best practices, and regulatory changes that might impact project planning?" (Highlights continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your proposed solution, the actions you took, and the results achieved (quantify where possible).
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Visual Aids: Use floor plans, design mock-ups, or diagrams to illustrate your spatial planning and design concepts.
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Highlight STERIS Integration: Specifically point out where and how STERIS products and services were integrated into the project and the value they delivered.
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Focus on Collaboration: Emphasize your role in bringing together diverse stakeholders and managing their expectations.
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Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, risk management strategies, and how you handled unforeseen issues.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your experience in managing complex projects within the healthcare construction sector, demonstrating your consultative sales approach, and showcasing your ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. A strong portfolio that visually represents your project successes will be crucial.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Project Design Manager position:
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Submit your application through the STERIS Corporation careers portal via the provided link.
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Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights your experience in healthcare design, construction project management, and consultative sales. Ensure it includes at least 2-3 detailed case studies of significant healthcare projects you've managed, emphasizing your role in space planning, stakeholder management, and the integration of STERIS-like solutions.
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Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords found in the job description, such as "Healthcare Design," "Project Management," "Capital Sales," "Space Planning," "MEP Systems," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.
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Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodology, consultative sales approach, and your understanding of the healthcare construction lifecycle. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that align with the responsibilities outlined.
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Company Research: Thoroughly research STERIS Corporation, its mission, its products, and its position in the infection prevention and healthcare solutions market. Understand their commitment to safety and patient care to better align your responses with their values.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for operations and GTM-adjacent roles. All details should be verified directly with STERIS Corporation during the application and interview process.
Application Requirements
Requires a bachelor's degree and 6 years of experience in healthcare design, construction, or capital sales. Must possess knowledge of MEP systems, building design processes, and be able to travel up to 40%.