Senior Consultant (Program & Product Development Design Manager -Mission Critical)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Consultant (Program & Product Development Design Manager - Mission Critical)

Company: Woolpert

Location: Pittsburgh, PA / Remote United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Program & Product Development Management

Date Posted: May 06, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Fully Remote Eligible

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic initiatives focused on decarbonization within the mission-critical sector, specifically targeting data center equipment, systems, buildings, and campuses.

• Drive the productization of architectural solutions, developing innovative building products, systems, and assemblies through applied research and technology-driven design.

• Manage and lead cross-disciplinary design teams, fostering collaboration among architects, engineers, product designers, contractors, and manufacturers to deliver complex projects.

• Serve as an industry expert and thought leader in decarbonization strategy and mass timber construction, representing Woolpert and SNHA to clients and at industry events.

• Enhance client relationships and identify new project opportunities within the mission-critical client base, focusing on sustainable design and integrated building/product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Woolpert's SNHA practice, a specialized architectural firm focusing on high-complexity facilities for technology clients. The core of the role involves merging architectural design, product development, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and decarbonization, particularly for data centers and utilizing mass timber. The "Senior Consultant" title, combined with "Program & Product Development Design Manager," indicates a blend of strategic advisory, project leadership, and hands-on design management within a specialized GTM (Go-To-Market) segment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive decarbonization strategies for data center infrastructure, aligning with client goals and identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) for environmental impact reduction.

• Lead concept development and design phases for innovative building products, systems, and assemblies, ensuring they meet performance, sustainability, and productization requirements.

• Provide expert advisory services for mass timber construction, including design detailing, prototyping, supply chain assessment, and integration into mission-critical facilities.

• Manage project teams of varying scales and expertise, overseeing project lifecycles from research and development through prototyping, standardization, deployment, and monitoring.

• Cultivate and enhance client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to identify and initiate new project opportunities related to decarbonization and sustainable building solutions.

• Represent SNHA and Woolpert as an industry leader in decarbonization strategy and mass timber design, presenting at client engagements and industry forums.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, product designers, contractors, and manufacturers, to ensure seamless integration of design concepts into tangible products and built environments.

• Conduct research and analysis on new materials, technologies, and construction methods, particularly those that advance decarbonization and sustainable practices in the built environment.

• Develop detailed drawing packages and technical documentation for prototypes, product assemblies, and construction projects.

• Stay abreast of evolving building codes, industry standards, and best practices related to sustainable construction, mass timber, and data center technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strategic and leadership-oriented role. The emphasis on "strategy development," "expert advisory," and "managing project teams" suggests a need for strong program management and thought leadership capabilities, rather than purely execution-focused tasks. The integration of "productization" and "decarbonization" within the "mission-critical" context points to a niche but highly impactful area within GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Advanced Degree in Architecture or Engineering.

Experience: 10+ years of experience working on complex projects, with a significant focus on productization, decarbonization, and/or mass timber construction.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in developing and implementing decarbonization strategies for large-scale projects.

• Deep understanding of architectural and engineering detailing, with specific experience in mass timber detailing and prototyping.

• Strong knowledge of construction methods, processes, and relevant building codes.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-disciplinary teams effectively.

• Experience in strategic design leadership, including the facilitation of client workshops and stakeholder engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• Strong client relationship management skills, with a track record of identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.

• Proficiency in developing detailed architectural drawing packages.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with mass timber supply chains, industry standards, and associated certifications.

• Experience with carbon accounting software such as OneClickLCA, Tally, c.scale, or EC3.

• Proficiency with design and documentation software, including Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign.

• Experience with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and AI tools like Gemini or Copilot for enhanced productivity.

• Knowledge of data center technology and its integration with building design and operational efficiency.

• Experience in research and development (R&D) and bringing new concepts to market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience requirement, coupled with an advanced degree, positions this as a senior-level role. The explicit mention of specific carbon accounting software and design tools indicates a need for practical, hands-on technical proficiency in addition to strategic leadership. The emphasis on "productization" suggests a need for candidates who can think beyond traditional architectural design and into scalable product development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful decarbonization strategy development and implementation, showcasing measurable environmental impact reductions.

• Case studies of productized architectural solutions, detailing the process from concept to scalable application, including system integration and performance metrics.

• Examples of complex project leadership, highlighting cross-disciplinary team management and successful stakeholder collaboration.

• Documentation of expertise in mass timber construction, including detailed drawings, prototyping insights, and supply chain considerations.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase methodologies for strategic planning and roadmap development for sustainability initiatives within the built environment.

• Illustrate processes for research, development, and prototyping of new building products and systems.

• Detail workflows for managing cross-functional design teams, from concept ideation through to final documentation and deployment.

• Provide examples of how data and analytics (e.g., carbon accounting, performance metrics) are integrated into design and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Program & Product Development Design Manager" title and focus on productization and decarbonization, a strong portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase design output but also the strategic thinking, process management, and quantifiable results (especially environmental impact and product scalability) that are central to this role. The emphasis on "productization" implies a need for evidence of how designs are translated into repeatable, deployable solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $139,200 - $174,000 USD per year. This range reflects the specified base pay for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits:

• Freedom to Work Program: Offers flexibility in setting your own schedule and work location, aligning with the remote eligibility for this position.

• Principal Program: Opportunity to become an owner of the firm, fostering a long-term commitment and shared success.

• Flexible Paid Time Off/Vacation: Encourages a healthy work-life balance by allowing employees to take time off when it makes sense for them and their teams.

• Career Development: Access to a wide range of learning and growth opportunities, including internal and external training, mentorship, and potential for advancement within Woolpert's diverse service lines.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes health, life, vision, and dental insurance to support employee well-being.

• Work-Life Support: Paid sick time, a retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, and an employee assistance program.

• Technology Stipend: Supports remote work capabilities and access to necessary digital tools.

Working Hours: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the "Freedom to Work program" suggests a degree of flexibility in managing daily schedules, which is beneficial for roles requiring deep focus and project management across different time zones or client locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level consultant/manager role in the architecture, engineering, and consulting sector, especially considering the specialized focus on mission-critical facilities, decarbonization, and product development. The extensive benefits package, particularly the "Freedom to Work" program and "Principal Program," highlights Woolpert's commitment to employee well-being, flexibility, and long-term career investment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Geospatial Services. Woolpert operates as a global leader, blending design excellence with cutting-edge technology to serve a diverse client base, including technology, government, and infrastructure sectors.

Company Size: Woolpert is a large, global firm with over 75 offices worldwide. This size offers significant resources, diverse project opportunities, and a broad professional network.

Founded: Woolpert was founded in 1918. Its long history signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a strong foundation for innovation and growth.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within the SNHA, A Woolpert Company practice, which specializes in performance-driven, highly complex facilities for global technology clients.

• The Mission Critical Program & Product Development (PPD) team is a specialized unit focused on research, strategic design, prototyping, and standardization of building products, systems, and assemblies.

• This role involves leading cross-disciplinary teams composed of architects, engineers, product designers, contractors, manufacturers, and fabricators, often working with global technology clients.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on applied research, strategic thinking, and technology-driven methods to solve complex design problems.

• Productization Focus: A core methodology involves developing innovative building products, systems, and assemblies through rigorous design and prototyping.

• Sustainability Integration: A strong commitment to decarbonization strategies and sustainable construction practices, particularly in the mission-critical sector.

• Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with clients to understand their goals, identify challenges, and co-create innovative solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Fostering teamwork among diverse internal and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Company Website: http://woolpert.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Woolpert's culture is characterized by innovation, client focus, and a commitment to sustainability. The SNHA practice and Mission Critical PPD team represent a high-growth, specialized segment within the larger organization, focusing on cutting-edge solutions for demanding clients. The "Great Place to Work®" certification indicates a positive and supportive work environment that values employee growth and well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Consultant role, operating as a Program & Product Development Design Manager. It signifies a leadership position requiring significant expertise and strategic input. The role demands not only design and technical proficiency but also the ability to manage programs, develop product strategies, and lead client relationships within a specialized market segment (mission-critical facilities, decarbonization, mass timber).

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior Consultant/Manager role typically reports to a Director or Partner within the practice. The role involves managing project teams, implying direct leadership over junior staff and project-specific contributors. Collaboration with various business units within Woolpert is also expected.

Operations Impact: The role is critical in driving Woolpert's strategic goals in sustainability and innovation within the lucrative mission-critical sector. By developing decarbonization strategies and productizing architectural solutions, the individual will directly influence the company's service offerings, client acquisition, and competitive positioning. Success in this role contributes to generating revenue through new project opportunities and enhancing Woolpert's reputation as an industry leader.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into higher leadership positions within the SNHA practice or the broader Woolpert organization, potentially leading larger programs or business units.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunities to become a recognized global authority in decarbonization, mass timber, or mission-critical facility design through continuous learning, research, and client engagement.

• Ownership and Equity: The "Principal Program" offers a clear pathway to becoming an owner of the firm, providing long-term financial and professional investment.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: The ability to work across Woolpert's diverse service lines (architecture, engineering, geospatial) can broaden skill sets and career paths.

• Industry Influence: Opportunities to present at conferences, publish research, and contribute to industry standards, enhancing professional reputation and influence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Consultant" title combined with "Program & Product Development Design Manager" suggests a dual focus on client advisory and internal product/program leadership. The "Principal Program" is a significant growth indicator, pointing towards a career path that could lead to ownership and executive-level influence within Woolpert.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role supports full-time in-person/hybrid, and remote working arrangements. This indicates a flexible approach to work location, with options to work from Woolpert offices (Chicago, IL; New York City, NY; Pittsburgh, PA) or remotely within the United States.

Office Location(s): Primary aligned offices are Chicago, IL; New York City, NY; and Pittsburgh, PA. Remote work is an option across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Flexibility: The "Freedom to Work program" offers significant autonomy over daily schedules and work locations, catering to individuals who thrive with independence and self-management.

• Technology-Enabled: As a global leader in technology and geospatial services, Woolpert likely provides robust technological infrastructure and tools to support remote and hybrid work, including access to advanced design software and collaborative platforms.

• Collaborative Culture: Despite remote options, the emphasis on leading cross-disciplinary teams suggests a culture that values collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing, whether in person or virtually. The "Great Place to Work®" certification further supports a positive and engaging work environment.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to "mission-critical" projects for major technology clients implies working with fast-paced, innovative, and often demanding environments, requiring adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the "Freedom to Work program" allows for flexibility in daily scheduling. This is advantageous for a role that may involve international client calls, deep focus work on complex designs, or managing project timelines across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on remote work eligibility and the "Freedom to Work program" is a significant aspect. It suggests that while office presence might be beneficial for certain collaborations, the role is designed to be effective regardless of physical location, provided the candidate possesses strong self-management and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and portfolio, focusing on alignment with the required experience in productization, decarbonization, mass timber, and mission-critical facilities.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: Expect discussions focused on technical expertise, project leadership experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of decarbonization principles and mass timber construction.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio piece or a hypothetical case study demonstrating their approach to a complex design challenge, decarbonization strategy, or product development initiative relevant to mission-critical facilities. This assesses strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Cross-Functional/Client Simulation: Potentially includes interviews with team members from complementary disciplines (e.g., engineering, geospatial) or a simulated client interaction to gauge collaboration and client management capabilities.

• Final Round: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit, long-term potential, and alignment with Woolpert's overall vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantifiable Impact: Clearly articulate the quantifiable outcomes of your work, especially regarding decarbonization metrics (e.g., CO2 reduction, energy savings), productization scalability, and project efficiency improvements.

• Process Clarity: For each portfolio piece, detail your role, the problem statement, your strategic approach, the methodologies used (including any specific software or tools), the challenges encountered, and the final solution and its impact.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, managed client relationships, or drove strategic initiatives.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects and experiences directly related to mission-critical facilities, decarbonization strategies, mass timber construction, and product development.

• Visual Appeal & Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is visually engaging, easy to navigate, and concisely presents key information. Use graphics, diagrams, and renderings effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Decarbonization Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a decarbonization roadmap for a large data center campus, including identifying key areas for impact and potential solutions.

• Productization Process: Prepare to walk through the steps involved in taking an architectural concept from idea to a standardized, deployable product for construction.

• Mass Timber Expertise: Be ready to discuss the benefits, challenges, detailing considerations, and supply chain aspects of using mass timber in complex building projects.

• Client Workshop Simulation: Practice facilitating a discussion around sustainability goals or design challenges with a hypothetical client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Program & Product Development" suggests that the interview process will likely delve into the candidate's ability to manage complex initiatives, develop scalable solutions, and articulate a clear vision for product innovation within the sustainability context. Portfolio presentation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking and measurable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in architectural design and documentation software is essential. While not explicitly stated as mandatory, experience with tools like Revit, AutoCAD, or similar BIM/CAD platforms is highly probable for detailed drawing packages.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign are specifically mentioned as assets, indicating their use in creating visual presentations, reports, and marketing materials.

• Collaboration Platforms: Given the remote and hybrid nature of work, proficiency with collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) is expected for communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Carbon Accounting Software: Experience with tools like OneClickLCA, Tally, c.scale, or EC3 is explicitly listed as a preferred skill, crucial for quantifying environmental impact and supporting decarbonization strategies.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not specified, general familiarity with data analysis principles and potentially tools like Excel or Power BI for reporting on project performance and impact metrics would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project) is likely necessary for managing project timelines, tasks, and resources, especially for complex programs.

• AI Tools: Mention of Gemini/Copilot suggests an openness to leveraging AI for enhanced productivity in research, content creation, and data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes a blend of traditional design tools, specialized sustainability analytics software, and modern collaboration and AI-assisted productivity tools. Candidates should highlight their experience with these specific platforms and demonstrate an aptitude for adopting new technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A core value is driving the world forward through innovative thinking and defining the future of the profession, particularly in complex design challenges.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to design excellence and delivering exceptional client value, as evidenced by their award-winning status and focus on high-complexity facilities.

• Sustainability & Decarbonization: A strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact and leading in sustainable construction practices, a key focus for this role.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Encouraging a collaborative environment where diverse teams of experts work together to achieve common goals.

• Growth & Development: Fostering opportunities for career growth and enabling team members to build the next generation of industry leaders.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Encourages seamless collaboration between architects, engineers, product designers, contractors, manufacturers, and fabricators to ensure holistic solutions.

• Client Partnership: Works closely with clients, involving them in strategic development and design processes to co-create solutions that meet their specific needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fosters an environment where expertise is shared across teams and disciplines, promoting continuous learning and best practice development.

• Proactive Communication: Given the remote/hybrid options and global client base, proactive and clear communication is essential for effective collaboration and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values innovation, sustainability, and collaborative problem-solving. For this role, demonstrating an alignment with these values, particularly regarding sustainability leadership and cross-functional teamwork, will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Mission-Critical Facilities: Designing and optimizing highly complex facilities like data centers presents unique technical and logistical challenges that require deep expertise and innovative solutions.

• Pace of Technological Change: The rapid evolution of technology in the data center industry and the growing urgency of decarbonization require continuous learning and adaptation to stay at the forefront.

• Balancing Innovation with Standardization: Developing innovative products while ensuring they can be standardized for mass production and meet stringent building codes and client requirements.

• Supply Chain Development: Establishing and managing robust supply chains for new materials like mass timber, especially for large-scale, mission-critical applications.

• Client Education and Buy-in: Convincing clients to adopt new, potentially disruptive technologies and strategies like advanced decarbonization or mass timber construction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training and resources focused on advanced decarbonization techniques, mass timber construction, and mission-critical facility design.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend and present at leading industry events, expanding professional networks and staying updated on trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within Woolpert and SNHA, providing guidance on career progression and strategic development.

• Cross-Functional Projects: Engaging in diverse projects across Woolpert's service lines to broaden skill sets and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the built environment industry.

• Principal Program: A clear pathway to ownership and leadership, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated at the intersection of several complex and rapidly evolving fields. Candidates should be prepared to address how they navigate these challenges and leverage them as opportunities for professional development and innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a comprehensive decarbonization strategy for a global technology client's data center portfolio?" (Prepare to discuss methodology, key metrics, stakeholder engagement, and potential solutions.)

• "Describe your process for taking an innovative architectural concept and productizing it for scalable deployment in complex construction projects." (Focus on R&D, prototyping, standardization, supply chain, and integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your expertise in decarbonization and product development contributing to Woolpert's mission and values?" (Connect your skills to innovation, sustainability, and client value.)

• "Describe a time you led a cross-disciplinary team on a complex project. What was your approach to fostering collaboration and ensuring success?" (Emphasize leadership, communication, and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your role and the project's objective, followed by your strategic approach, key contributions, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes (especially environmental impact and productization success).

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as compelling stories that highlight your problem-solving abilities, leadership, and impact. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.

• Quantify Impact: Be ready to present specific data and metrics that demonstrate the success of your projects, such as CO2 reductions, cost savings, efficiency gains, or successful product deployment.

• Tailor to Woolpert: Briefly explain how the skills and experiences showcased in your portfolio align with Woolpert's focus on innovation, client service, and sustainability in the mission-critical sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, deep technical knowledge in the specified areas, and strong leadership and communication skills. The ability to articulate complex processes and quantify impact will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "decarbonization strategy," "architectural productization," "mass timber," "mission-critical facilities," "program management," and "cross-disciplinary leadership." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in the core areas of decarbonization, product development, and mass timber construction. Ensure your portfolio clearly defines your role, the project's scope, the challenges, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes. Prepare a concise presentation of your strongest case study.

• Research Woolpert and SNHA: Understand Woolpert's broader mission, its commitment to innovation and sustainability, and the specific focus of the SNHA practice. Familiarize yourself with their recent projects and industry positioning.

• Prepare for Technical and Strategic Questions: Practice answering questions related to decarbonization strategies, product development methodologies, mass timber construction, and project leadership. Be ready to discuss your approach to complex challenges and how you leverage technology and data.

⚠️ 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.

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