Senior Deputy Design Manager - Municipal Projects

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Deputy Design Manager - Municipal Projects

Company: Turner & Townsend

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Project Management / Construction Management

Date Posted: 2026-07-31

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site)

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the design and pre-construction phases for large-scale municipal projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and project scope.

• Lead and mentor project management teams in the administration of Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contracts and engagements with Architectural Engineers (AEs).

• Drive cost-saving innovations and quality assurance throughout the design and construction lifecycle for building renovations and restacking initiatives.

• Serve as a key liaison between clients, consultants, design professionals, and contractors, ensuring high-level client service delivery and effective communication.

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and leverage project management software for efficient tracking and reporting across multiple fast-paced projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Construction Management and Project Management domain, specifically focusing on the intricacies of municipal projects and the CMAR delivery model. The "Senior Deputy" title suggests a significant level of responsibility, acting as a right-hand to Project Managers or Directors, with a strong emphasis on design oversight and pre-construction strategy. The hybrid requirement highlights the need for on-site presence for critical project phases and client interactions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to Project Managers/Directors, ensuring seamless execution of civil scopes through all design and construction phases.

• Uphold the highest standards of client service, proactively addressing client needs and ensuring satisfaction throughout project lifecycles.

• Prepare and manage essential project documentation, including reports, schedules, invoices, RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, daily reports, change orders, and closeout documents.

• Coordinate and facilitate project team meetings, ensuring effective communication and timely decision-making.

• Develop and maintain project documentation, communicate conceptual civil designs, and manage prototype designs and template specifications for civil elements.

• Review and contribute to the development of design RFPs, ensuring clarity and comprehensiveness.

• Manage external design consultants throughout the design and construction process, fostering collaborative relationships.

• Effectively communicate design standards and best practices to all internal and external project partners.

• Oversee the commissioning of electrical scopes and coordinate with the project management team for project completion.

• Adhere to SOX control responsibilities where applicable, ensuring compliance and integrity in financial and operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical oversight (civil scopes, commissioning), project administration (documentation, reporting), and stakeholder management (client, consultants, contractors). The mention of "innovation" and "thinking outside the box" points towards a proactive approach to problem-solving and value engineering, which is crucial in complex municipal projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• College Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management strongly preferred.

• Licensed architect or architectural education is a plus. Experience:

• Proven experience in Project Management on large-scale construction programs.

• Extensive experience as a Construction Manager for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) or managing CMAR Contracts.

• Demonstrated experience leading the pre-construction and design process.

• Construction consultancy experience is highly desirable.

• Prior commissioning experience is required.

• Manufacturing or Mission Critical experience is strongly desirable. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in project management methodologies and CMAR contract administration.

• Strong understanding of civil design principles and applications.

• Solid working proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Excellent presentation skills and proven ability to be highly effective in client-facing roles.

• Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

• Detail-oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment.

• Proven track record in delivering high-quality programs and projects.

• Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively and foster positive relationships. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with public sector or municipal projects.

• Familiarity with SOX controls and compliance requirements.

• Knowledge of architectural design principles and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for both technical expertise (engineering, design software) and strong soft skills (communication, client relations, problem-solving). The emphasis on CMAR experience and public sector/municipal projects indicates a specialized niche within construction management. The combination of required and desirable experience points towards a candidate who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful management of large-scale municipal or complex building renovation projects.

• Include examples of project documentation, such as critical path schedules, change order logs, RFI responses, and closeout reports, highlighting process efficiency and accuracy.

• Provide evidence of managing CMAR contracts, detailing the pre-construction and design phases, consultant coordination, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using project management software (e.g., Procore, BIM 360, or similar) and design software (AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam) through project examples or system walkthroughs.

• Quantify achievements with metrics such as cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, and client satisfaction scores where possible. Process Documentation:

• Examples of established processes for design review and consultant management, including RFI and submittal workflows.

• Documentation illustrating the development and implementation of Basis of Design documents and prototype specifications.

• Case studies detailing innovative solutions developed to reduce costs without compromising quality or reliability during the design and pre-construction phases.

• Evidence of effective communication protocols and reporting structures for diverse project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a robust portfolio is critical. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process management capabilities, particularly concerning CMAR contracts and the design lifecycle. The emphasis on innovation and problem-solving should be clearly demonstrated through specific project examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401k).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Life and disability insurance coverage.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, flexibility may be required based on project demands and client needs, particularly during critical design and construction phases. The hybrid model allows for a balance between remote work and necessary on-site collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $140K-$160K is a base salary only and does not include potential bonuses, overtime (if applicable), or other compensation elements that contribute to the total compensation package. This range is considered competitive for a Senior Deputy Design Manager role in Chicago, given the experience level and specialized requirements. The company's commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being is highlighted in their culture statement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Project Management, Real Estate, Consulting. Turner & Townsend operates globally, specializing in project and program management, particularly for public sector organizations. Their expertise spans corporate, cultural, healthcare, justice, sports, K-12 and higher education, aviation, and government facilities. The "Heery" part of the name signifies a legacy of expertise in public sector projects.

Company Size: Turner & Townsend is a large global organization with thousands of employees worldwide. The US operations, including the former Heery International, contribute significantly to this. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and a wide network for career development.

Founded: Turner & Townsend was founded in 1952, and Heery International was also established in 1952. The integration of Heery International into Turner & Townsend brings together decades of experience and a strong reputation in the market.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely consists of experienced Project Managers, Deputy Design Managers, Project Coordinators, and support staff, all focused on delivering complex municipal projects.

• Reporting structure will likely place the Senior Deputy Design Manager under a Project Director or Senior Project Manager, with direct oversight of a team of Project Managers and potentially junior staff.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, involving close partnerships with client representatives, architectural and engineering firms, general contractors (CMARs), subcontractors, and internal Turner & Townsend specialists. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, utilizing project management software, BIM, and analytics tools to track progress, identify risks, and optimize resource allocation.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, particularly in managing the design process, procurement, and construction phases to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, with an emphasis on finding innovative solutions to streamline processes and enhance project delivery.

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com / https://www.heery.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's history and specialization in public sector projects are key differentiators. Understanding this context is vital for candidates, as it implies a familiarity with public procurement processes, regulatory environments, and the specific needs of government and educational institutions. The scale of the company suggests a structured environment with established procedures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior level, indicating a need for significant experience and leadership capabilities. It's a crucial stepping stone towards higher management positions like Project Director or Program Director within the firm, especially in specialized sectors like municipal projects.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Deputy Design Manager will report to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager, providing critical support and deputizing in their absence. They will likely manage a team of Project Managers, guiding their efforts in design and pre-construction phases.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the success of large-scale municipal projects. Effective design management, cost control, and stakeholder coordination are critical for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, thereby enhancing the firm's reputation and client relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in municipal projects, CMAR delivery, or specific technical areas like civil engineering or sustainable design.

• Leadership Development: Progress to Project Director or Program Director roles, managing larger, more complex programs with increased strategic responsibility.

• Skill Enhancement: Gain exposure to a wider range of project types and client sectors, potentially leading to opportunities in international assignments or specialized consulting roles.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior project managers and contribute to the firm's knowledge base and talent development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Deputy" title implies a clear path for advancement within Turner & Townsend's project management hierarchy. Candidates demonstrating strong leadership, technical acumen, and client management skills will be well-positioned for career growth within the organization, particularly in their focus areas like municipal and public sector projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning it combines remote work with on-site presence. The on-site component is crucial for direct engagement with clients, project teams, and site-related activities. The company emphasizes a collaborative and productive work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Chicago, Illinois. This position requires 2-3 days on-site in Chicago, suggesting access to a local Turner & Townsend office or client site. The company has a presence across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model supports flexibility while ensuring essential in-person collaboration for design reviews, client meetings, and site coordination.

• Candidates can expect access to modern project management tools and technology, including BIM software and collaborative platforms, to support their work.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of experienced professionals, including project managers, engineers, architects, and client representatives, fostering knowledge sharing and professional development.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the demanding nature of large-scale construction projects, especially during critical design and pre-construction phases, may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet deadlines and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key feature, balancing the benefits of remote work with the necessity of on-site presence for critical project phases in Chicago. This setup is common in the construction and project management industry, where on-site engagement is vital for effective oversight and client relations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements, particularly CMAR and municipal project experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your background, leadership style, project management philosophy, and experience with design and pre-construction phases. Expect questions about your approach to managing consultants and CMARs.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve subject matter experts or senior leadership. You'll likely be asked to present a portfolio case study demonstrating your ability to manage complex projects, solve problems, and drive results. Expect technical questions related to civil design, construction processes, and software proficiency.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your experience with CMAR contracts, municipal projects, and the design/pre-construction lifecycle.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk mitigation).

• Highlight Processes: Detail your approach to managing design consultants, reviewing RFIs and submittals, developing Basis of Design documents, and ensuring compliance with project standards.

• Software Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss or demonstrate your expertise with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and project management software.

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills, leadership, and ability to drive project success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a case study presentation where you'll walk through a project from your portfolio.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical scenario related to design conflicts, budget overruns, or stakeholder disagreements on a municipal project.

• Practice articulating your problem-solving methodology and how you leverage data and collaboration to find solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, emphasizing practical experience and the ability to articulate complex project management strategies. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates CMAR expertise and municipal project success will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (including BIM 360), or similar is expected for managing project documentation, workflows, and communication.

• Design & Visualization Software: Strong working proficiency with AutoCAD (for 2D drafting), Revit (for BIM modeling), and Bluebeam Revu (for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management) is a core requirement.

• MS Office Suite: Essential for reporting, presentations, and general productivity. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience utilizing project management software reporting features for tracking progress, budgets, and schedules.

• Ability to analyze data from design documents, RFIs, and submittals to identify trends and potential issues.

• Familiarity with generating clear and concise reports for client presentations and internal reviews. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding client relationship management principles is vital for client-facing responsibilities.

• Experience with workflow automation within project management software for tasks like RFI routing, submittal tracking, and change order processing is beneficial.

• Familiarity with integration capabilities between different software platforms to ensure data consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly lists AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam as required software. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in these tools, particularly in the context of managing design documentation and collaborating with design teams. Familiarity with comprehensive project management platforms like Procore or Autodesk Construction Cloud is also a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and exceeding client expectations, particularly within the public sector where long-term relationships and trust are paramount.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings, ensuring transparency and accountability in project management and financial reporting.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance project delivery and efficiency.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.

• Commitment to Excellence: A dedication to delivering high-quality projects that meet or exceed industry standards and client requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with architects, engineers, contractors, and client representatives to ensure alignment and resolve issues collaboratively.

• Open Communication: Promoting an environment where feedback is welcomed, and information is shared openly and transparently among all project stakeholders.

• Proactive Problem Solving: Encouraging a culture where potential issues are identified early and addressed through collaborative problem-solving sessions, rather than reactive crisis management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Turner & Townsend, through its integration with Heery International, emphasizes a strong client-centric approach, especially in the public sector. The values likely align with professionalism, integrity, and a collaborative spirit necessary for managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Dynamics: Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders, including municipal clients, design teams, contractors, and internal leadership.

• Navigating Regulatory Environments: Ensuring compliance with municipal regulations, building codes, and public procurement processes.

• Cost Control and Value Engineering: Identifying opportunities for cost savings and value enhancement without compromising project quality or long-term reliability in a price-sensitive public sector context.

• Adapting to Evolving Project Needs: Responding effectively to changes in project scope, design, or site conditions in a fast-paced environment.

• Driving Innovation: Implementing new technologies or construction methods within established public sector frameworks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or renewing certifications such as PMP, LEED AP, or specific CMAR credentials.

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to attend workshops and courses focused on municipal project management, advanced civil engineering topics, or emerging construction technologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced senior leaders who can provide guidance on career development and strategic project management.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of large-scale municipal projects that offer continuous learning and skill expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to managing complex public sector projects, but these are also fertile ground for professional growth. The emphasis on innovation and problem-solving within this context offers unique learning opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex design process for a municipal project using the CMAR approach. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between the client, design team, and CMAR during the pre-construction phase?"

• "Walk me through your process for identifying and mitigating design risks or cost overruns on a large-scale project."

• "How do you balance the need for cost savings with maintaining high quality and long-term reliability in your project recommendations?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Turner & Townsend, specifically our work in municipal projects?"

• "How do you align with our company values, such as client-centricity and collaboration?"

• "Describe your experience working within a hybrid or flexible work environment and how you ensure productivity."

• "How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and external consultants?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around 1-2 key projects that best exemplify your CMAR and municipal project management expertise.

• For each project, clearly outline:

  • Project scope, client, and your specific role.
  • Key design and pre-construction challenges.
  • Your strategic approach to managing the CMAR and design consultants.
  • Innovative solutions you implemented.
  • Measurable outcomes (cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam, and how you leveraged these tools in your projects.

• Practice articulating your responses clearly and concisely, focusing on impact and demonstrating your problem-solving capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who can articulate their experience with CMAR contracts and municipal projects with specific examples. Demonstrating a proactive, problem-solving mindset and strong communication skills will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Turner & Townsend careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with CMAR contracts, municipal projects, civil design, and proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your project management skills, focusing on design and pre-construction phases, CMAR management, and problem-solving. Be ready to present these with clear metrics and process explanations.

• Research Turner & Townsend: Familiarize yourself with their project portfolio, company values, and their approach to public sector and municipal projects. Understand their history, especially the integration with Heery International.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions related to project management, stakeholder relations, problem-solving, and your experience with CMAR processes and design management.

⚠️ 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.