Senior Design Manager - A/E Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - A/E Services

Company: CLMI Group, LLC

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Project Management & Facilities Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-Site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees and manages the end-to-end design process for critical repair, seismic, and retrofit projects within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) facilities.

• Leads and mentors a team of design professionals, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to project objectives.

• Develops and coordinates the District’s architectural and engineering (A/E) services to guarantee alignment with functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Acts as a key liaison between LAUSD, architects, consultants, and other stakeholders to drive project success and timely completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the safety, functionality, and compliance of LAUSD's educational facilities. The Senior Design Manager will be instrumental in translating educational needs into buildable designs, focusing heavily on infrastructure upgrades and long-term asset management. The emphasis on seismic and critical repair projects indicates a significant focus on risk mitigation and building resilience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage multiple complex projects, with a specific emphasis on seismic, critical repair, and retrofit initiatives.

• Supervise and guide a team of design professionals, including architects and engineers, throughout the design review and development phases.

• Develop, implement, and refine the District’s design process for A/E services to ensure projects meet functional program, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Oversee the building design process, ensuring strict adherence to LAUSD's established standards and guidelines for both new construction and modernization projects.

• Establish and execute a robust process for selecting architectural firms based on qualifications, performance standards, and project-specific needs.

• Provide clear, consistent direction to architectural firms regarding project goals, objectives, standards, site constraints, schedules, and budgets.

• Implement and maintain an efficient design review process to guarantee that designs align with overall project goals and objectives.

• Ensure designs deliver maximum value for allocated budgets, are appropriate for functional needs, and are enduring for the District, community, and environment.

• Review and approve design changes to ensure projects remain within budgetary constraints.

• Monitor project planning and design status, providing comprehensive reports on findings, recommendations, and updates.

• Perform other assigned duties to support the Facilities Services Division and A&E Services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, team management, and detailed project oversight. The emphasis on "providing maximum value for dollars budgeted" and "appropriate and enduring to meet the functional needs" suggests a focus on long-term asset value and operational efficiency, which are key metrics in public sector facilities management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering. Experience:

• Minimum of 14 years of full-time, paid professional experience managing facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects. This experience must encompass overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.

• At least 4 years of this experience must be specifically with the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex capital projects from inception to completion, including scope, budget, schedule, and resources.

• Facilities Design & Planning: Deep understanding of architectural and engineering design principles, building codes, and standards, particularly for educational institutions.

• Seismic & Retrofit Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing projects focused on seismic retrofitting and critical building repairs.

• Contract Administration: Proficiency in managing contracts with external architectural firms, consultants, and vendors.

• Cost Estimating & Budget Management: Strong skills in developing, tracking, and controlling project budgets, including reviewing design changes for cost impact.

• Scheduling & Timeline Management: Expertise in creating and managing project schedules to ensure timely delivery of design phases.

• Design Review & Quality Assurance: Ability to effectively review design documents to ensure compliance, functionality, and adherence to standards.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with architects, consultants, District administrators, and community stakeholders.

• Team Leadership & Supervision: Experience managing and mentoring design professionals.

• Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of environmental and legal requirements related to construction and public facilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's Degree: A Master's degree in Architecture or Engineering.

• Professional Licensure: A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

• Public Agency/Educational Facility Experience: Extensive experience specifically within school districts or similar public sector organizations.

• LAUSD Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with LAUSD's specific design standards, policies, and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (14 years, with 4 in public education) signifies a need for a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and processes involved in public sector capital projects. The preference for professional licensure and a Master's degree indicates a high bar for technical expertise and advanced knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Detailed examples of large-scale capital or repair projects managed, showcasing scope, budget, timeline, and successful outcomes.

• Design Oversight Examples: Documentation of the design review process, including examples of critical feedback provided to architects and how it improved project design or compliance.

• Budget Management Scenarios: Case studies demonstrating how complex budgets were managed, including change order review and cost-saving strategies implemented.

• Team Leadership & Process Improvement: Examples of how you have led design teams, implemented new processes, or improved existing workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Compliance & Standards Adherence: Evidence of successfully ensuring projects met all relevant building codes, environmental regulations, and specific agency standards (e.g., LAUSD standards).

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Flowcharts: Visual representations of the established or proposed design process, highlighting key stages, decision points, and stakeholder involvement.

• Risk Mitigation Plans: Documentation of how potential risks (e.g., budget overruns, schedule delays, seismic vulnerabilities) were identified and mitigated during the design phase.

• Procurement & Selection Methodologies: Outlines of processes used for selecting architectural firms and consultants, emphasizing criteria and evaluation metrics.

• Performance Monitoring Frameworks: Examples of metrics and reporting mechanisms used to track design progress, quality, and adherence to objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should demonstrate not just successful project completion, but also the candidate's strategic approach to managing complex design processes within a large public institution. Emphasis should be placed on documented workflows, decision-making frameworks, and evidence of leadership in process improvement and risk management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $173,000 - $183,000 USD per year This range is based on the provided information and reflects a Senior Design Manager role with significant experience requirements in a high-cost-of-living area like Los Angeles. The offered compensation will be determined by factors such as education, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

Benefits:

• Health Care Plan: Comprehensive coverage including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Retirement Plan: Access to a 401(k) plan.

• 401(k) Matching: Employer contribution to your 401(k) plan, enhancing retirement savings.

• Paid Time Off: Generous allowance for Vacation, Sick Leave, and Public Holidays.

• Disability & Life Insurance: Coverage for Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time)

Given the on-site requirement and the nature of managing multiple critical projects, some flexibility or occasional overtime might be expected, though the standard is 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level project management and design oversight role in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, especially within the public sector where experience and specialized knowledge are highly valued. The benefits package is standard for a full-time position, offering robust support for health and financial well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Architecture & Engineering Services, Government Contracting

Company Size: CLMI Group, LLC is part of a larger network of professionals, likely operating as a consultancy or specialized service provider within the construction and facilities management sector. The specific role is within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), a massive public education system.

Founded: CLMI Group, LLC's founding date is not specified, but its involvement with LAUSD suggests a history of supporting large-scale public infrastructure projects.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role is within the Facilities Services Division, specifically the A&E Services unit of LAUSD. The Senior Design Manager will lead a team of design professionals and collaborate closely with architects, engineers, project managers, and other facilities personnel.

• Reporting: The Senior Design Manager will report to a higher-level director or executive within LAUSD's Facilities Services or a similar department, overseeing the design aspects of capital projects.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands extensive collaboration with various LAUSD departments (e.g., Planning, Construction Management, Operations & Maintenance), external architectural firms, engineering consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role requires using data from site assessments, project performance, and budget analyses to inform design decisions and firm selections.

• Process Optimization: A key aspect involves establishing and refining efficient design processes to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant project delivery.

• Quality Assurance & Control: Rigorous review processes are essential to maintain high standards in design documentation and ensure compliance with LAUSD's stringent requirements.

Company Website: CLMI Group, LLC: https://www.clmigroup.com/ (Note: The provided Workable URL suggests CLMI Group is the employer, contracting with LAUSD.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within LAUSD means adhering to public sector procurement rules, budget constraints, and specific educational facility design standards. CLMI Group likely acts as a specialized management or consultancy firm, bringing expertise to manage these complex projects on behalf of the district. The culture will likely be professional, process-oriented, and focused on public service delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, representing a significant step in a career focused on architectural or engineering project management within the public sector. It requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic planning, and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Facilities Planning, Director of A&E Services, or a similar executive role within the LAUSD Facilities Services Division. This position will directly manage a team of design professionals.

Operations Impact: This role has a profound impact on the operational readiness, safety, and educational effectiveness of LAUSD's facilities. Successful design management directly contributes to the long-term functionality, sustainability, and cost-efficiency of the school district's infrastructure, influencing the learning environment for hundreds of thousands of students.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles within LAUSD's Facilities Services, such as Director of A&E Services, Chief Facilities Officer, or similar positions overseeing broader capital programs.

• Specialization Development: Deepening expertise in specific areas like seismic retrofitting, sustainable design, or educational facility planning through specialized projects and training.

• Consultancy/Advisory Roles: Leveraging extensive experience to move into high-level consulting roles for other large public entities or private firms specializing in educational infrastructure.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to engage with industry best practices, attend relevant conferences, and potentially pursue further certifications or advanced degrees.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Manager in a large public institution like LAUSD is typically one of increasing responsibility and scope over capital programs. Growth is often tied to demonstrating consistent success in managing complex, high-stakes projects and developing strategic insights into long-term facility planning and asset management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-Site at the Los Angeles Unified School District – Facilities Services Division. This implies a professional office environment within a large municipal organization.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. The specific office will be within the LAUSD facilities, likely in a central administrative hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates extensive interaction with internal LAUSD teams, external consultants, architects, and engineers. Expect a dynamic environment with frequent meetings, design reviews, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, project management tools, and potentially specialized architectural/engineering design and review software relevant to LAUSD's infrastructure projects.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to mentor junior staff, lead design review meetings, and collaborate with project managers and construction teams to ensure seamless project execution from design through to construction.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday. However, project deadlines, critical repair needs, or urgent design reviews may require flexibility or occasional extended hours to ensure project milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site for LAUSD means immersing oneself in a large, structured organization with established processes and protocols. The environment will be professional and demanding, with a strong focus on accountability and delivering tangible results for the school community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application and resume review to assess minimum qualifications and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves detailed questions about project management methodologies, design review processes, seismic retrofitting challenges, and experience with public sector projects. Candidates may be asked to discuss specific projects from their resume.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated segment where candidates present key projects from their portfolio, detailing their role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions designed to assess leadership style, problem-solving abilities, stakeholder management skills, and cultural fit within LAUSD and CLMI Group.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership from LAUSD or CLMI Group to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 high-impact projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing complex A/E projects, particularly seismic/repair/retrofit work.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, detail your specific role, the design process followed, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, compliance achieved, improved facility functionality).

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Showcase instances where you led teams, managed consultants effectively, and collaborated with diverse stakeholders.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Present a critical design challenge and explain your analytical approach to solving it, the options considered, and the rationale behind the chosen solution.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the scale and success of your projects (e.g., project value, square footage managed, percentage of budget saved, reduction in repair time).

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario involving a complex design problem or a project facing significant budget/schedule issues within an educational facility context. Outline your approach to diagnosing the problem and proposing solutions.

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a proposed design review process for a specific type of project or suggest improvements to an existing LAUSD design process.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex technical information and strategic recommendations clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a non-technical audience or executive board.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize practical experience and the ability to articulate complex project management and design oversight strategies. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates quantifiable achievements and a robust understanding of public sector project delivery is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• BIM Software (Familiarity): While not necessarily a user, familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD) and its application in design review and coordination is highly beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with document control and management systems for handling project documentation, RFIs, submittals, and change orders.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

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

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating reports from project management software and creating presentations for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Limited Relevance): While not a direct sales role, understanding how design projects interface with broader facilities management or capital planning systems might be relevant.

• Workflow Automation (Conceptual): Understanding principles of workflow automation to streamline design review or approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis will be on tools that support large-scale project management, document control, and efficient communication within a complex organizational structure. While direct design software usage might not be primary, understanding their outputs and applications in the design review process is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountability: Taking ownership of project outcomes, ensuring designs are robust, compliant, and delivered on time and within budget.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, particularly in public procurement and project management.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged among internal teams and external partners.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design and project execution that meets the long-term needs of the educational community and ensures safety.

• Efficiency: Optimizing processes and resource allocation to deliver maximum value and achieve project objectives effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with various LAUSD departments (e.g., Maintenance & Operations, Curriculum, IT) to ensure designs meet diverse functional requirements.

• Partnership Approach: Working collaboratively with architectural firms and consultants, providing clear direction while respecting their expertise and fostering a problem-solving partnership.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with all stakeholders, providing regular updates, and proactively addressing concerns or issues.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging a culture where feedback on designs and processes is given and received constructively to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within LAUSD's facilities division will likely be characterized by a strong sense of public service, adherence to established protocols, and a focus on long-term impact. CLMI Group's internal culture will likely complement this by emphasizing professional expertise, efficient project delivery, and strong client relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the requirements of students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community while adhering to strict budgetary and regulatory constraints.

• Complex Regulatory Environment: Navigating LAUSD's specific policies, California building codes, seismic regulations, and environmental standards.

• Budgetary Constraints: Delivering high-quality infrastructure improvements within often tight public sector budgets, requiring adept cost control and value engineering.

• Aging Infrastructure: Addressing the challenges of designing repairs and retrofits for older school buildings, which may present unforeseen conditions.

• Team and Consultant Management: Effectively leading and coordinating diverse teams of internal staff and external consultants to achieve unified project goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in seismic engineering, sustainable building practices, or specialized educational facility design through workshops and certifications.

• Industry Conferences: Attending national or regional conferences focused on public sector facilities management, school construction, or architectural engineering.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within LAUSD or CLMI Group, offering guidance on career progression and leadership development.

• Exposure to Large-Scale Projects: Gaining invaluable experience managing a portfolio of high-profile, large-scale capital improvement projects for one of the nation's largest school districts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around complexity, scale, and navigating the unique demands of the public education sector. Growth opportunities are abundant for those who can demonstrate strategic thinking, effective leadership, and a commitment to improving the learning environment through robust facility design and management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a large-scale seismic retrofit project from the initial design phase through to construction readiness."

• "How would you establish and maintain a process for selecting the most qualified architectural firm for a critical repair project within LAUSD?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to manage a significant design change that impacted the project budget. What was your process, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure that architectural designs for educational facilities not only meet building standards but also enhance the learning environment for students and staff?"

• "Describe your experience managing a team of design professionals. How do you foster collaboration and ensure accountability?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about LAUSD's Facilities Services Division and its current capital improvement initiatives?"

• "How do you align your professional values with the mission of serving a public education system?"

• "Describe your ideal working relationship with external architectural consultants and internal district administrators."

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in architectural design, seismic engineering, and educational facility planning?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a clear narrative: Project Overview (scope, location, type), Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Design Solutions & Process, Outcomes & Impact (quantified where possible), and Lessons Learned.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, diagrams, and charts where appropriate to illustrate design concepts, project progress, or data.

• Focus on LAUSD Relevance: Tailor your examples to highlight experience that directly addresses seismic retrofits, educational facilities, public sector projects, and budget management.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a defined timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate detailed questions about your decisions, methodologies, and the challenges you faced in each presented project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a deep understanding of public sector project management, architectural/engineering design principles, and the specific context of educational facilities. The interview will likely assess both technical expertise and soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workable platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 14+ years of experience in facilities design and capital project management, specifically mentioning any experience with educational facilities or public agencies. Emphasize your expertise in seismic, critical repair, and retrofit projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience in contract administration, cost estimating, scheduling, and design review. Use keywords from the job description naturally throughout your document. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodology and design oversight experience, using specific examples from your career. Prepare to discuss your approach to team leadership and stakeholder management.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CLMI Group, LLC's services and their work with public entities. Research LAUSD's Facilities Services Division, their current capital projects, and their strategic goals for facility improvements.

⚠️ 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.