Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager – A/E Services

Company: CMTS LLC

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management & Operations (A/E Services Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: 10+ Years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-Site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a portfolio of complex A/E (Architecture/Engineering) design projects for public sector clients, with a strong emphasis on seismic, critical repair, and retrofit initiatives.

• Oversee and mentor design professionals throughout the entire design lifecycle, ensuring adherence to functional, budgetary, environmental, legal, and educational standards.

• Drive the coordination efforts between architects, consultants, engineers, and internal District personnel to guarantee project success and timely completion.

• Ensure all facility designs meet stringent LAUSD standards, building codes, and educational program requirements, contributing to safe and effective learning environments.

• Play a pivotal role in the selection of architectural firms and provide clear, directive leadership to ensure alignment with project goals, budgets, and schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Design Manager," the responsibilities and requirements strongly align with a senior-level role within A/E project management and operations, specifically within the public sector (LAUSD). The focus on "A/E Services" indicates a need for deep understanding of architectural and engineering processes, contract administration, and construction management principles, rather than pure creative design. The role is operational in nature, managing the process of design and its integration into larger capital projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage multiple concurrent A/E design projects, prioritizing those involving seismic, critical repair, and engineering retrofit requirements.

• Supervise and guide teams of architects, engineers, and other design consultants throughout the design development and review phases.

• Develop, manage, and execute the District’s A&E design process to ensure comprehensive compliance with functional programs, budgets, environmental regulations, and legal mandates.

• Facilitate seamless coordination between external architectural and engineering firms, specialized consultants, and internal District stakeholders (e.g., Facilities Services Division).

• Ensure all facility designs rigorously adhere to Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) specific standards, guidelines, and building codes.

• Guarantee that new and modernized educational facilities meet all functional requirements for learning environments, safety, and building performance standards.

• Lead the selection process for architectural and engineering firms, assessing qualifications, capabilities, and past performance to ensure optimal project partnerships.

• Provide explicit direction to selected A&E firms regarding project scope, objectives, standards, site constraints, timelines, and financial parameters.

• Establish, implement, and refine a robust design review process that ensures quality, compliance, and value engineering.

• Maximize the value derived from allocated project funds by ensuring designs meet functional needs while considering community impact and environmental sustainability.

• Diligently review proposed design modifications to maintain project integrity and prevent budget overruns.

• Continuously monitor project planning and design progress, reporting findings, recommendations, and status updates to senior management.

• Perform other assigned duties to support the overall success of the Facilities Services Division's capital projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational and project management focus within the A/E design domain, rather than pure creative design. The emphasis on "managing multiple projects," "coordinating with architects, consultants, engineers," and "ensuring compliance with standards and budgets" points to a role deeply embedded in the operational execution of large-scale public infrastructure projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering from a recognized college or university.

• Master’s degree in Architecture or Engineering is strongly preferred, indicating a need for advanced theoretical and practical knowledge. Experience:

• Minimum of 14+ years of full-time, paid professional experience managing facilities design or coordinating capital projects.

• This extensive experience must encompass comprehensive involvement in overall design strategy, contract administration, cost estimating, and project scheduling activities.

• A significant portion of this experience (at least 4 years) must specifically involve the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects, demonstrating relevant sector expertise. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple, complex A/E design projects from inception through completion.

• Design Review & Oversight: Expertise in evaluating architectural and engineering plans for compliance, functionality, and adherence to standards.

• Contract Administration: Strong understanding of managing contracts with architectural and engineering firms, including scope, deliverables, and performance.

• Cost Estimating & Budget Management: Proficiency in developing, monitoring, and controlling project budgets, including reviewing design-related cost proposals.

• Scheduling: Skill in developing and managing project timelines, ensuring timely completion of design phases.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Excellent ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, and internal District personnel.

• Regulatory Compliance: Deep knowledge of building codes, educational facility standards (e.g., LAUSD specific), and relevant environmental/legal requirements.

• Team Leadership: Demonstrated experience in managing and mentoring design professionals and teams.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication for clear direction, reporting, and negotiation.

Preferred Skills:

• Architectural/Engineering Licensure: A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect in California OR a valid Professional Engineer (PE) registration through the applicable California State Board. This is a critical differentiator.

• Public Sector Experience: In-depth experience with public agency procurement, compliance, and project delivery models, particularly within the education sector.

• Seismic & Retrofit Expertise: Specialized knowledge and experience in seismic retrofitting and critical repair projects for large facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 14+ years of experience, coupled with specific public sector and educational facility experience, positions this as a senior leadership role. The preferred licensure as an Architect or PE in California is a significant qualification that underscores the technical depth required for managing complex A/E services.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Detailed examples of successfully managed A/E design projects, showcasing scope, budget, timeline, and key challenges overcome.

• Design Review Process Documentation: Evidence of established and effective design review methodologies, including examples of review checklists, feedback logs, and resolution tracking.

• Budget Management Artifacts: Samples of budget tracking, cost analysis, and value engineering reports related to design phases.

• Contract Administration Examples: Documentation illustrating experience in managing A&E contracts, including scope definition, change order management, and performance evaluation.

• Coordination & Collaboration Examples: Case studies demonstrating successful collaboration with diverse stakeholder groups (architects, engineers, public agencies).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document and present optimized workflows for the A/E design process, from initial concept to construction document issuance.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of implementing design process improvements or leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and compliance.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Documentation on how design project performance, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction are measured and analyzed.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and focus on A/E services management, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's process for managing design, mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and achieving project objectives within the constraints of public sector projects. The emphasis should be on how they managed, not just what they managed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $195,000 - $207,000 annually.

This range reflects the senior level of the position, the extensive experience required, the critical nature of managing large-scale public infrastructure projects, and the high cost of living in Los Angeles.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: CMTS LLC offers 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for the employee, ensuring robust healthcare support.

• Retirement Savings: Company-paid 401(k) contributions provide a strong foundation for long-term financial security.

• Income Protection: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance coverage offer financial safety nets for employees and their families.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for career advancement and professional development are provided, supporting continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time engagement, typically around 40 hours per week. Given the demanding nature of managing large capital projects, some flexibility or occasional extended hours may be required to meet critical deadlines and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is highly competitive for a Senior Design Manager role in the Los Angeles market, especially considering the specific sector (public education facilities) and the comprehensive benefits package where CMTS covers 100% of employee premiums. This indicates a commitment to attracting and retaining top talent for critical positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure Management Services, with a significant focus on Public Sector clients, particularly in Education. CMTS LLC operates within the built environment sector, providing essential project and construction management expertise.

Company Size: Based on LinkedIn data, CMTS LLC falls into the medium-sized company bracket (typically 51-200 employees, though precise figures can vary). This size often allows for a blend of structured processes and a more personal, collaborative work environment.

Founded: CMTS LLC has over 42 years of industry experience, indicating a stable, established company with a deep understanding of its markets and a proven track record of successful project delivery.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role operates within the A/E Services division, supporting the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Facilities Services Division. This implies a structure focused on project execution, compliance, and stakeholder management within a large, bureaucratic public entity.

• Reporting: The Senior Design Manager likely reports to a Director or VP of Project Management or A/E Services, overseeing a team of design professionals, project managers, or coordinators.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role necessitates constant interaction with internal CMTS teams (e.g., construction management, procurement, legal), external A&E firms, District personnel (facility managers, educational program staff), and potentially regulatory bodies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using project data (budgets, schedules, performance metrics) to inform decisions and manage risks.

• Process Optimization: A core function is to refine and manage the A&E design process for efficiency, quality, and compliance.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: CMTS fosters an environment where teams work together to overcome project challenges, leveraging diverse expertise.

Company Website: https://cmtsllc.bamboohr.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on public sector infrastructure projects, especially educational facilities, suggest a culture that values stability, integrity, and long-term relationships. The emphasis on "impactful infrastructure projects" and "community impact" highlights a mission-driven aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position within the A/E Project Management and Operations domain. It requires extensive experience and the ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects autonomously while leading teams and interfacing with high-level stakeholders. The role is critical to the successful delivery of capital improvements for a major public school district.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within CMTS's project management or A/E services division, such as a Director or Vice President. They will, in turn, manage and direct teams of architects, engineers, and design coordinators. This structure emphasizes operational leadership and strategic oversight.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. Successful management of A/E design projects directly influences the functionality, safety, cost-effectiveness, and timely completion of educational facilities. This directly supports the mission of LAUSD to provide quality learning environments and impacts thousands of students and staff. The role also significantly impacts CMTS LLC's reputation and profitability through successful client management and project delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles overseeing larger portfolios, multiple client accounts, or broader operational areas within CMTS.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific areas like seismic retrofitting, sustainable design, or complex educational facility planning, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger relationships with key public sector clients, potentially leading to expanded project opportunities and strategic partnerships.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior staff and contribute to the development of CMTS's internal A&E project management standards and training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Design Manager in this context is typically towards executive-level operational leadership within the construction management or A/E services industry, or potentially transitioning into senior roles within large public agencies themselves. The emphasis on public sector project delivery provides a unique growth trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an On-Site role, requiring the Senior Design Manager to be physically present in the Los Angeles area, likely working from a CMTS project office or a dedicated space supporting the LAUSD facilities division.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This implies operating within a major metropolitan area with significant infrastructure needs and a competitive professional landscape. Specific office details would be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role demands close collaboration with internal CMTS teams, external consultants, and LAUSD personnel. The workspace will likely facilitate team meetings, design reviews, and project discussions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, project management platforms, and potentially specialized A/E design review software or BIM (Building Information Modeling) viewers.

• Interaction Opportunities: Frequent opportunities to interact with project teams, senior management, and client representatives, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday through Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of managing large capital projects, especially in the public sector, can necessitate flexibility to meet critical deadlines, respond to urgent issues, or attend project milestones outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for a Senior Design Manager in Los Angeles suggests a hands-on management approach, emphasizing direct oversight, team engagement, and client interaction within a specific geographic operational hub for LAUSD projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, particularly experience years, education, and licensure.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves in-depth discussion of your experience managing A/E design projects, your approach to seismic/retrofit projects, contract administration, cost control, and stakeholder management. Be prepared to discuss specific project challenges and how you resolved them.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where you will present case studies from your portfolio. Focus on demonstrating your process for managing design, your problem-solving skills, and the tangible results (e.g., budget adherence, schedule compliance, quality outcomes).

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, collaboration approach, ability to work within a public sector framework, and alignment with CMTS's values of integrity, accountability, and professional development.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or key client representatives to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project type or challenge (e.g., Seismic Retrofit, Educational Facility Design, Budget Management). For each case study, clearly outline: Project scope & objectives, Your role & responsibilities, Key challenges encountered, Your strategic approach & solutions, Quantifiable outcomes (budget savings, schedule adherence, compliance achieved), Lessons learned.

• Process-Oriented: Emphasize how you managed projects, your methodologies for design review, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication, rather than just listing accomplishments.

• Data & Metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use data to support claims about budget control, schedule adherence, and project success.

• LAUSD Relevance: If possible, tailor examples to highlight experience with public sector clients, educational facilities, or complex repairs/retrofits that mirror LAUSD's needs.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful projects concisely and effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions that present hypothetical project scenarios (e.g., "How would you handle a significant design change request that impacts budget and schedule?" or "Describe your process for selecting and onboarding a new architectural firm for a critical repair project.").

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you have improved design processes in previous roles, focusing on efficiency, quality, and compliance.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have navigated complex relationships with diverse stakeholders, including difficult conversations or conflict resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential scenario-based challenges indicates that CMTS values practical experience and demonstrated problem-solving skills over theoretical knowledge alone. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies and showcase past successes with concrete evidence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, CMiC, Oracle AECOsim, Autodesk Construction Cloud) for tracking project progress, managing documents, and facilitating communication.

• Design Software Proficiency: While not a hands-on designer, a strong understanding of architectural and engineering software ecosystems is crucial. Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) concepts and platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) for design review and clash detection is highly beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document control systems (e.g., SharePoint, Documentum, Aconex) is essential for managing a high volume of project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, cost tracking, and schedule manipulation.

• Reporting Tools: Experience generating reports from project management systems or using business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for performance dashboards and stakeholder updates.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Client Relationship Management): While less direct for this role, understanding how client interactions and project pipelines are managed in a CRM context can be advantageous for understanding overall business operations.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with tools or methodologies that automate repetitive tasks within the design or project management process, enhancing efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager, proficiency is less about mastering specific design software and more about understanding how architectural and engineering tools integrate into the broader project management and construction lifecycle. The ability to interpret data from these systems and manage workflows is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Accountability: CMTS emphasizes a culture where team members take ownership of their work, act ethically, and are accountable for project outcomes. This is particularly critical when managing public funds and projects.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The company fosters a collaborative environment where teams work together, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common goals. This is essential for complex infrastructure projects.

• Professional Development & Learning: CMTS is committed to employee growth, offering opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career advancement.

• Safety & Well-being: A strong emphasis on maintaining a safe work environment and supporting employee well-being is a core tenet.

• Impact & Community Focus: A driving force is the desire to deliver projects that have a positive and lasting impact on communities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative style, requiring seamless integration with CMTS's construction management, procurement, and administrative teams, as well as close partnerships with LAUSD personnel and external A&E firms.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes and methodologies to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, lessons learned, and expertise across project teams and divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values suggest a professional, ethical, and growth-oriented workplace. For this role, demonstrating how you embody integrity, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving in high-pressure project environments will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Managing projects within a large public agency like LAUSD involves specific procurement rules, approval processes, and stakeholder management complexities that can be challenging.

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously, each with its own unique demands, budgets, schedules, and stakeholder expectations.

• Technical Complexity of Retrofits: Dealing with the inherent challenges of seismic retrofitting and critical repairs, which often involve unforeseen conditions and complex engineering solutions.

• Evolving Standards & Regulations: Staying current with changing building codes, seismic standards, and educational facility requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in risk management, complex scheduling, and contract negotiation for large-scale public works.

• Public Sector Procurement & Compliance: Deepen expertise in the specific regulatory frameworks governing public agency capital projects.

• Specialized Technical Training: Potential for training or certifications related to seismic engineering, sustainable design practices, or advanced construction technologies.

• Leadership Development: Formal or informal mentorship and training aimed at developing senior leadership capabilities within CMTS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in public sector infrastructure management. Successful candidates will view these challenges as opportunities to apply their expertise and further develop their professional capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your strategic approach to managing a portfolio of A/E design projects for a major public school district. How do you prioritize, allocate resources, and ensure alignment with the client's long-term goals?" (Prepare to discuss portfolio management, risk assessment, and client strategy.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Walk me through a complex stakeholder conflict you managed on a large design project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

• Problem-Solving & Process Improvement: "You've identified a bottleneck in the A/E design review process that is causing delays. What steps would you take to diagnose the issue, propose a solution, and implement it?" (Highlight analytical skills, process mapping, and change management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations: "How do you see your role contributing to CMTS's mission of delivering impactful infrastructure projects?" (Connect your experience to the company's values and project types.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal working relationship with architects, engineers, and client representatives on a project." (Emphasize collaborative, results-oriented partnerships.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of an A/E design project beyond budget and schedule? What other metrics are important?" (Discuss quality, functionality, stakeholder satisfaction, and long-term value.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "STAR" Method for Case Studies: For each portfolio example, structure your presentation using Situation, Task, Action, Result. Clearly define the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took (your strategies and processes), and the measurable results achieved.

• Focus on Process, Not Just Outcome: Explain how you achieved results. Detail your methodologies for design review, risk mitigation, budget control, and team coordination.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with relevant visuals (e.g., project photos, simplified process flowcharts, key metric dashboards) to support your narrative. Avoid overwhelming detail.

• Engage Your Audience: Treat it as a conversation. Be prepared to answer questions about your decisions and methodologies. Demonstrate enthusiasm for your past work and your future potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of A/E project management within the public sector, showcasing strong leadership, problem-solving capabilities, and a data-driven approach to operations. Your portfolio is your primary tool for validating these claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the CMTS LLC careers portal at https://cmtsllc.bamboohr.com/careers/1360.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 14+ years of experience in facilities design and capital project management, specifically mentioning A/E services, seismic, retrofit, and public sector projects. Use keywords from the job description and integrate quantifiable achievements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a robust portfolio showcasing your best A/E project management case studies. Focus on demonstrating your process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable results. Ensure it aligns with the requirements for managing LAUSD projects.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies using the STAR method, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact. Be ready to articulate your strategies and methodologies for design review, budget management, and stakeholder coordination.

• Research CMTS & LAUSD: Thoroughly research CMTS LLC's history, project portfolio, and values. Understand the mission and operational context of the LAUSD Facilities Services Division to demonstrate your understanding of their unique needs and challenges.

⚠️ 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.