Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Cordoba Corporation

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Facilities Design & Management / Capital Projects Management

Date Posted: August 12, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams for complex capital improvement projects, with a strong emphasis on seismic upgrades, critical repairs, and retrofits.

• Oversee the architectural and engineering (A&E) design review process to ensure strict adherence to programmatic, budgetary, environmental, legal, and regulatory requirements.

• Drive project delivery by collaborating closely with architects, consultants, contractors, and internal District stakeholders to maintain critical schedule objectives.

• Ensure all new construction and modernization projects meet high-quality design standards, aligning with both operational needs and educational facility requirements.

• Act as a key liaison between design professionals and District administrators, ensuring a clear understanding and execution of project goals, standards, sites, schedules, and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Design Manager," the responsibilities and qualifications indicate a role heavily focused on the management of design processes within large-scale capital improvement projects, particularly in the public sector (educational facilities). This isn't a hands-on design role but rather a strategic oversight position focused on project delivery, compliance, and stakeholder coordination within the design and construction lifecycle. The emphasis on seismic upgrades and critical repairs suggests a need for deep understanding of structural engineering principles and regulatory compliance in California.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage multiple concurrent capital improvement projects, with a strategic focus on seismic upgrades, critical repairs, and complex retrofitting initiatives.

• Lead, mentor, and supervise teams of design professionals, including architects and engineers, throughout the entire design review and execution process.

• Develop, implement, and coordinate the District’s comprehensive design process for Architectural & Engineering (A&E) services, ensuring alignment with programmatic goals, budgetary constraints, environmental mandates, and legal frameworks.

• Drive the timely completion of multiple projects, including engineering and critical repair initiatives, through effective interaction and coordination with external Architects, consultants, and internal District personnel.

• Oversee the building design process to guarantee strict compliance with client standards and guidelines, working collaboratively with design professionals and various District administrators to ensure new and modernized structures meet both educational and building code requirements.

• Establish and maintain a rigorous process for identifying and selecting the most qualified architectural firms for each project, based on demonstrated qualifications, performance history, and ability to meet specific project performance standards.

• Provide clear, consistent, and strategic direction to architectural teams regarding project goals, objectives, design standards, site considerations, timelines, and budget parameters.

• Implement and manage an effective and efficient design review process designed to ensure that all designs comprehensively meet the overall goals and objectives established for each project.

• Ensure maximum value is achieved for allocated budgets, delivering designs that are appropriate, enduring, and fully capable of meeting the functional needs of the District, the local community, and environmental sustainability goals.

• Diligently review and approve design changes submitted by external partners, ensuring that all modifications remain within the approved project budget and scope.

• Continuously monitor project planning and design status, generating detailed reports on findings, actionable recommendations, and project updates for senior leadership.

• Perform all other duties as assigned to ensure the successful execution of design and capital improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, stakeholder communication, and ensuring compliance within the public sector's stringent requirements for educational facilities. The role requires a leader who can navigate complex project lifecycles, manage external A&E partners, and champion high-quality, compliant design outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering is a mandatory requirement. Experience:

• A minimum of 14 years of progressive experience in managing facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects. This experience must encompass overall design oversight, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.

• A minimum of 4 years of this experience must be specifically focused on the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects. Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple, complex capital improvement projects from inception through completion.

• Design Oversight: Expertise in overseeing architectural and engineering design processes, ensuring compliance with standards and requirements.

• Seismic & Retrofit Expertise: In-depth understanding of seismic upgrade requirements, critical repair strategies, and building retrofitting methodologies, particularly within California's regulatory landscape.

• A&E Coordination: Skill in managing and directing external architectural and engineering consultants, providing clear direction and feedback.

• Budget Management: Strong capability in managing project budgets, reviewing design changes for cost implications, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

• Contract Administration: Experience in administering contracts with A&E firms and other project stakeholders.

• Scheduling: Proficiency in developing, monitoring, and managing project schedules to ensure timely delivery.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of building codes, educational facility standards, and relevant legal/environmental regulations.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to collaborate with and manage expectations of diverse stakeholders, including internal departments, consultants, contractors, and community representatives.

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

Preferred Skills:

• A Master's degree in Architecture or Engineering.

• 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.

• Experience with specific public agency procurement processes and standards.

• Familiarity with construction management principles and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are substantial, emphasizing both breadth (14 years) and depth (4 years in public/educational facilities). The preferred qualifications, particularly professional licensure, are highly indicative of the level of technical expertise and credibility expected for this senior role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Frameworks: Demonstrate experience with structured project management methodologies (e.g., PMI, Prince2) applied to large-scale design and construction initiatives.

• Design Review Process Documentation: Showcase examples of established and refined design review processes, highlighting how they ensured quality, compliance, and efficiency.

• Capital Project Lifecycle Management: Provide case studies illustrating comprehensive management of projects through all phases: planning, design, procurement, construction, and closeout.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Examples of how potential design-related risks (budget, schedule, scope, compliance) were identified, assessed, and mitigated in previous projects.

• Stakeholder Communication Plans: Illustrate the development and execution of communication strategies for diverse project stakeholders in complex public sector projects.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Present examples of designed or optimized workflows for managing A&E consultant selection, design development, and review processes.

• Implementation & Automation: Detail instances where processes were implemented or improved through the adoption of new technologies or streamlined procedures, focusing on efficiency gains in design management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how the effectiveness of design processes and project outcomes were measured, analyzed, and reported, including key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to design quality and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate a deep understanding of how projects are managed and how processes are optimized for effective design delivery within public sector constraints. The focus should be on structured methodologies, measurable improvements, and robust documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $176,000 - $195,000 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Likely a 401(k) or similar plan, potentially with employer matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, designed to support work-life balance.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Support for continued learning, certifications, and industry-specific training relevant to engineering and construction management.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial security for employees and their families.

• Potential for Performance-Based Bonuses: Depending on individual and company performance metrics. Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, due to the nature of managing capital projects, occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required to meet critical deadlines or address urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range aligns with senior-level management positions in high-cost-of-living areas like Los Angeles, particularly for specialized roles in engineering and construction management. The benefits package is expected to be competitive for a firm of Cordoba Corporation's stature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Program Management, and Planning. Cordoba Corporation operates within sectors including Education & Facilities, Transportation, and Water & Energy. The company's work is characterized by developing complex and highly visible infrastructure projects across California.

Company Size: Cordoba Corporation is a medium to large-sized firm, indicated by its multiple offices across California and national recognition from industry publications like Engineering News-Record (ENR). This size suggests a structured environment with established processes but also potential for agility and direct impact.

Founded: Founded with a vision to facilitate complex infrastructure development, Cordoba Corporation has a history of delivering significant projects, earning national recognition as a top construction management, program management, and design firm.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The role is within the Facilities Sector, likely a dedicated department focused on managing capital improvement projects for educational institutions and other public clients.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President within the Facilities Sector, overseeing multiple Project Managers and Design Leads.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role demands extensive collaboration with internal Project Managers, Construction Managers, Estimators, Schedulers, and external Architects, Engineers, Consultants, Contractors, and Client Stakeholders (District Administrators).

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing project data for performance analysis, risk assessment, and informed design choices.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A systematic approach to planning and optimizing project lifecycles, from A&E selection to design completion, ensuring efficiency and quality.

• Automation & Efficiency: Adoption of tools and processes to enhance efficiency in design review, contract administration, and project tracking.

Company Website: https://cordobacorp.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Cordoba Corporation's reputation as a top-tier firm in engineering and construction management implies a culture that values technical expertise, project execution excellence, and client satisfaction. The company's focus on public sector projects suggests a commitment to public service and compliance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, requiring extensive experience and strategic oversight. It's a management role focused on guiding complex design processes and teams, rather than an entry-level or mid-level individual contributor role. The scope involves managing multiple high-value projects simultaneously.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within the Facilities Sector (e.g., VP of Facilities, Director of Capital Projects) and will manage a team of design professionals and potentially project managers who are directly involved in the day-to-day execution of specific capital improvement projects.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects, particularly those involving seismic safety and essential repairs for educational facilities. High-quality design management ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet the long-term functional and safety needs of the District, directly influencing the operational capacity and educational environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher executive roles such as Director of Facilities, Vice President of Operations, or Program Director for larger, more complex infrastructure initiatives.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in specific areas like seismic retrofitting or educational facility design within the firm and the industry.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior design managers, project managers, and design professionals, contributing to the firm's talent pipeline.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in shaping the firm's design strategy, best practices, and standards for the Facilities Sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career milestone for professionals in facilities design and capital project management, offering a path toward executive leadership within a well-respected engineering and construction management firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Los Angeles, CA, and is described as "Onsite." This indicates a traditional office environment where regular attendance is expected. The office likely serves as a hub for project planning, team meetings, and coordination with other departments.

Office Location(s): Headquartered in Los Angeles, with additional offices in San Francisco, Sacramento, San Ramon, Chatsworth, Santa Ana, and San Diego. The Senior Design Manager will primarily work from the Los Angeles office, but may need to travel to project sites or other offices as required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office environment is expected to be collaborative, with ample opportunities for interaction with colleagues across various disciplines (engineering, construction management, planning) to facilitate integrated project delivery.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management platforms, document control systems, and communication tools will be available to support efficient workflow.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions will be integral to the daily work, fostering a dynamic and communicative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (typically 40 hours per week) are expected. However, given the project-driven nature of the role, flexibility may be required, including potential for extended hours or weekend work to meet critical project milestones, deadlines, and urgent client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Onsite" requirement in Los Angeles suggests a need for candidates to be based in or willing to relocate to the area, and to be comfortable with a traditional office-based work structure, essential for the collaborative and oversight demands of managing complex design projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications and experience requirements.

• First Interview: Likely with an HR representative or a hiring manager to discuss your background, experience, and general fit for the role and company culture. Focus on your project management experience and understanding of the A&E process.

• Technical/Managerial Interview: This will be a more in-depth discussion with senior members of the Facilities Sector team. Expect questions about your experience managing complex capital projects, seismic upgrades, A&E contract administration, budget control, and team leadership.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will be asked to present and discuss specific examples from your professional portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved, particularly in design oversight and project delivery.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive (e.g., VP, Director) to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and final cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process Mastery: Focus on demonstrating your ability to manage the entire design lifecycle. Showcase your structured approach to A&E selection, design development, review, and approval.

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the scope, your specific responsibilities, the challenges encountered (e.g., budget constraints, regulatory hurdles, technical complexities), your strategic solutions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, compliance achieved). Use data and metrics whenever possible.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Illustrate how you effectively collaborated with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders. Provide examples of how you managed differing opinions and drove consensus.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Present case studies that exemplify your ability to anticipate, identify, and resolve complex design and project management issues, particularly those related to seismic retrofits or critical repairs.

• Tailor to Cordoba: Research Cordoba Corporation's recent projects and clients. If possible, subtly align your portfolio examples with the types of projects and sectors they specialize in.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be ready to analyze a hypothetical project scenario and outline your approach to managing its design phase, including risk assessment, team assembly, and stakeholder engagement.

• Technical Scenarios: Prepare for questions related to common challenges in seismic upgrades or public facility construction, and how you would ensure compliance and quality.

• Leadership Scenarios: Practice articulating your leadership style, how you motivate teams, and how you handle underperformance or conflict within a project team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your practical experience in managing complex design processes and delivering public infrastructure projects. A well-prepared, data-rich portfolio is crucial for success, demonstrating not just what you've done, but how you've done it and the impact you've made.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms such as Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Procore, or similar systems for managing schedules, resources, and project documentation.

• BIM/CAD Software (Understanding): While not necessarily a hands-on user, a strong understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) principles and their application in managing design processes. Familiarity with software like Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, or similar.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms for managing project documents, drawings, RFIs, submittals, and change orders (e.g., Aconex, Bentley ProjectWise, SharePoint).

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data from various sources to generate reports, identify trends, and support decision-making. Familiarity with Excel for advanced data analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in developing or utilizing project dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget adherence, and schedule performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (for Client/Consultant Management): While not a sales role, understanding how CRM principles apply to managing relationships with A&E firms and other external partners.

• Workflow Automation (Conceptual): Awareness of how automation can streamline design review, submittal processes, and communication, even if not directly implementing it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a manager who is technologically adept, capable of leveraging various software and systems to enhance efficiency and oversight in the design and project management process. Familiarity with systems common in large-scale construction and public agency projects is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality projects that meet or exceed client expectations, with a strong focus on technical accuracy and long-term durability.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring strict adherence to all legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements, particularly within public sector projects.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where open communication, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving are encouraged across all teams and disciplines.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and becoming a trusted partner in achieving their project goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and best practices to enhance project delivery efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively promotes seamless integration between design teams, construction management, and other internal departments, ensuring a unified approach to project delivery.

• Process Review & Feedback: Cultivates a culture where processes are regularly reviewed, and constructive feedback is welcomed and acted upon to drive continuous improvement in design management and project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encourages the sharing of lessons learned, best practices, and technical expertise across teams and projects to build collective knowledge and elevate overall performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cordoba Corporation's emphasis on client collaboration and its recognition as a top firm suggest a culture that values professionalism, expertise, and a strong work ethic, particularly in delivering complex public infrastructure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: The primary challenge will be ensuring compliance with California's stringent building codes, seismic standards, and educational facility requirements, which are constantly evolving.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including District administrators, end-users, regulatory bodies, and community groups.

• Budgetary and Schedule Constraints: Delivering high-quality design solutions within tight budgetary limits and aggressive project schedules, requiring adept negotiation and resource management.

• Technical Complexity of Seismic Upgrades: Overseeing design for projects involving seismic retrofits and critical repairs, which often present significant technical challenges and require specialized engineering expertise.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in design technology, construction methods, and project management software to maintain efficiency and competitiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Seismic Design & Retrofitting: Deepen expertise in the latest seismic engineering principles and retrofitting techniques applicable to public infrastructure.

• Public Agency Project Management: Further develop skills in managing projects within the specific procurement, compliance, and reporting frameworks of public agencies.

• Leadership & Executive Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills, strategic planning capabilities, and executive presence through advanced training and mentorship.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry conferences (e.g., SEAOC, AIA) and obtaining advanced certifications in project management or specialized engineering fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly tied to opportunities for professional growth. Overcoming these challenges will build a strong foundation for advanced leadership roles in the firm and the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for selecting and onboarding an A&E firm for a major capital improvement project, focusing on how you ensure alignment with programmatic and budgetary goals." (Focus on structured selection criteria, clear scope definition, and contract negotiation points.)

• "How do you manage design changes and scope creep effectively while ensuring project stays within budget and schedule? Provide a specific example." (Highlight your change control process, impact assessment, and stakeholder communication strategies.)

• "Walk me through your experience managing seismic upgrade or critical repair projects. What were the unique challenges, and how did you ensure design compliance and structural integrity?" (Emphasize your understanding of seismic codes, risk assessment, and collaboration with structural engineers.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Cordoba Corporation and our work in the Facilities Sector? How does your experience align with our mission and values?" (Research their recent projects, company history, and stated values on their website.)

• "Describe your leadership style when managing multidisciplinary design teams. How do you foster collaboration and ensure accountability?" (Focus on your ability to motivate, delegate, provide clear direction, and resolve conflicts.)

• "How do you ensure that design solutions not only meet technical requirements but also serve the long-term educational and operational needs of a public institution?" (Demonstrate your understanding of user needs, lifecycle cost, and sustainability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the key challenges (technical, budgetary, regulatory), your strategic approach to overcoming them, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results and impact.

• Highlight Process and Metrics: Don't just show the final design; explain the process you managed. Quantify your achievements with data related to budget adherence, schedule performance, cost savings, quality improvements, or risk mitigation.

• Focus on Leadership and Collaboration: Emphasize how you led teams, managed consultants, and collaborated with diverse stakeholders to achieve project success.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, technical considerations, and problem-solving strategies related to your portfolio examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interviewers to probe deeply into your practical experience with managing complex design processes, public sector projects, and your ability to lead teams and deliver results under pressure. A well-prepared portfolio is your most critical asset.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Cordoba Corporation careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities directly matching the job description, such as "capital improvement projects," "seismic upgrades," "A&E management," "contract administration," and "educational facilities." Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and percentages.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your most relevant projects that showcase your experience in managing complex design processes, particularly those involving seismic upgrades, critical repairs, or public facilities. Focus on demonstrating your leadership, problem-solving, and process management skills.

• Research Cordoba Corporation: Thoroughly review Cordoba Corporation's website, focusing on their Facilities Sector, recent projects, and company values. Understand their approach to engineering and construction management.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, ensuring you can clearly articulate your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes concisely and persuasively. Practice answering common interview questions related to project management, design oversight, and leadership.

⚠️ 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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