Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Cumming Group

Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Project Management (Operations Alignment)

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: 14+ Years (with 4 years in Educational Facilities)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end design process for large-scale K-12 educational facility projects, ensuring alignment with programmatic, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, architects, and consultants through rigorous design review phases, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

• Drive the selection of architectural firms based on qualifications and performance standards, providing clear direction on project goals, site constraints, schedules, and budgets.

• Implement and refine efficient design review processes to guarantee that new and modernized structures meet both educational and building standards, maximizing value for public investment.

• Manage multiple complex projects, including critical repairs and seismic retrofits, ensuring timely completion and adherence to district guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Design Manager," this role has significant operational oversight in project delivery, budget adherence, process management, and stakeholder coordination, aligning it closely with operational functions within a large-scale construction and project management consultancy. The focus on educational facilities and a major public school district implies a need for robust process documentation, compliance management, and strategic resource allocation, core tenets of operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Oversight & Management:

  • Manage multiple concurrent projects, with a strategic emphasis on seismic, critical repair, and complex retrofit initiatives for educational facilities.
  • Ensure all design plans and project execution adhere strictly to functional program requirements, budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and legal mandates.
  • Coordinate effectively with a diverse team of architects, consultants, District personnel, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless project progression and timely delivery.

• Team Leadership & Development:

  • Supervise and guide a team of design professionals, engineers, and other project personnel throughout the entire design review and development lifecycle.
  • Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement within the design team, promoting skill development and knowledge sharing.

• Process & Standards Management:

  • Develop, implement, and maintain robust processes for the selection of architectural firms, ensuring alignment with project needs, performance standards, and budget.
  • Establish and enforce an effective and efficient design review process, ensuring that design outcomes meet the overall goals, objectives, functional needs, and long-term durability requirements for the District.
  • Oversee the building design process to guarantee compliance with District standards and guidelines, ensuring new and modernized structures meet educational and building code requirements.

• Budgetary & Financial Control:

  • Provide maximum value for allocated budgets, ensuring projects are cost-effective, enduring, and meet the functional needs of the District.
  • Diligently review all design changes submitted by project teams and consultants to ensure the project remains within the approved budget parameters.

• Reporting & Communication:

  • Monitor project planning and design status meticulously, preparing and presenting comprehensive findings, recommendations, and status updates to senior leadership and stakeholders.

  • Act as a primary point of contact for design-related matters, facilitating clear and consistent communication between all parties involved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "managing the facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects that included the overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities" strongly indicates a need for operational proficiency in project lifecycle management, risk assessment, and resource optimization. The role requires not just design oversight but also a deep understanding of the operational mechanics that drive successful project execution within a large public sector client.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Master's degree in Architecture or Engineering is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 14 years of full-time paid professional experience in managing facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects. This experience must encompass overall design, 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 Lifecycle Management: Proven ability to manage the entire project lifecycle from initial design through to final completion, with a strong focus on K-12 educational facilities.

• Design Review & Coordination: Expertise in leading and executing comprehensive design review processes, ensuring compliance with standards, budgets, and functional requirements.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated experience in managing, motivating, and developing teams of design professionals, architects, and consultants.

• Budget Management & Cost Control: Strong financial acumen for managing project budgets, reviewing design changes, and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

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

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with diverse stakeholders, including District officials, architects, engineers, and internal teams.

• Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Ability to identify critical issues, analyze complex situations, and make sound, data-driven decisions to ensure project success.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough understanding of building codes, standards, and legal requirements relevant to public educational facilities.

Preferred Skills:

• California Architectural/Engineering Registration: 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.

• Seismic Retrofit Expertise: Specialized knowledge and experience in managing seismic repair and retrofit projects.

• Public Sector Project Experience: Extensive experience working with large public school districts or similar government agencies.

• Risk Management: Ability to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.

• Strategic Planning: Capacity to contribute to the strategic planning of capital improvement programs for educational institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (14 years) and the specific focus on managing capital projects, including contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling, clearly indicate a need for candidates with strong operational management skills rather than purely design-focused individuals. The emphasis on process development and implementation for firm selection and design review further solidifies the operational nature of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed case studies showcasing leadership in managing educational facility projects from conceptualization through completion. Emphasis should be placed on projects involving seismic retrofits, critical repairs, or new construction/modernization.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Examples of established or improved design review processes, firm selection methodologies, or project management workflows implemented to enhance efficiency, quality, or cost control.

• Budget Management Examples: Demonstrations of successful budget management on complex projects, including strategies for cost control, value engineering, and managing design change orders effectively.

• Team Management & Collaboration: Evidence of successful team leadership, including examples of how you have managed, mentored, and coordinated diverse teams of professionals to achieve project objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase examples of designing or optimizing workflows for architectural firm selection, design review, and project coordination to ensure efficiency and compliance.

• Implementation & Automation: While direct automation might be limited in design management, demonstrate how you've implemented structured processes and leveraged technology (e.g., project management software, BIM) to streamline operations and improve project outcomes.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you have monitored project progress, analyzed performance data, and reported findings and recommendations to stakeholders, demonstrating a data-driven approach to project oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role with significant operational responsibilities, a portfolio should highlight not just design outcomes but the processes and systems used to achieve them. This includes demonstrating an understanding of workflow optimization, risk management through process, and the ability to manage complex information flows and stakeholder communications, all critical operational competencies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $132,800.00 - $185,933.36 per year This range is determined based on the position, geographic location (Los Angeles, CA), client (large public school district), and industry experience. It reflects a good faith effort to provide fair and equitable compensation for a Senior Design Manager with extensive experience in educational facilities and capital project management. This range represents base salary only.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance

• Retirement Planning:

  • 401(k) Plan
  • 401(k) Matching Contributions

• Time Off & Wellness:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.

• Disability Coverage:

  • Short-term disability insurance

  • Long-term disability insurance Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, flexibility may be offered based on project demands and team needs, though core hours will likely be dictated by client and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and clearly stated. The methodology for determining this range is based on the role's seniority, location, client type (large public sector), and the specialized experience required in educational facilities and seismic retrofits. This aligns with industry benchmarks for senior project management and design leadership roles in high-cost-of-living areas with significant project complexity. The benefits package is standard for a professional services firm, offering competitive support for employees and their families.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Project Management Consultancy

Company Size: Large (Cumming Group is among the fastest-growing consultancies, with over 70 offices globally, indicating a significant employee base and operational footprint.)

Founded: Cumming Group was founded in 1999, signifying over two decades of experience and growth in the project and cost management sector.

Team Structure:

• Operations-Centric Environment: As a project and cost management consultancy, Cumming Group's core business is built on operational excellence, delivering complex projects for clients. The Senior Design Manager will operate within a structure that prioritizes efficient project delivery, rigorous process adherence, and strong client relationships.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive interaction with architects, engineers, consultants, internal project managers, cost estimators, and client representatives (Los Angeles Unified School District). Collaboration is key to navigating the complexities of large-scale educational facility projects.

• Hierarchical Reporting: While specific reporting lines are not detailed, a "Senior" role typically reports to a Director or VP of Operations/Project Management. The team managed will likely consist of Design Managers, Project Managers, and potentially specialized technical staff.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Project Management: Cumming Group emphasizes data analysis for cost control, scheduling, and performance tracking. The Senior Design Manager will be expected to leverage data to inform decisions, manage risks, and report on project status.

• Process Standardization & Optimization: The firm's growth suggests a reliance on standardized processes for project delivery, quality assurance, and client management. The Senior Design Manager will be expected to adhere to these processes and contribute to their refinement, particularly within the design phase.

• Client-Focused Delivery: The consultancy model means a strong focus on client satisfaction and delivering projects that meet client objectives, in this case, the specific needs of the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Company Website: https://www.cumming-group.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Cumming Group's positioning as a rapidly growing, global consultancy implies a structured, process-oriented operational framework. The focus on "impact" and "exciting projects" suggests a dynamic yet disciplined work environment. For a Senior Design Manager, this translates to operating within established project management methodologies, adhering to quality control standards, and contributing to operational efficiency in design delivery for major public sector clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, signifying a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, and strategic input within the project delivery lifecycle. It sits at a critical intersection of design leadership and operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within Cumming Group's project management or operations division, such as a Director of Project Management or Vice President. They will, in turn, manage a team of design professionals and consultants.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the successful delivery of critical infrastructure for a major public entity. The ability to manage design processes efficiently and effectively directly influences project timelines, budget adherence, and the quality of educational facilities, all of which are core operational outcomes for Cumming Group and its client. Effective design management by this role ensures that projects are executable, cost-efficient, and meet long-term operational needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles, such as Director of Project Management, VP of Operations, or regional management positions, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple project types.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific project typologies (e.g., complex seismic retrofits, sustainable design) or expand into broader program management roles.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in strategic initiatives, business development support, and contributing to the refinement of Cumming Group's operational methodologies and service offerings.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior design managers and project staff, contributing to the development of future operational leaders within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation coupled with extensive experience suggests a role that is not just about execution but also about process improvement and strategic input. Growth opportunities would naturally involve taking on more operational scope, leading larger teams, and contributing to the firm's strategic operational direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in downtown Los Angeles, CA, suggesting a professional office environment typical of a large consultancy. This would likely include collaborative workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and potentially client-facing presentation areas.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is downtown Los Angeles, CA. This central location offers accessibility via public transportation and proximity to various amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office will serve as a hub for collaboration with other project managers, cost estimators, and support staff within Cumming Group. Regular team meetings, design charrettes, and client presentations are expected.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to industry-standard design and project management software, communication tools, and potentially advanced visualization technologies will be provided to support efficient operations.

• Client Interaction: Opportunities for direct engagement with the Los Angeles Unified School District client team, requiring professional presentation and effective communication in client meetings.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time, on-site position.

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, but project demands, client needs, and critical deadlines may require extended hours or weekend work. A flexible approach to work schedule, within the confines of project requirements and client availability, is often necessary in such roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a major metropolitan area for a large consultancy implies a structured, professional, and collaborative work environment. The focus is on facilitating in-person collaboration, client engagement, and leveraging office resources for project execution, which are key elements of operational efficiency in consulting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications for basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Director or VP) to assess technical expertise, leadership style, and fit with the team and company culture. Expect questions on project management methodologies, design review strategies, and team leadership.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session to present and discuss key projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your role, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your contributions, focusing on process and operational improvements.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential peers or team members to evaluate collaborative fit and assess interpersonal skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive for final evaluation and offer discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your experience with educational facilities, seismic retrofits, and managing complex design processes.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the processes you implemented or managed (e.g., firm selection, design review stages), challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Highlight Operational Contributions: Emphasize how your management of the design process contributed to the overall operational success of the project – e.g., mitigating risks, ensuring constructability, streamlining approvals, maximizing value for money.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your leadership style, conflict resolution, decision-making processes, and how you handle difficult stakeholders or unforeseen project issues.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical project scenario or a past project challenge. Be prepared to outline your approach to managing the design phase, identifying key risks, and proposing solutions.

• Process Improvement Discussion: Be ready to discuss how you would improve the design review process for a large school district, focusing on efficiency, compliance, and stakeholder alignment.

• Team Management Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would manage a diverse team, handle underperforming team members, or foster a collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role in a consultancy like Cumming Group will likely be rigorous, focusing not only on technical design management but also on operational leadership, process ownership, and the ability to deliver value within a client-focused framework. A strong portfolio demonstrating process management and quantifiable results is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms such as Procore, Aconex, Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), or similar systems for managing project documentation, schedules, RFIs, submittals, and communication.

• Design Software Familiarity: While not a direct user, understanding of key design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) is essential for effective design review and coordination.

• Cost Management Tools: Familiarity with cost estimating software and tools used for budget tracking and financial reporting.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management and financial systems to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and reporting is a given.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or utilizing dashboards (e.g., within PM software or BI tools like Tableau, Power BI if used by the company) to present project status, budget adherence, and performance metrics to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Client Relationship Management): While not directly managing sales, understanding how client interactions are tracked and managed within a CRM system can be beneficial for relationship management with the school district.

• Workflow Automation (Conceptual): While direct automation might be limited for a design manager, understanding how workflow automation principles can be applied to streamline administrative tasks, approval processes, and information sharing within the design and project management lifecycle is valuable.

• Integration Concepts: Understanding how different systems (e.g., design, PM, financial) integrate to provide a cohesive project overview.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Senior Design Manager in a consultancy must be technologically adept, not necessarily as an advanced user of all design software, but as a proficient manager of project data and communication tools. The ability to leverage technology for operational efficiency, data analysis, and stakeholder reporting is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Delivery: A commitment to high-quality project outcomes, meeting and exceeding client expectations through rigorous process management and attention to detail.

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, ensuring open and honest communication with clients, team members, and partners. This is especially critical when working with public sector clients.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse teams work together effectively towards common project goals, valuing contributions from all disciplines.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methodologies to enhance project delivery efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall project quality.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to achieving results.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Engaged: Actively seeking input from and providing clear direction to architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure alignment and prevent issues.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on collaborative problem-solving when challenges arise, rather than assigning blame.

• Data-Informed Communication: Using data and project metrics to support discussions and decisions, facilitating objective collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with other Cumming Group departments (e.g., cost management, scheduling) to ensure a holistic approach to project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cumming Group's culture, as a successful consultancy, likely emphasizes professionalism, client-centricity, and operational efficiency. For a Senior Design Manager, this means embodying values that support seamless project execution, strong stakeholder relationships, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results within a structured, collaborative framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of a large public school district, various architectural firms, engineering consultants, and internal project teams can be complex.

• Navigating Bureaucracy: Working with a large public agency like LAUSD often involves navigating established bureaucratic processes, which can sometimes lead to slower decision-making or require adherence to specific protocols.

• Budgetary Constraints: Ensuring high-quality design and construction within tight public sector budgets requires constant vigilance, strategic negotiation, and effective value engineering.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Standards: Educational facility design standards, building codes, and seismic requirements are subject to change, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

• Team Performance Management: Effectively leading and motivating a diverse team of professionals, ensuring consistent performance and adherence to project standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized construction management credentials.

• Public Sector Project Expertise: Deepening understanding of procurement, compliance, and operational nuances specific to public educational institutions.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participating in internal or external programs focused on strategic leadership, change management, and advanced team management.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Attending events focused on educational facility design, seismic engineering, and construction management to stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends.

• Mentorship: Engaging with senior leaders within Cumming Group to gain insights into strategic operations, client relationship management, and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large-scale public sector projects. The growth opportunities are aligned with advancing operational leadership and expanding expertise within the construction and project management consultancy sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a large-scale K-12 educational facility, from initial concept to construction-ready documents." (Focus on process, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement).

• "How do you ensure design projects remain within budget while meeting all functional and regulatory requirements? Provide a specific example." (Highlight your cost control and value engineering strategies).

• "Walk us through a time you had to manage a difficult stakeholder or resolve a significant design conflict. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and communication skills).

• "How do you select and manage architectural and engineering consultants to ensure they meet project performance standards and deadlines?" (Emphasize your selection criteria, contract oversight, and performance monitoring). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Cumming Group and our role in the project management consultancy space?" (Research the company's projects, values, and market position).

• "How would your leadership style contribute to our team's success, particularly when working with a major public client like LAUSD?" (Align your style with collaboration, accountability, and client focus).

• "Describe your experience working with public sector clients and navigating their unique procurement and approval processes." (Showcase your understanding of public agency operations). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, use a clear STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Begin with the project's scope and your role, detail the specific actions you took to manage the design process, and conclude with the quantifiable results and lessons learned.

• Highlight Process & Operations: Emphasize the processes you implemented or managed – e.g., the design review checklist you developed, the communication protocol you established with consultants, how you tracked design changes against the budget.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate your impact. This could include budget savings, schedule acceleration, reduction in RFIs, or improvements in quality metrics.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides or documents. Visuals like project timelines, organizational charts of project teams, or sample design review reports can be very effective.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your presented projects, including technical details, financial aspects, and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design knowledge but strong operational management capabilities, process orientation, and leadership within a complex, client-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Cumming Group careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your extensive experience (14+ years) in managing capital projects, specifically focusing on educational facilities and including contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-4 high-impact case studies that showcase your leadership in educational facility design projects, seismic retrofits, and process management. Focus on demonstrating your operational contributions, budget control, and team leadership.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation of challenges, your process-driven solutions, and quantifiable results. Prepare to answer in-depth questions about your project management methodologies and operational strategies.

• Research Cumming Group & LAUSD: Understand Cumming Group's project portfolio, values, and market position. Familiarize yourself with the scale and operational complexities of the Los Angeles Unified School District's capital programs.

⚠️ 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.