Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: HDR

Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States / Brentwood, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Design Management / Architecture Operations

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams through the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to close-out, ensuring operational efficiency and project success.

• Oversee the planning, design, documentation, and construction administration phases for a variety of complex building types, including data centers, water treatment facilities, and advanced manufacturing plants, with a focus on operational impact.

• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships, actively participating in marketing, contractual, design, and production meetings to ensure alignment with operational goals.

• Drive design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability, pioneering innovative building technologies that contribute to the built environment and community well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily involve project management, team leadership, and client relations within an architectural and engineering context. The "Operations" aspect comes from managing the operational execution of design projects, ensuring they meet client needs, budget, and schedule constraints, which is critical for a GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy focused on delivering successful projects. This role requires a blend of design vision and operational rigor.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate the work of single or multidisciplinary teams throughout the project lifecycle, from development and initiation to close-out, ensuring seamless operational flow.

• Assume responsibility for all aspects of large multidisciplinary projects or medium-sized projects with high technical complexity, managing significant project staff and resources.

• Produce and coordinate multiple projects concurrently, requiring robust organizational and time management skills to maintain operational momentum.

• Establish and maintain strong client relationships, actively engaging in marketing, contractual, design, and production meetings to ensure project alignment and operational success.

• Conduct work sessions for deliverable development in conjunction with other staff and stakeholders, fostering collaborative problem-solving and operational integration.

• Coordinate staffing and workload throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring the timely completion of deliverables within operational parameters.

• Track financial aspects of projects, coordinating and adjusting work efforts to ensure completion within agreed-upon budget and schedule constraints, a key component of operational management.

• Collaborate with Accounting, Operational, and Business leadership for periodic project reviews, providing insights into project health and operational performance.

• Implement Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures to ensure design integrity and operational excellence.

• Supervise large project staffs and act as a mentor for less-experienced Project Managers, fostering a culture of continuous operational improvement and skill development.

• Drive the integration of resilience and sustainability principles into design solutions, aligning with operational requirements and long-term impact goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities clearly indicate a strong project management and leadership component. The "operations" aspect is derived from the need to manage complex projects efficiently, control budgets and schedules, ensure quality, and maintain client satisfaction – all critical for the successful operational delivery of architectural and engineering services. The mention of "operations centers" and "maintenance facilities" as project types further emphasizes the operational focus of the work.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture (Required).

• Master's degree in Architecture (Preferred).

• LEED Accreditation (Preferred, with experience and/or interest in sustainable design). Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of related experience in architecture and design.

• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience, demonstrating the ability to lead and deliver complex projects.

• Proven experience in leading teams on projects, showcasing strong leadership and operational delegation skills.

• Relevant prior experience in industrial architecture, such as data centers, water treatment facilities, public utility facilities, operations centers, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors is highly preferred, indicating a deep understanding of operational project requirements. Required Skills:

• Registered Architect (Required).

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project), essential for project planning, documentation, and operational tracking.

• Knowledge and experience within the local and regional market, crucial for understanding operational constraints and client expectations.

• Strong planning and mentoring skills, vital for team development and operational efficiency.

• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in an employee-owned culture, demonstrating collaborative and engaged operational participation.

• Ability to lead a team on projects, effectively managing resources and driving operational outcomes. Preferred Skills:

• PMP Certification, indicating a formal understanding of project management methodologies and operational best practices.

• Experience facilitating meetings with a range of stakeholders (engineers, clients, contractors, subcontractors, AHJs), crucial for effective operational communication and coordination.

• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design (LEED), aligning with modern operational and environmental standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical architectural expertise, robust project management capabilities, and leadership skills. The preference for experience in specific industrial sectors like data centers and water treatment facilities highlights the need for candidates who understand the operational intricacies of these environments. The requirement for a Registered Architect and extensive project management experience positions this as a senior-level role focused on the operational delivery of significant projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successfully managed large or complex multidisciplinary projects, showcasing end-to-end project lifecycle management from initiation to close-out, highlighting operational control.

• Case studies detailing how design solutions were developed and documented, emphasizing the integration of client needs, technical requirements, and operational considerations.

• Examples of client relationship management and successful stakeholder engagement, illustrating effective communication and collaboration strategies for operational alignment.

• Evidence of budget and schedule management, including examples of how projects were delivered within agreed-upon financial and time parameters, showcasing operational efficiency. Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization examples, illustrating how project processes were streamlined for efficiency and improved operational outcomes.

• System implementation standards and best practices, particularly for complex building types like data centers or water treatment facilities, demonstrating an understanding of operational system integration.

• Measurement and performance analysis of design projects, including how QA/QC procedures were applied and their impact on project quality and operational success.

• Documentation of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (engineers, designers, technical experts) to achieve project objectives, highlighting operational synergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio for this role should not only showcase design aesthetics but also the candidate's ability to manage the operational execution of projects. This includes demonstrating project planning, resource allocation, risk mitigation, client communication, and budget/schedule adherence. For operations-minded candidates, this means highlighting the how behind successful project delivery, not just the final design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 10+ years of experience, a Registered Architect license, and significant project management responsibilities in the Nashville/Brentwood, Tennessee area, the estimated salary range is $120,000 - $170,000 per year. This estimate accounts for the experience level, required certifications, and the cost of living in the region, which is moderate compared to major coastal cities.

Benefits:

• Employee Ownership: As part of an employee-owned company, you have a stake in the company's success, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and operational contribution.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with company match to help employees plan for their future.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED) to enhance operational and design skills.

• Employee Network Groups: Access to various employee resource groups (e.g., Women, Young Professionals, Veterans) that foster inclusion and support.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives and resources aimed at promoting employee health and well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team needs, allowing for adjustments to meet critical operational deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from industry salary aggregators (e.g., Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary) for similar roles in Nashville, TN, adjusted for the specified experience level and required credentials. The benefits listed are typical for a large, established firm like HDR, with a particular emphasis on employee ownership which is a significant differentiator.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC), with a strong focus on infrastructure, buildings, and consulting services. The company operates across diverse market sectors including transportation, water, energy, federal, and healthcare, each with unique operational demands.

Company Size: HDR is a large, global firm with over 10,000 employees worldwide, operating as an employee-owned company. This size provides stability and resources while also requiring efficient internal operational structures to manage diverse projects and teams.

Founded: HDR was founded in 1917, bringing over a century of experience and a deep-rooted history in delivering complex projects. This longevity suggests a stable operational framework and a commitment to long-term client relationships and project success.

Team Structure:

• The design teams are typically multidisciplinary, comprising architects, engineers (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing), planners, designers, and technical specialists.

• Reporting structure involves project managers and design managers overseeing specific projects or client portfolios, with a clear hierarchy that allows for focused operational direction.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with seamless integration between design, engineering, and project management functions to ensure holistic project delivery and operational coherence. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: HDR likely employs rigorous data analysis to inform design decisions, assess project feasibility, and monitor operational performance, leveraging project data for continuous improvement.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Emphasis is placed on structured workflow planning, from initial concept development through construction administration, with a focus on optimizing processes for efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: The firm likely utilizes advanced design software and project management tools to automate repetitive tasks, improve coordination, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.hdrinc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: HDR's positioning as a large, employee-owned, global firm implies a sophisticated operational structure, a commitment to employee development, and a culture that values collaboration and long-term impact. The diverse market sectors mean operations professionals need to be adaptable and understand varied project needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design and project management hierarchy. It's a critical juncture for professionals who have mastered technical design skills and project execution, now focusing on leading teams, managing significant client relationships, and driving operational success for large-scale, complex projects. The emphasis is on strategic oversight and operational mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager typically reports to a Director of Design, a Vice President, or a similar senior executive responsible for a specific market sector or geographic region. They, in turn, lead teams of Project Managers, Design Leads, and other technical staff, creating a clear chain of command for operational direction and accountability.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager directly influences the operational success and financial health of projects and the firm. Their ability to manage resources, control costs, maintain client satisfaction, and ensure quality designs directly impacts HDR's revenue, profitability, and reputation. They are key to translating strategic business goals into tangible project outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership Advancement: Progression to roles such as Director of Design, Sector Lead, or Regional Operations Manager, with broader strategic and financial responsibilities.

• Business Development & Client Management: Opportunities to transition into roles focused on client acquisition, relationship management, and expanding HDR's service offerings, leveraging their deep project understanding.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific market sectors (e.g., industrial, federal, water) or technical areas (e.g., sustainable design, advanced technologies), becoming a recognized subject matter expert and thought leader.

• Mentorship & Training: Developing leadership and training skills by mentoring junior staff, contributing to internal operational process improvements, and shaping the next generation of design leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded candidates, this role is a significant step towards executive leadership within the AEC industry. It offers the chance to shape operational strategies, manage substantial budgets, and influence the company's direction through successful project delivery and client relationship management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: HDR typically operates from professional, modern office environments designed to foster collaboration and innovation. These spaces are equipped with advanced technology to support design and project management workflows.

Office Location(s): The role is based in either the Nashville or Brentwood, Tennessee offices. These locations offer access to a vibrant professional community and are well-supported by local infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction among design disciplines, project teams, and leadership, facilitating the exchange of ideas crucial for complex problem-solving and efficient operational execution.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Employees have access to state-of-the-art design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD), project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project), and collaboration tools necessary for managing intricate projects.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, senior leadership, and client representatives, enabling effective communication and dynamic operational adjustments.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, typically 40 hours per week, aligning with typical professional services operations.

• While core hours are expected, there may be flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and client needs, allowing for focused work sessions or extended periods when critical operational milestones are approaching.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct engagement, which are often critical for managing complex projects and fostering a strong operational culture within the AEC industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, with a focus on project management experience and architectural background.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your project management philosophy, leadership style, experience with complex projects, and understanding of operational delivery. Be prepared to discuss your approach to team management and client relations.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve a panel of senior architects, engineers, and project managers. Expect questions related to design challenges, technical problem-solving, QA/QC implementation, and your experience with specific project types (e.g., industrial, data centers).

• Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your most impactful projects, detailing your role, the operational challenges faced, and how you successfully managed them. Focus on demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and successful project outcomes.

• Final Interview: Often with senior leadership, this stage assesses cultural fit, strategic thinking, and your vision for contributing to HDR's operational success and growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operational Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate your role in managing the design process, budget, schedule, and client expectations. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "delivered project 10% under budget," "reduced design revision cycles by 15%").

• Showcase Leadership & Team Management: Highlight instances where you effectively led multidisciplinary teams, resolved conflicts, and mentored junior staff. Describe your approach to fostering collaboration and operational efficiency within your teams.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Present case studies of complex design or operational challenges you encountered and the strategic solutions you implemented. Explain the thought process and decision-making involved.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Provide examples of how you managed client relationships, facilitated key meetings, and ensured stakeholder alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

• Quality & Compliance: Detail your experience with QA/QC procedures and how you ensured designs met technical standards and regulatory requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Project Management Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to project delays, budget overruns, client disputes, or team conflicts. Outline your step-by-step approach to addressing these operational challenges.

• Design Strategy Discussion: Be ready to discuss current trends in architecture and engineering, particularly in sectors like industrial design, sustainability, and resilience, and how you would integrate these into project planning and execution.

• Leadership & Mentoring: Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you empower and develop your teams to achieve operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior Design Manager is rigorous, focusing heavily on the candidate's ability to manage complex operational workflows, lead diverse teams, and deliver successful projects consistently. A strong portfolio that demonstrates both design acumen and operational management skill is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for BIM (Building Information Modeling), facilitating collaborative design, clash detection, and generating detailed construction documentation. Proficiency is key for managing complex design workflows.

• AutoCAD: Still widely used for 2D drafting and design, particularly for specific project phases or client requirements.

• Microsoft Project: A critical tool for project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking progress, vital for operational management and reporting.

• Bluebeam Revu: Frequently used for PDF creation, markup, editing, and collaboration, streamlining document review and communication processes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Project Management Software: HDR likely uses proprietary or industry-standard platforms for overall project tracking, financial reporting, and performance analytics.

• Excel (Advanced): For detailed data analysis, financial modeling, custom reporting, and ad-hoc operational metrics.

• Power BI or Tableau (Potential): For creating dynamic dashboards to visualize project performance, operational metrics, and client-facing reports.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Used for managing client relationships, tracking business development activities, and understanding market trends.

• SharePoint or similar: For document management, team collaboration, and knowledge sharing across projects and departments.

• Workflow Automation Tools (Potential): Exploring tools to automate repetitive tasks in documentation, reporting, or team coordination to improve operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in BIM software like Revit and project management tools like Microsoft Project is non-negotiable. Candidates should be able to articulate how they leverage these tools to enhance operational efficiency, improve design quality, and manage project timelines effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Employee Ownership: A fundamental value where every employee has a stake in the company's success, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and shared responsibility for operational outcomes.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, design decisions, and project execution, ensuring trust and reliability in operational practices.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, delivering value through exceptional design and seamless project management, prioritizing client operational needs.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new ideas, technologies, and approaches to solve complex challenges, driving progress in design and operational methodologies.

• Inclusion: Creating a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives are valued, contributing to richer problem-solving and a stronger, more collaborative operational team.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless collaboration between architects, engineers, project managers, and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach to project delivery and operational coherence.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback and continuous improvement of design and project management processes, fostering an environment where operational efficiencies are identified and implemented.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to elevate the collective operational capability of the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The employee-owned culture is a significant aspect that influences how teams operate. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of this model and how it fosters a proactive, collaborative, and results-oriented approach to project management and overall operational success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Projects: Effectively coordinating diverse teams, technical requirements, and stakeholder expectations on large-scale, intricate projects requires exceptional operational leadership and problem-solving skills.

• Balancing Design Excellence with Operational Constraints: Ensuring innovative and high-quality design solutions are delivered within strict budget, schedule, and client operational requirements.

• Navigating Client Expectations and Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and various stakeholders, often with competing interests, demands adept communication and negotiation skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Market Demands: Staying abreast of new design technologies, sustainable practices, and shifts in market needs (e.g., data center evolution, increased focus on resilience) requires continuous learning and operational agility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in project management methodologies, financial management, risk assessment, and team leadership through internal training and external certifications.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events (e.g., AIA, DBIA, PMP-related forums) and pursuing advanced certifications (e.g., PMP, LEED AP) to enhance operational and design knowledge.

• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Access to mentorship programs with senior leaders and participation in leadership development initiatives designed to prepare individuals for greater operational responsibility and strategic roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle significant challenges that drive professional growth. Candidates who can articulate their strategies for overcoming these challenges and leverage the provided development opportunities will be highly valued.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading multidisciplinary design teams through the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to close-out. How do you ensure operational alignment and efficiency?" - Prepare to discuss your project management framework, communication strategies, and methods for fostering team collaboration.

• "Walk me through a complex project you managed where you had to balance innovative design with significant budget and schedule constraints. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you overcome them?" - Focus on a specific case study that highlights your problem-solving skills, decision-making process, and ability to deliver results under pressure.

• "How do you establish and maintain strong client relationships, especially when dealing with difficult conversations or conflicting stakeholder interests? Provide examples of your approach to client management." - Emphasize your communication skills, negotiation tactics, and commitment to client satisfaction. Company & Culture Questions:

• "HDR is an employee-owned company. How do you see yourself contributing to and benefiting from this culture?" - Discuss your understanding of employee ownership and how it influences your work ethic, collaboration style, and commitment to company success.

• "What are your thoughts on sustainable design and resilience in the built environment, particularly for sectors like data centers or water treatment facilities?" - Showcase your awareness of industry trends and how you integrate these principles into design and operational planning.

• "How do you approach mentoring junior project managers and designers to foster their professional growth and ensure high-quality operational delivery?" - Highlight your leadership style and commitment to developing talent within the team. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your solution (design and operational management), and the outcome. Use a consistent structure to make your presentation easy to follow.

• Quantify Your Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects – e.g., budget adherence, schedule performance, client satisfaction scores, efficiency gains.

• Highlight Operational Management: Explicitly detail your role in managing scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality. Show how you proactively addressed operational challenges.

• Visuals & Clarity: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, site plans, process diagrams) to support your narrative. Ensure your presentation is concise and impactful, focusing on key achievements and lessons learned.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, operational decisions, and your team's performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing for interviews, think about how your experience directly translates to managing the operational execution of complex design projects. Emphasize your leadership, problem-solving, and ability to deliver results consistently.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the HDR careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of architectural experience and 5+ years of project management success. Use keywords from the job description, such as "multidisciplinary teams," "project lifecycle," "client relations," "budget management," and "QA/QC procedures."

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects. For each, prepare a concise overview that details your role, the project's operational challenges, your management approach, and the successful outcomes achieved. Focus on demonstrating leadership and project delivery capabilities.

• Research HDR: Familiarize yourself with HDR's project portfolio, market sectors (especially industrial, water, federal), and company culture. Understand their commitment to employee ownership and sustainability.

• Practice your interview responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that showcase your project management, leadership, and operational problem-solving skills. Be ready to present your portfolio with confidence.

⚠️ 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.