Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: The Haskell Company

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah; Charlotte, North Carolina; Lakewood, Colorado; St Paul, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design & Project Management Operations

Date Posted: July 21, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads and manages design project execution for large or complex projects, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, and budget from proposal to closeout.

• Drives the development and maintenance of detailed project design schedules, proactively communicating any changes to the project team.

• Oversees the selection and management of design consultants, ensuring prequalification and the preparation of Professional Service Agreements that mitigate company risk.

• Facilitates comprehensive design reviews to uphold project quality objectives and compliance with Prime Contract requirements.

• Manages team performance, guides career development, and conducts regular performance discussions for assigned design personnel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Senior Design Manager" indicates a leadership role within the design and project delivery function. This role requires a blend of technical design oversight and robust project management capabilities, suggesting a focus on operational efficiency within the design lifecycle. The company's industry (construction/engineering) implies that operational excellence will be measured by project delivery timelines, budget adherence, and client satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develops, monitors, and updates comprehensive project design schedules, ensuring efficient sequencing and timely communication of any deviations to stakeholders.

• Prepares and negotiates Professional Service Agreements with design consultants, focusing on risk mitigation and favorable terms for The Haskell Company.

• Evaluates the impact of scope changes and additional services on project timelines and deliverables, managing the change order process effectively.

• Conducts regular performance management discussions, monitors workloads, and guides the career development of assigned design team members.

• Ensures strict adherence to all Prime Contract requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

• Builds and maintains strong, trust-based working relationships with clients, internal teams, and external partners to foster future business opportunities.

• Champions safe work practices during the design document development phase and promotes safety awareness in field applications.

• Forecasts and reports on project financial performance, collaborating with design business unit leaders and project leaders on financial reviews.

• Solicits input from various practice areas to inform the development of fee proposals and change order requests.

• Utilizes standard project management tools and techniques in compliance with company policies from proposal initiation through project closeout.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, financial oversight, and risk mitigation within the design project lifecycle. This role requires a candidate who can not only manage technical design aspects but also operationalize them through structured project management methodologies and proactive communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture preferred.

Experience: 10+ years of experience, including time as a lead designer and prior design project management experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in design project management for complex or large-scale projects.

• Strong understanding of architectural and engineering systems relevant to facilities, process, and/or packaging systems.

• Proficiency in managing project schedules, including development, monitoring, and updating.

• Experience in preparing and negotiating Professional Service Agreements and managing change orders.

• Demonstrated ability in financial forecasting and reporting for projects.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills for clear project documentation and stakeholder interaction.

• Adept at building and maintaining strong client and internal relationships.

• Commitment to promoting and implementing safe work practices.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for project documentation and analysis.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

• Exceptional time management skills with the ability to adjust to changing timelines and meet deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Professional registration (e.g., PE, RA) or eligibility for registration.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• Knowledge of drawing production software and its integration requirements for complete project modeling.

• Experience in proposal development and fee generation for design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "preferred" professional registration and PMP certification suggests that while not strictly mandatory, these qualifications are highly valued and indicate a candidate's preparedness for complex project oversight and adherence to industry best practices in project management. Proficiency in specific design and modeling software is also a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful project management of at least one large-scale project or multiple medium-sized projects with diverse design disciplines.

• Showcase examples of developed and implemented project design schedules, highlighting how critical path items were managed and timelines were met.

• Include case studies illustrating successful negotiation and management of Professional Service Agreements with external consultants, emphasizing risk mitigation strategies.

• Present examples of financial forecasting and reporting for design projects, demonstrating accuracy and proactive management of project budgets.

• Provide evidence of team leadership, including examples of guiding team members, managing workloads, and fostering a collaborative design environment. Process Documentation:

• Workflow design for managing the entire project lifecycle from proposal to closeout, including key gate reviews and sign-off procedures.

• Methodologies for risk assessment and mitigation specific to design projects, including contract compliance checks.

• Processes for facilitating and documenting design reviews, ensuring quality control and adherence to client requirements.

• Systems for tracking and reporting project financial performance, including forecasting models and variance analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should not just list projects but detail the candidate's specific contributions to process optimization, risk management, and financial control within those projects. Emphasis should be placed on how they leveraged project management methodologies to achieve successful design outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $185,000 annually. The final salary will be determined by candidate's knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for extended hours based on project demands. The role is characterized as Hybrid, implying a blend of on-site and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level project management role in the engineering and construction sector. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests flexibility but also requires a candidate comfortable with a structured work environment that balances remote efficiency with in-office collaboration. The salary determination criteria emphasize a data-driven approach to compensation, aligning with operations best practices.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering. The Haskell Company is a nationally recognized Top Workplace, emphasizing diverse perspectives, inclusive thinking, and a culture grounded in trust and excellence. This suggests an operational environment that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee well-being.

Company Size: Large (implied by national recognition and multiple office locations). This scale indicates established operational processes and potential for structured career paths within the design and project management functions.

Founded: Not specified, but the company's recognition implies a mature and stable organization with established methodologies.

Team Structure:

• The role involves leading and inspiring a design team, suggesting a team of engineers, architects, and designers reporting to the Senior Design Manager.

• This position will likely report to a higher-level director or vice president within the design or project management division.

• Significant cross-functional collaboration is expected with project managers, construction teams, procurement, and client representatives. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes data-driven decision-making through financial forecasting and performance reporting.

• Workflow planning and optimization are evident through the focus on project schedules, process documentation, and adherence to Prime Contract requirements.

• A commitment to safe work practices and quality objectives indicates a rigorous operational approach.

Company Website: https://careers.haskell.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Haskell's culture as a "Top Workplace" suggests a supportive environment for operations professionals. The emphasis on diverse perspectives and inclusive thinking implies that operational processes are likely to be well-documented and standardized, with room for input from team members to drive efficiency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management. This role sits at a senior level, requiring significant experience and leadership capabilities to manage complex projects and teams. It is a critical operational role within the project delivery framework.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a senior executive within the Design or Project Management division, overseeing a team of design professionals and collaborating closely with Project Managers and other operational leaders.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's operational success by ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and high-quality delivery of design services. Successful project execution by the design team directly influences client satisfaction, repeat business, and overall profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Director-level roles within Design or Project Management, overseeing larger programs or multiple project portfolios.

• Specialization in specific industry sectors (e.g., food and beverage, advanced manufacturing) or project types.

• Development of leadership skills through managing larger teams and more complex strategic initiatives.

• Potential to contribute to the refinement of company-wide design and project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a clear career trajectory. Candidates should look for opportunities to demonstrate their strategic thinking and ability to influence operational processes beyond their immediate team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role involves a combination of on-site work at one of the specified Haskell offices and remote work. The emphasis on collaboration and team leadership suggests that in-office days will be crucial for team meetings, design reviews, and strategic planning sessions.

Office Location(s): Salt Lake City, Utah; Charlotte, North Carolina; Lakewood, Colorado; St Paul, Minnesota. Candidates will be based in one of these locations.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model requires self-discipline and effective remote work setup, alongside active participation in office-based collaborative activities.

• Access to company-standard project management and design software will be provided.

• Opportunities to interact with diverse project teams and senior leadership will be available, particularly during on-site workdays.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility for a hybrid arrangement. However, project demands may necessitate extended hours, especially during critical design phases or when meeting tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role necessitates strong communication and organizational skills to manage both remote productivity and in-office collaboration effectively. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they maintain operational efficiency and team cohesion in a hybrid setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion on experience, leadership style, project management methodologies, and technical design knowledge. Preparation for behavioral questions related to team management and problem-solving is key.

• Panel Interview/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio case study or a strategic approach to managing a hypothetical design project. This assesses presentation skills, strategic thinking, and ability to articulate complex operational plans.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential peers and senior leaders to evaluate collaboration skills and alignment with Haskell's operational values.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership for final approval, potentially focusing on strategic contributions and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure your portfolio around key project management phases: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & control, and closure.

• For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your role, the challenges faced, the operational processes you implemented (e.g., scheduling tools, risk mitigation plans), and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, client satisfaction metrics).

• Highlight examples of successful team leadership, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to financial forecasting, risk assessment, and quality assurance in design projects.

• Showcase your understanding of architectural and engineering systems and how you've applied that knowledge operationally. Challenge Preparation:

• Expect questions about how you would handle common project challenges, such as scope creep, budget overruns, or team conflicts. Prepare specific, actionable solutions.

• Be ready to discuss your approach to developing and managing a project design schedule, including the tools and techniques you use.

• Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and how you motivate and manage design teams in a hybrid environment.

• Review Haskell's project types and industry focus to tailor your responses and demonstrate industry understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical design expertise but also robust project management acumen, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit within Haskell's operational framework. A strong portfolio showcasing concrete achievements in process optimization and risk management will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Procore, Asana, Monday.com) for scheduling, task management, and resource allocation.

• Design & Modeling Software: Knowledge of or ability to integrate with various architectural and engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM platforms) and drawing production tools. Understanding of how these tools integrate into overall project modeling and workflows.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills for financial forecasting, data analysis, and creating custom reports.

• Business Intelligence Tools (Potentially): Familiarity with BI tools for performance dashboards and data visualization, though not explicitly mentioned, is often beneficial in senior operational roles.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Potentially): Understanding how design project data integrates with client relationship management systems to track client needs and foster future business.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and accessing project documentation, drawings, and contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not listed beyond Microsoft Office, the role implies a need to manage projects that interface with complex design software. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with project management tools that facilitate integration and data flow across disciplines.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design and project delivery, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to standards.

• Trust: Fostering an environment of reliability and integrity in all project dealings and team interactions.

• Collaboration: Encouraging diverse perspectives and teamwork to achieve shared project goals.

• Safety: Prioritizing safe work practices in all aspects of design and project execution.

• Innovation: Openness to new ideas and approaches that can improve design processes and project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with project managers, construction teams, and other departments to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and consistent communication channels with team members, clients, and leadership.

• Feedback Culture: Willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in project operations and team performance.

• Mentorship: A proactive approach to developing and supporting junior team members' growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "trust," "excellence," and "diverse perspectives" point towards an operational culture that values data-driven decision-making, meticulous process adherence, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Project Schedules: Balancing multiple project timelines, dependencies, and resource constraints in a dynamic environment.

• Ensuring Design Quality Across Disciplines: Maintaining high standards and consistency when working with diverse design teams and external consultants.

• Navigating Client Expectations: Effectively managing client needs, scope changes, and communication to ensure satisfaction and project success.

• Leading in a Hybrid Environment: Maintaining team cohesion, productivity, and effective communication across remote and on-site team members.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like risk management, stakeholder engagement, and agile project methodologies.

• Industry-Specific Training: Access to training on emerging architectural and engineering systems, sustainability practices, or specialized project types.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications such as PMP or specialized industry credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for a seasoned design professional to hone their operational leadership skills by tackling complex project challenges and driving efficiency within a well-established organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project you managed from proposal to closeout. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you overcome them using project management methodologies?" (Focus on process, schedule, budget, and risk management).

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration within a design team, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Highlight communication tools, meeting structures, and team-building strategies).

• "Walk me through your process for developing and managing a project design schedule. What tools do you use, and how do you handle schedule deviations?" (Emphasize proactive planning, monitoring, and control mechanisms). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Haskell, how would you contribute to our culture of excellence and trust as a Senior Design Manager?" (Research company values and connect your experience to them).

• "How do you approach building relationships with clients and ensuring their business needs are met throughout the design process?" (Focus on client-centric operational strategies).

• "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond financial metrics?" (Discuss quality, client satisfaction, team performance, and safety). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing diverse design disciplines and complex projects.

• For each project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format to clearly articulate your role, the operational challenges, the specific actions you took (processes implemented), and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Quantify your achievements whenever possible: e.g., "Reduced design cycle time by 15% through implementing a new workflow," or "Managed a $5M design budget, coming in 3% under forecast."

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to risk management, contract negotiation, and financial forecasting with specific examples from your portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of operational processes within design project management, highlighting leadership capabilities, and aligning personal values with Haskell's stated culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience in design project management, team leadership, schedule development, financial forecasting, and contract negotiation. Use keywords from the job description such as "design management," "project management," "risk management," and "financial performance."

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate examples of your most impactful projects, focusing on quantifiable achievements in process optimization, schedule adherence, budget control, and team leadership. Be ready to present these in a structured, results-oriented manner.

• Research The Haskell Company: Understand their industry focus, company culture (Top Workplace, diverse perspectives), and recent projects to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice interview questions: Prepare answers to behavioral, situational, and technical questions, focusing on demonstrating your operational expertise and leadership potential.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Haskell Company before making application decisions.