Senior Design Manager M&O

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager M&O

Company: Triangle DeCon Services, Inc.

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations & Project Management (Capital Projects, Design Management)

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multiple capital facilities projects, with a strategic focus on seismic, critical repair, and retrofit initiatives for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).

• Oversee and direct architectural, engineering, and consultant teams throughout the entire design lifecycle to ensure alignment with District standards, budgetary constraints, and project timelines.

• Drive the development and coordination of design processes, ensuring all A&E services meet functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements specific to public educational facilities.

• Implement and maintain robust design review processes to guarantee project goals, objectives, and District standards are met, maximizing value and long-term functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for managing the built environment of a major public school district, requiring a deep understanding of public sector procurement, compliance, and project delivery for educational infrastructure. The "M&O" likely refers to Maintenance & Operations, highlighting a focus on the ongoing operational integrity and lifecycle of facilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Manage a portfolio of complex facilities projects, prioritizing seismic upgrades, critical repairs, and extensive retrofit work to ensure structural integrity and operational readiness.

• Team Management & Oversight: Supervise and guide teams of design professionals, architects, engineers, and consultants through rigorous design review processes, fostering collaboration and accountability.

• Design Process Development: Lead the creation and refinement of the District's design process for A&E services, ensuring alignment with functional programming, budgetary limits, environmental considerations, and legal mandates.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Liaise effectively with architects, consultants, and various District administrators to ensure the timely and compliant completion of engineering repair and critical repair projects.

• Standards Compliance: Oversee the building design process to ensure strict adherence to LAUSD's established standards and guidelines, ensuring new and modernized structures meet both educational program needs and building code requirements.

• Architect Selection & Direction: Establish and execute a clear process for identifying and selecting the most qualified architectural firms for each project, based on demonstrated expertise, performance history, and alignment with project-specific needs.

• Goal & Objective Setting: Provide architects with unambiguous and consistent direction regarding project goals, objectives, standards, site considerations, schedules, and budgets.

• Value Engineering & Appropriateness: Ensure that design solutions deliver maximum value within allocated budgets, are appropriate for the intended use, and are enduring to meet the functional needs of the District, the local community, and environmental sustainability goals.

• Change Order Management: Diligently review design changes submitted by project teams to ensure projects remain within their approved budget parameters.

• Status Monitoring & Reporting: Continuously monitor project planning and design status, providing comprehensive findings, recommendations, and status updates to relevant stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong blend of technical design oversight, project management rigor, and stakeholder management within a public sector context. The focus on "seismic, critical repair, and retrofit" indicates a need for specialized knowledge in structural engineering and building codes relevant to older public facilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Minimum of 14 years of full-time, paid professional experience 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 the required experience must be specifically with the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agencies. Required Skills:

• Capital Project Management: Proven ability to manage large-scale capital projects from inception through completion, with a focus on public sector educational facilities.

• Facilities Design Leadership: Expertise in overseeing architectural and engineering design processes, ensuring compliance with functional, regulatory, and aesthetic requirements.

• Seismic and Retrofit Expertise: Demonstrated understanding and experience in managing projects involving seismic retrofitting, critical repairs, and facility modernization.

• Design Review & Quality Assurance: Skill in establishing and executing effective design review processes to ensure quality, compliance, and alignment with project objectives.

• Contract Administration: Proficient in managing design contracts, including scope, deliverables, and performance expectations.

• Budget Management: Strong capability in managing project budgets, including cost estimating, tracking expenditures, and reviewing change orders to maintain financial control.

• Schedule Management: Ability to develop, monitor, and manage project schedules to ensure timely completion of design phases.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with architects, engineers, consultants, District administrators, and community representatives.

• Public Agency Operations: Experience working with or within public agencies, understanding their unique procurement processes, compliance requirements, and operational needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's Degree: A master's degree in Architecture or Engineering.

• Professional Licensure: A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or a Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

• DBIA Certification: Certification from the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), indicating expertise in alternative project delivery methods.

• PMP Certification: Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) credential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 14 years of experience, with 4 specifically in educational facilities, points to a senior-level role demanding significant domain expertise. The preference for professional licensure and advanced degrees suggests a role where technical depth and recognized expertise are highly valued. The mention of PMP and DBIA certifications in the company description hints at a professional environment that values formal project management and delivery method expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies of at least 2-3 significant capital facilities projects managed, with a strong emphasis on projects involving seismic retrofitting, critical repairs, or modernization of public or educational buildings.

• Design Management Examples: Include examples demonstrating your approach to managing architectural and engineering teams, including processes for design review, scope definition, and quality assurance.

• Budget & Schedule Control: Present evidence of successful budget and schedule management, highlighting specific strategies used to control costs and ensure timely project delivery for complex projects.

• Process Documentation: Provide samples or descriptions of processes you have developed or implemented for design selection, review, and compliance monitoring within public sector environments.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Illustrate your methodology for designing and optimizing workflows for capital project design phases, from initial concept to construction documentation.

• Implementation & Automation: Describe how you have implemented or improved processes for managing design consultants, coordinating interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance, potentially touching on any use of project management software for efficiency.

• Measurement & Analysis: Detail your approach to measuring the effectiveness of design processes, including how you track project performance against objectives, budget, and schedule, and how you use this data for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of public sector capital projects. Demonstrating a structured approach to managing design, consultants, budgets, and schedules, particularly in the context of seismic and repair work, will be crucial. Emphasis should be placed on process documentation that reflects an understanding of LAUSD's specific operational and regulatory environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior Design Manager title, the extensive experience requirements (14+ years), the high cost of living in Los Angeles, and the nature of managing large capital projects for a major public entity like LAUSD, the estimated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $190,000 annually.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on a combination of industry benchmarks for senior-level project/design management roles in high-cost-of-living areas (Los Angeles), specific experience requirements (14+ years, with 4 in public education), and the critical nature of managing public infrastructure projects. Data sources include salary aggregators for similar roles in the Los Angeles metro area, compensation data for construction and engineering management positions, and general cost-of-living adjustments. The exact compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, licensure, and the final negotiated terms.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, accrued based on tenure.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, including support for obtaining or maintaining professional licenses and certifications (e.g., PMP, DBIA, PE, Architect).

• Life and Disability Insurance: Company-provided life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Discretionary bonuses may be offered based on individual and project performance.

Working Hours:

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

• While core hours will likely align with typical business operations (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), some flexibility may be required to attend project meetings, site visits, or address urgent project needs outside of standard hours, particularly during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Benefits for roles within or supporting public agencies often include robust health and retirement plans, along with structured PTO. The emphasis on professional development is key for roles requiring specialized certifications and licenses.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Advisory, Project Development, and Construction Management. Triangle DeCon Services, Inc. operates as a boutique firm serving private developers and public organizations in Southern California. The specific role is embedded within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) project delivery ecosystem.

Company Size: Triangle DeCon Services, Inc. is described as a "young, energetic" and "boutique" firm. While an exact number isn't provided, this suggests a smaller, agile team (likely <50 employees) focused on specialized services. The LAUSD context means collaboration with a much larger, bureaucratic public entity.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the description implies a relatively modern, dynamic company culture focused on client-centricity and trust-building.

Team Structure:

• Triangle DeCon Services Team: Likely a close-knit team of licensed engineers, PMPs, DBIA professionals, and contractors, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment.

• LAUSD Project Team: The Senior Design Manager will interact with various LAUSD departments, including facilities planning, construction, and operations, as well as external design consultants (architects, engineers) and construction managers. The reporting structure will involve reporting to LAUSD leadership or their designated representative, while managing external design teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with architects, engineers, consultants, LAUSD facilities staff, project managers, and potentially community stakeholders, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Triangle DeCon Services emphasizes delivering value and building trust with clients through professional, knowledgeable, and multilingual service.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, operations and project management roles typically rely on data analysis for project planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.

• Process Optimization: The company aims to deliver services efficiently and effectively, suggesting a focus on refining project management methodologies and design processes.

Company Website: [Triangle DeCon Services, Inc. website not provided in input, but likely triangledcs.com based on domain_derived.]

📝 Enhancement Note: The role bridges the gap between a specialized private firm and a large public institution. The Senior Design Manager needs to adapt to the operational pace and compliance demands of LAUSD while embodying the client-focused, agile ethos of Triangle DeCon Services. Understanding the nuances of public sector project delivery within LAUSD is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, signifying a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. It's positioned at the forefront of capital project design management, requiring extensive experience and strategic oversight rather than day-to-day task execution. The role involves managing complex, high-stakes projects and leading teams of professionals.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Facilities Planning, Director of Capital Programs, or a similar senior executive within LAUSD or Triangle DeCon Services' leadership structure overseeing LAUSD projects. They will, in turn, manage and direct external architectural and engineering firms.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the physical infrastructure of public education in Los Angeles. Successful project delivery ensures that students and staff have safe, functional, and modern learning environments. Effective design management contributes to cost savings, adherence to regulatory requirements, and the long-term durability and usability of school facilities, directly supporting LAUSD's educational mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level Director or VP roles within Triangle DeCon Services, managing larger portfolios of projects or broader operational areas.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as seismic retrofitting, sustainable design for educational facilities, or complex urban development projects.

• Public Sector Expertise: Become a recognized expert in public sector capital project delivery, potentially leading to opportunities with other large public agencies or consulting firms specializing in this sector.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior design managers, project managers, and design professionals, contributing to the development of future talent in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a path to leadership within a specialized segment of the construction and real estate advisory industry. The experience gained managing LAUSD projects is highly transferable and valuable in the public sector, offering long-term career stability and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, integrated with the operations of the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Senior Design Manager will likely split time between project sites, LAUSD facilities offices, and potentially the offices of Triangle DeCon Services.

Office Location(s): Primarily Los Angeles, California, United States, with potential site visits across various LAUSD facilities throughout the district.

Workspace Context:

• Dynamic Environment: The role involves working in a fast-paced environment with constant interaction with diverse teams, including architects, engineers, construction professionals, and public administrators.

• Technology Integration: Access to project management software, design collaboration tools, and standard office technology will be essential for managing complex projects and communications.

• Collaboration Focus: The workspace will necessitate frequent collaborative sessions, design reviews, and stakeholder meetings, both in person and virtually.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with core business hours typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet critical project deadlines, attend urgent meetings, or conduct site inspections, especially during peak project phases or when responding to emergencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is crucial, emphasizing hands-on management and direct oversight of projects within the LAUSD system. The blend of office work, site visits, and collaboration with multiple entities defines the daily experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or hiring manager review of resume and application to assess alignment with minimum qualifications (experience, education).

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on project management methodologies, design oversight experience, seismic retrofitting knowledge, and public sector project delivery. Expect behavioral questions related to problem-solving, team leadership, and stakeholder management.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present selected case studies from their portfolio, detailing project scope, challenges, their role, solutions implemented, and outcomes, with a specific focus on demonstrating budget and schedule control, and design quality assurance.

• Panel Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders, including LAUSD representatives and senior leaders from Triangle DeCon Services, to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and client engagement.

• Final Offer: Following successful interviews and reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight LAUSD Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to showcase projects that align with LAUSD's needs: educational facilities, seismic retrofits, critical repairs, and public agency work.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your role, the project's scale, budget, schedule, and specific challenges. Quantify your contributions and achievements using metrics (e.g., "managed a $20M seismic retrofit project completed 5% under budget," "reduced design review cycles by 15%").

• Showcase Process: For design management, detail your systematic approach. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful to illustrate your process for architect selection, design review, and quality control.

• Focus on Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively managed and collaborated with diverse teams of architects, engineers, consultants, and public officials.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Analysis: Be prepared to discuss a hypothetical or real-world project scenario related to seismic retrofitting or critical repairs within a school district. Outline your approach to risk assessment, stakeholder communication, and problem resolution.

• Process Improvement Scenario: You might be asked how you would improve a specific aspect of the design process for LAUSD, such as architect selection or value engineering.

• Budget & Schedule Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle budget overruns or schedule delays on a complex public project.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio that directly addresses the specific needs of LAUSD and public sector capital projects will be a significant differentiator. Candidates should be ready to articulate their processes and demonstrate measurable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard PM software such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud (including BIM 360), Oracle Primavera P6, or Microsoft Project for managing project schedules, budgets, documentation, and team collaboration.

• Design Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Bluebeam Revu for PDF annotation and markup, BIM 360 Design, or similar tools for collaborative design review and document management.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel (for budgeting, data analysis, reporting), PowerPoint (for presentations), and Outlook (for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize Excel for data analysis, or potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI if LAUSD utilizes them for project reporting and dashboard creation.

• Reporting Software: Experience generating comprehensive project status reports, budget summaries, and risk assessments.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Less Direct Relevance): While not a direct sales role, understanding how CRM principles apply to stakeholder management and client relations in a project context can be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation (Potential): Awareness of how process automation can streamline design workflows, though direct implementation might be less common for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools might vary, a strong foundation in professional project management software, advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting, and proficiency in collaborative design review platforms are essential. Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) is increasingly important in modern construction and design management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism & Ethics: Upholding high standards of integrity, ethical conduct, and professional expertise in all dealings with clients, consultants, and stakeholders.

• Customer-Centricity: Prioritizing client needs and delivering exceptional service to build trust and long-term relationships.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common project goals.

• Knowledge & Expertise: Valuing continuous learning, professional development, and the application of deep industry knowledge to solve complex challenges.

• Efficiency & Value: Driving projects to deliver maximum value within budget and schedule, focusing on smart solutions and effective resource utilization.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Working closely with clients (LAUSD) and design partners (architects, engineers) as a unified team.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open, transparent, and frequent communication channels to ensure all parties are informed and aligned.

• Solution-Focused: Addressing challenges and disagreements constructively, focusing on finding optimal solutions that benefit the project and the District.

• Feedback Integration: Encouraging a culture where feedback is shared constructively and used to improve processes and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of being "energetic, ethical, professional, knowledgeable, customer-centric" strongly inform the expected team culture. Within the LAUSD context, this translates to a need for robust professional conduct, transparent communication, and a commitment to public service.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Working within a large public agency like LAUSD can involve complex procurement processes, lengthy approval cycles, and established protocols that differ from private sector environments.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the requirements and expectations of various stakeholders, including District officials, school administrators, community members, and internal teams.

• Seismic Retrofit Complexity: Seismic projects are technically demanding and often involve unforeseen conditions, requiring adaptive problem-solving and rigorous structural engineering oversight.

• Budgetary Constraints: Ensuring projects are delivered within tight public budgets, requiring strong cost control and value engineering skills.

• Maintaining Design Quality: Upholding high design standards while meeting strict timelines and budget limitations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specialized areas like advanced seismic engineering, sustainable building practices, or complex infrastructure design.

• Public Procurement & Policy: Gaining in-depth understanding of public sector contracting, environmental regulations, and educational facility planning policies.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in leading large, multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex client relationships within the public sector.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing advanced certifications (e.g., additional engineering specializations, LEED accreditation).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in large-scale public infrastructure projects. Overcoming these challenges offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development, particularly in navigating complex organizational structures and technical requirements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex capital project you managed that involved seismic retrofitting or critical repairs. What were the primary challenges, how did you approach them, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Have a detailed case study ready. Focus on your specific role, the technical challenges, your problem-solving methodology, stakeholder management, and quantifiable results (budget, schedule, safety).

• "How would you ensure that design plans for LAUSD facilities meet both educational program requirements and stringent building codes/standards?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your process for integrating functional program needs with regulatory compliance. Mention key standards (e.g., California Building Code, LAUSD specific guidelines), your review process, and how you collaborate with subject matter experts.

• "Imagine a significant budget overrun is identified during the design phase of a critical repair project. What steps would you take to address this?"

  • Preparation: Outline your approach to immediate identification, root cause analysis, exploring value engineering options, communicating with stakeholders, and presenting mitigation strategies. Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Triangle DeCon Services and LAUSD, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges for a Senior Design Manager in this role?"

  • Preparation: Research Triangle DeCon Services' mission and values, and LAUSD's scale and typical project challenges. Frame your answer around navigating public sector complexity, stakeholder alignment, and ensuring project success within these frameworks.

• "How do you foster collaboration among diverse teams, including architects, engineers, and public agency personnel?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and methods for building consensus and shared ownership among different professional groups.

• "How do you measure the success of a design management process beyond budget and schedule?"

  • Preparation: Think about qualitative metrics such as design quality, stakeholder satisfaction, long-term facility performance, adherence to sustainability goals, and the overall contribution to the educational mission. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your solution (including your specific actions and decisions), and the results. Use a consistent structure.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals. Include project photos, key diagrams, budget summaries, or timeline charts where appropriate to illustrate your points.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the value you brought to the project and the organization, particularly in terms of cost savings, risk mitigation, improved functionality, and adherence to standards.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your specific contributions, decision-making processes, and how you handled specific challenges within each presented project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate not only technical competence but also strategic thinking, strong leadership, and a proven ability to navigate the complexities of public sector project management. Your portfolio should serve as tangible proof of these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on careers-page.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in capital project management, facilities design, seismic retrofitting, and work with public agencies, especially educational institutions. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 detailed case studies that best exemplify your experience in managing complex design projects, controlling budgets and schedules, and working with public sector clients. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a PDF document or a dedicated portfolio link).

• Research LAUSD & Triangle DeCon Services: Understand their missions, recent projects, and any specific challenges or initiatives relevant to facilities management and capital projects. This will help tailor your responses during interviews.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact. Be ready to discuss your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes in detail.

⚠️ 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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