Sr. Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Project Design Manager

Company: Cushman & Wakefield

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Construction Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end execution of retail design projects, ensuring adherence to architectural design principles and client-specific prototypes.

• Serve as the central communication hub for design and construction initiatives, fostering strong partnerships with internal teams, external consultants, and client stakeholders.

• Manage complex, multi-stakeholder prototype workflows from initial concept through final construction, driving efficiency and quality.

• Leverage expertise in Revit and project management to deliver high-quality, innovative retail solutions that align with business objectives and exceed client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges design strategy with operational execution, requiring a candidate who can translate creative concepts into tangible, compliant, and efficient retail spaces. The emphasis on "prototype workflows" suggests a need for scalable design solutions and robust process management, aligning it with operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary design point of contact for clients, building and maintaining trusted, long-term partnerships across retail design and construction teams.

• Clearly and confidently communicate design concepts, decisions, and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership and regulatory bodies.

• Translate client business needs into functional, innovative retail solutions, including detailed test fits and space planning recommendations that optimize customer experience and operational efficiency.

• Manage and continuously improve client design standards, proactively recommending updates to reflect evolving retail trends, best practices, and operational requirements.

• Set up and facilitate Real Estate Site Approval presentations, delivering best-in-class design options with clear analysis of pros and cons to internal leadership, operations teams, regulatory agencies, and landlords.

• Oversee all phases of the retail design process, ensuring deliverables are safe, functional, code-compliant (IBC, ADA), and aesthetically aligned with client prototypes.

• Review and analyze site survey and due diligence information to develop preliminary designs, ensuring feasibility and alignment with operational constraints.

• Coordinate with architectural consultants to develop preliminary planning submittal packages for city review and approval, managing the approval workflow.

• Partner with Construction and Real Estate teams to successfully manage the regional store development pipeline, ensuring design intent is maintained through construction.

• Build effective program alignment with Development Managers and other cross-functional operational teams to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Review and approve preliminary space plans and design concepts against IBC, ADA, and applicable local code requirements, ensuring compliance and operational functionality.

• Maintain rigorous quality control across all design documentation and deliverables, implementing checks and balances for accuracy and completeness.

• Explore and implement innovative retail design solutions, encouraging creative thinking within the project team to enhance both aesthetics and operational performance.

• Act as a primary communicator between the internal client design group, client-approved architects, construction managers, and consultants, streamlining communication channels.

• Proactively manage and problem-solve on-site construction issues affecting design, with a clear understanding of downstream impacts on operations, budget, and timeline.

• Support vendor relationships and contribute to procurement processes as needed, ensuring alignment with design specifications and operational needs.

• Create, implement, and maintain Revit templates, families, and design assets that support consistent and efficient retail project delivery, enhancing design workflow efficiency.

• Champion the adoption of tools and technologies that optimize design workflows, driving operational efficiency in the design process.

• Build and maintain program infrastructure, including SharePoint sites, Smartsheet project trackers and dashboards, file structure guidelines, construction document review checklists, retail design management process flowcharts, and design RACIs, to support robust operations management.

• Track data to demonstrate drive for results and operational improvements, using metrics to inform future design decisions.

• Stay current on emerging retail design software, technologies, and industry trends, integrating new insights into design processes and operational strategies.

• Develop and manage project timelines across a portfolio of retail projects with varying scope and complexity, ensuring timely delivery and resource allocation.

• Ensure all design processes and standards are clearly documented, communicated to stakeholders, and consistently implemented, creating a standardized operational framework.

• Partner cross-functionally with project management, facilities, construction, and other internal teams to deliver integrated retail solutions, emphasizing collaborative operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong blend of design leadership and operational project management. The emphasis on "prototype workflows," "program infrastructure," "data tracking," and "cross-functional partnership" indicates a significant operations component to this role, requiring candidates to demonstrate process thinking and efficiency-driven approaches.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Interior Design from a CIDA or NAAB accredited institution. Experience:

• 10+ years of professional design experience with demonstrated progression into senior design management roles, showcasing a track record of increasing responsibility and project oversight.

• 5+ years of direct experience with Revit in a professional setting, demonstrating proficiency in creating and managing complex architectural models and documentation.

• 5+ years of experience managing complex design and construction projects within a retail environment, understanding the unique demands and pace of retail development.

• Proven experience in managing multi-stakeholder workflows and cross-functional project teams, ensuring alignment and effective communication. Required Skills:

• Mastery of architectural design principles and their application in retail environments.

• Advanced proficiency in Revit, including the creation and management of templates, families, and design assets for efficient project delivery.

• Expertise in project management methodologies, with the ability to develop and manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables across a portfolio.

• Deep understanding of retail design concepts, space planning, and prototype development, with a focus on functionality, aesthetics, and customer experience.

• Working knowledge of International Building Code (IBC) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, with the ability to review drawings for code compliance and operational safety.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite, SharePoint, and Smartsheet for documentation, communication, and project tracking.

• Understanding of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems and their integration with architectural design, ensuring comprehensive project planning.

• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically, analyze situations, and develop effective solutions under pressure.

• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with internal teams, external partners, and clients, fostering collaboration and partnership.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, ensuring accuracy and excellence in all deliverables. Preferred Skills:

• Licensure as a Registered Architect (RA) or Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ).

• Experience with developing and maintaining program infrastructure, including SharePoint sites, Smartsheet trackers, and process flowcharts.

• Familiarity with data tracking and reporting to demonstrate drive for results and operational improvements.

• Experience in vendor management and contribution to procurement processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in design software (Revit) and project management tools (Smartsheet, SharePoint), alongside deep domain expertise in retail environments and code compliance. The preference for licensure suggests a professional rigor expected in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful retail design projects, highlighting your role in managing the design execution from concept to construction.

• Include case studies that illustrate your ability to translate client business needs into functional, innovative retail solutions, with a focus on test fits and space planning.

• Present examples of your work in managing complex, multi-stakeholder prototype workflows, detailing the processes used to ensure alignment and timely delivery.

• Provide evidence of your contribution to maintaining and improving design standards, with examples of how you've incorporated evolving retail trends or operational efficiencies. Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in creating, implementing, and maintaining program infrastructure such as SharePoint sites, Smartsheet project trackers, and design management process flowcharts.

• Present examples of how you have documented design processes and standards, ensuring clear communication and consistent implementation across projects.

• Illustrate your approach to quality control and problem-solving within design and construction projects, detailing methodologies for issue resolution and process improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that not only displays visual design work but also emphasizes process, project management, and operational efficiency. Demonstrating the ability to build and manage structured workflows, document processes, and leverage technology for project oversight will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, vision, and dental).

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for tax-advantaged healthcare spending.

• Retirement savings plans, including options for employer contributions.

• Life and disability insurance programs to provide financial security.

• Generous paid time away from work, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Unpaid time away from work options for extended needs.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the St. Louis, Missouri market for a Senior Project Design Manager role with 10+ years of experience. This range aligns with industry benchmarks for professionals managing complex design and construction projects in commercial real estate. The benefits package is standard for a large, established firm like Cushman & Wakefield, offering a robust safety net and support for employees' well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services & Investment. Cushman & Wakefield operates within a dynamic global market, providing a wide range of services including property management, leasing, capital markets, and project and development services. This industry context means the operations of design and construction management are critical to client satisfaction and asset value.

Company Size: Large (Likely 10,000+ employees based on industry and global presence). A large organization typically offers structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and a wide network of internal resources. For operations roles, this means established procedures, but also the potential for significant impact through process optimization.

Founded: 1917. With a long history, Cushman & Wakefield likely possesses established methodologies, a strong brand reputation, and deep institutional knowledge, which can influence the pace and nature of operational changes.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager likely operates within a Project & Development Services or similar division, potentially managing a small team of designers or coordinating extensively with external architectural firms and construction managers.

• Reporting structure may involve a Director of Design, Head of Project Management, or a senior operational leader overseeing regional development activities.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving close partnerships with client real estate teams, facilities management, leasing agents, and internal operational support functions. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for site selection, space planning optimization, and demonstrating ROI on design investments.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will focus on standardizing retail prototype development, streamlining approval processes, and ensuring efficient project execution.

• Automation and efficiency practices will likely involve leveraging technology like Revit, Smartsheet, and SharePoint to improve documentation, tracking, and communication.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cushman & Wakefield's status as a global leader in commercial real estate implies a need for highly organized, process-driven individuals. The operations focus will be on scalability, consistency, and client satisfaction within a high-stakes environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a high degree of autonomy, responsibility, and influence. It requires significant experience and the ability to manage complex projects and stakeholders independently. The role is critical in ensuring the operational success of retail client projects.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Project Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP level within the Project & Development Services division, or a similar operational leadership role. They will also manage relationships with various internal departments and external consultants, acting as a key liaison.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on client satisfaction, brand consistency, operational efficiency of retail spaces, and the financial success of development projects. Effective design execution and project management by this role contribute directly to client retention and Cushman & Wakefield's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential to move into higher leadership roles within Project & Development Services, managing larger portfolios, teams, or strategic initiatives related to design and construction operations.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize further in specific retail sectors, sustainable design, or advanced technology integration within design workflows.

• Business Development: With strong client relationships and a deep understanding of project delivery, there's potential to contribute to business development efforts for the firm's design and construction services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within the operations and project management functions of a major real estate services firm. The emphasis on process, stakeholder management, and impactful project delivery provides a strong foundation for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, indicating a combination of working from the Cushman & Wakefield office in St. Louis and remote work. The office environment is likely professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary resources for design and project management.

Office Location(s): Saint Louis, Missouri, USA. This specific location will offer access to regional clients and projects within that market.

Workspace Context:

• The office space will likely foster collaboration among design, project management, and real estate teams, encouraging idea exchange and problem-solving.

• Access to necessary operations tools and technology, including high-performance workstations for Revit and project management software, will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with operations colleagues, design professionals, and leadership will be frequent, supporting knowledge sharing and professional development.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a structured schedule, with the hybrid model offering flexibility for balancing in-office collaboration and remote work, which is beneficial for focused design tasks and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is common in professional services, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and client interaction with the flexibility for focused, individual work. Candidates should be comfortable navigating both environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications against the core requirements, focusing on relevant experience in retail design, Revit proficiency, and project management.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, project management approach, stakeholder engagement skills, and understanding of retail design principles. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a technical assessment or a case study focusing on Revit skills, space planning, or problem-solving for a design challenge. This may involve demonstrating your ability to analyze a site and propose solutions.

• Panel Interview: An interview with a panel of stakeholders, which may include other design managers, project managers, or client representatives, to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: A final conversation with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, overall fit with the company, and salary expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 3-5 of your most relevant retail design and project management projects that best showcase your skills in prototype development, stakeholder management, and process execution.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the design solutions implemented, and the operational processes used to achieve successful outcomes. Emphasize how you managed workflows, timelines, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the positive impact of your design decisions on operational efficiency, client satisfaction, or project ROI.

• Showcase Revit Proficiency: Include examples of complex Revit models, family creation, or template development that illustrate your technical capabilities and efficiency-driven approach.

• Prepare a Walkthrough: Be ready to walk the interviewers through your portfolio, explaining your thought process, design rationale, and the operational considerations for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to design a retail space within specific constraints (budget, timeline, site limitations). Focus on your problem-solving approach and how you would manage the project operationally.

• Process Improvement: Anticipate questions about how you would improve existing design processes or implement new standards for efficiency and quality control.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage conflicting stakeholder requirements or navigate complex approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that not only showcases design aesthetics but also rigorously demonstrates project management capabilities, process adherence, and problem-solving skills relevant to operational execution in the real estate sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for architectural design, modeling, documentation, and creating reusable design assets (templates, families). Expect proficiency in creating complex models and managing design data.

• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Standard for documentation, reporting, presentations, and data analysis. Excel will be critical for tracking project data and metrics.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator): Used for creating presentations, marketing materials, and enhancing design deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Smartsheet: A key tool for project tracking, workflow management, dashboard creation, and data visualization. Expect to build and maintain project trackers and reports.

• SharePoint: For program infrastructure, document management, collaboration sites, and establishing file structure guidelines.

CRM & Automation:

• AutoCAD: While Revit is primary, understanding AutoCAD may be beneficial for compatibility or legacy projects.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com): While Smartsheet is mentioned, familiarity with other project management platforms can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit and Smartsheet is explicitly required. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools, particularly how they leverage them for process management, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making in design and construction projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring design solutions are aligned with their business objectives and operational requirements.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively across teams and with external partners, fostering open communication and shared responsibility for project success.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs that meet stringent standards and code compliance.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative thinking and actively seeking ways to optimize design processes, adopt new technologies, and stay ahead of industry trends.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of project deliverables, problem-solving proactively, and driving projects to successful completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a collaborative environment where design, project management, construction, and real estate teams work closely together, sharing information and aligning on project goals.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages open feedback on design processes and project execution, with a focus on continuous improvement and learning from each project.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, lessons learned, and insights on design trends and operational efficiencies with colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values professionalism, a results-oriented approach, and strong interpersonal skills, essential for managing diverse stakeholders in the commercial real estate sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands with Standards: Effectively managing diverse client expectations while ensuring adherence to Cushman & Wakefield's and client-specific design standards and operational requirements.

• Navigating Complex Approval Processes: Successfully guiding projects through various regulatory and landlord approvals, which can be time-consuming and require strong negotiation skills.

• Managing Multiple Projects Simultaneously: Juggling a portfolio of retail projects with varying scopes, complexities, and deadlines requires exceptional organizational and prioritization skills.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying current with and effectively implementing new design software, project management tools, and construction technologies to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in project management, process optimization, and the operational aspects of real estate development.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend industry events (e.g., AIA, IIDA, Retail Industry conferences) and pursue certifications relevant to design, project management, or sustainability.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders and development programs focused on enhancing leadership capabilities within operations and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges in a fast-paced industry, fostering professional growth through hands-on experience and exposure to diverse projects and stakeholders.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex retail design project from concept through construction. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you ensure design consistency and quality across multiple retail prototypes and projects managed by different teams or consultants?" (Highlight your approach to standards, documentation, and quality control.)

• "Walk us through your process for setting up and managing project workflows using tools like Smartsheet or SharePoint for design and construction projects." (Demonstrate your technical proficiency and operational organization.)

• "How do you translate client business needs into tangible design solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and operationally efficient?" (Showcase your strategic thinking and understanding of retail operations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Cushman & Wakefield's approach to design and project management in the retail sector?" (Research their services, recent projects, and industry reputation.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with architects, construction managers, and client operations teams?" (Emphasize your communication style and ability to build partnerships.)

• "How do you stay current with evolving retail design trends and technologies, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly define the problem, your solution (design and operational process), and the results achieved.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize the workflows, tools (Revit, Smartsheet), and stakeholder management strategies you employed.

• Quantify Results: Use data to showcase the success of your projects, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or client satisfaction.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, technical execution, and any challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also strong project management acumen, process orientation, and the ability to operate effectively within a corporate real estate environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Cushman & Wakefield careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight at least three retail design projects where you managed the full lifecycle from concept to construction. Emphasize your role in process management, stakeholder coordination, and the use of tools like Revit and Smartsheet.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, specifically mentioning your expertise in retail design, Revit, project management, and code compliance (IBC, ADA). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project management methodology, problem-solving approaches, and how you drive efficiency in design processes. Prepare to walk through your portfolio and discuss your experience with relevant software.

• Company Research: Understand Cushman & Wakefield's role in commercial real estate, their approach to project management, and their commitment to client success. Identify how your operational and design skills align with their values and business objectives.

⚠️ 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.