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 Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

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

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

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

• Drive design excellence by ensuring all project deliverables are safe, functional, code-compliant, and aesthetically aligned with evolving retail trends and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. Project Design Manager," the core responsibilities and requirements lean heavily into operations management for design and construction projects within a retail context. This role requires a blend of technical design expertise and robust project and stakeholder management skills, positioning it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and operational execution framework. The emphasis on prototype workflows and managing a pipeline of projects highlights its operational significance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire retail design process, from initial site analysis and due diligence to the development of preliminary planning submittal packages for regulatory review.

• Coordinate with approved architects and construction managers to ensure design integrity and adherence to client standards throughout the project lifecycle.

• Act as the primary design point of contact for clients, translating business needs into innovative and functional retail solutions, including test fits and space planning.

• Manage and continuously update client design standards, proactively recommending improvements based on market trends, operational feedback, and best practices in retail design.

• Facilitate Real Estate Site Approval presentations, presenting design options with clear analysis of pros and cons to internal leadership, operations teams, and external stakeholders.

• Maintain rigorous quality control over all design documentation and deliverables, ensuring compliance with International Building Code (IBC), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable local codes.

• Develop, implement, and maintain program infrastructure, including SharePoint sites, Smartsheet trackers, file structure guidelines, and design RACI charts, to streamline project management and documentation.

• Proactively identify and resolve on-site construction issues that impact design, understanding and mitigating downstream effects on project timelines and budgets.

• Explore and implement innovative retail design solutions, encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies to optimize design workflows.

• Build and maintain program alignment with Development Managers, ensuring a cohesive approach to regional store development pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes the management of "prototype workflows" and "regional store development pipeline," which are core operational functions in GTM strategy. This role is not just about design aesthetics but about the systematic and repeatable execution of design across multiple projects, requiring a strong operational mindset for process standardization and efficiency.

🎓 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.

• 5+ years of experience managing complex design and construction projects specifically within a retail environment.

• 5+ years of professional Revit experience, essential for design documentation and collaboration. Required Skills:

• Mastery of architectural design principles, including space planning and retail design concept development.

• Strong proficiency in Revit for creating and managing design documentation.

• Proven ability to manage complex design and construction projects from inception to completion.

• Deep understanding of International Building Code (IBC) and ADA requirements, with the ability to review drawings for code compliance.

• Excellent client and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted, long-term partnerships.

• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and critical thinking under pressure.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite, SharePoint, and Smartsheet.

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

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and functional outcomes. Preferred Skills:

• Licensure as a Registered Architect (RA) or NCIDQ certification.

• Experience with vendor management and procurement processes in a design/construction context.

• Familiarity with creating and maintaining Revit templates, families, and design assets for efficiency.

• Experience in developing and managing project timelines across a portfolio of diverse retail projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "prototype workflows," "program infrastructure," and "data tracking to demonstrate drive for results" suggests that candidates with a strong background in operationalizing design processes and measuring their effectiveness will be highly valued. The preference for RA/NCIDQ highlights the technical depth expected, but the core of the role is in operational execution and management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant retail design projects managed from concept to completion, demonstrating end-to-end project lifecycle ownership.

• Include examples of complex prototype development and execution, highlighting how standards were maintained across multiple sites.

• Present case studies detailing how you translated client business needs into functional and innovative retail space plans and design solutions.

• Demonstrate experience in managing design documentation and ensuring code compliance (IBC, ADA), with specific examples of review processes and outcomes.

• Provide evidence of effective cross-functional collaboration, detailing how you worked with architects, construction managers, real estate teams, and internal stakeholders. Process Documentation:

• Examples of process flowcharts or diagrams illustrating the design and construction workflow for retail projects.

• Documentation of how you have implemented or improved design standards, including examples of Revit templates, families, or asset libraries.

• Evidence of creating or managing project tracking systems (e.g., Smartsheet dashboards, SharePoint sites) for portfolio oversight and reporting.

• Case studies on how you have managed on-site construction issues or technical challenges impacting design, with a focus on problem resolution and downstream impact mitigation.

• Examples of how you have tracked data to demonstrate project performance, efficiency, or ROI related to design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on design execution and project management within a corporate GTM framework, the portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to operationalize design standards and manage a pipeline of projects. Emphasis should be placed on process efficiency, stakeholder alignment, and the systematic delivery of high-quality retail environments that meet business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance programs.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

• Retirement savings plans, including potential company matching contributions.

• Life and disability insurance programs.

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

• Unpaid time away from work options. Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week. This role is hybrid, requiring a balance of on-site presence for collaboration and client interaction, and remote work for focused design tasks and documentation. Flexibility may be available based on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $85,000 - $100,000 USD for a Sr. Project Design Manager in St. Louis, Missouri, aligns with industry benchmarks for senior-level design and project management roles in commercial real estate and retail sectors in a medium-to-large metropolitan area. This estimation considers the experience level (10+ years), technical skills (Revit, architectural design), and the operational responsibility of managing a project pipeline. The benefits package is standard for a large, established corporation like Cushman & Wakefield.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services & Investment. Cushman & Wakefield is a global leader providing property management, leasing, investment sales, and project management services. This industry context means the role is embedded within a fast-paced, client-centric environment that values efficiency, strategic execution, and strong client relationships. The focus on retail design specifically positions this role within the client's go-to-market and operational strategy for their physical store presence.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (global presence with thousands of employees). This size suggests access to extensive resources, established processes, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across diverse business units and geographies. For operations professionals, this often means working within structured frameworks but also having the potential to influence and optimize established workflows.

Founded: 1917. With over a century of history, Cushman & Wakefield has a deep-rooted reputation and a well-defined corporate structure, implying a stable work environment with established best practices and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The role likely operates within a dedicated Project Management or Design Services division, potentially supporting a specific client's retail portfolio.

• Expect a matrixed reporting structure, where the Sr. Project Design Manager reports to a senior leader (e.g., Director of Design, VP of Project Management) while also collaborating closely with client-side design and real estate teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving Project Managers, Construction Managers, Real Estate Managers, internal design consultants, and external architectural firms. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is crucial, with an emphasis on tracking metrics to demonstrate project performance, efficiency gains, and ROI.

• Workflow optimization and process standardization are likely core tenets, especially for managing a pipeline of retail prototype projects.

• A strong focus on client partnership and service excellence is expected, given Cushman & Wakefield's business model.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's size and industry indicate a need for operational rigor, process adherence, and strong communication skills. The role's success will depend on navigating corporate structures while driving design execution efficiently for clients, aligning with GTM objectives for physical retail presence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Managerial Track. This role is positioned as a Senior Project Design Manager, indicating significant responsibility for project execution, client management, and potentially leading aspects of design operations. It's a critical role in ensuring the successful deployment of retail concepts, directly impacting the client's brand presence and operational efficiency in physical locations.

Reporting Structure:

• Typically reports to a Director of Design, Director of Project Management, or a similar senior operations leadership role within Cushman & Wakefield's service delivery framework for the client.

• May also have dotted-line reporting responsibilities or strong collaborations with client-side operations and real estate leadership. Operations Impact:

• Directly influences the successful execution of retail store development pipelines, impacting client's market presence, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

• Contributes to the standardization and quality of retail environments, which is critical for brand consistency and customer acquisition/retention strategies.

• Drives efficiency in the design-to-construction process, potentially leading to cost savings and faster market entry for the client's retail initiatives. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Design Operations, Senior Project Director, or lead a larger portfolio of projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific retail sectors or project types (e.g., high-end retail, international rollouts, sustainable design).

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to further optimize design workflows, implement new technologies, or develop best practices for the firm's retail clients.

• Client Relationship Management: Grow into a key account management role, becoming the primary operations and design liaison for major clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for operations professionals to grow within the project management and design execution domain, particularly within the retail sector. The emphasis on process management and client relations provides a strong foundation for leadership roles impacting GTM strategies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of working remotely and from a Cushman & Wakefield office location. The St. Louis office likely serves as a hub for collaboration, client meetings, and team interactions.

Office Location(s): St. Louis, Missouri, USA. This specific location will provide access to local market insights and a base for regional client interactions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will foster teamwork, enabling face-to-face meetings with internal Cushman & Wakefield teams, client representatives, and external consultants. This is crucial for design reviews, problem-solving, and building strong working relationships.

• Tools and Technology: Expect access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized design software and hardware required for architectural and project management tasks.

• Operations Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with other operations professionals within Cushman & Wakefield, sharing best practices and learning about different project management methodologies. The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative synergy in the office.

Work Schedule:

• Typically a 40-hour work week, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases or client deadlines. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing on-site requirements with remote productivity needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is common for roles requiring both focused individual work and team collaboration. For a Sr. Project Design Manager, this balance is essential for managing design documentation efficiently while also engaging in crucial stakeholder communication and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter conducts a preliminary review of your resume and qualifications, assessing alignment with core requirements and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into your experience, particularly focusing on retail design projects, Revit proficiency, project management methodology, and stakeholder engagement skills. Expect behavioral questions related to managing complex workflows and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. This is a critical stage to showcase your design execution capabilities, project management acumen, and operational approach to design. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: You may meet with other members of the design and project management team, or key stakeholders from client-side operations or real estate. This assesses your fit within the team dynamics and your ability to collaborate effectively.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful retail design projects that best demonstrate your experience with prototype workflows, end-to-end execution, and operational management.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (methodology, tools used, stakeholder engagement), the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, adherence to budget/timeline, quality improvements).

• Highlight Operational Aspects: Emphasize how you managed project timelines, workflows, vendor relationships, and cross-functional communication. Showcase your ability to standardize and scale design solutions.

• Revit & Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific use of Revit, including any custom families, templates, or workflows you developed to enhance efficiency.

• Code Compliance & Problem-Solving: Present examples where you successfully navigated complex code requirements or resolved on-site construction issues impacting design.

• Storytelling: Frame your project presentations as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills, leadership, and ability to deliver successful outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for case study-style questions that require you to outline your approach to a hypothetical retail design challenge, a project timeline management scenario, or a stakeholder conflict resolution.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your understanding of design, operations, and project management principles.

• Consider how you would implement or improve design standards and workflows for a new retail prototype program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application of skills, particularly through portfolio presentation. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design ability but also robust project management and operational execution capabilities, showcasing how they manage processes, stakeholders, and deliver results consistently.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for architectural design, modeling, and documentation. Proficiency in creating and managing templates, families, and design assets is critical for efficient project delivery.

• MS Office Suite: Standard tools for communication, documentation, and data analysis (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Excel will be particularly important for tracking project data and budgets.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Used for visual presentations, concept development, and potentially creating design assets or reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Smartsheet: A key tool for project tracking, workflow management, and dashboard creation. Expect to build and maintain project trackers and reports to demonstrate progress and drive for results.

• SharePoint: For program infrastructure, document management, and collaborative file sharing. You will likely be responsible for organizing and maintaining project documentation on SharePoint sites.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, experience with project management software that acts as a central hub for project data and workflows is essential. Smartsheet serves this purpose for project tracking and reporting.

• Understanding of how design processes integrate with broader project management and potentially construction management systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack highlights a blend of specialized design software (Revit) and robust project management/collaboration tools (Smartsheet, SharePoint). Candidates proficient in leveraging these tools for efficient workflow management, data tracking, and collaboration will be highly favored.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs, building trusted partnerships, and delivering exceptional service in design and project execution.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to high standards in design deliverables, ensuring functionality, safety, code compliance, and aesthetic alignment with client prototypes.

• Efficiency & Process Optimization: Driving for results through streamlined workflows, effective project management, and the adoption of technologies that enhance productivity and reduce timelines.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and cross-functional teamwork are paramount for successful project delivery.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the exploration of new design solutions and technologies to stay ahead of retail trends and client expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Partnership-Oriented: Actively engaging with internal teams (project management, real estate) and external partners (architects, consultants) to ensure alignment and address challenges collaboratively.

• Transparent & Data-Driven: Sharing project updates, challenges, and performance metrics openly, using data to inform decisions and demonstrate progress.

• Solution-Focused: Approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset, working towards practical and effective solutions that benefit the project and the client.

• Standardized yet Adaptable: Adhering to established design standards and processes while remaining flexible to adapt to unique project requirements and evolving client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes operational excellence, client satisfaction, and collaborative execution. Professionals who thrive in structured environments, are adept at managing multiple stakeholders, and are driven by process improvement and data-backed results will find this role aligns well with their professional values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multi-Stakeholder Complexity: Balancing the needs and expectations of various internal teams, external consultants, and client leadership, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the design and construction phases.

• Prototype Scalability & Consistency: Ensuring that retail design prototypes are consistently executed across a large pipeline of projects, adapting them to diverse site conditions while maintaining brand integrity and operational efficiency.

• Navigating Regulatory & Code Compliance: Staying current with and applying complex building codes (IBC, ADA) and local regulations across different project locations, which can be time-consuming and require meticulous attention to detail.

• Integrating New Technologies: Championing and implementing new design software, tools, or methodologies (e.g., advanced Revit features, new project management platforms) within established workflows, which can face resistance from team members accustomed to older processes.

• Driving Data-Driven Decisions: Effectively tracking and leveraging project data to demonstrate performance, identify areas for improvement, and justify design or process changes to senior leadership and clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Revit & BIM Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, custom Revit family creation, and advanced template development.

• Project Management Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or LEED accreditation, enhancing professional credentials and project management capabilities.

• Retail Design Trends & Innovation: Staying abreast of evolving retail strategies, store formats, and consumer experiences, applying these insights to future design projects.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing advanced skills in client communication, negotiation, and strategic account management within the commercial real estate and design services context.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Opportunities to lead initiatives focused on optimizing design workflows, implementing new technologies, or developing best practices for the firm's retail clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in design operations, requiring strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are focused on deepening technical expertise, enhancing project management capabilities, and advancing within leadership roles in design execution and client services.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex retail design project with multiple stakeholders. What was your approach to ensuring alignment and successful execution?" (Focus on your process, communication strategies, and problem-solving.)

• "How have you used Revit to improve design efficiency or maintain consistency across multiple projects? Provide specific examples of templates, families, or workflows you've developed." (Highlight your technical operational skills.)

• "Walk me through your process for reviewing architectural drawings for code compliance (IBC, ADA) and identifying potential construction issues." (Demonstrate your attention to detail and code knowledge.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to translate challenging client business needs into a functional and innovative retail design solution. What was the outcome?" (Showcase your strategic design thinking and client focus.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Cushman & Wakefield's role in the commercial real estate and design services industry, particularly for retail clients?" (Research company mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining long-term partnerships with clients?" (Emphasize your client-centric approach and communication skills.)

• "How would you contribute to a culture of efficiency and quality within our design operations team?" (Align your values with those mentioned in the job description.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, use a clear narrative: Problem/Objective -> Your Role & Approach (Process, Tools, Stakeholders) -> Solution & Execution -> Results/Impact (Quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Operational Elements: Explicitly discuss how you managed timelines, budgets, vendor coordination, cross-functional communication, and adherence to prototype standards.

• Showcase Revit Proficiency: If applicable, briefly demonstrate your Revit skills or the impact of your Revit work on project efficiency or quality.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss any significant challenges encountered during a project and how you overcame them.

• Conciseness: Allocate specific time slots for each project and stick to them. Be ready to answer questions, but avoid unnecessary jargon or overly lengthy explanations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design acumen but also strong operational management skills, particularly in process execution, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making within a corporate GTM context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in retail design execution, project management of construction projects, Revit proficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Use keywords from the job description, such as "prototype workflows," "code compliance," "IBC," "ADA," "Smartsheet," and "SharePoint."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 of your most relevant retail design projects, focusing on demonstrating end-to-end project lifecycle management, operational process implementation, and successful client outcomes. Be ready to present clear case studies on process optimization and problem resolution.

• Research Cushman & Wakefield: Understand the company's services, its role in the commercial real estate sector, and its approach to client partnerships. Familiarize yourself with their values and any recent news or projects related to retail design or development.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clearly articulating your process, challenges, solutions, and the operational impact of your work. Practice answering common interview questions related to project management, design execution, and stakeholder collaboration.

⚠️ 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.