Technical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Design Manager

Company: Post Commercial Real Estate

Location: Philadelphia, PA, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Construction Management / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-29T16:39:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end execution of design intent from initial concept through final closeout, ensuring adherence to Post Brothers' quality and resident-first standards.

• Manage the creation and review of all construction documentation, including drawings, sketches, submittals, and regulatory filings, to facilitate seamless project delivery.

• Drive project efficiency and quality through rigorous field monitoring, proactive coordination with consultants and agencies, and meticulous administrative support.

• Champion a culture of precision and detail, ensuring all built elements reflect the highest standards of architectural integrity and functional performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Technical Design Manager," is deeply embedded within the operations of a real estate development company, focusing on the practical execution and quality assurance of construction projects. It bridges the gap between architectural design and on-site construction, demanding a blend of technical design expertise, project management acumen, and hands-on field oversight. The emphasis on "resident-first experience" and "quality, precision" indicates a strong focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction within the real estate development context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough reviews of shop drawings, material samples, mockups, and consultant drawings to ensure strict adherence to design intent and quality specifications.

• Develop and issue precise construction sketches for detailed refinement and critical coordination efforts between various trades and disciplines.

• Facilitate and lead key project meetings, including Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) and construction site meetings, ensuring clear, actionable minutes and diligent tracking of all assigned items through completion.

• Perform on-site quality control, monitoring field work to verify that subcontractors are following approved drawings and specifications, ensuring correct placement of rough-ins and adherence to design details.

• Manage the complete permitting process, including application submissions, renewals, amendments, and coordination with architectural/engineering teams and relevant agencies for Philadelphia and Washington D.C. projects.

• Administer and maintain Procore project management software, ensuring accurate data entry, document control, and workflow management.

• Support procurement activities by assisting with the issuance of specialty bids, analyzing bid tabs, and providing award recommendations.

• Oversee the development and tracking of punch lists, ensuring all deficiencies are addressed and resolved efficiently during the project closeout phase.

• Manage LEED documentation and other regulatory compliance requirements, ensuring projects meet all necessary standards and approvals.

• Conduct research and prequalification for new consultants, vendors, distributors, and materials to ensure the selection of high-quality partners and resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize a hands-on, execution-focused role within construction operations. The inclusion of specific software like Procore, detailed meeting facilitation, and direct quality control oversight points to a need for strong operational process management skills, not just theoretical design knowledge. The mention of specific geographic permitting (Philadelphia, DC) highlights a need for localized regulatory understanding.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture is a mandatory requirement, providing the foundational knowledge for design interpretation and construction oversight. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive project management experience is required, with a significant focus on real estate development and architectural design execution.

• Demonstrated experience managing projects within active construction environments is essential, showcasing an understanding of site operations and challenges. Required Skills:

• Technical Design Software: Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit for reviewing and creating construction drawings and sketches.

• Document Management: Expertise with Bluebeam or similar PDF markup software for efficient annotation, collaboration, and review processes.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple project facets simultaneously, from design coordination to field execution and closeout.

• Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills are critical for collaborating with internal teams, external consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

• Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to organize project documentation, track action items, manage schedules, and maintain detailed records.

• Time Management: Demonstrated skill in prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing projects efficiently under pressure.

• Professional Demeanor: A polished, professional attitude with the ability to maintain calm, clear communication in high-pressure situations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Procore or similar construction project management software for administration and oversight.

• Familiarity with LEED documentation processes and requirements.

• Knowledge of specific permitting processes in the Philadelphia and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas.

• Understanding of procurement processes, including bid issuance and vendor evaluation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills clearly indicate a role that is operationally focused on the execution of design. Proficiency in specific CAD and PDF software is essential, alongside project management capabilities. The emphasis on communication, organization, and time management in active construction environments suggests the need for candidates who can thrive in a fast-paced, detail-oriented operational setting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Execution Case Studies: Showcase projects where you successfully translated architectural designs into built realities, detailing your role in managing construction documentation, coordination, and quality control.

• Process Optimization Examples: Include examples of how you refined design execution workflows, improved coordination processes, or enhanced quality control measures on past projects, highlighting efficiency gains or risk reduction.

• System Implementation & Management: Demonstrate experience with project management software (e.g., Procore, AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam) through specific project examples, showing how you utilized these tools to manage documentation, track progress, and facilitate communication.

• Permitting & Regulatory Navigation: Provide evidence of successfully managing permitting processes and regulatory documentation (like LEED) for complex construction projects, illustrating your ability to navigate bureaucratic requirements.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to designing and optimizing workflows for design review, submittal management, and construction coordination.

• Implementation & Automation: Examples of how you have implemented new processes or utilized technology to automate tasks within the design-to-construction lifecycle are highly valued.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Be ready to discuss how you measure the success of design execution processes, including quality control metrics, on-time delivery, and budget adherence related to design changes and field issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should not just display completed projects but also demonstrate the candidate's operational methodology. It needs to highlight their ability to manage complex processes, utilize technology effectively for operational efficiency, and ensure quality and compliance in real-world construction scenarios. The emphasis is on the how of execution, not just the what of design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is between $100,000 and $120,000 annually. This range is competitive for a Technical Design Manager role in Philadelphia, PA, reflecting the required experience level, specialized technical skills (AutoCAD, Revit), project management responsibilities, and the company's focus on high-quality real estate development. Benefits:

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: Likely a 401(k) plan, potentially with employer matching, to aid in long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, providing work-life balance.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Support for continued learning, potentially including training, certifications (e.g., LEED), and conference attendance to enhance skills in areas like AutoCAD, Revit, and construction management.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Merit-based bonuses may be offered based on individual and company performance, aligning with the company's success in project execution.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, exempt position, indicating a standard 40-hour work week with the expectation of flexibility to meet project demands. Occasional extended hours may be required to manage critical deadlines, site inspections, or urgent permitting issues, particularly in active construction environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and aligns with industry standards for a mid-to-senior level Technical Design Manager in a major metropolitan area like Philadelphia. The benefits listed are typical for full-time exempt positions in the real estate development sector, focusing on comprehensive employee support and professional growth, which are key for retaining talent in specialized operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Development & Property Management (Commercial & Residential). Post Brothers specializes in acquiring, renovating, and managing large-scale apartment buildings, with a strong focus on urban revitalization and delivering a premium resident experience.

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated but LinkedIn data suggests a range of 201-500 employees. This indicates a medium-sized organization with established processes but still agile enough for direct impact.

Founded: Post Brothers was founded in 2007. With over 15 years in operation, they have a significant track record and established methodologies in real estate development and management.

Team Structure:

• The Technical Design Manager reports to the VP of Design, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the design and development function.

• This role will likely collaborate closely with internal development teams, construction project managers, site supervisors, procurement specialists, and external architectural and engineering consultants.

• The team structure likely emphasizes cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless project execution from concept to completion, integrating design, construction, and operational considerations. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Construction: The emphasis on "quality, precision, and a resident-first experience" suggests a data-informed approach to design modifications and construction execution, likely leveraging feedback and performance metrics.

• Process Standardization & Optimization: The need for AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam proficiency, and Procore administration points to a company that relies on standardized tools and processes for efficiency and consistency across its projects.

• Quality Assurance & Control: A significant focus is placed on monitoring field quality, reviewing submittals, and ensuring adherence to design intent, indicating a robust quality assurance framework within their operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Post Brothers' focus on urban revitalization and a "resident-first experience" is crucial. This implies that operational decisions and execution must prioritize resident satisfaction and long-term property value, not just short-term construction goals. The company's founding date and size suggest a mature but still dynamic organization that values efficiency and quality in its development processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level position within the design operations or construction management function. It requires a strong technical foundation and practical project management experience, indicating a move beyond entry-level design roles into direct operational oversight and execution.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Design Manager reports directly to the VP of Design. This provides a clear line of communication and mentorship, allowing for direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making within the design department.

Operations Impact: The Technical Design Manager has a critical impact on the company's operational success by directly influencing the quality, cost, and timeline of construction projects. Ensuring design intent is accurately translated into built reality minimizes costly rework, improves resident satisfaction, and upholds the company's brand reputation for quality properties. Their work directly supports the company's core business of developing and managing high-quality real estate assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design/Construction Management: Progression to a Senior Technical Design Manager or a dedicated Construction Project Manager role, overseeing larger or more complex projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like sustainable design (LEED), specific construction technologies, or advanced BIM management.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead teams of junior designers, drafters, or project coordinators as the department grows.

• Transition to Development: With significant experience, opportunities might arise to move into broader real estate development roles, leveraging a deep understanding of the construction and design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is clearly within the construction and design operations vertical of real estate development. It offers a path from technical execution to project leadership and potentially broader development responsibilities, appealing to professionals who want to influence the physical realization of real estate projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Philadelphia, PA, suggesting a professional office environment typical for real estate development firms. This environment likely fosters collaboration and provides access to necessary administrative and technical resources.

Office Location(s): Philadelphia, PA (specifically ZIP code 19123). This location provides access to a major urban center with a robust construction and development landscape.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for project planning, team meetings, and coordination with other departments like development, finance, and property management.

• Technology-Rich: Expect access to industry-standard software (AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Procore) and hardware necessary for design review and project management.

• Field Integration: While office-based, the role requires frequent site visits to construction locations. This necessitates a work environment that supports flexible scheduling and preparation for field work.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, exempt position. While a standard 40-hour week is expected, the nature of construction projects means that flexibility is key. Periods of intense activity, such as critical permitting deadlines or site inspections, may require working beyond standard hours. The company's operational focus implies a need for reliable presence during core business hours for team coordination and urgent issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement for this role is critical. It implies direct interaction with team members, access to company infrastructure, and a tangible presence required for effective field oversight and project coordination, which are central to the role's operational function.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required technical skills (AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam) and experience (5+ years in project management/design execution).

• Technical Interview: A discussion focused on your experience with design documentation, construction drawings, permitting, and quality control. You will likely be asked about your proficiency with specific software and your approach to problem-solving in construction environments.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, highlighting your specific contributions to design execution, coordination, and quality assurance.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing your communication skills, ability to work under pressure, organizational methods, and fit with the company's culture (e.g., "resident-first," quality focus).

• Final Interview: Potentially with the VP of Design or other senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Execution: Highlight projects where you were instrumental in translating design intent into physical reality. Emphasize your role in managing drawings, sketches, submittals, and field quality.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your efforts. For example, "Reduced RFI turnaround time by 15% through improved submittal process," or "Ensured 98% adherence to original design specifications on Project X."

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Include examples of your work in AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam. Demonstrate how you used these tools for coordination, issue resolution, and documentation.

• Detail Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss specific challenges encountered during design execution or construction, and how you effectively resolved them through technical knowledge, communication, or process adjustments.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the phase of work you managed. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the actions taken, and the outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Challenge: You might be given a set of shop drawings or a consultant's drawing set and asked to identify potential coordination issues, design conflicts, or areas needing clarification.

• Process Design: Be prepared to outline your process for reviewing submittals or managing a permit application for a typical multi-family residential project.

• Communication Scenario: You may be asked how you would address a situation where a subcontractor is not adhering to design specifications on-site, or how you would communicate a critical design change to the construction team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's operational approach to design execution and construction oversight, supported by specific examples and software proficiency, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for reviewing and potentially creating detailed construction drawings and sketches. Proficiency in managing layers, blocks, and xrefs is expected.

• Revit: Crucial for working with BIM models, understanding complex architectural designs, and coordinating with other disciplines that may use BIM.

• Bluebeam Revu: A core tool for PDF markup, document comparison, redlining, and collaboration on drawings and specifications. Efficient use of its features for review and annotation is key.

• Procore: The primary project management software. Responsibilities include assisting with administration, which implies familiarity with its modules for document management, RFIs, submittals, and daily logs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, the role involves reviewing consultant drawings and submittals, which requires analytical skills to identify discrepancies. Experience with reporting on project status, quality control findings, and permitting progress will be necessary. CRM & Automation:

• The role focuses on construction execution rather than sales or marketing CRM. Automation is likely expected through effective use of Procore and other project management tools to streamline workflows for submittals, RFIs, and meeting minutes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily geared towards design and construction documentation and management. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and Procore is not just a preference but a fundamental requirement for performing the core operational duties of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A core value is the unwavering commitment to high standards in design execution and construction quality, ensuring every detail meets Post Brothers' benchmark.

• Resident-First Experience: All operational decisions and execution efforts are geared towards creating superior living environments for residents, emphasizing comfort, functionality, and aesthetics.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: The company values streamlined processes and timely project completion, understanding that delays impact both cost and resident satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Communication: A strong emphasis is placed on effective teamwork and clear, consistent communication across all stakeholders, from internal teams to external partners.

• Accountability & Ownership: Team members are expected to take ownership of their responsibilities, proactively identify issues, and drive solutions to completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a collaborative environment where the Technical Design Manager works closely with development managers, construction teams, legal, finance, and property management to ensure holistic project success.

• Proactive Feedback Culture: The role involves reviewing work from consultants and subcontractors, suggesting a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged to improve project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: The team likely encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and insights gained from projects to foster continuous improvement in design and construction processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlighted—Quality, Resident-First, Efficiency, Collaboration, and Accountability—are directly tied to the operational success of a real estate development company. Candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and approach align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design and Field Execution: Ensuring that intricate design details are accurately translated by construction teams in the field, often requiring clear communication and on-site problem-solving.

• Managing Permitting & Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating complex and sometimes changing local permitting requirements (Philadelphia, D.C.) and ensuring compliance with LEED or other standards.

• Coordinating Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively managing communication and expectations among architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and internal teams, each with their own priorities.

• Maintaining Quality Under Pressure: Upholding strict quality standards while adhering to tight construction schedules and budgets.

• Adapting to Evolving Construction Technologies: Staying current with advancements in design software, construction methods, and project management tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Revit, BIM coordination, or explore new design and construction management technologies.

• LEED Accreditation: Pursuing or maintaining LEED Green Associate or other relevant certifications to enhance expertise in sustainable building practices.

• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in advanced project planning, risk management, and contract negotiation within the construction context.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining hands-on experience with diverse real estate development projects and understanding the full lifecycle from acquisition to closeout.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior leadership within the design and development departments, including the VP of Design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges identified are inherent to the role of translating design into reality in a complex industry. The growth opportunities focus on deepening technical expertise, expanding project management capabilities, and gaining broader exposure within the real estate development sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to resolve a significant conflict between a design specification and a site condition. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, communication, and technical judgment.)

• "How do you ensure that shop drawings and material samples accurately reflect the design intent and meet quality standards before they are approved?" (Focus on process, attention to detail, and proactive review.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing the permitting application and approval cycle for a new construction project in Philadelphia." (Focus on understanding regulatory processes and project management.)

• "Imagine a scenario where a key subcontractor is consistently deviating from approved drawings. How would you address this situation to ensure compliance and maintain project momentum?" (Focus on conflict resolution, communication, and quality control.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Post Brothers' approach to real estate development, particularly our focus on a 'resident-first experience'?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company values.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to the overall quality and success of our development projects?" (Connect your skills to company objectives.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with different teams (e.g., construction, design, property management)." (Assess cultural fit and collaboration style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Examples: Choose projects that showcase a range of challenges and your ability to handle different aspects of design execution, from complex coordination to challenging permitting.

• Structure with STAR Method: For each project, clearly articulate the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Emphasize your specific actions and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Clearly show examples of your work in AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam, explaining how you used them to solve problems or improve processes.

• Emphasize Operational Impact: Focus on how your contributions led to improved quality, cost savings, schedule adherence, or enhanced resident experience.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific drawings, coordination issues, or technical decisions made during your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of technical skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and a clear understanding of the operational aspects of real estate development. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to articulate their value through concrete project examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP WorkNow link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and Procore. Quantify your project management achievements, particularly those related to design execution, quality control, and permitting. Highlight your 5+ years of experience in development and design.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong project examples that demonstrate your ability to translate design intent into built reality. Ensure these examples showcase your technical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and operational impact. Be ready to present and discuss these projects in detail.

• Research Post Brothers: Understand their portfolio, development philosophy, and commitment to quality and resident experience. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their specific culture and operational focus.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions, especially those related to design execution, construction challenges, and stakeholder management.

⚠️ 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.