Senior Design Manager at Swinerton Builders in Los Angeles, California

Job Description:

Compensation Range
$110,500.00 - $165,700.00 Annual Salary

Job Description Summary:
The Senior Design Manager manages the design process from the initial design concept to the final design issued for construction including coordinating with clients, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the design meets the contract requirements for scope, budget, and schedule. They serve as subject matter experts on design matters and strategies.

Job Description:

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

• Able to perform all essential Design Manager responsibilities.


• Oversees design services daily activities, assists with resource management, and monitoring budgets.


• Effectively interacts with internal and external stakeholders to maintain trusted partnerships.


• Supervise team member assignments and assist with coaching, mentoring, and hiring talent.


• Manages the design process from the initial to final design concept on multiple projects and/or leading the design of a large complex project(s).


• Identifies early contractual risks to be managed through pursuit and project delivery.


• Identify appropriate level of design for pursuit pricing and ensure that design solutions are consistent with agreed approach.


• Takes lead in managing A/E partnerships from contract negotiations and coordination of design services. (terms & conditions, fees, design scope, services expectations, etc.)


• Uses technical knowledge to assist owner with systems selections in early concept design stage.


• Reviews design documents to ensure quality and compliance.


• Develop and maintain design schedules, review milestones, and communicate progress updates.


• Conduct design reviews with clients to obtain direction and approvals. Ensure internal teams are updated on design changes or updates.


• Lead technical reviews of building components/systems to reduce issues with cost, procurement, or constructability.


• Partner with project teams to manage impact of long lead materials and procurement on design schedules.


• Ensure owner understands how design elements drive cost and schedules. Partner with owner on design changes to maintain target budget.


• Conduct effective value management to identify cost effective material selections.


• Facilitate cost management communications between design partners and internal teams at all phases.


• Partner with operations to analyze lead opportunities and develop pursuits strategies to secure work.


• Participate in business development activities including proposals, interviews, attending industry events, etc.


• Complete other responsibilities and activities as assigned.

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements:

• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field; or equivalent working experience


• 10+ years of construction management experience, including extensive working experience with the design build delivery process.


• Demonstrated ability in design-build project management and delivery, including staff coordination, budgeting, scheduling, and quality control/quality assurance.


• Thorough understanding of construction project management control systems (scheduling, cost control, procurement and estimating)


• Experience with supervising staff and managing daily activities.


• Working knowledge and experience with green design and sustainable methods in construction.


• Excellent understanding of the technical aspects of all building systems.


• Excellent organizational and (written and verbal) communication skills.


• Effectively balances data, intuition, experience, and diverse perspectives in decision-making and problem solving.


• Able to foster collaboration and navigate conflict effectively amongst internal and external stakeholders


• Strong computer skills and experience with construction management software and platforms.


• Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit, or other similar design software applications


• Experience in Virtual Design, Construction (VDC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software on construction projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• LEED accredited professional.


• DBIA Certified Credential

Summary of Benefits:

This role is eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), individual stock ownership, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, bereavement leave, employee assistance program, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, basic term life insurance and AD&D, business travel accident insurance, short and long term disability, financial wellness coaching, educational assistance, Care.com membership, ClassPass fitness membership, and DashPass delivery membership. Voluntary benefits include additional term life insurance, long term care insurance, critical illness and accidental injury insurance, pet insurance, legal plan, identity theft protection, and other voluntary benefit options.