Design Manager

The Design Manager leads and oversees design activities for assigned development projects, ensuring optimal functionality, strong aesthetics, and efficient operational performance. This role manages the full design lifecycle, including programming, contract negotiation, scheduling, and budget adherence, while coordinating all design disciplines to meet project requirements in cost, quality, and design integrity.

The Design Manager leads and oversees design activities for assigned development projects, ensuring optimal functionality, strong aesthetics, and efficient operational performance. This role manages the full design lifecycle, including programming, contract negotiation, scheduling, and budget adherence, while coordinating all design disciplines to meet project requirements in cost, quality, and design integrity.

• Lead and manage design activities for assigned development projects to ensure optimal functionality and aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
• Develop and oversee design programming to align project goals, user needs, and operational requirements.
• Negotiate design-related contracts to support project objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Create, maintain, and monitor schedules for all phases of the design process to keep projects on track.
• Maintain design solutions within established project budgets while balancing quality, aesthetics, and functionality.
• Ensure that design solutions allow for efficient management and operations once projects are completed.
• Coordinate all design disciplines, including architecture and related design services, to deliver integrated and cohesive project outcomes.
• Manage the design process to ensure that scheduling, cost, quality, aesthetics, and design functionality meet the needs of the Project Development Manager.
• Collaborate closely with project stakeholders to translate project requirements into effective design strategies.
• Exercise independent judgment and decision-making in day-to-day design management activities, working under general direction from leadership.
• Support design efforts across multiple project types, including healthcare, residential, and multifamily developments.
• Contribute to a collaborative, interconnected culture by sharing expertise and working closely with cross-functional teams.

• Bachelors degree (BA or BS) in Architecture.
• Registered Architect credential or the ability to obtain architectural licensure within 12 months.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional design experience.
• Strong architectural design skills with the ability to balance functionality and aesthetics.
• Proven project management experience within design and development environments.
• Experience in healthcare design, residential design, and multifamily projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage design budgets and maintain cost control.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and oversee the full design process across multiple disciplines.
• Strong management skills with the ability to lead and coordinate design teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with project stakeholders and development teams.
• Capacity to exercise independent judgment and take initiative within defined project and organizational guidelines.

• Experience working in interconnected, collaborative organizations where design and operations are closely aligned.
• Ability to thrive in a meaningful, challenge-rich environment with a steady flow of complex projects.
• Comfort working in a people-focused business, building relationships and fostering teamwork.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to travel periodically to project locations across multiple states.

This is a full-time, office-based position located in Des Moines, operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role requires approximately 20% travel across a multi-state footprint, typically one week per month for 23 days at a time, to visit project sites and collaborate with stakeholders. The work setting is professional and business-focused, with a business professional dress code.

The environment is highly collaborative and interconnected, where design teams and operations work closely together and design activities contribute significantly to organizational performance. The position offers a stable, non-consulting schedule of 40 hours per week and involves a high…