Design Manager - Construction Services

Design Manager - Construction Services

The Design Manager is a senior project leader within a Design-Build / Construction Management firm, responsible for coordinating and aligning all design disciplines with construction execution on design-build projects. This role ensures that design intent, technical requirements, budget, and schedule constraints are fully integrated, minimizing conflicts and driving efficient project delivery. The position serves as a key liaison between the design team, construction team, owner, and trade partners.

This position will be required to be on-site in Gary, IN.

Primary responsibilities:

Design Coordination & Integration

• Lead the integration of architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty systems into a cohesive, constructible design.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary coordination meetings and manage resolution of design conflicts.
• Oversee design deliverables to ensure alignment with project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Ensure design packages are complete, coordinated, and issued in accordance with project milestones.

Schedule & Budget Alignment

• Work with project leadership to align design development with procurement and construction schedules.
• Monitor design progress against milestones and proactively address delays.
• Support cost management efforts by evaluating design decisions against budget constraints.
• Participate in value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.

Technology & Documentation

• Oversee the use of BIM/VDC tools for coordination, clash detection, and model integration.
• Ensure proper version control and documentation management of all design deliverables.
• Promote digital workflows that enhance coordination and reduce rework.

Stakeholder Management

• Interface with owners, consultants, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and third-party reviewers.
• Support presentations and reporting related to design progress, risks, and decisions.
• Facilitate timely decision-making by identifying and escalating critical design issues.

Minimum Requirements:

• BS Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related curriculum and 10 years of relevant design, construction or design-build experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional licensure (Architect or Professional Engineer) is a plus.
• DBIA (Design Build Institute of America) Designated Design Build Professional® Certification strongly preferred.
• LEED accreditation or sustainability experience.
• Experience on large-scale commercial, exhibition, hospitality, aviation, and convention center projects.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams on complex projects.
• Prior experience in design-build or integrated project delivery (IPD) strongly preferred.
• Experience working with both design consultants and construction teams.
• Strong understanding of building systems (architectural, structural, MEP).
• Proficiency in BIM/VDC platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, or similar).
• Familiarity with construction sequencing, phasing, and constructability principles.
• Working knowledge of project management tools and document control systems.
• Exceptional coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and execution.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence diverse teams.

• This position does not include sponsorship for United States work authorization now or in the future.
• Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
• This position may include relocation.