Design Manager ( Public Works) or School Districts

Company Description CMTS LLC is a professional services firm founded in 1984 that specializes in project, program, and construction management for public and private sector clients. The firm provides expertise in project controls, engineering and architectural design review, value engineering, constructability review, commissioning, inspection, and emergency management services. CMTS serves aviation, infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, land development, and municipal markets across the United States.

The company has offices in multiple states and territories, including California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, the US Virgin Islands, and Washington. CMTS has supported more than $40 billion in construction projects and is certified as an M/D/VBE in over 15 states, reflecting a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Role Description The Design Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Los Angeles, CA, responsible for overseeing and coordinating design activities across complex construction and infrastructure projects. This role manages multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring that design documents align with project requirements, regulatory standards, and client expectations. Day-to-day responsibilities include reviewing architectural and engineering drawings, leading design review meetings, resolving design issues, and coordinating with project managers, consultants, and contractors.

The Design Manager will support value engineering and constructability efforts, monitor design schedules and deliverables, and provide guidance to ensure quality, budget, and timeline goals are met. The role also involves maintaining clear communication with stakeholders, preparing design reports and presentations, and contributing to continuous improvement of design processes and standards.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field; advanced degree or professional licensure (e.g., PE, RA) is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight (8) years of full-time paid professional experience managing facilities design or the planning and coordination of capital projects, including overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience supporting the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects.
• Strong knowledge of architectural and engineering design management, project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, communication, and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong background in architectural and/or engineering design management, including experience leading multidisciplinary design teams on construction or infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in reviewing and coordinating design documents, drawings, and specifications, with attention to constructability, code compliance, and quality standards.
• Experience working within project and program management environments, collaborating closely with project controls, scheduling, cost estimating, and document control teams.
• Knowledge of value engineering, commissioning, and inspection practices, and ability to integrate these perspectives into design decision-making.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with clients, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders, including the ability to lead meetings and present design recommendations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple design packages and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with relevant design and collaboration tools (e.g., CAD/BIM platforms, project management and document management software).
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field; advanced degree or professional licensure (e.g., PE, RA) is preferred.