Design Manager - Critical Facilities

About the Role

Our Lifestyle Studio is unique, having the ability to draw expertise from and collaborate with all of Gensler’s practice areas to serve our clients based on the client’s industry. As a Gensler Design Manager, you will leverage your attention to detail and interpersonal skills to deliver exceptional architectural projects on time and on budget. You will deploy resources to ensure that the work process flows smoothly and act as the primary liaison between the team and client.

Your role is critical in the design and delivery of world‑class projects including but not limited to Critical Facilities, industrial and Manufacturing projects.

• Implement one or more client projects through the leadership of project teams.
• Provide leadership to client and team by communicating project objectives, contract scope, terms, and schedule.
• Manage scheduling, budgets, staffing, and project set‑up with clients, sub‑contractors, vendors and contractors.
• Prepare project proposals and negotiate contracts and fees; bid projects to multiple general contractors.
• Track and manage financial performance of project for success (e.g., work plan, schedule, fees, change orders, billings and collections).
• Manage project lifecycle: estimating, bidding, project kick‑off, weekly coordination, punch list, turnover, opening, and project close‑out.
• Collaborate with the project team members on design solutions and documentation.
• Guide project team in documentation, pricing through construction.
• Resolve complex technical / design issues.
  
  Develop project specifications.
  
  Communicate with consultants and authorities having jurisdiction.

• Bachelor’s or Masters degree in Architecture or related field.
• 10+ years of related experience, managing projects and team.
• Professional license or certification preferred.
• Experience with Critical Facilities (e.g., data centers, command and control centers, high‑performance computing) or similarly complex projects required.
• LEED accreditation preferred.
• Experience negotiating project scope, fees, managing project financial performance, and ensuring fiscal responsibility for projects.
• Knowledge of building materials, specifications and construction techniques specific to core and shell architecture required.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, zoning, accessibility, and generally knowledgeable in jurisdictional processes required.
• Extensive experience in construction document preparation, including detailing and field observation.
• Experience with project management software such as MS Project, a plus.
• Strong Revit, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Microsoft Office experience desired.
• AutoCAD, Sketchup, Rhino, Enscape, VRay also beneficial.
• Essential knowledge of engineering disciplines in coordinating highly technical infrastructure heavy projects.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices required; portfolios should include at least one project with this focus, and candidates should be prepared to discuss built projects with LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard, Fitwel and/or Net Zero Building certification.

The base salary range will be estimated between $110,000 and $140,000. Gensler’s total compensation package is multi‑layered and includes a base salary, two annual bonuses paid in December and June, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and profit sharing.

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage.
• Wellness programs and flex spending.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• 401(k), profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice‑annual bonus opportunities.
• Reimbursement for professional licenses, renewals, and certain tuition programs.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.