Manager, Design Practice

at CDM Smith in Olathe, Kansas, United States

Manager, Design Practice

Olathe, Kansas, United States

Regular

CDM Smith is seeking a Design Practice Manager to join our Digital Engineering Solutions team. This individual will lead the Design Practice group, helping to drive the firm’s digital transformation through the strategic implementation of digital design tools, technologies and processes. The group plays a key role in advancing digital enablement programs and technology execution plans that enhance design workflows across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) disciplines.

The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate various technologies and communicating effectively with stakeholders to drive project success. This position is ideal for someone who has demonstrated excellence in digital design technologies and processes, has applied them across a variety of AEC practices, and thrives on identifying, developing, and establishing standards, workflows, and training programs. The Design Practice Manager will lead rollout efforts and champion adoption across the organization.

As a member of the Digital Engineering Solutions team, the Design Practice group will collaborate closely with business units project delivery teams and discipline experts to identify, prioritize and advance design practice initiatives. This includes translating strategic objectives and operational challenges into actionable insights that align with broader digital strategies.

The ideal candidate will have a proven record in the field of design practice, with a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity leading to tangible results.

• Work on the cutting edge of digital tools and technologies, developing standards, processes, and workflows for applications by Autodesk and Bentley, and other design applications and plug‑ins that can benefit the AEC practices at CDM Smith.
• Maintain consistent and documented standards, processes, workflows, and best practices for CDM Smith’s AEC digital tools and technologies in alignment with the broader digital enablement strategy.
• Communicate thoughts and technical ideas in an accessible and easy‑to‑understand manner.
• Eagerness to learn and work as part of a multidisciplinary team across a global practice.
• Display excellent interpersonal skills to build quality relationships with the team and across the organization.
• Assist on initiatives and efforts, as part of a collaborative team, with your digital tools and technologies expertise.
• Assist with the development of documentation, standards, best practices, and workflows for design practice hardware/software and digital tools and technologies in use across the business.
• Manage and oversee a team of design practice specialists, aligning the group to the Digital Engineering Solutions team’s goals and objectives along with the Digital Practice Leader. Provide guidance, instruction, training, and leadership skills to inspire the group to perform optimally and maximize the team’s potential.
• Motivate and inspire a team of design practice specialists by creating an environment that promotes positive communication, encourages bonding of group members, and demonstrates flexibility.
• Manage staff, evaluate performance, mentor, approve paid time off (PTO) and training, ensure HR policies are followed, and make recommendations regarding staffing decisions.
• Present to internal and external audiences as needed.
• Assist the business with marketing, communications, and business development descriptions and activities from a technology perspective as needed.
• Assist with internal and external website descriptions as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

• 10 years of related experience with at least 2 of those years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel depends on specific duties and responsibilities.

• Experience with Civil 3D, including corridor…