Manager, Design Practice

at CDM Smith in Topeka, Kansas, United States

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. This group plays a key role in advancing digital enablement programs and technology execution plans that enhance design workflows across our architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) disciplines.

This role also involves collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration of various technologies and communicating effectively with stakeholders to drive project success.

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.

• Working 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.
• Maintaining 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; communicating 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; providing guidance, instruction, training, and leadership skills to inspire the group to perform at their optimum.
• 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 both 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 is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

• Experience with Civil 3D, including corridor modeling, grading, pipe networks, and plan production workflows for transportation infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in Bentley design tools such as Open Roads Designer, Micro Station, and InRoads, with a strong understanding of their application in roadway and civil site design.
• Familiarity with DOT requirements and digital deliverables for transportation projects using Civil 3D and Bentley tools.
• Understanding of low‑code/no‑code computational design applications for implementing quality assurance frameworks including reliability, security, and scalability.

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