Aptitude Senior Design Manager

Description

The Senior Design Manager leads the design participants, process, and technology to ensure successful project delivery, from the business development phase through completion. This role oversees design teams and trade partners in design‑build, design‑assist, or other delivery methods, aligning activities with JE Dunn’s strategy, vision, and values.

• Autonomy & Decision Making: makes decisions within defined limits and consults supervisor on other decisions
• Develop turnkey design pricing proposals in response to client RFPs
• Collaborate with estimating pre‑construction and interpret formal design‑build RFPs to develop competitive bid strategies
• Ensure designs meet functional, aesthetic, and sustainability goals
• Integrate structural, mechanical, and electrical considerations into technology plans
• Manage creation of design packages including detailed floor plans, elevations, and one‑lines
• Review bridging documents for compliance with RFP, codes, and criteria
• Support early‑phase due‑diligence activities with clients and stakeholders
• Manage design to meet technical and schedule requirements
• Lead design review process with team and clients, identifying risks and opportunities
• Leverage design experience to identify solutions and monitor schedule, quality, and content
• Generate cost savings and value‑added solutions during design phase
• Monitor and control design partner and consultant costs
• Provide quality‑control review comments to ensure specifications and life‑safety requirements
• Coordinate design document packaging strategies with project team
• Manage project documentation using 3D and 2D file management systems
• Develop sketches and plans to assist pre‑construction pricing of conceptual ideas
• Provide technical design guidance throughout construction
• Support design engineering across the project life cycle (proposal, survey, engineering, equipment selection, permitting, training, construction)
• Align design with project budget and contractual details
• Lead process to understand client business needs and create conceptual plans, elevations, and 3D models
• Set design budgets, schedules, and fees with Project Executive and influence decisions affecting cost, schedule, and budget
• Act as key liaison between JE Dunn and design team to ensure accountability for project strategy
• Provide thought leadership from schematic design through completion
• Manage external design team to meet deadlines and deliverables
• Engage in business, industry, and community activities to build external relationships
• Manage change management with internal team and external design partners
• Conduct effective presentations
• Build relationships and collaborate within internal and external teams
• Manage budgets, maximize profitability, and generate future work through relationships
• Build relationships with team members beyond individual projects

Requirements

Aptitude, JE Dunn’s strategic partner for technology integration services, was created to meet the complex demands of modern building projects. Its diverse teams across the country strive to enrich lives through inspired people and places, and they are seeking inspired individuals to join their pursuit of building perfection.

The position requires a valid unrestricted driver’s license, the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and may involve extensive travel, non‑traditional hours, and exposure to extreme conditions. Work locations include project sites and the office, with frequent sitting and occasional standing, walking, and other physical activities.

• Perform work accurately, completely, and timely
• Communicate effectively verbal and written (intermediate)
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office
• Thorough knowledge of project processes supporting successful completion
• Apply Lean process and philosophy (intermediate)
• Proficient with AutoCAD, Revit and/or Google SketchUp
• Experience with U.S. building design codes and material standards
• Conversant with linked design disciplines (Geotechnical/Civil, Architecture, Façade, Structural, MEP, Data/Communications, Vertical Transportation, Acoustics, Fire and Life Safety)
• Structured thinking across design disciplines with creativity for specialized solutions
• Technical market expert on industry trends and innovations
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or related field (required)
• 10+ years design and/or construction management experience (required)
• 8+ years experience as Project Manager or Senior Project Manager (preferred)
• Cross‑functional knowledge of key engineering disciplines and relevant trades
• Experience taking conceptual design through construction with internal and external partners
• Completion of company training and role‑specific professional development coursework (required)
• Professional registration (preferred)
• First Aid and CPR certification (required)
• OSHA 10 training completed within required timeframe (required)
• LEED AP (Accredited Professional) (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license (required)
• Valid unrestricted driver’s license
• Ability to lift up to 25 lb
• May require extensive travel and non‑traditional hours
• Possible exposure to extreme temperatures

Benefits

Best People + Right Culture are the driving forces behind JE Dunn’s success. By hiring inspired people, providing interesting and challenging work, equipping them with innovative tools, and sharing company rewards, the company has sustained growth for over 100 years.

• Career Path: various

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance