Construction Design Manager

About the role

The Design Manager – Construction leads design and engineering activities for major manufacturing plants, non-manufacturing sites and/or PDPM projects. The position develops and manages the scope of engineering services from early scope development through design, engineering procurement, construction execution and stakeholder occupancy. The role works with cross-functional project teams to deliver safe, high-quality, constructible and biddable solutions aligned with approved scope, schedule, cost, GM standards and stakeholder needs.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and organize project support, including early engagement of engineering subject-matter experts, to develop project scope, Statements of Requirements (SOR) and Requests for Proposal (RFPS).
• Develop design and engineering strategies, alternatives, deliverables and execution plans using professional experience, historical data, GM standards and applicable building codes and construction specifications.
• Lead the design phase for assigned projects and ensure engineering services are procured, coordinated and delivered as intended in the approved scope of work.
• Coordinate multi-discipline team members from engineering, purchasing, safety, project management, construction, contractors and business stakeholders.
• Manage changing priorities, engineering schedules and multiple concurrent projects with minimal direct supervision while maintaining alignment to critical project milestones.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, design calculations and construction documents; identify gaps, risks and constructability issues and drive timely resolution.
• Communicate issues, risks, assumptions, schedule impacts and recommendations clearly to project teams, stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Contribute to scope definition, class-level cost estimates, schedules and business-case development for project funding and approval as needed.
• Coordinate with Project Planning, Project Management, Environmental, GPSC and other partners to ensure design deliverables are constructible, biddable and aligned with sourcing and execution strategies.
• Employ rigorous logic and analytical methods to solve difficult design, engineering and schedule problems; probe beyond the obvious and identify future issues before they affect execution.
• Create and execute competitive, innovative and breakthrough facility design concepts that meet internal customer needs for cost, schedule, flexibility, safety and quality.
• Identify and implement process improvements, tools and standards that enhance design management effectiveness, predictability and downstream execution.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less-experienced Design Managers and contribute to building design-management capability within the ICC Construction organization.
• Maintain knowledge of the construction industry, design practices, delivery models, building codes and relevant benchmarking through professional development and industry participation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture or related field.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of experience in the architectural, engineering or construction field on major commercial or industrial capital projects.
• Experience coordinating facilities design and construction activities for manufacturing, non-manufacturing or comparable complex facilities.
• Experience understanding and reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, construction documents and applicable building codes.
• Knowledge of design management, construction delivery, estimating and scheduling principles and their application to capital projects.
• Strong analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, MS Project and design-review or cost-estimating software.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, influence cross-functional teams and make effective decisions with incomplete information.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality and compliance with GM policies and procedures.
• Willingness and ability to travel within North America; passport required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on automotive or industrial building projects, including OEM, Tier 1 or similar environments.
• Working knowledge of GM organizations, ICC Construction processes and governance for capital planning, design and execution.
• Basic knowledge of automotive manufacturing and assembly processes, including assembly, stamping, powertrain, casting and paint operations.
• Experience with front-end planning, VDP and Appropriation Request (AR) processes for capital projects.
• Experience with design/build, bundled-program or asset-sustainment delivery strategies.
• Master's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management or business (e.g., MBA).

Pay, Schedule & Benefits

• This role is categorized as hybrid, with expectation to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week.
• Travel
• This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
• GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future (including H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.).