Design Manager

The Design Manager plays a critical leadership role at the front end of complex projects, shaping how work is planned, developed, and delivered. This role leads the design and preconstruction process, integrating scope, schedule, cost, and risk while aligning owners, engineers, trade partners, and internal teams to develop constructible solutions. The position is highly visible across power, renewables, and industrial markets, requiring forward-thinking leadership and hands-on execution to drive project success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and preconstruction process for complex construction projects, ensuring alignment among owners, engineers, architects, trade partners, and internal teams.
• Own the integration of scope, schedule, cost, and risk to ensure timely, informed decision-making.
• Coordinate with engineering firms, architects, and construction teams to develop constructible solutions.
• Drive cross-functional team alignment and facilitate stakeholder collaboration to achieve project goals.
• Manage risk, contract development, and procurement strategy during preconstruction.
• Challenge assumptions and influence key decisions to optimize project outcomes.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in design management, preconstruction, project management, or EPC project delivery, specifically in data center or large-scale construction environments.
• Proven ability to lead design and preconstruction phases of complex construction projects.
• Strong understanding of scope, cost, schedule, and constructability integration.
• Experience with risk management, contract development, and procurement strategy.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive alignment across stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to facilitate, challenge, and influence decisions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Target Value Design (TVD) or Lean design practices.
• Professional certifications (PE, RA, DBIA).
• Background in both project execution and preconstruction/design phases.

Pay

Anticipated base salary range: $108,000 - $161,000 annually. Actual pay will be adjusted based on skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law. Bonus eligible.

Schedule

Position is based in Waukesha, WI, with up to 50% travel required for meetings and client needs. Company-paid travel.

Benefits

• Employee-owned company with opportunities for growth and career development.
• Purpose-driven work aligned with ESG values and strong company culture.
• Safety-first environment with a focus on teamwork and accountability.
• Mentorship and hands-on learning for career growth.
• High-impact projects in complex industrial sectors.
• Rich culture built on relationships, craftsmanship, and innovation.
• High-performance environment enhanced by AI and technology for collaboration and results.