Remote Aviation Design Manager

Design Manager

The Design Manager is responsible for leading and managing the technical design function within the practice. This role oversees a team of Design Leads and design staff, ensuring work is properly assigned, resources are effectively utilized, and project deliverables meet established quality and design standards.

• Oversee a team of Design Leads and technical staff, establishing clear performance expectations and accountability measures for design teams.
• Mentor, develop, and retain design personnel through staff development, technical growth, and succession planning.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among design teams.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and retention of design personnel.
• Manage day-to-day personnel administration of direct reports, including timekeeping, expense approvals, performance evaluations, employee development, and other routine personnel matters in accordance with company policies.

Resource Planning & Workload Management

• Carefully coordinate and balance workload across Design Leads and technical teams.
• Assign design resources based on project needs, technical capabilities, and staff development objectives.
• Maintain and monitor team utilization, proactively addressing workload imbalances.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to forecast staffing needs and identify resource constraints.

Design Standards & Technical Excellence

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve design standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure consistent application of organizational CAD, BIM, engineering, and design standards.
• Lead implementation of technical tools, templates, and standard processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and design consistency.
• Serve as the technical authority for design execution and delivery practices.

Quality Control & Quality Assurance

• Own and maintain the organization's design quality control program.
• Establish and enforce QC review procedures and documentation requirements.

• Project Delivery Support

  • Partner with Project Managers to support successful project execution.

  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

    • Minimize quality issues and design rework.

    • Reporting Relationships

      • Reports To: Practice Leader / Regional Manager / Operations Leader
      • Direct Reports: Design Leads, Technical Discipline Leads (as assigned), Design Staff (as assigned)

      Success Profile

      • A highly respected technical leader who effectively balances people leadership, resource management, quality control, and design excellence.
      • Creates accountability, establishes clear design expectations, develops high-performing teams, and ensures every project is delivered in accordance with company standards and client expectations.

      Professional Growth & Career Development

      • The Design Manager role provides a pathway for expanded leadership responsibilities within project delivery and business operations.
      • Encourages development of project management competencies, including project planning, scope management, financial performance, client communication, and risk management.
      • Individuals may serve as Deputy Project Managers on complex assignments, lead internal project delivery initiatives, and participate in project financial reviews, forecasting, and resource planning.