Job Description

Our client is a design-build contractor that specializes in federal healthcare projects at military installations across the United States. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, they deliver projects nationwide with a culture where people are valued and empowered to deliver amazing results.  

The Design Manager is a   managerial leadership role   responsible for overseeing and integrating the design process across multiple   federal design-build (D-B) projects . This role combines elements of   project management, preconstruction leadership, and technical design   expertise , serving as the   central point   of coordination between design teams, construction operations, procurement, and clients.  

The Design Manager will lead the   selection   and management of design teams,   establish   and implement design processes, manage   schedules   and scope, and ensure design decisions align with   cost, constructability, and project   objectives . The ideal candidate is organized, process-oriented, and capable of managing   multiple concurrent D-B projects   in a fast-paced federal environment.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead and manage the design process for multiple federal design-build projects from pursuit through construction.  
  

• Select, onboard, and manage architectural and engineering design teams.  
  

• Serve as the primary point of contact for designers and design consultants.  
  

• Establish, implement, and   maintain   design management processes   to support consistency, quality, and accountability.  
  

• Manage and track   design schedules , ensuring alignment with overall project schedules.  
  

• Oversee and coordinate design efforts across  5-6 concurrent design-build projects .  
  

• Work closely with   Preconstruction, Project Management, Procurement, and Operations   teams to align design with execution strategy.  
  

• Understand and manage   cost implications of design decisions   to prevent scope   creep   and protect project budgets.  
  

• Support estimating and preconstruction efforts, including constructability reviews and design development input.  
  

• Identify   and resolve design coordination issues across disciplines.  
  

• Ensure design solutions are practical, compliant, and aligned with project scope and contractual requirements.  
  

• Promote clear communication, organization, and accountability across design and project teams.  
  

Requirements

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture , Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Mechanical Engineering  ( Master’s   degree is a plus) 
  

• 5–10 years of industry experience in a construction, architecture, or engineering firm  (10+ years strongly preferred) 
  

• Demonstrated ability to   select, lead, and manage design teams .  
  

• Strong organizational skills with a   methodical, process-oriented approach .  
  

• Proven experience managing   project schedules   and coordinating deliverables.  
  

• Ability to manage   multiple design-build projects simultaneously .  
  

• Solid understanding of how design decisions impact   cost, scope, and constructability .  
  

• Prior experience in   Project Management and/or Estimating  (strongly preferred).  
  

• Experience working closely with   Procurement and Operations teams .  
  

• Strong communication   and   relationship-management   skills.  
  

Preferred Experience  

• Federal design-build project experience.  
  

• Familiarity with design-build delivery methods and integrated project teams.  
  

• Experience supporting preconstruction and   pursuit   activities.  
  

• Ability to   operate   effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.  
  

Benefits

• A very generous healthcare insurance program (75% of employee and their dependents)  
  

• Federal holidays off  
  

• Matching 401(K)  
  

• Paid personal time off  
  

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