Design Manager in Dallas, Texas at Smith Group Americas

Position Description
The Design Manager serves as the Owner’s Representative responsible for overseeing the design process across three concurrent warehouse projects. This role manages the design architect and consultant teams, ensuring that all design deliverables align with client objectives, budget, schedule, and operational requirements.
The Design Manager acts as the primary liaison between the client, design firms, and project stakeholders—facilitating communication, driving decisions, and ensuring design quality and constructability throughout all project phases.

Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities
Program Design Oversight

Lead and manage the design process across all three warehouse projects from concept through construction documentation and closeout.
Ensure consistency of design standards, quality, and project objectives across the full program.
Establish and maintain overall design execution plans aligned with Smith Group of Americas delivery standards.

Architect & Consultant Management

Oversee the performance of the design architect, engineers, and specialty consultants.
Manage design contracts, scopes of work, deliverables, and timelines.
Review and approve design submissions to ensure compliance with project requirements, codes, and standards.
Hold design teams accountable for schedule adherence, responsiveness, and quality of documentation.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the primary interface with the client for all design-related matters.
Facilitate regular design meetings, workshops, and presentations with client stakeholders.
Translate client needs, operational requirements, and business goals into actionable design direction.
Provide clear and proactive communication on design progress, risks, and decisions.

Design Coordination & Integration

Collaborate with Project Management, Procurement, Scheduling, and Construction teams to ensure design alignment with cost, schedule, and constructability requirements.
Coordinate interdisciplinary design integration, including architecture, structural, MEP, and specialized warehouse systems (e.g., racking, automation, logistics flow).
Support integration with Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) processes and BIM models.

Budget & Cost Alignment

Work closely with cost management and preconstruction teams to ensure designs align with approved budgets.
Review cost estimates at each design phase and identify value engineering opportunities.
Manage scope changes and ensure design decisions reflect financial impacts.

Schedule Management

Partner with the scheduling team to align design deliverables with project milestones and critical path activities.
Monitor design progress against schedule and proactively address delays or bottlenecks.

Quality & Constructability

Conduct design reviews to ensure completeness, coordination, and constructability.
Identify and resolve design conflicts, omissions, and risks early in the process.
Ensure compliance with building codes, regulatory requirements, and company standards.

Change Management & Risk Mitigation

Manage design changes, ensuring proper documentation, approvals, and alignment with project goals.
Identify design-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Support claims avoidance through clear documentation and coordination.

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain accurate records of design decisions, approvals, and revisions.
Provide regular design status reports, including progress, risks, and key decisions.
Support executive reporting and Operations Review Meetings (ORMs).

Leadership & Collaboration

Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment among all design and project stakeholders.
Provide leadership and guidance to internal teams on design-related matters.
Support Business Development efforts with design input, feasibility assessments, and client presentations as needed.
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (Master’s preferred)
Minimum of 8–12 years of experience in design management, architecture, or construction project delivery
Experience serving as an Owner’s Representative or leading large, complex design teams
Experience with industrial, warehouse, logistics, or distribution facility projects strongly preferred
Proven experience managing multiple projects or program-level responsibilities

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of design processes across all phases (concept, schematic, DD, CD, construction administration)
Knowledge of building systems, codes, and regulatory requirements
Familiarity with BIM/VDC tools and coordination processes
Experience reviewing drawings, specifications, and design documentation
Proficiency in project management tools and Microsoft Office

Core Competencies

Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities with executive-level clients
Strategic thinking with the ability to align design with business objectives
High attention to detail and strong problem-solving capabilities
Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple projects
Working Conditions

Based in project or regional office with regular travel to project sites and client meetings
Active participation in design workshops, site visits, and coordination meetings required