Corporate Design Manager

International Fire Protection, Inc.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flex Spending Accounts

401(k), ESPP, Profit Sharing

PTO & Company Paid Holidays

EAP

Job summary

A leading fire suppression company is seeking a Corporate Design Manager in Madison, WI. This role involves leading a team of fire sprinkler designers, ensuring quality and timely execution of designs, and collaborating with various departments. The ideal candidate should have at least five years of fire sprinkler design experience, proficiency in relevant software, and excellent leadership and communication skills. Opportunities for professional growth through company-sponsored training are provided.

Qualifications

• Self-starter with strong time management and scheduling.
• Experience in a multi-trade environment.
• Ability to manage workload effectively and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of designers with technical guidance.
• Produce detailed fire sprinkler design drawings.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.

Skills

Proficiency in AutoCAD

BIM and 3D coordination

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Effective communication skills

Education

NICET Level III or IV certification preferred

5+ years fire sprinkler design experience

Tools

AutoSprink

HydraCAD

Job description

PROVIDING RIGHT SOLUTIONS FOR ALL FIRE PROTECTION NEEDS SINCE 1990.
International Fire Protection (IFP) is an Alabama-based fire suppression company. We have charted our history and legacy in building a safer environment for our customers and communities. Therefore, LIFE SAFETY IS OUR BUSINESS, as such, we promise to provide the best life safety service to our customers through quality, integrity, honesty, and customer satisfaction.

What we offer

• Flex Spending Accounts (health and dependent)
• 401(k), ESPP, Profit Sharing
• PTO & Company Paid Holidays
• EAP

JOB DESCRIPTION

Corporate Design Manager

The Corporate Design Manager role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced fire sprinkler designer who is ready to grow their career with International Fire Protection and take on a leadership position within a dynamic, essential industry.

In this role, you will lead and develop a team of fire sprinkler designers by providing technical guidance, training, and day-to-day support. You will partner closely with Division Leaders to plan, schedule, and coordinate design workload and resources across projects. This position is responsible for driving design department goals and ensuring efficient, consistent execution of design deliverables while supporting the effective daily operations of the team within the office.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong time management, scheduling, staff leadership, and communication skills. You will both perform and oversee the design and coordination of fire sprinkler systems, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timeliness. International Fire Protection also offers professional growth through company-sponsored leadership development courses and training. This role requires a hands‑on leader who sets the standard and leads by example.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical training to fire sprinkler designers across multiple locations.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize multiple projects independently to meet deadlines and departmental objectives.
• Review construction contract documents and coordinate with subcontractors, the general contractor, and/or the owner to obtain required information for sprinkler system design.
• Evaluate project requirements using strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to determine constructability and system options.
• Produce detailed fire sprinkler design drawings using AutoCAD, AutoSprink, HydraCAD, or similar design software.
• Coordinate design with other trades using BIM/3D modeling to support clash detection and constructability.
• Develop material stock lists and coordinate required bill of materials for project execution.
• Perform hydraulic calculations and support seismic design/coordination requirements as applicable.
• Develop preliminary design schedules and milestones for early‑phase project activities.
• Maintain accurate design records and historical documentation for reference and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain positive customer relationships to ensure expectations are met and issues are resolved promptly.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure accurate and timely handoff of project information.
• Monitor project progress and review reports to ensure compliance with schedule and budget guidelines.
• Assist with and/or lead field checks, verifying installation readiness and addressing site conditions impacting design.
• Ensure designs and deliverables comply with applicable codes, standards, permits, and company requirements.
• Communicate project status, progress, and required changes to the owner and general contractor as needed.
• Support coordination of related systems (fire alarm and special hazard systems) as a plus.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or IFP management.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• NICET Level III or IV certification preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience designing fire sprinkler systems for commercial and industrial projects.
• Residential fire sprinkler design experience is a plus.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, AutoSprink, HydraCAD, or other fire sprinkler design and layout software.
• Experience with BIM and 3D coordination in a multi‑trade environment.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage workload effectively, meet deadlines, and deliver high‑quality work in a timely manner.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to mentor, train, and support the development of others.
• Proven ability to collaborate and work effectively with internal teams, customers, and project stakeholders.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to successfully pass a pre‑employment drug screening and background check.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

All offers of employment are expressly contingent upon the satisfactory completion, in accordance with Company policy, of a pre‑employment drug screening and background check.

International Fire Protection is committed to complying with all laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and to providing equal employment opportunity to applicants and employees without discrimination on the basis of sex/gender, age, disability, race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, military/veteran status, or other protected characteristics as defined by local, state, and federal law. In keeping with this commitment, International Fire Protection will provide reasonable accommodations in the application process to otherwise qualified applicants with a disability.

Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation of disability in connection with the application process should contact Talent Leader at 256-562-1311.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.