Design Manager

Appleton Finn; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Appleton Finn in Seattle is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the design process on complex construction projects, bridging design intent and execution.

Responsibilities include coordinating architects, engineers, consultants, and trade partners; leading design reviews; tracking schedules and deliverables; and mitigating design-related risk within design-build, design-assist, or integrated delivery contexts.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in architecture, engineering, construction or design management.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams on complex projects.
• Experience with design-build, design-assist or integrated project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from early pursuits through construction.
• Coordinate architects, engineers, consultants and trade partners.
• Lead design reviews, constructability analysis and technical coordination.
• Track design schedules, deliverables, scope and decision-making.
• Identify and mitigate design-related cost, schedule and construction risks.
• Support design-build, design-assist and integrated delivery projects.
• Ensure design solutions align with client objectives and project requirements.
• Collaborate with preconstruction and operations teams to achieve a smooth project handoff.

Skills

Design management

Leadership

Construction

Client-facing communication

Education

Degree in Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management

Job description

The Opportunity

Compensation: Base salary up to $210,000, plus a competitive benefits and incentive package

A leading employee-owned commercial general contractor is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join its Seattle team. This individual will lead the design process on complex construction projects, bridging the gap between design intent and successful project execution.

The role requires close collaboration with clients, architects, engineers, trade partners, preconstruction and operations teams, with a focus on constructability, risk mitigation, cost and schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from early pursuits through construction.
• Coordinate architects, engineers, consultants and trade partners.
• Lead design reviews, constructability analysis and technical coordination.
• Track design schedules, deliverables, scope and decision-making.
• Identify and mitigate design-related cost, schedule and construction risks.
• Support design-build, design-assist and integrated delivery projects.
• Ensure design solutions align with client objectives and project requirements.
• Collaborate with preconstruction and operations teams to achieve a smooth project handoff.#

Candidate Profile

• Strong experience in architecture, engineering, construction or design management.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams on complex projects.
• Experience with design-build, design-assist or integrated project delivery.
• Knowledge of construction documents, constructability and design coordination.
• Excellent client-facing, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or a related field preferred.
• Architectural or engineering licensure is advantageous.