Design Manager, Preconstruction & Coordination

Build Group, Inc; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Build Group is seeking a Design Manager to coordinate the design phase across active preconstruction projects, reporting to the Senior Design Manager and Vice President, Preconstruction. This hands-on role collaborates with architects, engineers, trade partners, and internal teams to keep design moving on schedule and aligned with budget and client objectives.

The Design Manager will support preconstruction strategy, early work packaging, and owner-facing communication while guiding design

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in the AEC industry, with at least 2 years in design coordination roles.
• Experience on design-build, design-assist, or CM at-risk projects preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Navisworks, Microsoft Project, and Smartsheet.
• Familiarity with BIM coordination workflows and LOD standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to support design development that meets client requirements and aligns with budget, schedule, and constructability goals.
• Facilitate communication between design and construction teams to identify and resolve conflicts early.
• Track design deliverables and manage the design schedule in coordination with the project team.
• Participate in page turn reviews and document design decisions and open items for follow‑up.
• Support the design phase from schematic through construction documents, helping to manage schedules and track deliverables.
• Identify scope gaps, feasibility challenges, and budget concerns and proactively elevate to senior team members.
• Assist in maintaining and updating the project cost model as design decisions are made.
• Lead workshops with self‑perform and trade partners to validate design feasibility and optimize cost efficiency.
• Support value engineering efforts and phased permitting strategies under the direction of senior staff.
• Help coordinate early work packaging to enable fast-track project starts.
• Act as the primary point of contact for client communication on design-related matters under the direction of senior leadership.
• Prepare and maintain clear documentation of design decisions, open items, and action logs for distribution to all stakeholders.
• Assist in preparing materials for presentations and design review meetings.
• Lead multi-disciplinary team meetings and contribute to an accountable, solutions‑oriented team culture.
• Coordinate with internal teams including estimating, scheduling, and self‑perform groups to integrate design with construction planning.
• Review design documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with California Building Code, ADA standards, and other applicable regulations.
• Support constructability reviews and flag issues for resolution with the design team.
• Support contractor-required conditions of approvals and mitigation measures for projects.
• Contribute to pursuit efforts by providing design coordination support, assembling project approach materials, and ensuring compliance with proposal requirements.

Skills

Design coordination

Project management

BIM coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management

Tools

AutoCAD

Navisworks

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

Job description

Build Group is seeking a Design Manager to coordinate the design phase across active preconstruction projects, reporting to the Senior Design Manager and Vice President, Preconstruction. This hands-on role collaborates with architects, engineers, trade partners, and internal teams to keep design moving on schedule and aligned with budget and client objectives.

The Design Manager will support preconstruction strategy, early work packaging, and owner-facing communication while guiding design