Design Project Manager

Timeline Design + Build; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Timeline Design + Build is seeking a Design Project Manager to plan, coordinate, and drive residential design projects from kickoff through permitting and handoff to Production.

You will ensure on-schedule delivery, budget adherence, and an exceptional client experience while collaborating with Lead Designers, the BIM Manager, Estimating, and Production to remove roadblocks and ensure a smooth transition from design to production.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in residential architecture, design-build, construction, or project management.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the master design schedule.

Skills

5+ years PM experience

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or related field

PMP certification (plus)

Tools

Buildertrend

Microsoft Office

PM software

Job description

Position Summary

The Design Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and driving residential design projects from kickoff through permitting and handoff to Production. This role ensures projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with Timeline's standards while supporting an exceptional client experience.

Working closely with Lead Designers, the BIM Manager, Estimating, and Production, the Design Project Manager removes roadblocks, drives accountability, and ensures projects move efficiently from design through permitting and into Production.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Own and maintain the master design schedule for assigned design projects.
• Update project schedules weekly and monitor milestones, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Identify risks and implement recovery plans.
• Track Budget vs. Actual Hours, project costs, consultant coordination, and scope changes to support project profitability and Gross Profit (GP) goals.
• Hold project team members accountable for meeting project milestones, deliverables, and deadlines.

Team Coordination

• Conduct weekly project reviews with Lead Designers to review schedules, priorities, workload, project risks, and next steps.
• Track tasks, follow up on action items, and ensure timely completion.
• Assist with resource planning and workload balancing.

Cross-Department Coordination

• Coordinate with the BIM Manager on permit documentation, Revit production, and drawing quality.
• Partner with Estimating to ensure complete and accurate design packages.
• Coordinate project handoffs and permitting with the Production Team.

Workflow & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with Timeline's SOPs and project workflows.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up to date project documentation, including:
  • Meeting agendas and minutes
  • Weekly client updates
  • Buildertrend documentation
  • Design milestones and task tracking

Client Support

• Support Lead Designers by proactively identifying issues, coordinating solutions, and ensuring consistent, high-quality client experience throughout the design process.

Continuous Improvement

• Recommend and implement process improvements to improve efficiency, communication, and scalability.
• Support training, mentoring, and implementation of department standards.

What Success Looks Like

• Projects are delivered on schedule.
• Project Gross Profit (GP) goals are achieved.
• Budget vs. Actual Hours are monitored and managed proactively.
• Project schedules are accurate, up to date, and reflect the current project status.
• Timeline's workflows and SOPs are consistently followed.
• Weekly client updates are completed on time.
• Meeting agendas are sent at least one business day in advance, and meeting minutes are distributed within one business day of the meeting.
• Project tasks and action items are completed on or before their due dates.
• Design, BIM, Estimating, and Production teams are aligned and coordinated throughout the project lifecycle.
• Resource constraints, risks, and roadblocks are identified early and resolved to keep projects on track.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in residential architecture, design-build, construction, or project management.
• Strong knowledge of residential design, permitting, and project delivery.
• Proficient in Buildertrend, Microsoft Office, and project management software.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. and navigate residential job sites.
• Ability to distinguish colors for design accuracy.

Personal Attributes

• Organized, proactive, and detail-oriented.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and solution-focused.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional growth.