Director, Project Development – Manufacturing Facility Design-Build

BW Design Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development resources

Mentorship programs

Flexible work model

Job summary

BW Design Group in Chicago is seeking a Director to lead the development of diverse design-build and EPC projects in the Food, Beverage, and Consumer Packaged Goods markets. The role demands 15+ years of experience in planning, design, and delivery of manufacturing facilities.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills and the ability to develop long-term client relationships while driving project strategies to success. We foster a flexible atmosphere that prioritizes mutual respect and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing facility project delivery.
• Ability to lead cGMP manufacturing and distribution facility planning.
• Experience with supply chain engineering concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of design-build and EPC projects.
• Drive project planning and execution according to client objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and client management.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Understanding of cGMP environments

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management

Job description

Who You'll Work With

You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1,500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world‑class professional consultant and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.

What You'll Do

Lead the development of diverse and complex design‑build and EPC manufacturing facility projects in the Food, Beverage, and Consumer Packaged Goods markets. By applying sound judgment and facilitating robust cross‑functional solutions, you will drive the front‑end planning and project development for capital investments across new construction, expansions, and facility modernization.

• Lead front‑end programming, master planning, concept studies, and FEED package development for design‑build and EPC manufacturing facility projects within the CPG sector.
• Serve as a Development Lead on structured pursuit teams, advancing qualified opportunities through stage‑gate reviews and into project kickoff — owning the quality and completeness of deliverables through pursuit reviews, opportunity qualification reviews, and IDB engagement & project kickoff gates.
• Provide client and technical leadership in the development of integrated design‑build and EPC capital projects for Food, Beverage, and Consumer Packaged Goods clients, developing long‑standing relationships based on trust, technical competence, and strategic value.
• Provide expert analysis in developing facility and supply chain engineering solutions, incorporating site selection, building systems, operational workflows, throughput considerations, layout planning, and distribution strategies that align with client objectives.
• Lead project development and execution including project plans and strategies, project resourcing, management of project financials, and overall project budgets to achieve the client's investment objectives across scope, schedule, and budget.
• Analyze and develop specialized manufacturing facility solutions for new and existing cGMP environments, maintaining knowledge of industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead client requests for proposals, develop customer presentations and qualification efforts, interface with current and future client representatives, and champion strategic pursuits from pipeline through go/no‑go decisions.
• Mentor and provide guidance to technical and planning professionals within the firm.

What You'll Bring

• 15+ years of experience in the planning, design, and delivery of manufacturing facilities through design‑build and/or EPC project delivery methods, including front‑end planning, FEED development, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and operational turnover.
• Leadership skills and experience with a drive to grow and expand local and regional clients.
• The ability to lead the planning and design of cGMP manufacturing and distribution facilities with a deep understanding of building systems, site infrastructure, operational requirements, people and material flows, adjacency schemes, environmental classifications, food safety, and industry regulatory requirements.
• Experience with supply chain engineering concepts including layout planning, operational workflows, and distribution strategies within manufacturing and warehousing environments.
• Experience leading or participating in structured pursuit and stage‑gate processes within a multi‑discipline A/E, design‑build, or EPC environment.
• Experience in the development and delivery of greenfield and brownfield manufacturing facilities, as well as scope development within operating facilities, with a working knowledge of local, state, and federal building codes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to establish long‑term client relationships and a willingness to travel for client meetings, facility assessments, construction activities, and company‑sponsored events.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a closely related discipline. Advanced degree or professional licensure preferred.

Benefits and Culture

Our culture and commitment to our people is what sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our professionals. Our model and entrepreneurial mindset offer a rewarding, challenging, and highly flexible path. As a Director, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources and tools. You will be surrounded by exceptional talent who will support your development as both a world‑class engineer and a highly effective leader.