Senior Design Manager

Mace; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is seeking a dedicated professional to manage project design resources in Charlottesville, Virginia. The role involves leading design teams, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards, and contributing to business development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and technical skills, alongside a degree in Construction or Engineering. Mace offers flexible working options and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of construction and consultancy, including safety legislation and contracts.
• Strong communication, organisation, and writing skills; pragmatic and impartial.
• Good BIM knowledge, including management and deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Develop delegated elements of annual business plan outcomes to deadlines and budget.
• Lead and manage design resources for projects.
• Manage daily operations for project design resources / managers.
• Support business development and work-winning activities.

Skills

Construction knowledge

Communication skills

Organisation skills

BIM knowledge

Technical knowledge

Education

Degree in Construction, Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe.

Within our business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

The Project

Delivers owner‑side constructability input, target value delivery, and design‑phase cost and schedule development ensuring the programme is buildable, financeable, and fast‑trackable before construction contracts are let.

Values

• Safety first — Going home safe and well
• Client focus – Deliver on our promise
• Integrity – Always do the right thing
• Create opportunity – For our people to excel

Key Responsibilities

• Develop delegated elements of annual business plan outcomes to deadlines and budget.
• Lead and manage design resources for projects.
• Manage daily operations for project design resources / managers.
• Lead and present management review data/key performance indicators (KPIs) to project and sub‑function leadership.
• Support business development and work‑winning activities.
• Lead the identification, development, and delivery of relevant training.
• Ensure management system is followed and whole project roles and responsibilities are adhered to.
• Act as focal point for design related matters on projects.
• Recommend and initiate change to project delivery plans, develop new design management tools and operating processes.
• Support and influence procurement routes, contractual and legal aspects of projects.
• Contribute to the promotion of technical excellence, support dialogue/communication.
• Collaborate with project management office (PMO) teams (as required) ensuring coordinated deliverables.
• Actively seek out knowledge and experience through Company reach‑back.
• Actively seek understanding and utilise the centre of excellence (CoE) knowledge base.
• Work collaboratively towards the common goal of net‑zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

Key Requirements

• Good knowledge of construction and consultancy, including safety legislation and contracts.
• Strong communication, organisation, and writing skills; pragmatic and impartial.
• Able to take initiative and make sound decisions.
• Good BIM knowledge, including management and deliverables.
• Strong technical knowledge with the ability to challenge project designs, proposals, and delivery approaches.
• Ability to act as a central point of contact for projects, coordinating effectively with internal and external stakeholders in an inclusive environment.
• Committed to continuous improvement; works independently.
• Acts as key point of contact for stakeholders.
• Degree in Construction, Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organization.

We are also open to discussing part‑time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with‑in the role.