Design Manager - Construction Services

Job Description The Design Manager is a senior project leader within a Design-Build / Construction Management firm, responsible for coordinating and aligning all design disciplines with construction execution on design-build projects. This role ensures that design intent, technical requirements, budget, and schedule constraints are fully integrated, minimizing conflicts and driving efficient project delivery. The position serves as a key liaison between the design team, construction team, owner, and trade partners. This position will be required to be on-site in  Chicago, IL with some travel to Gary, IN.Primary responsibilities:Design Coordination & Integration Lead the integration of architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty systems into a cohesive, constructible design. Facilitate interdisciplinary coordination meetings and manage resolution of design conflicts. Oversee design deliverables to ensure alignment with project scope, budget, and schedule. Ensure design packages are complete, coordinated, and issued in accordance with project milestones.Design-Build Collaboration Act as the primary interface between design teams and construction teams. Collaborate with preconstruction and field teams to incorporate constructability, phasing, and logistics into the design. Support early trade partner engagement and coordinate design-assist contributions. Ensure real-time feedback loops between field conditions and evolving design documents.Schedule & Budget Alignment Work with project leadership to align design development with procurement and construction schedules. Monitor design progress against milestones and proactively address delays. Support cost management efforts by evaluating design decisions against budget constraints. Participate in value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.Quality & Compliance Ensure design compliance with owner requirements, codes, and regulatory standards. Lead design quality reviews and constructability reviews at key milestones. Coordinate with the Architect of Record and Engineers of Record to maintain design integrity and accountability.Technology & Documentation Oversee the use of BIM/VDC tools for coordination, clash detection, and model integration. Ensure proper version control and documentation management of all design deliverables. Promote digital workflows that enhance coordination and reduce rework.Stakeholder Management Interface with owners, consultants, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and third-party reviewers. Support presentations and reporting related to design progress, risks, and decisions. Facilitate timely decision-making by identifying and escalating critical design issues.QualificationsMinimum Requirements: BS Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related curriculum and 10 years of relevant design, construction or design-build experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership.Preferred Qualifications: Professional licensure (Architect or Professional Engineer) is a plus. DBIA (Design Build Institute of America) Designated Design Build Professional® Certification strongly preferred. LEED accreditation or sustainability experience. Experience on large-scale commercial, exhibition, hospitality, aviation, and convention center projects. Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams on complex projects. Prior experience in design-build or integrated project delivery (IPD) strongly preferred. Experience working with both design consultants and construction teams. Strong understanding of building systems (architectural, structural, MEP). Proficiency in BIM/VDC platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks, or similar). Familiarity with construction sequencing, phasing, and constructability principles. Working knowledge of project management tools and document control systems. Exceptional coordination and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and leadership abilities. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and execution. Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence diverse teams.Additional Information This position does not include sponsorship for United States work authorization now or in the future. Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test. This position may include relocation. Pay Range $150-$277k