Senior Design Manager

www.sphereentertainmentco.com.

Who are we hiring?

The Senior Design Manager will be responsible for the managementof all designand related elements for the MSG Sphere Portfolio to achieve the project and business objectives.This role will work closely with internal management and stakeholders to best support projects and Sphere business objectives. The Senior Design Manager has a strong background in design management within complect architectural or entertainment environments, along with exceptional organization, communicating, and problem-solving skills. 

What will you do?    

• Responsible for representing projects and initiatives and Sphere in the following workstreams with design team, General Contractor, Sub-Contractors, MSG & Sphere Stakeholders, Legal and Senior Management support where appropriate:
• Collaborate with other D&C functions (Commercial, Delivery, Tech Systems, etc.) to scope, develop, and manage projects and initiatives.
• Assist in the development and implementation of design management tools, processes, and procedures.
• Support digital processes, data reporting, and documentation in collaboration with the Digital Team.
• Contribute to new projects and adaptions to baseline designs, including masterplan and code variations.
• Develop technical venue brief requirements and assist with scope creation and management.
• Maintain design information, identify opportunities for innovation, and capture lessons learned.
• Support the management and delivery of a portfolio of projects, providing guidance to on-site design teams.
• Oversee design management, including all interfaces, approvals, and quality standards.
• Manage client and design team meetings, ensuring timely decisions are highlighted and directed appropriately.
• Monitor design team performance, including supply chain designers, and track design progress against schedules and quality benchmarks.
• Review and provide feedback on design documents, capturing and developing requirements for Sphere change requests.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate design-related risks related to time, cost, and quality through coordination with subcontractors, package managers, change management, cost management, and design teams.
• Contribute to the preparation and approval of subcontractor and consultant change orders by identifying root causes, evaluating alternative solutions to mitigate cost, quality, and schedule impacts, and preparing presentations for leadership approval.
• Interface and coordinate with Technology Leads to manage design integration with building systems and technology components, clarify responsibilities between technology providers and the General Contractor, support testing, commissioning, and handover, and provide regular and ad-hoc project reporting.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring engagement, alignment, and timely approvals in accordance with the stakeholder responsibility matrix.
• Manage requests for information and ensure accurate, timely responses.
• Manage and coordinate the development of mock-ups, samples, and tests for project design and delivery, including defining requirements and scope, monitoring budgets, overseeing manufacture and installation, and coordinating reviews with Sphere stakeholders and senior management.

What do you need to succeed?  

• 7+ years of experience working in design management 
• Degree educated with demonstrable experience in Design management. Professional design qualifications preferred but not essential.
• Proven design leadership with experience managing large, complex projects.
• Familiarity with dual reporting structures and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent planning, organization, and performance management abilities, including oversight of contractors and consultants.
• Experience mentoring and supporting team members.
• Ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across functions.
• Deep knowledge of principles, methods, and practices related to design management.
• Proficient in online project collaboration platforms and digital design tools.

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