Design Manager

DESIGN MANAGER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary:

The Design Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the design function for large-scale data center sprinkler projects. This role will provide technical and operational leadership throughout the design process, ensuring projects are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with project requirements, applicable codes, and company standards.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in fire sprinkler design and project management, with the ability to lead design teams, coordinate with internal and external project partners, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced data center environment. This position requires strong communication, organization, technical knowledge, and the ability to adapt as project priorities and schedules evolve.

Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate with Sales and Construction Operations Manager to review scope sheet, verify schedule and design requirements • Schedule design based on pipe on job and schedule requirements • Ensure projects are assigned to appropriate design team members

• Ensure all required plans and CAD files are received and provided to designer assigned to project

• Schedule pre-design meeting with the designer, sales and Construction Operations Manager

• Ensure quality management throughout construction design process

• Responsible for communication and status reporting to design team members, customers and management

• Manage team of designers providing leadership, training, mentoring and coaching

• Provides responsive, concise, accurate and professional support to all customers and other personnel and ensures timely follow-up on all customer concerns and issues.

• Actively participates in turn over meetings, design meetings, post job meetings, and weekly department meeting.

• Attends inspections as licensed representative, as needed

• Perform site surveys and train team member on proper site survey process

• Ensure proper safety procedures and use of equipment

• Perform quality checks on drawings through head layout, pipe layout and pipe size review meetings with designer and sales and Construction Operations Manager

• Perform field checks and site visits as needed 

• Manage design team’s workload and obtain branch office and/or subcontract support as required

• Oversee subcontract designer’s work and ensure deadlines are being met 

• Build relationships with customers, sales and operations teams 

• Design review and approval of all drawings prior to submittal 

• Review and approve all resubmittals, track rejection comments 

• Upon submittal approval, ensure designers provide final listings and complete foreman prints prior to pipe on job date 

• Know local codes & AHJ requirements within local jurisdictions 

• Manage commitment dates to ensure they are met; communicate to appropriate team members if commitment date is at risk of being missed 

• Assist with recruitment and interviewing of possible design candidates 

• Review design team timesheets for accuracy and approval 

• Ensure designers are reviewing project changes during design phase and notifying operations team regarding impact

• Provide awareness to sales and operations team when there is an increase in scope or headcounts from original estimate 

• Assist with design in order to maintain commitment dates, as required 

• Recommends improvements in project management procedures and overall company business practices 

• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge:

• High School diploma or GED is required 

• NICET Level III in Water-Based Systems or RME-G

Work Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in Fire Sprinkler Systems design

• Data Center design experience highly preferred 

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills

• Detail oriented with excellent organization skills

• Proficient in working with Microsoft Office Products including Word and Excel

• Proficient in PDF creation • Must have valid state driver's license and good driving record 

• Proficient in MS Office, AutoCAD, and HydraCAD or equal design software Hydraulic Calculations knowledge and understanding

• Capable of supporting and mentoring team members 

• Proficient in interpreting and applying applicable local AHJ as well as NFPA standards and Building codes

• Proficient in reading and interpreting construction documents

• Must demonstrate ability to manage a team

• Must able to work on a construction job site

Physical Requirements:

• 75% Office Setting, including sitting, some bending, some lifting, walking and viewing • 25% driving

Travel:

• 5 office location in Texas, frequent visits for team training