Construction Design Manager

AECOM•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Design Manager is a senior project leader within a design-build or construction management firm, responsible for coordinating and aligning design disciplines with construction execution on design-build projects. The role integrates design intent, technical requirements, budget, and schedule constraints to minimize conflicts and support efficient project delivery. It serves as a key liaison among design and construction teams, the owner, and trade partners. The role leads design coordination across architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty systems; supports constructability and trade partner engagement; aligns design progress with procurement and construction schedules; oversees quality, compliance, BIM/VDC coordination, and documentation; and interfaces with project stakeholders to support timely decisions. The position is with AECOM Hunt, whose work includes sports stadiums, aviation, hospitality, convention centers, transportation hubs, healthcare, and academic buildings.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related curriculum, and 8 years of relevant design, construction, or design-build experience; demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education is accepted.
Strong understanding of architectural, structural, and MEP building systems.
Proficiency in BIM/VDC platforms such as 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 and ability to influence diverse teams.
Must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test if offered a position.
No United States work authorization sponsorship is available now or in the future.
New hires must attend in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Professional licensure as an Architect or Professional Engineer.
DBIA 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 multidisciplinary 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.

Responsibilities

Lead 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, schedule, and milestones.
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.
Align design development with procurement and construction schedules; monitor progress against milestones and address delays.
Support cost management by evaluating design decisions against budget constraints and participating in value engineering and cost optimization.
Ensure design compliance with owner requirements, codes, and regulatory standards.
Lead design quality and constructability reviews at key milestones.
Coordinate with the Architect of Record and Engineers of Record to maintain design integrity and accountability.
Oversee BIM/VDC tools for coordination, clash detection, and model integration.
Ensure version control and documentation management for design deliverables, and promote digital workflows that enhance coordination and reduce rework.
Interface with owners, consultants, authorities having jurisdiction, and third-party reviewers.
Support presentations and reporting on design progress, risks, and decisions.
Facilitate timely decision-making by identifying and escalating critical design issues.