Design Manager

Bridgestone Americas • Nashville, TN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Design Manager manages architectural due diligence and design for Bridgestone Retail Operations LLC store formats, including new self-development, build-to-suit, remodeled, and expanded stores. The role conducts technical negotiations and reviews construction documents with outside developers, architects, engineers, and building permit officials, leading to the preparation of construction, bidding, and contract documents. It also leads non-new-store projects and initiatives from inception through construction completion and coordinates internal partners in Marketing, Store Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, and Real Estate. The position makes decisions affecting project budgets through risk management, sound administrative practices, and financial stewardship.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, this role manages architectural and engineering conceptual design, due diligence, document development, jurisdictional approvals, design reviews, project coordination, and schedules. It oversees outside consultants and contractors, coordinates with internal departments and external stakeholders, supports construction negotiations and agreements, and maintains a digital library of design details, specifications, and prototype drawings. Relocation is available for the right candidate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture.
• At least 10 years of experience in architecture.
• In-depth knowledge of civil, structural, architectural, electrical, and mechanical engineering disciplines.
• In-depth knowledge of standard construction practices, means, and methods.
• In-depth experience and knowledge of remodels.
• Knowledge or experience with condemnation matters.
• Ability to work efficiently and innovatively and independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• General systems knowledge, including MS Project, Excel, Word, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Revit.
• Exceptional communication and ability to collaborate vertically and horizontally across teams.
• Ability to remain calm, fair, and consistent when dealing with associates, customers, and vendors, including under stress.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems by developing comprehensive solutions and implementing new directives.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in architecture.
• Experience in real estate design, planning, and development.
• Retail design architecture experience.
• Environmental study knowledge or background.
• Geotechnical experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage architectural and engineering conceptual design, due diligence, document development, and jurisdictional approval processes to maintain project schedules.
• Continuously value-engineer and monitor designs and construction activities for conformity to project specifications.
• Manage the flow of architectural and engineering information between internal departments and outside agencies, vendors, architects, engineers, developers, and landlords.
• Review planning documents for completeness, alignment with approved criteria, cost effectiveness, and coordination among architectural and engineering groups.
• Review third-party design and construction activities that may affect existing or proposed Bridgestone Retail Operations locations, including sitework, utilities, exterior elevations and entrances, and structural elements; ensure conformity with site standards and incorporate business and operations criteria into final designs.
• Coordinate jurisdictional code investigations, local approval documents, construction drawings and specifications, contractor and vendor bid packages, and document management.
• Manage internal development meetings to monitor ongoing project performance.
• Select, train, and retain outside consultants and contractors providing design or design-build services across Bridgestone Retail Operations formats.
• Coordinate and conduct asset evaluation surveys and construction document turnover meetings with Construction Managers.
• Assist the Real Estate Department in negotiating construction issues and establish terms, milestone schedules, criteria, and scopes of work for agreements.
• Participate in the RPF process through contract execution for architects, engineers, and other design consultants.
• Develop and maintain a digital library of design details, specifications, and prototypical drawings.

Benefits

• Supportive onboarding experience.
• Training and regular mentorship for development and growth.
• Corporate social responsibility activities.
• Global, dynamic, and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness, with a focus on long-term well-being.
• Inclusive team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager