Design Manager (Water / Wastewater Treatment)

Clark Construction Group, LLC•McLean, VA

1d•$85,000 - $185,000

About The Position

Clark is seeking a Design Manager to join the Clark Water Team and serve as an integral member of project teams delivering complex design-build projects nationwide. The role leads the team through the design development phase for municipal and industrial water and wastewater facilities, with responsibility for design deliverables and successful design outcomes that meet budget, schedule, contractual obligations, and program requirements. The Design Manager leads collaboration among internal and external stakeholders, including clients, designers, trade partners, cost managers, and purchasing agents. The position also supports design-build pursuits by participating in bid submissions and developing RFP and RFQ responses. Work is primarily office-based, with occasional travel to project locations and active construction sites. The role requires flexibility and responsiveness during extended hours and time-sensitive situations, especially during critical project phases or emergencies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
Professional Engineer certification or a pathway to gain certification.
Experience working with AHJs and government agencies to obtain permit approvals.
4–8 years of relevant work experience; design-build experience is preferred.
Strong interest in construction general contracting and the design-build delivery process.
Understanding of how to execute successful Design-Build projects.
Strong knowledge of design and cost management principles and practices.
Clear understanding of integrated design and construction schedules.
Ability to lead a collaborative design process with various stakeholders.
Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to train, manage, and influence several direct reports.
Ability to motivate and collaborate with peers at other firms.
Ability to work with and present to executive leadership.
Ability to participate in design-build project pursuit efforts.
Self-motivated, organized team player able to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while maintaining organization.
Ability to develop and maintain a collaborative, creative work environment and influence others.
Comfort with prolonged periods of focused desk work, effective communication, and sharp visual acuity for reviewing complex documents and detailed computer work.
Ability to move actively throughout the office and travel occasionally to various locations, including construction sites.
Ability to lift and move objects up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Follow Clark Construction safety policies and procedures and applicable laws at all work locations.
Meet the pre-employment drug fitness-for-duty screening requirement and comply with random quarterly drug fitness-for-duty testing.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a development manager, design manager, project manager, or design professional.
Experience managing project staff.
Basic understanding of BIM modeling.
Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit.
Membership in DBIA or another industry association.

Responsibilities

Take responsibility for design deliverables throughout the design process.
Lead an integrated design-build team and regularly interface with clients, designers, and trade partners.
Deliver high-quality design within budget and schedule.
Ensure the design meets contractual obligations and program requirements.
Lead stakeholder decision meetings, design progress meetings, and design conferences.
Organize the design review process and lead resolution of review comments.
Lead collaboration internally with the cost manager and purchasing agent and externally with key project stakeholders.
Manage design issue resolution in real time.
Participate in bid submissions and the development of RFP and RFQ responses, providing strategic insights to pursuit strategy.
Respond to time-sensitive business needs and emergencies, including through communications outside regular working hours.