Design Phase Manager

Power Construction•Chicago, IL

21h

About The Position

The Design Phase Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all design‑phase activities for the MEP scope of work, with a strong emphasis on electrical systems. This role oversees electrical system evaluation, design development, cost analysis, trade partner selection, constructability review, quality control, and commissioning planning. The manager ensures the owner’s vision is accurately translated into technical solutions while driving scope, budget, and schedule alignment. This position supports multiple projects concurrently and leads the integrated project team toward a seamless transition into construction.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in construction engineering architectural engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; equivalent work experience will be considered.
Minimum of 8 years of construction or pre-construction experience, preferably with a General Contractor, Electrical contractor, or MEP engineering firm.
Strong leadership, communication, problem‑solving, initiative, and teamwork skills.
Thorough knowledge of electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, low‑voltage, and integration with mechanical and plumbing systems.
Working knowledge of construction means and methods, estimating, scheduling, budget management, cost control, construction drawings, specifications, and industry standards.
Thorough understanding of applicable building codes, particularly NEC, NFPA standards, IBC, IMC, IFC, and energy codes, or the ability to quickly interpret them.
Experience with preconstruction and design tools such as BuildingConnected, CCTO, WinEst, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office products is advantageous.

Nice To Haves

Data center, healthcare, or industrial project experience is preferred, though other project sectors will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead evaluation of electrical system options, life‑cycle cost impacts, and system selection aligned with project goals.
Review electrical design documents for system sizing, interface coordination, constructability, logistics, and identification of potential issues.
Participate in programming, conceptual design, and value engineering activities for electrical and other MEP disciplines.
Integrate 3D/4D modeling into electrical design and preconstruction planning.
Prepare and present electrical and overall MEP budgetary estimates based on schematic and program design information.
Maintain electrical historical cost data and support the assessment of market conditions for pricing and partner selection.
Evaluate electrical design changes, develop value‑add alternatives with cost impacts, and ensure alignment of electrical scope, budget, and schedule.
Lead electrical trade partner selection, including bid package development, proposal analysis, interviews, and final award recommendations.
Support contract development to ensure clear electrical scope definitions and performance expectations.
Identify and resolve electrical design and specification issues while ensuring consistency with the project execution plan.
Oversee quality assurance for electrical systems and support planning for commissioning and turnover.
Act as a primary point of contact with owners, architects, engineers, and electrical trade partners during the design phase.
Lead integrated project team meetings to ensure collaboration, communication, and coordination across all disciplines.
Ensure required regulatory approvals and permits related to electrical systems are obtained.
Manage and mentor design‑phase team members through coaching, clear direction, and performance management.
Track progress against design milestones, maintain construction readiness, and ensure a smooth transition to field operations.
Foster a collaborative, integrated team environment while maintaining alignment on scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations.