Director of Design

The Blue Collar Recruiter of Marietta•Fond du Lac, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We build award-winning construction projects for zoos, theme parks, casinos, resorts, museums, botanical gardens, residential communities, golf courses, family entertainment centers, themed retail stores, and restaurants. The Director of Design leads a design team of approximately 3-5 designers, ensuring project design objectives, deadlines, and quality standards are met. This hands-on, exempt role oversees team performance, development, daily priorities, and design deliverables while collaborating across departments to align resources, processes, and project needs.

Requirements

Associate's degree in drafting, design, architecture, or related field
7+ years of design experience in commercial construction, architecture, structural design, and/or landscape architecture
Experience with resource allocation, supplier coordination, budgeting, and performance tracking
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and design/project tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, ProCore, or Bluebeam
Ability to think strategically, solve complex design problems, and manage multiple projects and deadlines

Nice To Haves

Project management, design, or leadership certification preferred
3+ years of team leadership experience preferred
Background in shotcrete and/or themed construction desired
AI and 3D design knowledge, Rhino experience a plus
Strong communication, coaching, and mentoring skills

Responsibilities

Lead the design team, setting expectations, overseeing design and engineering work, reviewing drawing sets, and addressing performance needs
Forecast staffing needs and assist with hiring
Use performance data to measure productivity and identify improvement opportunities
Coordinate training based on individual and team needs
Ensure design tasks meet quality standards and deadlines
Plan, assign, delegate, and balance project workload
Communicate with the team, other departments, subcontractors, suppliers, and customers
Peer review design work for accuracy, value engineering opportunities, and efficient use of labor and materials
Lead design meetings and drive process improvements
Direct work from sketches, schematics, and architectural/engineering drawings, ensuring adherence to codes and industry standards
Participate in design reviews and coordinate pricing and contract data
Gather design information from suppliers, consultants, and clients
Prepare and revise design submittal packages
Collaborate with sales, shop, and project management teams across all project phases