Senior Design Manager
About The Position
Cumming Group is seeking a Design Manager to oversee the design, engineering, and construction phases of high-profile laboratory, academic, and institutional projects. The position is based in Rochester, New York, and offers the opportunity to work with prestigious clients and consultants on medium- to large-scale projects. Experienced project managers, project architects, or engineers from leading architecture or engineering firms with strong client-service and management skills are considered good candidates. Some travel to the New York City office may be required. The role involves managing design and preconstruction in a demanding, fast-paced environment and leading projects from programming and concept through schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration. The Design Manager helps ensure coordinated documentation and execution, manages consultant procurement and onboarding, reviews design and engineering documents, and supports project cost and schedule management. A hands-on approach, attention to both strategy and detail, and consistent site presence on active construction projects as required are expected.
Requirements
- 8–12 years of experience at elite architecture or engineering firms working on medium- to large-scale laboratory, institutional, academic, or university buildings.
- Detailed understanding and experience with the design and development process for core-and-shell buildings, as well as construction methods, materials, and sequences.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and spoken and written communication abilities.
- Experience with cost and schedule management.
- Extensive understanding of architectural, engineering, and construction documentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, and related tools.
- Proficiency in Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, Procore, or similar project management information systems.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related field preferred.
Nice To Haves
- Interior fit-out experience.
- CAD and 3D software experience.
Responsibilities
- Manage design and preconstruction projects in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with clients and consultants to deliver design excellence.
- Lead project development through Program, Concept, SD, DD, CD, and CA phases using meetings, workshops, reviews, and site work to support coordinated documentation and execution.
- Apply comprehensive knowledge of the design, engineering, and building process.
- Take ownership of project responsibilities with a hands-on approach and attention to strategy and detail.
- Provide attentive client service and address complex issues through strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Use initiative, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
- Prepare management deliverables, including presentations, reports, tables, meeting minutes, and logs.
- Manage consultant onboarding, RFQs, RFPs, interviews, leveling, agreements, and awards.
- Apply knowledge of construction methods, materials, and sequences.
- Maintain an on-site presence for active construction projects as required.
- Analyze and review developing design and engineering documents.
- Collaborate in project cost and schedule management.
- Travel to the New York City office as needed.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Short- and long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
