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Design Build Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Suffolk Construction

Design Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Core Design Management * Responsible for the successful realization of client's project vision ... Build upon Suffolk's world-class construction planning and execution capabilities by strategically ...

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Design Build Manager information

See California salary details

$27.1K

$80.6K

$135.7K

How much do design build manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for design build manager in California is $80,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What construction jobs pay 100k a year?

For a Design Build Manager, salaries of $100,000 or more are common in large-scale commercial, industrial, or infrastructure projects, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and strong project management skills. Senior roles in construction management often reach or exceed this level, particularly in regions with high construction activity and demand for specialized expertise.

What is a Design Build Manager?

A Design Build Manager is a professional who oversees and coordinates design-build construction projects, serving as the primary liaison between clients, designers, and contractors. They are responsible for managing the entire project from conception through completion, ensuring that both the design and construction phases align with the client’s vision, budget, and timeline. Their duties typically include project planning, budgeting, scheduling, quality control, and facilitating communication among all stakeholders. Design Build Managers play a crucial role in streamlining processes and minimizing risks by integrating design and construction services under a single contract.

What does a build manager do?

A build manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications. They manage teams, communicate with clients and subcontractors, and use project management tools to monitor progress and resolve issues throughout the construction process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Build Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Build Manager, you need expertise in project management, construction processes, and architectural design, often supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or architecture. Proficiency with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), BIM tools, and relevant certifications like PMP or DBIA is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help facilitate collaboration among stakeholders and resolve conflicts. These abilities are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of clients and teams.

How does a Design Build Manager typically collaborate with project stakeholders throughout a construction project?

A Design Build Manager plays a central role in coordinating communication between clients, architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure project objectives are met efficiently. They facilitate regular meetings to address design intent, budget constraints, and construction feasibility, often acting as the primary point of contact for all parties. This collaborative approach helps to streamline decision-making, resolve issues quickly, and maintain alignment from the project's conception through completion, ultimately ensuring a smoother workflow and higher client satisfaction.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs often include senior roles such as Design Directors, Creative Directors, or Principal Designers, especially in industries like technology, advertising, and architecture. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with advanced design tools, and they can command six-figure salaries or higher depending on the company and location.

What is the difference between Design Build Manager vs Construction Project Manager?

AspectDesign Build ManagerConstruction Project Manager
CredentialsTypically holds degrees in architecture, engineering, or construction management; certifications like PMP or CCM are commonUsually has degrees in construction management, civil engineering, or related fields; PMP certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees both design and construction phases, often working closely with architects and engineersFocuses primarily on the construction phase, coordinating subcontractors and on-site activities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in integrated project delivery firms, design-build firms, and general contractorsWidely used in general contracting companies, construction firms, and project development

The Design Build Manager is responsible for managing both design and construction processes, ensuring seamless project delivery. In contrast, the Construction Project Manager primarily oversees the construction phase, focusing on on-site execution. While both roles require strong project management skills and relevant certifications, their scope and responsibilities differ based on project phases and industry practices.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

A Design Build Manager can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, depending on experience, location, project size, and industry sector. Senior managers with certifications like PMP and strong leadership skills are more likely to reach or exceed this salary level, especially in high-demand markets or large-scale projects.
What cities in California are hiring for Design Build Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Build Manager job openings:
Design Build Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Build Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,607 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Senior Project Manager - Design Build

Senior Project Manager - Design Build

Clark Pacific

West Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Clark Pacific rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Senior Project Manager (SPM) for Design Build/General Contracting will manage the flow of information and partner with the Leadership Team, Sales/Business Development, Preconstruction, Architecture, Superintendent, Engineering, Manufacturing and Field Function teams in the execution of multiple preconstruction and construction projects. The SPM will provide oversight on work performed on multiple projects and various Clark Pacific (CP) project management stakeholders and will be instrumental in executing design-build/general contracting projects from the preconstruction phase through construction closeout. The SPM will participate/lead strategy, when applicable, in the execution of sales, design, and safe delivery of on-time and on-budget projects with exceptional quality consistent with CP standards. This role is both internally and externally facing with respect to CP and client interface.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions:
  • Exercise a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when working with staff, projects and proprietary information.
  • Implement plans to achieve goals of the business unit thru the Development, Input, and Realization of the following:
    • Target Value Delivery Execution Strategy
    • Contracting Strategy for Joint Venture, self-perform/MFG scopes of work, design, vendors, and key trade contracts
    • Procurement and supply chain strategy
    • Estimate formats and reconciliations, cost model, and project procurement strategy
    • General conditions approach and framework
    • Integrated delivery approach with all applicable stakeholders inclusive of on-boarding, design effectiveness, and phase to phase continuity
    • Insurance and legal approach
    • Project specific safety, QA/QC, and risk management approaches
    • Entire target value design/architecture approach
    • Profit/Loss performance•
  • Develop and implement Executive level integration and consistent iterative reporting with delivery teams.
  • Oversee timely delivery of superior design-build services for a multitude of projects and lead this effort with a team of professionals.
  • Build an efficient, high-level communication flow with all internal and external project partners.
  • Oversee management of project documentation (Contracts, Plans, Specifications, RFIs, Submittals, Meeting Minutes) coming from design and trade partners, ensuring alignment and consistency.
  • Collaborate with Superintendent on site safety plan implementation (weekly safety meetings, pre-task planning, accident investigation).
  • Partner with Superintendents in managing field operations (Scheduling testing and inspections, maintaining look ahead schedules, daily reports, quality management).
  • Responsible for overall cost management from budgets, buyout, identification of changes through estimating and execution of change orders; oversee all invoice approvals of trade partners.
  • Manage owner billings to maintain a positive cash flow.
  • Regularly assess risks and opportunities for projects and implement plans to execute on both.
  • Manage the relationship with the client and design team.
  • Manage/mentor Project Engineers and Assistant Project Managers.
  • Maintain individual safety and project management certifications (OSHA 30, LEED, SWPPP).
  • Other duties as assigned.

Key Interfaces
  • Internal
    • Jobsite Superintendent
    • Project Engineers and Assistant Project Managers
    • Business Development/Estimating
    • Finance and Accounting
    • Engineering
    • Manufacturing
    • Field Assembly
  • External
    • Owners and Owner's Representatives
    • Subcontractors
    • Inspectors
    • Government Officials (Planning/Building/etc.)

Key Metrics and Deliverables
    • Financial: Budget performance
    • Behavioral: Safety
    • Delivery: Construction to schedule
    • Quality: Minimizing rework

Skills and Abilities
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as the ability to effectively listen and engage with all levels of the organization.
  • Know when and how to communicate (email, presentation, face to face, collaboration tools, etc.) to maintain alignment between team members, project executives and project stakeholders in a dynamic, geographically distributed and culturally diverse organization.
  • Builds strong relationships; engages and motivates teams representing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints; exceptionally collaborative.
  • Proven ability to negotiate with and influence peers, internal customers, and executives to gain acceptance of project solutions.
  • Excellent organization and project leadership skills to drive topics with multiple stakeholders/interests.
  • Problem solving skills that aim to remedy and prevent reoccurrence
  • Comfortable escalating issues while maintaining positive relationship with team members and other organizations.
  • Possess the energy and determination to stay focused in the pursuit of short- and long-term goals, and to have the fortitude to persevere despite challenges and adversity.
  • Reliable and dependable in performing job-related tasks, finishing assigned projects and meeting deadlines.
  • Passionate about Clark Pacific's vision and mission; able to promote, demonstrate, and communicate the mission, values and core competencies of Clark Pacific to others.
  • Ability to read plans and blueprints, with a firm understanding of prime contracts and contractual obligations associated with the company's projects.
  • Able to exercise appropriate discretion when handling confidential and/or sensitive information.
  • Display willingness and interest in stepping up into greater leadership role if the situation requires or the opportunity presents itself.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
  • Working knowledge Microsoft Project and Procore.

Work Environment
  • General office and field environments will be experienced.
  • There will be routine exposure to manufacturing and construction environments which may present hazards such as noise, electricity, chemicals, heavy equipment, and other automated and manual machinery.
  • There will be routine exposure to outside weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat, wet and/or humid environments.

Physical Demands
  • Frequent: Sitting at desk, utilizing computers and phones, standing and walking
  • Periodic: Repetitive foot, leg, hand, arm, shoulder, and torso movements
  • Occasional: Business travel, (2-3 days/week). Bending squatting, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.

Experience and Education
  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related engineering degree required.
  • Minimum of 7 years of construction related experience is required.
  • Field experience is preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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