Program Design Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Design Manager to join our growing team. This is a full-time hybrid position that combines in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility.

The Design Manager will serve as a key member of the owner's design management team, overseeing the planning, design, and delivery of multiple public-sector vertical construction projects. Projects include both new construction and renovation initiatives across a diverse portfolio of civic and institutional facilities, including libraries, public safety facilities, educational facilities, and other community-serving buildings.

The successful candidate will manage the design process from project inception through construction administration, ensuring projects meet program requirements, budget objectives, quality standards, and schedule commitments.

Responsibilities:

• Project Planning and Predesign

  • Participate in project initiation, planning, and feasibility assessments.
  • Conduct and support predesign studies, site evaluations, programming efforts, and project scoping activities.
  • Assist in establishing project goals, budgets, schedules, and performance requirements.
  • Support development of project delivery strategies and procurement approaches.

  Consultant Procurement and Management

  • Prepare Architect-of-Record (AOR) scopes of work and consultant solicitation documents.
  • Support consultant procurement activities, including evaluation, selection, and contract negotiations.
  • Manage architectural and engineering consultants throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Coordinate activities among architects, engineers, specialty consultants, and other project stakeholders.

  Design Management

  • Lead and manage design development through all project phases, including:
  • Planning
  • Schematic Design
  • Design Development
  • Construction Documents
  • Issued for Construction (IFC)
  • Construction Administration
  • Review design submissions for quality, completeness, constructability, and compliance with project requirements.
  • Ensure design solutions align with established budgets, schedules, and owner standards.
  • Identify and resolve design conflicts, coordination issues, and potential risks.

  Quality Assurance and Technical Review

  • Perform comprehensive reviews of design documents for errors, omissions, inconsistencies, and coordination gaps.
  • Monitor adherence to applicable codes, regulations, accessibility requirements, and industry standards.
  • Verify incorporation of stakeholder feedback and project requirements into design deliverables.

  Stakeholder Coordination

  • Facilitate collaboration among project teams, consultants, contractors, agencies, and stakeholders.
  • Organize and lead Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings.
  • Prepare meeting agendas, document action items, and track resolution of project issues.
  • Provide regular project status updates and reports to leadership.

  Construction Procurement and Delivery Support

  • Support contractor procurement and selection processes.
  • Participate in bid evaluations, contractor interviews, and recommendation activities.
  • Assist with design-related responses during bidding and construction.
  • Support construction administration efforts, including review of submittals, RFIs, change requests, and field coordination matters.

Requirements:

• • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum 7-10 years of experience managing design and delivery of vertical construction projects.
  • Experience with public-sector, institutional, educational, municipal, or civic building projects.
  • Strong understanding of architectural design processes, consultant management, and construction delivery.
  • Knowledge of building systems, design standards, construction documentation, and permitting processes.
  • Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional licensure as an Architect or Engineer.
  • LEED Accreditation or other sustainability credentials.
  • Experience serving in an owner's representative, program management, or design management capacity.
  • Familiarity with public procurement and contracting processes.

Compensation:

Salary range: $115,000 - $130,000/yearly (dependent on years of experience, competency, travel requirements)

Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Dependent Care

• Commuter Benefits

• Tuition Assistance

• Adoption Assistance

• Matching 401k Plan

• Company-paid holidays

• Paid-Time-Off (PTO)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Life Insurance

• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Marketplace Perks-at-Work

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement - McKissack & McKissack is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, and local laws.

This statement applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination. Salary ranges will be disclosed where required by law (e.g., CA, CO, NY, MA). Applicants needing reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact HR@mckinc.com

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.