Senior Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Design Manager- $200,000 - $212,000 + Benefits– Los Angeles, CA

The Role

Are you an experienced design leader with a strong background in managing complex capital projects from concept through to completion? Do you have the expertise to oversee multidisciplinary design teams while ensuring quality, compliance, budgets and programmes stay firmly on track? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you.

If you're looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact on large-scale educational facilities, this Senior Design Manager position offers the chance to lead projects that will benefit future generations. You'll play a key role in delivering modern, high-quality learning environments while working alongside talented professionals on a varied and rewarding portfolio of projects.

As a Senior Design Manager, you will lead the design delivery of school upgrade and critical repair projects, ensuring every stage of the design process meets functional, legal, environmental and budget requirements.

Working closely with architects, consultants, District teams and regulatory bodies, you'll oversee multiple projects from initial concept through to final design approval before handover for construction. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence major educational developments while helping shape outstanding learning environments.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career as a Senior Design Manager and help deliver exceptional educational facilities, we'd love to hear from you—apply today.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the design activities for school upgrade and critical repair programmes.
• Oversee multiple capital projects from concept through to final design approval.
• Ensure designs meet programme requirements, budgets, schedules and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate architects, consultants and internal stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Review designs to maintain quality and compliance with District standards and guidelines.
• Manage design reviews and ensure timely decision-making across projects.
• Review design changes to keep projects within approved budgets.
• Support the selection and appointment of architectural firms.
• Build positive working relationships with community groups and stakeholders.
• Coordinate with departments including Environmental Health & Safety, Maintenance & Operations and Design Services.
• Encourage continuous learning by supporting seminars and professional development opportunities.
• Complete additional duties as required.

The Company

At PMCS Group, Inc., we’ve built our reputation on over 70 years of combined industry experience and a team of 130+ professionals with deep expertise in construction, engineering, architecture, and inspection. We don’t just manage projects—we deliver them to the highest standard, on time and within budget.

We’re proud to partner with clients such as the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), California State University (CSU) campuses, and other public agencies. Our work has a direct impact on communities, improving educational facilities and public infrastructure across California.

The Benefits

• PTO: 120 hours annually (vacation/sick time), accrual starts on day one, available after 30 days.
• Holidays: 8 paid holidays per year, including New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Insurance: 100% coverage for employee’s Medical, Dental, and Vision, with additional costs for dependents and enhanced plans (Kaiser and Anthem Blue Cross options).
• 401(k) Savings Plan: 100% match up to 3%, plus 50% of the next 2% (fully vested immediately).
• Professional Development: Up to $1,000 annually for license/certification renewals and qualifying education.
• Parking: Parking provided, up to $100/month if applicable.

The Person

To be successful as our Senior Design Manager, you will have:

• At least 15 years' full-time professional experience managing facilities design or capital projects, including design management, contract administration, cost estimating and scheduling.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience delivering the design, planning and construction of K-12 educational facilities.
• A bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering.
• A master's degree in Architecture or Engineering is desirable.
• Registration as a California Architect or Professional Engineer.
• Outstanding leadership, communication and project coordination skills.
• The ability to manage multiple complex projects while maintaining exceptional quality standards.