Design-Build Project Manager - Industrial & Manufacturing

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Position Summary

The Industrial & Manufacturing Design-Build Project Manager is responsible for leading the design management, technical coordination, and front-end project development of manufacturing and distribution facilities. This role serves as the primary bridge between the owner, design partners, and internal construction teams from concept through GMP and early execution, ensuring projects are well-defined, de-risked, and execution-ready.

The position includes responsibility of design and project establishment, with accountability for scope clarity, design quality, constructability, and alignment between owner-furnished equipment (OFE), process systems, and building infrastructure.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design Management & Technical Oversight
• Lead and manage the architectural and engineering design process for projects from concept through IFC.
• Establish and maintain design schedules, deliverables, and decision milestones aligned with FEL-1 / FEL-2 / FEL-3 gates.
• Facilitate multi-discipline design coordination (process, architectural, structural, MEP, refrigeration, utilities, and controls).
• Manage design quality by reviewing drawings and specifications for scope alignment, constructability, and operational intent.
• Ensure integration of owner-furnished equipment (OFE) and process systems into building and utility design.
• Lead design coordination meetings and document decisions, assumptions, and open items.
• Owner & Client Interface
• Act as a trusted technical advisor to McCownGordon clients during project development.
• Translate operational, process, and production requirements into clear design criteria.
• Support clients through critical decisions related to capacity, phasing, flexibility, and future expansion.
• Prepare executive-ready design and risk summaries for client leadership.
• Preconstruction & Project Development
• Collaborate with preconstruction teams to align design development with cost models and schedule targets.
• Support GMP development through scope validation, drawing reviews, and design risk identification.
• Lead constructability reviews, value engineering exercises, and option evaluations.
• Identify and mitigate design-driven risks impacting cost, schedule, safety, or operations.
• Coordination with Construction Teams
• Serve as the design lead transitioning projects from development into execution.
• Ensure construction teams receive complete, coordinated, and execution-ready design documents.
• Support early procurement strategies for long-lead and process-driven systems.
• Assist with RFIs, design clarifications, and early change management related to design intent.
• This individual may serve in a project management role for some strategic design-build projects throughout the construction phase.
• Technical Focus
• Apply F industry expertise including hygienic design, sanitation zoning, CIP systems, dust collection, bulk handling, cold storage, and refrigeration safety.
• Ensure designs align with applicable codes, FDA/USDA requirements, and client standards.
• Coordinate with specialty consultants and OEMs specific to Food & Beverage manufacturing.
• Leadership & Collaboration
• Mentor project managers and engineers on design coordination best practices.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration between design, preconstruction, and operations teams.
• Contribute to internal standards, lessons learned, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support pursuit teams by providing technical input during proposals and interviews when needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 6+ years' experience.
• Proficiency in/ability to learn Procore and Microsoft Project to manage all components of the project.
• Proficiency in computer applications, preferably Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to take a leadership role on projects from start to finish.
• Proven consistent track record of successful projects/project management.
• Proven track record of superior budget management and accurate monthly cost projections.
• Demonstrated ability to develop project schedules and manage from beginning to end.
• Proven track record of proactive approach to problem resolution and issues management.
• Demonstrated relationship skills.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage more than one project at a time.
• Proficient in running project-related meetings, including Progress, OAC, and pre-installation meetings.

Working Conditions

This position requires work in an office environment and construction job sites.

Note: This job description reflects a summary of the job and does not prescribe or restrict the responsibilities that may be assigned. The job description is subject to change at any time.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans