Design Manager

Design Manager, Airport Tenant Improvement Program Location: San Francisco, CA Industry: Aviation and Construction Area of Specialty: Design Management / Airport Construction Are you a seasoned design professional ready to shape the passenger experience at one of the world's leading global airports? We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Design Manager to drive the architectural and engineering review process for our extensive Tenant Improvement (TI) Program. This critical role ensures that all new retail, dining, lounges, and operational spaces are delivered with exceptional design quality, adhere to strict airport standards, and comply with complex regulatory requirements in a live-operations environment. If you thrive on precision, coordination, and deliver Exceptional Project Outcomes (EPO), this is your chance to make a visible impact on millions of travelers. What You'll Bring Deep Expertise: A Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Engineering and a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in design management, project management, or architecture. Airport/Complex Facility Experience: Significant experience managing design review for complex commercial, retail, or industrial projects, with previous airport or high-security, live-operations environments highly preferred. Technical Acumen: Comprehensive knowledge of building systems (MEP, fire/life safety, security) and the ability to review drawings for constructability, coordination, and code compliance (ADA, local building codes). Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with the rigorous processes, guides, and standards necessary to achieve regulatory approval within a highly-regulated public environment. Professional Credentials: Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) in California is highly desirable. Collaboration & Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills to effectively serve as the primary liaison between tenants, consultants, and internal airport departments. What You'll Do Own the Design Review Cycle: Lead and manage the entire design review and approval process for tenant improvement projects, from concept through construction documentation, ensuring adherence to the Airport's Tenant Improvement Guides and design aesthetic. Ensure Compliance: Vigorously vet all submittals to confirm strict compliance with all applicable building codes, life safety regulations, security requirements, and the Airport's specific design and sustainability standards. Drive Coordination: Facilitate technical review meetings and coordination workshops, acting as the bridge between tenants’ design teams and the Airport’s Engineering, Operations, and Security stakeholders. Manage Risk & Schedule: Proactively track design submittal schedules, manage design-related RFIs, and resolve issues promptly to maintain the overall project timeline and budget. Quality Control: Oversee the successful integration of digital standards (e.g., BIM/CAD) across all tenant project documents. Achieve Excellence: Partner with project managers and construction teams to ensure the final built environment faithfully reflects the approved design intent and achieves the Airport’s standard for an Exceptional Project Outcome. Ready to help design the next era of airport travel? #DesignManager #AirportDesign #TenantImprovement #ConstructionManagement #ArchitectureJobs #SanFranciscoBayArea #J-18808-Ljbffr