Design Manager

Job Title: Design Manager
Job Description
The Design Manager leads and coordinates design activities for assigned development projects, ensuring that each project achieves optimal functionality, strong aesthetics, and efficient operational performance. This role oversees the full design lifecycle, from programming and scheduling through budget adherence and contract negotiation, while aligning all design disciplines with overall project goals.
Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all design activities for assigned development projects to ensure optimal functionality and aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
• Lead and coordinate the design process across all design disciplines so that scheduling, cost, quality, aesthetics, and functionality meet the needs defined by the Project Development Manager.
• Develop and manage design programming, including defining project design requirements and translating them into clear, actionable plans.
• Create and maintain project design schedules to ensure timely completion of all design milestones and deliverables.
• Maintain design solutions within established project budgets, monitoring and controlling design-related costs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure that design solutions support efficient management and operations of the completed facilities or spaces.
• Negotiate design-related contracts and agreements with consultants and other external partners, ensuring favorable and fair terms.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Development Manager to align design direction with broader project and business objectives.
• Exercise a high level of independent judgment and decision-making in day-to-day design management while working within the strategic direction provided by leadership.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure integrated, cohesive, and high-quality design outcomes.
• Travel to project locations as needed to attend meetings, review design progress, and support project execution.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience managing design activities for development projects with a focus on functionality and aesthetics.
• Strong proficiency with Revit for design and documentation.
• Experience in architecture with hands-on design experience.
• Demonstrated project management skills in architectural and design environments.
• Experience in healthcare design, residential design, or hospitality design projects.
• Ability to manage design budgets and maintain design solutions within established financial parameters.
• Experience in contract negotiation related to design and architectural services.
• Strong coordination skills to manage multiple design disciplines and stakeholders.
• Ability to schedule and manage the design process from concept through completion.
• Capability to ensure designs support efficient operational management of completed facilities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BA or BS degree in Architecture.
• Registered Architect or currently in testing toward architectural registration.
• Post-graduate experience in multi-family, healthcare, or hospitality projects (high-level and junior-level tracks available).
• Demonstrated management and leadership skills in a design or architectural setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in an interconnected, highly collaborative environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and take initiative while working within general direction from leadership.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with meaningful challenges and continuous project activity.

Work Environment
This is an office-based role located in Des Moines, with approximately 25% travel across a footprint of 33 states. Travel typically occurs every other week for 2-3 days at a time to attend meetings and support project needs. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a consistent 40-hour workweek rather than a consulting-style schedule. The dress code is business professional. The work culture emphasizes collaboration, interconnected teams, and a well-experienced group of industry professionals. The design function is a meaningful part of the organization, contributing significantly to operations income, and there is always a variety of engaging and challenging work to do. The role involves a high degree of independent judgment and action, guided by general direction from the Director of Design and project-specific direction from the Project Development Manager. Bonus opportunities are available, with high-level roles typically eligible for higher bonus percentages than junior-level roles.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $125000.00/yr.
401K PTO paid holiday competitive package
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


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