Director of Design

Director Of Design

We build award-winning construction projects for zoos, theme parks, casinos, resorts, museums, botanical gardens, residential communities, golf courses, family entertainment centers, themed retail stores, and restaurants. The Director of Design leads a design team of approximately 3-5 designers, ensuring project design objectives, deadlines, and quality standards are met. This hands-on, exempt role oversees team performance, development, daily priorities, and design deliverables while collaborating across departments to align resources, processes, and project needs.

Benefits include 401(k), 401(k) matching, bonus based on performance, competitive salary, dental insurance, health insurance, opportunity for advancement, paid time off, training & development, vision insurance, and wellness resources.

Location: Jackson, WI Reports To: Vice President of Operations

What You'll Do:

• Lead the design team, setting expectations, overseeing design and engineering work, reviewing drawing sets, and addressing performance needs
• Forecast staffing needs and assist with hiring
• Use performance data to measure productivity and identify improvement opportunities
• Coordinate training based on individual and team needs
• Ensure design tasks meet quality standards and deadlines
• Plan, assign, delegate, and balance project workload
• Communicate with the team, other departments, subcontractors, suppliers, and customers
• Peer review design work for accuracy, value engineering opportunities, and efficient use of labor and materials
• Lead design meetings and drive process improvements
• Direct work from sketches, schematics, and architectural/engineering drawings, ensuring adherence to codes and industry standards
• Participate in design reviews and coordinate pricing and contract data
• Gather design information from suppliers, consultants, and clients
• Prepare and revise design submittal packages
• Collaborate with sales, shop, and project management teams across all project phases

What You Bring:

• Associate's degree in drafting, design, architecture, or related field
• Project management, design, or leadership certification preferred
• 3+ years of team leadership experience preferred
• 7+ years of design experience in commercial construction, architecture, structural design, and/or landscape architecture
• Experience with resource allocation, supplier coordination, budgeting, and performance tracking
• Background in shotcrete and/or themed construction desired
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and design/project tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, ProCore, or Bluebeam
• AI and 3D design knowledge, Rhino experience a plus
• Strong communication, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Ability to think strategically, solve complex design problems, and manage multiple projects and deadlines

Physical Requirements:

Regular use of hands, walking, standing, sitting, and occasional stooping, kneeling, or crouching; close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.

Work Environment:

Standard office environment with some warehouse/shop interaction; occasional travel to satellite offices, client meetings, and job sites.