Drafting Manager

Location: Valley, NE (onsite) A Brief Summary Of This Position The Drafting Manager plays a critical leadership role in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of drafting standards and CAD systems. This position oversees the daily operations and performance of the drafting team and ensures the timely production of CAD drawings for fabricated steel structures supporting lighting and transportation products. As a key contributor to multi‑site drafting system deployment, the Drafting Manager ensures alignment with divisional goals, drives training and development programs, and collaborates across engineering, sales, manufacturing, and quality teams to support business success. Essential Functions This position reports to the VP of Engineering and has direct reports This role requires up to 15 % travel (internationally/domestically), including overnight stays Lead and manage the multi‑site-based drafting team, including staffing, performance evaluation, development, and conflict resolution Oversee the production of high‑quality CAD drawings and documentation for customer orders, ensuring adherence to technical specifications and delivery timelines Support development, implement, and maintain drafting systems, standards, and best practices in partnership with the Drafting System Analyst and Programming Coordinate with the Sr Manager of Project Administration, Directors of Sales, Manufacturing leaders and VP of Engineering to align goals and objectives Support the deployment of drafting standards and training programs across all engineering sites Provide training resources and systems to ensure drafting team proficiency and consistent application of standards Interpret customer and engineering requirements into clear, actionable drafting deliverables Collaborate with quality and manufacturing departments to ensure drafting output aligns with fabrication and welding requirements, tolerances, and quality expectations Investigate and resolve shop and field drafting issues; implement corrective measures to avoid recurrence Ensure compliance with internal procedures and industry best practices Foster a productive, organized, and professional work environment within the drafting group Maintain effective communication with internal departments, vendors, and customers to support project success and customer satisfaction Other Important Details About The Role The incumbent must demonstrate a high level of technical expertise in drafting and CAD practices. A strong understanding of the end‑use application of lighting and transportation products is essential, along with working knowledge of fabrication, welding processes, and manufacturing workflows, as well as quality assurance standards and methods. As a manager, this individual must possess well‑developed leadership capabilities to effectively guide, develop, and empower a technical drafting team, driving productivity and performance at both the team and departmental levels. Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial functions, influencing outcomes and aligning drafting efforts with organizational goals. Strong communication skills are critical, enabling the incumbent to clearly convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders and to represent the drafting function in cross‑functional decision‑making. Required Qualifications Of Every Candidate Preferred Bachelors with 6+ years relevant experience or Associates Degree with 8+ years relevant experience or 10+ years of relevant experience Familiarity with steel structure fabrication, welding procedures, and quality assurance standards Drafting and supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and training programs Ability to understand and analyze engineering details, project plans, and specifications, and effectively communicate this information in a logical fashion, and gain consensus for actions Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications Experience deploying and supporting multi‑site CAD standards and systems A track record of driving continuous improvement in drafting workflows, quality, or productivity through system or process enhancements Demonstrated experience in PDM/PLM tool utilization to support alignment of customer specifications to drafting and product documentation. Benefits Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision) 401k retirement plan with company match Paid time off Employer paid life insurance Employer paid short‑term and long‑term disability including maternity leave Work Life Support Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one‑on‑one health coaching, mortgage services and more Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment, email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr