Pre-Construction Design Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Design Manager leads and oversees the full lifecycle management of third-party design consultants for assigned projects, ensuring alignment of design intent, budget, schedule, and constructability from early concept through Issued for Construction (IFC) documentation and project closing.

This role serves as the central coordinator between WBCS Architecture + Design, external design firms (Architecture, Civil, Structural, MEP, Interior Design, and specialty consultants), general contractors, and internal stakeholders including Development, Estimating, and Operations. The Design Manager is responsible for driving design quality, maintaining adherence to WBCS product standards, and ensuring project deliverables support successful execution.

Primary project types include multifamily housing, assisted living (LIHTC and market rate), and build-to-rent townhome communities.

Essential Functions

• Design Leadership & Consultant Coordination
• Consultant & Contractor Collaboration
• Design Process Management & Oversight
• Early Planning & Concept Development
• Budget Alignment & Cost Control
• Design Reviews, Constructability & Compliance
• Permitting & Agency Coordination
• Value Engineering & Design Optimization
• Schedule Coordination & Project Alignment
• Standards, Documentation & Tools

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of experience in design management, architecture, engineering coordination, or preconstruction.

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.

• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination across architectural and engineering disciplines.
• Experience working closely with general contractors and understanding of construction execution.
• Experience with multifamily, assisted living, or residential product types strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in design and construction tools such as Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, permitting processes, and construction methods.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Accountability
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Strategic Thinking
• Adaptability & Change Management

About Company:

Founded in 1997, The Marian Group is a full-service real estate development & construction firm based in Louisville, KY. The company's offerings include extensive expertise across product lines with a concentration on affordable and market-rate multifamily development and Affordable Assisted Living.

Marian is a company devoted to three things: People, Neighborhoods and Community. This means every project we touch has to impact the lives of those it serves and spark positive change for the community as a whole. That's what sets us apart and gets us up in the morning. We're a team of thinkers, developers, and builders that lives in the communities in which we work. Our mission is to create quality living options for our residents, and we strive to make sure every project we undertake embodies our Core Values: Purpose Driven, Innovative, Compassion & Team-Work .

At Marian, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual can thrive, grow, and make meaningful contributions. Our comprehensive benefit package reflects this commitment. We are proud to offer all of our Full-Time employees the below benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental & Vision
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Paid Time Off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• In-house Gym
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

The Marian Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the policy of providing equal employment opportunities for training, compensation, transfer, promotion, and other aspects of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact The Marian Group at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com to ask for an accommodation, alternative application process or other inquires.