Design Manager

Design ManagerThe Design Manager is responsible for overseeing the CAD team and ensures all drawings produced are accurate, consistent, and aligned with customer and production requirements. This role builds upon the CAD Technician function by adding ownership of drafting standards and consistency, error reduction and revision control, team leadership and development, and process improvement across all drawing phases. The position manages a team of three CAD Technicians and works closely with project managers, sales, engineering, and production to ensure high-quality drawing output across all project phases: preliminary drawings, shop drawings, and fabrication drawings.Essential Duties and Responsibilities1. CAD Team Leadership & OversightLead, mentor, and support a team of three CAD TechniciansAssign and balance workloads to meet project deadlines while maintaining qualityProvide regular feedback and coaching to improve accuracy, efficiency, and clarityServe as the primary escalation point for design and drafting issues2. Drafting Standards & Consistency (Top Priority)Develop, implement, and enforce CAD standards across all techniciansStandardize:Drawing formatsDetailing practicesNaming conventionsRevision tracking methodsEnsure all drawings—preliminary, shop, and fabrication—are consistent in structure and qualityMaintain standardized templates and a central library of commonly used components3. Reduce Revisions and ErrorsIdentify root causes of frequent revisions, including:Incomplete preliminary drawingsMisalignment with customer expectationsMissing fabrication detailsImplement improvements to reduce:Rework in drawing updatesBack-and-forth with customers and project managersErrors impacting productionReview drawings at key stages to ensure completeness before release4. CAD Process & Workflow ManagementOversee CAD workflow from project handoff through fabrication releaseImprove coordination between CAD, Project Managers, Sales, and Field teamsStandardize drawing deliverables across each project phaseEnsure effective use of revision tracking for full traceabilityAnticipate scheduling conflicts and proactively adjust team priorities5. Technical CAD Responsibilities (Player/Coach Role)Utilize SolidWorks to create and modify models and drawingsInterpret architectural and structural drawings to understand design intentSupport:Preliminary design and take-offsEngineering drawings for structural reviewFabrication drawings for productionAccurately apply revisions and maintain drawing integrityStep in on complex or high-priority projects as needed6. Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Project Managers and Sales during project handoff to clarify scopeWork with Field Managers to ensure accurate field measurements are captured and reflectedCollaborate with production to ensure drawings are clear and fabrication-readyParticipate in project meetings to align expectations and resolve issues earlyQualificationsRequired5+ years of CAD experience (Architectural/Mechanical experience preferred).Strong experience interpreting architectural and structural drawingsExperience producing fabrication-ready drawings in a manufacturing or construction environmentProven ability to improve drawing accuracy, consistency, or processesStrong organizational and project management skillsPreferredPrior leadership or supervisory experienceExperience implementing CAD standards and workflow improvementsExperience in architectural metal systems, aluminum products, or related fieldsFamiliarity with Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office toolsSkills & AttributesExceptional attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and consistencyStrong problem-solving skills with ability to correct root causes of errorsAbility to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneouslyClear and professional communication across departments and customersLeadership mindset with a focus on coaching and accountability