Design Manager - Los Angeles, CA*

Job Description

Job Description

Design Manager – Los Angeles, CA

Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA

Why CMTS

Every day at CMTS, our team delivers infrastructure projects that positively impact lives and communities. With over 42 years of industry experience, CMTS has built a strong foundation for continued success, providing project and construction management services to public and private clients nationwide.

We value our employees by fostering a culture of learning, professional development, and collaboration. CMTS is committed to maintaining a work environment that emphasizes safety, integrity, and accountability while supporting work-life balance and employee well-being. Our teams are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact through the projects we deliver.

About Your Role

CMTS is seeking an experienced Design Manager to support educational facility improvement and modernization programs in Los Angeles, CA. This role serves as a lead design professional responsible for managing and coordinating capital project design activities from project conception through final design and handoff to project execution.

The Design Manager will collaborate closely with architects, consultants, District personnel, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to ensure projects meet educational, operational, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements while maintaining compliance with District standards and Division of the State Architect (DSA) guidelines.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Architecture
  • Engineering

Graduation from a recognized college or university is required.

Preferred Certifications / Licenses

• Valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect issued by the California State Architectural Board
• Professional Engineer license issued by the California State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

What You’ll Need to Get the Job Done

• Minimum 10+ years of professional experience managing facilities design or planning and coordination of capital improvement projects
• Minimum 5 years of experience in design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agency projects
• Experience managing overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and project scheduling activities
• Strong understanding of design development, construction documentation, and project delivery processes
• Knowledge of Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements and public agency standards
• Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with architects, consultants, contractors, District personnel, and community stakeholders

What You’ll Do

• Plan, organize, and direct design activities for School Upgrade Programs and critical repair projects
• Serve as the lead design professional within the Design Department
• Provide quality review and implement design policies and procedures
• Coordinate and interface with the Division of the State Architect (DSA)
• Manage and coordinate the District’s design process to ensure projects meet functional, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements
• Manage multiple projects through interaction with architects, consultants, and District personnel from project conception through final review and handoff to Project Execution
• Oversee building design processes to ensure compliance with District standards, educational requirements, and building codes
• Establish and manage architectural firm selection processes based on qualifications and performance standards
• Provide architects with clear direction regarding project goals, schedules, budgets, and standards
• Establish and maintain effective design review processes to ensure projects provide maximum value and long-term functionality
• Ensure timely project decisions and approvals
• Ensure project documentation complies with legal and regulatory requirements
• Review design changes to verify projects remain within approved budgets
• Recommend architectural firm assignments from pre-qualified consultant lists
• Participate in community outreach and stakeholder engagement activities related to District projects
• Coordinate with professional staff and District departments supporting project design activities
• Develop and support continuing education opportunities, workshops, and seminars related to architecture, construction, and project delivery
• Coordinate project activities with Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, Asbestos Technical Unit, and Local Districts
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You Can Expect from CMTS

• Opportunities to work on impactful infrastructure and educational facility projects
• Collaborative and growth-focused work environment
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• A culture centered on safety, integrity, accountability, and employee well-being
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance coverage

Salary Requirements

Commensurate on Experience

Apply Now!

Equal Employment Opportunity

CMTS, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.