Senior Design Manager

Brief Description
Kitchell seeks experienced and dedicated
Design Managers
to join our
Southern California
region in
Los Angeles
and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and growth-oriented building companies in the United States.

Needed is an individual with specific Division of State Architect (DSA) experience in the K-12 Construction Market Sector. This opportunity is embedded at one our core regional clients with a well-financed backlog of work.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and directs the design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects. Functions as the lead design professional in the Design Department providing quality review, implementation of policy and procedures and interface and coordinates with the Division of State Architects (DSA)
• Manages, develops, and coordinates the District's design process for the Facilities Planning and Development Division to ensure that plans are within functional program, budgetary, environmental and legal requirements
• Manages multiple projects through interaction with Architects, consultants, and District personnel from project conception, through draft to final review, approval, and handoff to Project Execution
• Oversees the building design process to ensure compliance with LAUSD's standards and guidelines for the District by working with design professionals and various District administrators to ensure that new and modernized structures meet both educational and building standards requirements
• Establishes and follows a process to identify and select the architectural firm best suited for each project based on the firms' qualifications and ability to meet performance standards
• Provides Architects with clear and consistent direction with regard to goals and objectives, standards, site, schedule, and budget for each project
• Establishes and follows an effective and efficient design review process to ensure that the design meets the overall goals and objectives for the project, provides maximum value for dollars budgeted, and are appropriate and enduring to meet the functional needs of the District, the local community, and the environment
• Ensures that decisions are made in a timely manner
• Ensures that all steps within the project are documented and that the documentation meets legal requirements
• Reviews design changes submitted to ensure project remains within budget
• Recommends architectural firm assignment from an established list of pre-qualified architectural firms
• Participates in community relations and outreach programs to create understanding and acceptance of District building projects design within the community
• Coordinates with a host of professional staff who support the design function for the District
• Develops continuing education opportunities, i.e., seminars and workshops, to learn and share-up-to-date information on working with architects and contractors
• Coordinates project activities with other District organizational branches and departments such as the Office of the Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, Asbestos Technical Unit and Local Districts

Requirements
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering is required
• 15 years full time paid professional experience managing the facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects that includes the overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities is required
• 5 years of this experience must be with the design, planning and construction of educational facilities or similar public agencies is required

Licenses and Certifications

• A credential as a Certified Architect in the State of California is preferred
• Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP) designation is preferred
• A valid California driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record, free from suspensions or restrictions is required

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a general, climate-controlled office environment.

Physical Requirements
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Travel Requirements
This position is on site and embedded at the client location in their office tower in Downtown Los Angeles, CA.

Summary
ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Founded in 1950, Kitchell began as a commercial contracting business and over the years developed new talents and enterprises, acquiring complementary businesses and expertise to remain competitive. Today, Kitchell Corporation serves as the holding entity for several companies that are integral to Kitchell's core business, as well as those that operate independently. We provide a wide range of services within the built environment, including general contracting, construction management, development, facilities management, engineering, architecture, and myriad other services. Our employees manage projects from our main offices located in Arizona, California, and Texas. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that fosters personal and professional growth through in-house education programs, formal and informal mentoring, and cross-training opportunities. At Kitchell, we prioritize internal growth and building careers from within. We consistently rank among the top places to work, thanks to our tenured staff and outstanding benefits that are designed to enrich our employees' physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. These benefits include company performance bonuses, discretionary stock options, incentive bonuses, health, and life insurance, health savings accounts (HSA) with wellness incentives, flexible spending accounts (FSA), 401(k) plans with a 4% company match, tuition reimbursement, weight loss programs, discounted auto insurance, identity theft protection, rewards programs, and much more.

Kitchell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
The annual base salary range for this role is currently $168,000 - $180,000. The Company's salary ranges are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of various factors, including job-related skills, relevant education and experience, abilities of the applicant and equity with other team members. The annual base salary range listed here is subject to change at any time, in the Company's discretion, and does not alter in any way the at-will nature of the employment relationship.