Construction Design Manager

Job Description

The Design Manager – Construction leads design and engineering activities for major manufacturing plants, non-manufacturing sites and/or PDPM projects. The position develops and manages the scope of engineering services from early scope development through design, engineering procurement, construction execution and stakeholder occupancy. The role works with cross-functional project teams to deliver safe, high-quality, constructible and biddable solutions aligned with approved scope, schedule, cost, GM standards and stakeholder needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Initiate and organize project support, including early engagement of engineering subject-matter experts, to develop project scope, Statements of Requirements (SOR) and Requests for Proposal (RFPS).

• Develop design and engineering strategies, alternatives, deliverables and execution plans using professional experience, historical data, GM standards and applicable building codes and construction specifications.

• Lead the design phase for assigned projects and ensure engineering services are procured, coordinated and delivered as intended in the approved scope of work.

• Coordinate multi-discipline team members from engineering, purchasing, safety, project management, construction, contractors and business stakeholders.

• Manage changing priorities, engineering schedules and multiple concurrent projects with minimal direct supervision while maintaining alignment to critical project milestones.

• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, design calculations and construction documents; identify gaps, risks and constructability issues and drive timely resolution.

• Communicate issues, risks, assumptions, schedule impacts and recommendations clearly to project teams, stakeholders and executive leadership.

• Contribute to scope definition, class-level cost estimates, schedules and business-case development for project funding and approval as needed.

• Coordinate with Project Planning, Project Management, Environmental, GPSC and other partners to ensure design deliverables are constructible, biddable and aligned with sourcing and execution strategies.

• Employ rigorous logic and analytical methods to solve difficult design, engineering and schedule problems; probe beyond the obvious and identify future issues before they affect execution.

• Create and execute competitive, innovative and breakthrough facility design concepts that meet internal customer needs for cost, schedule, flexibility, safety and quality.

• Identify and implement process improvements, tools and standards that enhance design management effectiveness, predictability and downstream execution.

• Mentor and provide guidance to less-experienced Design Managers and contribute to building design-management capability within the ICC Construction organization.

• Maintain knowledge of the construction industry, design practices, delivery models, building codes and relevant benchmarking through professional development and industry participation.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture or related field.

• Minimum of 4–6 years of experience in the architectural, engineering or construction field on major commercial or industrial capital projects.

• Experience coordinating facilities design and construction activities for manufacturing, non-manufacturing or comparable complex facilities.

• Experience understanding and reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, construction documents and applicable building codes.

• Knowledge of design management, construction delivery, estimating and scheduling principles and their application to capital projects.

• Strong analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.

• Strong computer skills, particularly in Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, MS Project and design-review or cost-estimating software.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, influence cross-functional teams and make effective decisions with incomplete information.

• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality and compliance with GM policies and procedures.

• Willingness and ability to travel within North America; passport required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on automotive or industrial building projects, including OEM, Tier 1 or similar environments.

• Working knowledge of GM organizations, ICC Construction processes and governance for capital planning, design and execution.

• Basic knowledge of automotive manufacturing and assembly processes, including assembly, stamping, powertrain, casting and paint operations.

• Experience with front-end planning, VDP and Appropriation Request (AR) processes for capital projects.

• Experience with design/build, bundled-program or asset-sustainment delivery strategies.

• Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management or business (e.g., MBA).

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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