Senior Design Manager; Education

Overview

Our PMCM Education team partners with K-12 school districts, community colleges, and universities to design and manage transformative programs that align with their goals. We work with institutions on projects including modernization and expansion of facilities, infrastructure improvements for safety and sustainability, and development of specialized spaces such as laboratories, research centers, and classrooms.

Senior Design Manager — Los Angeles, CA

• 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, policy and procedure implementation, and interface 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 plans meet functional programs, budgets, environmental and legal requirements.
• Manages multiple projects from conception through draft to final review, approval, and handoff to Project Execution.
• Oversees the building design process to ensure compliance with District standards and guidelines, and that new and modernized structures meet educational and building standards requirements.
• Establishes and follows a process to identify and select the architectural firm best suited for each project based on qualifications and ability to meet performance standards.
• Provides Architects with clear direction regarding goals, standards, site, schedule, and budget for each project.
• Establishes and follows an effective design review process to ensure designs meet project goals, maximize value, and satisfy functional needs of the District, community, and environment.
• Ensures timely decision-making and that project steps are documented to meet legal requirements.
• Reviews design changes to ensure the project remains within budget.
• Recommends architectural firm assignments from an established list of pre-qualified firms.
• Participates in community relations and outreach to foster understanding and acceptance of District building projects.
• Coordinates with professional staff supporting the design function and develops continuing education opportunities for staff to stay current on working with architects and contractors.
• Coordinates project activities with District departments such as Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, Asbestos Technical Unit, and Local Districts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 18 years of full-time paid professional experience managing facilities design, planning and coordination of capital projects, including design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.
• 8 years of this experience must be with the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agencies.
• Bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering.

• Master's degree in architecture or engineering is preferred.
• A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Harris & Associates is a 100% employee-owned company focused on solving today’s complex challenges in the planning, designing, and constructing of public infrastructure. We serve clients in municipal, water, transportation, and education markets to build equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities by providing a long-term financial framework as they plan their future. Our offices and project sites span the West Coast in California, Nevada, and Washington with a staff of over 280 employee-owners.

Harris fosters a collaborative work environment, valuing diverse perspectives to better serve clients and communities. We offer a mentorship program, on-the-job training, Harris University, and an annual staff summit, all aimed at developing well-rounded consultants. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance and organize social and team-building events.