Senior Design Manager

Employer: PADCOM Design & Construction Management Services
Client: Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) – Facilities Services Division
Division: Asset Management
Location: Los Angeles, CA – Various District Sites
Schedule: Full-Time
Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

PADCOM Design & Construction Management Services is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to support the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Facilities Services Division. This position serves as the lead design professional responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing architectural and engineering design activities for school upgrade programs and critical repair projects.

The Senior Design Manager ensures that all designs meet educational, functional, budgetary, environmental, and regulatory requirements, while coordinating closely with architects, consultants, District leadership, and the Division of the State Architect (DSA).

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct design activities for school upgrade and critical repair projects.

• Serve as the lead design professional, providing quality reviews and implementing design policies and procedures.

• Interface and coordinate with the Division of the State Architect (DSA).

• Manage and coordinate the District’s design process to ensure compliance with functional program, budget, environmental, and legal requirements.

• Manage multiple projects from concept through final design review, approval, and handoff to Project Execution.

• Oversee building design to ensure compliance with LAUSD standards and guidelines for new and modernized facilities.

• Establish and manage processes to identify and select architectural firms best suited for specific projects.

• Provide architects with clear direction regarding project goals, standards, site constraints, schedules, and budgets.

• Establish and enforce an effective design review process to ensure value, sustainability, and functionality.

• Ensure timely decision-making throughout the design process.

• Ensure all project documentation is complete and meets legal and District requirements.

• Review design changes to ensure projects remain within approved budgets.

• Recommend architectural firm assignments from pre-qualified firm lists.

• Participate in community outreach and engagement activities related to District projects.

• Coordinate with professional staff and District departments including Environmental Health & Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance & Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, Asbestos Technical Unit, and Local Districts.

• Develop and support continuing education opportunities such as seminars and workshops for design-related topics.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Architecture or Engineering.

• Master’s degree in Architecture or Engineering is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of full-time professional experience managing facilities design or capital project planning and coordination.

• Experience must include overall design management, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling.

• At least 5 years of experience must be specific to K–12 educational facilities design, planning, and construction.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid California Architect License issued by the California State Architectural Board
  OR

• Valid Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.

• Thorough knowledge of architectural and engineering design processes.

• Familiarity with DSA requirements and public agency design standards.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and interdisciplinary teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational, documentation, and coordination skills.

• Experience working with community stakeholders and public outreach initiatives.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Range: Competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday; additional hours may be required based on project needs.

• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Join PADCOM and help shape the future of educational facilities across Los Angeles. Submit the following through our online application portal:

• Resume highlighting relevant design leadership and capital project experience.

• Cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.

• Copies of professional licenses or certifications (if applicable).