Manager, Design Practice

Job Title

Manager, Design Practice

Location

United States - Nationwide

Employment Type

Regular

Work Location Options

Fully Remote or Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Design Practice Manager to join our Digital Engineering Solutions team. This individual will lead the Design Practice group, helping to drive the firm’s digital transformation through the strategic implementation of digital design tools, technologies and processes. This group plays a key role in advancing digital enablement programs and technology execution plans that enhance design workflows across our architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) disciplines. This role also involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of various technologies and communicating effectively with stakeholders to drive project success. This position is ideal for someone who has demonstrated excellence in digital design technologies and processes, has applied them across a variety of AEC practices, and thrives on identifying, developing, and establishing standards, workflows, and training programs. The Design Practice Manager will lead rollout efforts and champion adoption across the organization. As a member of the Digital Engineering Solutions team, the Design Practice group will also collaborate closely with the business units’ project delivery teams and discipline experts to identify, prioritize and advance design practice initiatives. This includes translating strategic objectives and operational challenges into actionable insights that align with broader digital strategies.

The ideal candidate will have a proven record in the field of design practice, with a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity leading to tangible results.

Responsibilities

Working on the cutting edge of digital tools and technologies, developing standards, processes and workflows for applications by Autodesk and Bentley, and other design applications and plug‑ins that can benefit the AEC practices at CDM Smith.

Maintaining consistent and documented standards, processes, workflows, and best practices for CDM Smith’s AEC digital tools and technologies in alignment with the broader digital enablement strategy; ability to communicate thoughts and technical ideas in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner.

Eagerness to learn and work as part of a multidisciplinary team across a global practice.

Display excellent interpersonal skills to build quality relationships with the team and across the organization.

Assist on initiatives and efforts, as part of a collaborative team, with your digital tools and technologies expertise.

Assist with the development of documentation, standards, best practices, and workflows for design practice hardware / software and digital tools and technologies in use across the business.

Manage and oversee a team of design practice specialists, aligning the group to the Digital Engineering Solutions team’s goals and objectives along with the Digital Practice Leader. This further includes providing guidance, instruction, training, and leadership skills to inspire the group to perform at their optimum, working efficiently together and maximizing the team’s potential.

Motivate and inspire a team of design practice specialists by creating an environment that promotes positive communication, encourages bonding of group members (both within the area of design technology and across the broader team as a whole), and demonstrates flexibility.

Manages staff, evaluates performance, mentors, approves paid time off (PTO) and training, ensures human resources (HR) policies are followed and makes recommendations regarding staffing decisions.

Present to both internal and external audiences as needed.

Assist the business with marketing, communications, and business development descriptions and activities from a technology perspective as needed.

Assist with internal and external website descriptions as needed.

Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree.

10 years of related experience with at least 2 of those years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.

Domestic and / or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Civil 3D, including corridor modeling, grading, pipe networks, and plan production workflows for transportation infrastructure projects.

Proficiency in Bentley design tools such as OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, and InRoads, with a strong understanding of their application in roadway and civil site design.

Familiarity with DOT requirements and digital deliverables for transportation projects using Civil 3D and Bentley tools.

Understanding of low-code / no-code computational design applications for implementing quality assurance frameworks including reliability, security, and scalability.

Skills and Abilities

Experience leading and managing a team of staff. Team-oriented, positive, collaborative and reliable. Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to organize, plan, prioritize, and to manage time and changing priorities.

Expert knowledge and proven ability in the area of AEC design technologies and processes. Inquisitive, with a desire to ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of business issues. Passionate about helping AEC business lines drive their success in using design technology and processes.

Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate well with people from both technical and non-technical backgrounds. Ability to listen, build rapport, and credibility as a strategic and diplomatic partner with our business units.

Innovative and able to apply critical thinking skills to generate new solutions / ideas that create value and improve processes.

Detail oriented with the ability to assist with executing highly complex or specialized projects.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! ()

Join Us!

CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co‑workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world‑class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

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