Project Design Manager

Job Description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in the design and supply of custom-engineered, high-performance ceiling and wall systems for the North American commercial construction market. They are seeking a strategic and technically proficient Manager, Project Design to lead and mentor a team of Senior Project Coordinators and Project Design Supervisors across two divisions: Architectural Ceilings and Custom Wood Products.

This is a design leadership role, not a construction management role. You will be responsible for overseeing the production of detailed shop drawings, managing team capacity and project scheduling, and driving technical excellence in custom ceiling and wall system design. You will play a key role in strengthening operational efficiency, maintaining design standards, and supporting business growth across North America.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, coach, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of 8–9 direct reports, including Senior Project Coordinators and Project Design Supervisors.
• Assign and schedule projects, manage team capacity, and conduct regular performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative team culture focused on accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Design & Technical Oversight

• Oversee the development and validation of detailed shop drawings using AutoCAD.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external clients to resolve technical and design-related inquiries.
• Develop and implement CAD standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality across all deliverables.
• Ensure all designs meet project specifications, building codes, and compliance requirements.

Process Improvement & Resource Management

• Drive cross-training initiatives and continuous process improvement to enhance team flexibility and capability.
• Manage external freelancers, including oversight of invoicing and billing processes.
• Provide regular project status updates to Project Managers and Senior Leadership.

Travel Requirements

• Travel quarterly to other North American locations as needed (approximately 5–10%).

Qualifications & Experience

Mandatory Requirements: Area Requirement Canadian Experience Minimum 10–15 years of industry experience in Canada within architectural manufacturing, commercial construction, or a related field Design Leadership10+ years of leadership experience managing cross-functional design or production teams

Technical Skills Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD – hands-on experience overseeing shop drawing production

Product Knowledge :Deep knowledge of custom architectural products, specifically:
• Ceiling systems (fiberglass, metal, wood)
• Wall systems
• Architectural millwork

Education : Bachelor's degree in Architectural Design, Engineering, Architecture, Construction Technology, or a related

• Working knowledge of SolidWorks
• Experience with ERP systems
• Familiarity with LEED, WELL, FSC, and other sustainability standards
• Experience managing both internal teams and external freelance resources
• Background in custom wood products or architectural millwork

Core Competencies

• Proven ability to lead meetings, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative team culture
• Excellent communication, organizational, and mentoring skills
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on technical oversight
• Strong understanding of commercial construction and bidding processes
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and accuracy

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will:

• Lead a high-performing design team delivering accurate, high-quality shop drawings on time and within budget
• Implement standardized CAD processes that improve efficiency and reduce errors
• Collaborate seamlessly with sales, project management, and operations teams
• Contribute to business growth by ensuring design excellence across all projects
• Mentor and develop junior team members, building a culture of continuous learning

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $99,490.11-$124,656.69 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• RRSP match

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Woodbridge, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• architectural manufacturing: 10 years (preferred)
• commercial construction, or a related field: 10 years (preferred)
• custom architectural products, Ceiling systems : 10 years (preferred)
• ERP systems: 10 years (preferred)
• SolidWorks: 10 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person