Senior Design Manager

General Motors

. Lead the preconstruction technical path from strategic intent and early planning through an approved, fully coordinated construction document package and formal handoff to construction .

Posted 10/4/2026full-timeWarren • Michigan • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading preconstruction technical processes, coordinating multi-discipline project teams, and managing design governance for capital projects. Proficient in design management, regulatory compliance, and effective communication with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Preconstruction Technical LeadershipDesign ManagementRegulatory Strategy and AHJ CoordinationBIM/VDC CoordinationProject Controls Principles

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ArchitectureEngineeringConstruction ManagementCode AnalysisDesign ReviewConstruction Document PreparationEstimatingSchedulingProcurementQuality Assurance/Quality Control

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsOrganizational SkillsWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationInfluencing Skills

Tools & Technologies

Google DocsExcelPowerPointWordMicrosoft ProjectCost-Estimating Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in ArchitectureMaster’s Degree in Architecture (Preferred)Master’s Degree in Engineering (Preferred)Master’s Degree in Construction Management (Preferred)Master’s Degree in Business (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Capital ProjectsAutomotive Building ProjectsIndustrial Building ProjectsDesign-Bid-Build DeliveryDesign-Build DeliverySafety ComplianceGM Policies and Procedures

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the preconstruction technical path from strategic intent and early planning through an approved, fully coordinated construction document package and formal handoff to construction
Organize internal subject-matter experts and project partners to develop Statements of Requirements, Requests for Proposals, design criteria, execution plans, scopes of service and engagement plans
Establish and maintain the design basis, scope narrative, interface matrix, design deliverable matrix, assumptions and decision log
Lead design governance and stage-gate reviews
Prepare decision-ready materials for senior leadership and steering committees
Track actions, decisions, approvals, risks, issues and interfaces to closure
Direct code, regulatory, permitting and Authority Having Jurisdiction coordination
Coordinate AE firms, design consultants and design-builders through design schedules, BIM/VDC expectations, submittals, package releases, QA/QC and integrated reviews
Lead design reviews for scope alignment, code compliance, constructability, operations, safety, sustainability, commissioning and bidding/IFC readiness
Lead the design phase for assigned projects, manage changing priorities and concurrent work, communicate impacts and recommendations
Improve design-management tools, standards, lessons learned and team capability
Support General Motors manufacturing and non-manufacturing construction projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture or a related field
4+ years of experience in architecture, engineering or construction supporting major commercial, industrial or comparable capital projects
Experience coordinating facilities design and construction activities and technically leading complex, multi-discipline projects from early planning through coordinated construction documents and construction handoff
Experience reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, design calculations, construction documents and applicable building codes
Experience leading code analysis, regulatory strategy, permit planning and AHJ coordination
Knowledge of design management, construction delivery, estimating, scheduling, procurement and project controls principles for capital projects
Experience organizing and influencing internal SMEs, AE consultants, design-builders, contractors, operations representatives and other stakeholders
Experience directing design reviews, interdisciplinary coordination, QA/QC, constructability and bidding-readiness reviews
Working knowledge of BIM/VDC coordination, common data environments, design-review workflows and document-control practices
Strong analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication skills
Strong computer skills, particularly in Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Microsoft Project and design-review or cost-estimating software
Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality and compliance with GM policies and procedures
Willingness and ability to travel within North America; passport required
Must not require GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future
Preferred: experience with automotive or industrial building projects
Preferred: working knowledge of GM organizational structure, construction processes and governance
Preferred: basic knowledge of automotive manufacturing and assembly processes
Preferred: experience with front-end planning and budgeting processes and design-build or design-bid-build delivery strategies
Preferred: Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management or business
Preferred: experience initiating and organizing multi-discipline project teams

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits supporting well-being at work and at home through GM Total Rewards resources
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities
Inclusive, non-discriminatory workplace