Design Program Manager

Position Title: Design Program Manager Description Position DescriptionJoin a fast-paced national retail design program delivering hundreds of grocery store projects across the U.S., shaping how design teams produce high-quality, efficient, and profitable results.As a Program Manager Retail Design Delivery, you will oversee the coordination, operational efficiency, and financial performance of a large portfolio of retail design projects for a national grocery client. Working directly with architects, engineers, and client stakeholders, youll deliver high-quality design documentation at scale and guide multidisciplinary teams toward efficient, profitable outcomes.This role focuses on the design phase of projects: coordinating architects, engineers, and internal teams to deliver complete design documentation packages that support client approvals and construction readiness. The role is primarily desk-based and does not involve construction management, contractor oversight, or jobsite operations.To support the continued growth of this program, you will identify recurring patterns, develop templates, and implement standardized workflows and process improvements that enhance efficiency, consistency, and profitability.Position Salary Range*The expected salary range for this position is $82,000 to $110,000 annually.Required Qualifications**Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Administration, or a related field10+ years of experience managing design delivery or program management within architecture, engineering, or multi-disciplinary design consulting environmentsExperience coordinating architects and engineers through the design and documentation phases of national or multi-site grocery, retail, or large-format commercial programsStrong understanding of retail or grocery design programs, building codes, and architecture/engineering documentation standardsExperience managing high-volume project portfolios or multi-site programs (300+ projects/contracts annually)Proficiency with project/program management software, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Deltek Vantagepoint, and OutlookExcellent design insight, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn and adapt quicklyExceptional communication, collaboration skills, and relationship management with clients, internal teams, and external partnersPreferred Qualifications**Experience working within architecture, engineering, or multidisciplinary design consulting firms strongly preferredCurrent professional license/registration or a project management certification (or equivalent in-house training)Experience working in SmartsheetsDid you know that some people hold back on applying to jobs if they dont meet 100% of the listed requirements? We dont want you to hold back! If you check most of the qualifications above and believe you could successfully do the work, we encourage you to apply!Position Responsibilities***Provide leadership over project processes, maintain clear communication with teams and clients, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and consistencyCollaborate with design leaders and discipline leads to establish, monitor, and manage project budgetsPrepare fee proposal templates, support development and negotiation of project contracts, and oversee program-level scope changesEnsure project profitability targets (20% or higher) are met or exceededPlan, communicate, and track project milestones from client request through the delivery of complete design documentation packagesParticipate in QA/QC reviews, identify recurring issues across projects, and implement strategies to improve program-wide quality and consistencyConduct weekly project reviews to monitor earned value, resource utilization, and staffing alignmentOversee and establish standards for the initiation and maintenance of project information and opportunities in Deltek VantagepointDevelop project work plans and budgets in collaboration with Project CoordinatorsCoordinate project billing with client accounting requirements, ensuring accurate and timely invoicesManage accounts receivable and support collections efforts to meet the firms goal of payment within 30 days of deadlinesIdentify opportunities for additional services and ensure project outcomes align with client goalsSchedule regular reviews with the Principal in Charge and other PM leadershipOversee project closeout activities and lead lessons-learned discussions, ensuring follow up on actionable items to drive improvementsSupervise Project Coordinators, including training, task assignment, performance review, coaching, and conflict resolution, in alignment with company policiesBuild and strengthen client relationships, support business development and market growth initiativesPerform other duties as assignedWorking at Cushing TerrellCushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives. Why Cushing TerrellAt Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, design meets you. Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide for more information.Things to Note*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidates years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.***The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process. Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.Cushing TerrellCompensation details: 82000-110000 Yearly SalaryPI7d9c3da42749-37483-40018059