ZipRecruiter is hiring : Design Manager - Planning in Houston

Overview Job Description. This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to expand and strengthen existing client relationships, identify new growth opportunities, and drive business development to support DAHLIN’s long-term success. If you bring an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy collaborating with teams to deliver exceptional design and client satisfaction, we’d love to connect!

At DAHLIN, we believe that great design starts with great planning. We are seeking an experienced DESIGN MANAGER - PLANNING to lead and deliver a variety of project types and sizes, primarily from front-end design, planning & entitlement through schematic design. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for the client, recognizing the importance of active listening while collaborating with and guiding internal teams to ensure the successful execution of project deliverables.

This is a Houston-based hybrid position that requires in-state travel for client meetings and occasional visits to our Austin, TX office.

Responsibilities Drive business growth in the Texas market by taking ownership of strategic initiatives and leading efforts to ensure local market success.

Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients

Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimizing all potential opportunities.

Maintain an awareness of existing clients’ business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends.

Lead and facilitate the day-to-day performance of the cross-functional project team, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with the firm’s quality standards and design goals.

Manage the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees throughout the project life cycle.

Prepare and negotiate client and consultant proposals, fees, schedules, and contracts, including consultant agreements.

Serve as the primary coordinator of all communication between the client and the firm ensuring timely resolution of client concerns and management of business issues including contracts and additional services.

Establish, maintain, and document regular project related meetings including client, internal team and consultant meetings.

Prepare, communicate, and monitor project work plans, budgets, and deliverables.

Manage multiple aspects of client, team, and project coordination, including full documentation and coordination with consultants.

Initiate, document, and maintain project set-up, including contract review, project process and filing procedures, and work authorizations; review internal project accounting documents and collaborate with accounting in timely distribution of invoices.

Ensure the orderly transition of projects to the Design Development and Construction Documents team, remaining available to assist with design intent and deliverables.

Work with the Principal-in-Charge and the Marketing Team to ensure that the project story is documented, and that photography / videography is arranged as needed.

What you will bring Proven track record of success in a client-facing business development role, showcasing exceptional relationship management skills and a high level of initiative.

Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to manage projects and build high-performing teams with minimal oversight.

Comprehensive understanding of all aspects and phases of the design, production, and deliverable process.

Ability to understand and respond to the technical implications of design decisions.

High proficiency in writing design and planning documents.

Strong understanding of Planning & Entitlement packages.

Experience across all phases of planning / architectural / interior design projects.

Proactive and adaptable mindset with a strong initiative to drive results in a fast-paced environment.

Advanced design competence combined with thorough knowledge of building and zoning codes.

Proven experience managing consultant teams and resolving complex technical and design issues.

Proficiency in Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, Bluebeam and Adobe Creative Suite.

Your qualifications 8+ years of relevant planning experience.

Design Management experience from early concept through entitlement

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Interior Design, Urban Design, Planning or Architecture.

Registered Planner, Interior Designer or Architect.

Commitment to their own professional growth.

Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States without any restrictions or visa sponsorship.

We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer the opportunity to participate in a pre-tax Flexible Spending plan, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and 401k.

DAHLIN is an award-winning architecture, planning and interior design firm with 190+ multi-cultural professionals located throughout the Western United States. We offer more than 45 years of experience building communities where we live and work, driven by the vision of creating places that promote human fulfillment and well-being. This same Passion for Place starts with our own working environment—a positive community where people thrive. Please visit our website www.dahlingroup.com to learn more.

Please note : Including a link to an online portfolio is a huge plus!

Real people review every application, so we’re regret that due to the large volume of inquiries, we are unable to accept phone calls regarding the status of applications. We’ll be sure to contact you if we need more information.

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As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to welcoming and supporting a diverse community of professionals. As such, women and people of color are especially encouraged to apply. Our firm participates in E-Verify.

DAHLIN is committed to integrity in hiring. Please click here for an important notice on Recruitment Fraud.

DAHLIN values your privacy. Please click here for additional information.

We do not accept resumes from recruiters, placement agencies, or other staffing vendors who have not signed an agreement with us. Unsolicited resumes will be ineligible for referral fees.

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