Design Manager

3075 Enterprise Drive

State College, PA 16801
814-231-8285 | PennTerra.com

Job Position: Design Manager

About: Become a part of Central Pennsylvania's leading land development civil engineering firm, regularly
ranked as a “Top 100 Organization” by Pennsylvania Business Central. PennTerra Engineering, a
well-established, team-oriented, and employee-owned firm, has openings for a Design Manager.

Position Overview:

The Design Manager at PennTerra Engineering plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and timely
delivery of projects. Working as part of a project design team that includes a Project Manager and members
of the Design, Environmental, and Survey Departments, this position is responsible for overseeing the
production of land development and subdivision plans. This position involves collaborating with various
stakeholders, coordinating design activities, mentoring team members, and maintaining effective
communication throughout the lifecycle of a project.

Key Responsibilities:

• Feasibility Assessment: Collaborate with the Project Manager to assess the feasibility of projects

and develop project layouts that align with client requirements.

• Design Coordination: Lead the design process by coordinating with designers and environmental

designers to ensure successful project completion. This includes overseeing and delegating the
design activities for either a few large projects or multiple smaller projects concurrently. Make
design related decisions and give guidance to solve design related issues or challenges, without
needing oversight from the Project Manager. Make recommendations to optimize the design of
projects based on cost/benefit analysis and value engineering considerations. This responsibility
requires creativity and sound knowledge of design requirements, both in terms of clients’
expectations and regulatory standards.

• Quality Control: Review and mark-up plans in order to ensure the accuracy of designs and

legibility of the work being submitted, as well as to ensure adherence to the company design and
plan production standards.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Establish and maintain effective communication channels with utility

providers, municipalities, PennDOT, DEP, architects, MEPs, and other subconsultants to facilitate
coordination and resolve design-related issues. Effective communication with these parties
requires a broad understanding of the design and regulation requirements of each entity.

• Progress Reporting: Keep the Project Manager informed of the project's progress, milestones, and

any potential challenges to ensure timely and accurate delivery of our product for the client. Work
with the Project Manager and Design Department Director on the scheduling and prioritization of
design tasks.

• Client Interaction: Interact directly with clients as needed, addressing their queries, incorporating

feedback, and ensuring that their expectations are met throughout the project lifecycle.

• Mentoring & Training: Provide guidance and mentorship to developing designers, delegating

tasks to facilitate project productivity, and promote the professional growth of team members.
Prepare training materials, opportunities, and other continuing education activities.

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• Construction Consultation: Consult with contractors on construction-related issues, leveraging

expertise to provide solutions and resolve design-related challenges effectively.

Qualifications:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D: Exhibit advanced proficiency in using Civil 3D software for

designing land development projects.

• Land Development Design Knowledge: Possess a comprehensive understanding of the land

development design process in Pennsylvania, including relevant regulations, codes, and best
practices.

• Time Management: Possess excellent organizational and time management skills to balance

multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Creativity: Demonstrate innovative thinking and problem-solving skills to develop effective

design solutions.

• Communication Skills: Possess excellent verbal, written, and technology-based communication

skills to effectively collaborate with team members, stakeholders, and clients.

• Leadership Abilities: Exhibit strong leadership qualities to effectively manage teams of varying

skill and experience levels, delegate tasks, and ensure successful projects.

• Team Mindset: A positive team-mindset guides successful projects, develops skills within the

design department, recruits new team members to the firm, and advocates for our
employee-owned firm in a public setting.

• Construction Knowledge: Experience with construction consultation.
  

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Hours
• Paid Vacation
• 401k Plan with 5% Match
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Health/Vision/Dental Insurance
• Cafeteria Plan/Flexible Spending/Dependent Care
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Annual Bonuses
• Paid Annual License Fee and Continuing Education Credits
• Education Reimbursement
• College Loan Repayment Program
  

A successful applicant will join a team that values employee’s contributions, encourages continuing
education, and creates successful projects – literally shaping the community around us.

To apply, please send a cover letter, application (found at PennTerra.com/Careers), and resume to
Careers@PennTerra.com.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and should not be interpreted as an
exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications. The company reserves the right to modify the job description as
necessary.

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