Posted: 2 hours ago
Job Description
Job Description <p>Job Description<p><strong>Job Title: </strong> Design Manager - Pre-Construction<p><strong>Job Type: </strong> Full-time<br /><strong>Work Location: </strong> Onsite (Port Alberni, BC) </p><strong>Position Summary </strong><p>We are seeking a <strong>Design Manager - Pre-Construction </strong> to lead our housing design division. This senior-level role is responsible for the complete architectural and engineering development of our proprietary <strong>SmartCore' </strong> and <strong>PrecisionBuilt </strong> systems. Initially a hands-on position, this role will evolve to lead a growing, cross-functional design team as operations scale. </p><p>Acting as the bridge between design, engineering, and compliance, the Design Manager ensures all building systems are code-compliant, manufacturable, and optimized for performance, cost-efficiency, and scalability. You will collaborate with clients, consultants, and internal teams to translate requirements into precise shop drawings and build-ready documentation-supporting seamless project execution from concept through installation. </p><strong>Key Responsibilities </strong><ul><li><p>Lead all design and drafting activities within the housing division, including oversight of internal and third-party engineering teams. </p> </li><li><p>Coordinate inputs from architects, engineers, and specialty consultants to deliver cohesive, code-compliant system designs. </p> </li><li><p>Translate project requirements into detailed layouts, shop drawings, and comprehensive bills of materials (BOMs). </p> </li><li><p>Drive the architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical design of SmartCore' and PrecisionBuilt systems with a focus on manufacturability and installation efficiency. </p> </li><li><p>Collaborate closely with supply chain, procurement, and process engineering teams to optimize designs for cost and production. </p> </li><li><p>Improve floor plans, wall assemblies, and component layouts for functionality, compliance, and constructability. </p> </li><li><p>Ensure all design work complies with the BC Building Code, National Building Code of Canada, and CSA A277 standards. </p> </li><li><p>Champion innovation and continuous improvement in prefabricated construction methods and product design. </p> </li><li><p>Develop and maintain a digital design library, including standardized templates, version-controlled models, and technical detail repositories. </p> </li><li><p>Prepare permit documentation, manufacturing packages, and on-site installation guides. </p> </li><li><p>Participate in prototype development, performance testing, and product refinement. </p> </li><li><p>Collaborate with manufacturing teams to support design-for-manufacture-and-assembly (DfMA) initiatives and address production challenges. </p> </li><li><p>Support business development, marketing, and project delivery with clear communication of design value and technical capabilities. </p> </li> </ul><strong>Qualifications </strong><ul><li><p>Degree in Architecture, Building Science, Structural Engineering, or a related field. </p> </li><li><p>Minimum <strong>7 years </strong> of progressive experience in residential, prefabricated, or industrialized construction design. </p> </li><li><p>Proven leadership in design management with the ability to scale and manage a team. </p> </li><li><p>Deep understanding of building code compliance, construction detailing, and cross-disciplinary coordination. </p> </li><li><p>Proficiency in <strong>AutoCAD, Revit </strong>, and other 3D design and drafting tools. </p> </li><li><p>Strong knowledge of system integration and materials performance in residential construction. </p> </li><li><p>Experience with hybrid construction methodologies and panelized/prefabricated systems is preferred. </p> </li><li><p>Skilled in coordination across architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines. </p> </li><li><p>Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills. </p> </li><li><p>Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. </p> </li> </ul><strong>Must-Have Requirements </strong><strong>Construction Experience </strong><ul><li><p>Extensive experience in residential, modular, or industrialized construction. </p> </li><li><p>Strong working knowledge of building systems, prefabrication, and DfMA principles. </p> </li><li><p>Proven ability to convert architectural/engineering requirements into build-ready documentation for multifamily or large-scale residential projects. </p> </li> </ul><strong>Location & Onsite Involvement </strong><ul><li><p>Must be based in or able to commute regularly to <strong>Port Alberni </strong>, BC. </p> </li><li><p>Hands-on involvement required during prototyping, testing, and production transitions. </p> </li> </ul><strong>Technical Proficiency </strong><ul><li><p>Deep understanding of the <strong>BC Building Code </strong>, <strong>National Building Code of Canada </strong>, and <strong>CSA A277 </strong> standards (or ability to quickly demonstrate competency). </p> </li><li><p>Expert user of <strong>AutoCAD, Revit </strong>, and 3D modeling tools specific to systemized residential design. </p> </li><li><p>Skilled at interdisciplinary coordination, including architectural, MEP, and structural teams. </p> </li> </ul><strong>Innovation & Continuous Improvement </strong><ul><li><p>Passion for improving prefabricated and hybrid construction practices. </p> </li><li><p>Proven experience optimizing designs for efficiency, sustainability, and affordability. </p> </li> </ul><strong>Benefits </strong><ul><li><p>Extended health care </p> </li><li><p>Paid time off </p> </li> </ul><p>This is a dynamic opportunity to take ownership of a growing design function and shape the future of prefabricated housing in Canada. If you thrive in hands-on environments and have a passion for innovation in construction, we'd love to hear from you. </p> </p> </p>
