Design Manager

Job description

About the Company RNGD is a rapidly scaling organization emerging as a nationally recognized leader in construction through our unique Renegade mindset focused on innovation, creativity, and culture. The team is made up of a highly engaged group of seasoned professionals and emerging leaders. We are creators who believe that what we build drives the growth of our cities and that to fulfill our mission, we must constantly challenge the old way of doing things. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, we thrive on building communities, building teams, building leaders, and growing the business throughout the Southeast region with additional offices in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. About the Role We’re looking for a Design Manager that will integrate architectural design, fabrication awareness, and digital tools to improve how projects are delivered through prefabrication, manufacturing, and installation. This position supports the alignment of design, engineering, manufacturing, and construction workflows to create repeatable, constructible, and scalable building systems. This growth-oriented role contributes to the advancement of RNGD’s Renegade Delivery Method by developing and refining design-to-fabrication standards, kit-of-parts systems, and coordinated digital workflows. The Design Manager plays a critical role in bridging early design intent with manufacturing execution and field installation, helping establish an integrated feedback loop connecting Design, Manufacturing, Fabrication, Installation, and Product Line Expansion. Core Responsibilities Design Integration and Prefabrication Strategy Collaborate with internal and external design, engineering, and fabrication teams to evaluate early-stage building designs and identify opportunities for standardized or prefabricated systems. Support the integration of structural, MEP, and envelope systems into coordinated prefabricated solutions. Translate conceptual designs into coordinated digital models that support off-site manufacturing and efficient onsite installation. Delivery Method and Process Development Own and evolve elements of the Renegade Delivery Method by capturing lessons learned across design, manufacturing, logistics, and installation. Develop repeatable standards, templates, and workflows to improve consistency and scalability. Support continuous improvement of design-to-fabrication processes across multiple projects. Model-Based Coordination and Execution Lead and support model-based coordination across design, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and field teams. Ensure alignment of models throughout design, fabrication, installation, and project turnover. Embed installation sequencing and spatial requirements into BIM environments to support field execution. Digital Modeling and Documentation Produce fabrication drawings, installation documentation, and BIM-embedded metadata for repeatable building components. Validate digital models for constructability, performance, and manufacturing feasibility. Ensure model accuracy, coordination, and alignment with project requirements and production workflows. Computational Design and Innovation Advance the development of RNGD’s in-house computational design tools, including parametric modeling, automation workflows, and data structures. Collaborate with manufacturing teams to convert model outputs into CNC- or automation-ready data packages. Support innovation initiatives that improve speed, quality, and repeatability in building system delivery. Performance Feedback and Product Development Track performance of installed components across building systems in a construction administration–adjacent capacity. Provide feedback to inform product refinement, system standardization, and digital twin development. Contribute to the evolution of RNGD’s productized building systems and long-term manufacturing strategy. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or a related discipline. 2-5 years of professional experience in architectural or building design. Foundational understanding of building systems, assemblies, and construction sequencing. Proficiency in BIM software including Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and AutoCAD. Working knowledge of building codes, standards, and regulatory requirements. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to evolving project conditions. Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on execution. Passion for innovation, prefabrication, and transforming construction delivery methods. Core Competencies RNGD Values Alignment Exemplifies RNGD’s core values: Renegade Mentality Sweep Floors Build Together Honor Promises Systems Thinking and Integration Understands the relationship between design, manufacturing, and construction workflows. Integrates multiple disciplines into coordinated and scalable solutions. Balances design intent with constructability and production realities. Technical Execution and Design Quality Develops accurate, coordinated, and constructible digital models and documentation. Applies strong technical knowledge to ensure design integrity and feasibility. Maintains high standards for quality, precision, and consistency. Innovation and Continuous Improvement Identifies opportunities to improve workflows, systems, and design processes. Contributes to the evolution of prefabrication and computational design capabilities. Supports the development of repeatable and scalable building systems. Collaboration and Communication Communicates effectively across design, engineering, manufacturing, and construction teams. Builds strong working relationships across disciplines and functions. Facilitates alignment through proactive coordination and information sharing. Adaptability and Growth Mindset Thrives in an evolving environment with shifting priorities and emerging technologies. Demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn new tools and workflows. Continuously seeks opportunities for professional and technical growth. RNGD is an equal opportunity employer.