Design Manager

Lead Designer A Lead Designer is responsible for leading a team of designers, and ensuring that projects are completed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with relevant codes and standards. OBJECTIVES ·        Embrace the Ironsmith Fire slogan of “OLD SCHOOL GRIT, NEW AGE EDGE”. This includes having that old school work ethic, while embracing new technologies and devices that drive innovation and job optimization. ·        Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of fire sprinkler design projects. ·        Assign tasks to design team members, set project priorities, and monitor progress to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. ·        Coordinate with other departments, such as Sales, Installation, Purchasing, and Fabrication to ensure the seamless execution of the contract. ·        Lead and mentor a team of fire sprinkler designers, providing guidance, training, and support to help them develop their skills and grow professionally. ·        Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for skills development and career advancement within the team. ·        Must be results-driven and carry a sense of urgency of achieving those results. ·        Review and approve design drawings, calculations, and specifications prepared by the design team to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance. ·        Complete submittal packages prepared and delivered to the Authority Having Jurisdiction, customers, and any other required entities for that project. ·        Prepare and submit closeout documents as required by the project. ·        Coordinate with other trades to ensure our installation goes as smoothly as possible, helping our field teams to avoid conflicts on the jobsite. This includes BIM coordination on projects where it is required. ·        Thorough analysis of construction documents, including plans and specifications, to ensure we deliver the product our customers expect. ·        Prepare shop drawings that are complete and ACCURATE. ·        Prepare detailed stocklist for purchasing to order the materials needed for the job. ·        Be disciplined in utilizing design checklists to ensure required information is on the project documents. ·        Present yourself professionally and attend project meetings leading up to the start of construction, and as required after construction has begun. Often, the job Foreman will attend project meetings once the job starts, but sometimes the designer will still need to be in attendance. COMPETENCIES ·        Comprehensive understanding of fire protection systems, building codes, local regulations, and industry standards. ·        Ability to perform complex calculations to determine water flow, pressure, and pipe sizing requirements for fire sprinkler systems. ·        Meticulous attention to detail is necessary to ensure accuracy in calculations, drawings, and specifications. ·        Effective communication skills. ·        Ability to stay informed on industry trends, competitor activity, and market developments to adapt sales strategies. ·        Sound judgment and decision-making skills to evaluate options, assess risks, and make informed decisions that align with project objectives and organizational goals. ·        Adherence to ethical standards and professional integrity in all aspects of work, ensuring that design activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with industry best practices. ·        Technologically proficient with AutoCAD, Revit, Hydraulic Calculation software, and Microsoft Office Suite. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE ·        Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering technology, or a closely related field is preferred, but not required. ·        Minimum of 10-years in fire sprinkler design or NICET Level IV ·        Comprehensive understanding of the fire protection industry and applicable regulations. ·        Experience in a leadership or managerial role, such as a team lead or project manager. Professional certifications related to fire protection, business management, or leadership are advantageous, such as NICET Certification.