Design Manager

Design Manager | Truss & Component Manufacturing | Remote

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Operating executive with 15+ years leading multi-site design operations for truss manufacturing and component businesses generating $15M to $50M in revenue. Delivered measurable operational efficiency and cost containment through process standardization, workflow redesign, and team development, including elimination of hours of rework per job, prevention of $30K-$40K in cost overruns, and maintenance of operations through 30% workforce reductions. Led design departments of up to 10 across three facilities while balancing 3-week operational lead times against 1.5-week sales commitments.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Design Operations Leadership & Multi-Site Management

• Led design teams of 10 across three-plant operation generating $50M combined annual revenue ($25M-$30M primary, $10M-$15M each secondary)
• Managed operations supporting individual facilities ranging $15M-$30M revenue capacity
• Maintained operational continuity through 30% staff reduction (10 to 7 designers) over two-month period while absorbing estimating responsibilities
• Previously directed complete design and estimating division for $20M independent manufacturer

Process Standardization & Technical Systems

• Reduced inter-plant job transfer time by creating unified lumber and plate files, eliminating 1-2 hours designer rework per transferred job
• Converted operations from Canadian lumber (SPF) to U.S. lumber (SYP) including complete profile creation and pricing implementation
• Prevented $30K-$40K cost overruns through accurate firewall hanger tracking implementation ($65 per unit)

Production Workflow & Capacity Optimization

• Balanced design operations between operations team 3-week lead time requirements and sales department 1.5-week actual lead times
• Maintained production schedules through 16-17 hour days during critical staffing transitions