Design/CAD Manager - Industrial Industry

Design/CAD Manager - Industrial Industry

A well-established organization is seeking an experienced Cold Storage Design Manager to oversee the design and development of refrigerated warehouses, freezers, coolers, and food processing facilities. This position will serve as a key technical leader, responsible for guiding projects from initial concept and planning through construction while coordinating multiple disciplines and ensuring designs are practical, efficient, code-compliant, and aligned with client expectations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of cold storage construction, industrial refrigeration environments, building systems, and the coordination of architectural and engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of cold storage, refrigerated warehouse, freezer, cooler, and food processing facilities.
• Direct and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and civil professionals.
• Develop preliminary concepts, facility layouts, design standards, and project-specific design solutions.
• Review construction documents, specifications, drawings, and design packages for accuracy, quality, and constructability.
• Coordinate design activities with estimating, project management, construction, and commissioning teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical direction related to insulated building systems, vapor barriers, thermal performance, refrigeration integration, and energy-efficient design.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable building codes, fire and life safety requirements, OSHA regulations, food safety standards, and client specifications.
• Participate in client meetings, project presentations, design reviews, and value-engineering discussions.
• Establish and maintain CAD/BIM standards, design processes, and documentation procedures.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to designers, engineers, and other members of the design team.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining established schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Support continuous improvement of design practices, processes, and project delivery methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field preferred, OR recent industry-specific experience
• 8+ years of relevant experience designing or managing industrial cold storage, refrigerated warehouse, food processing, or comparable industrial facilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong understanding of refrigerated building construction and industrial refrigeration systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit.
• Experience coordinating BIM models and integrating drawings from multiple consultants.
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes and standards, including IBC, IECC, ASHRAE, and fire/life safety requirements.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining deadlines and quality expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ammonia (NH?) and/or CO? refrigeration systems.
• Background working with food manufacturing or FDA/USDA-regulated facilities.
• Familiarity with IIAR, ASME, and NFPA standards related to refrigerated facilities.
• LEED or other sustainability-related credentials.
• Experience with cold storage construction documentation and permitting processes.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam and Microsoft Office.
• Strong ability to interpret architectural, structural, civil, construction, and engineering plans.

Additional Skills & Attributes

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify design and constructability issues.
• Self-directed and comfortable taking ownership of projects from concept through completion.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, consultants, and contractors.
• Comfortable providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to work extended hours when project requirements dictate.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel as needed.

What the Company Offers

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company contribution/match.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Opportunity to lead complex, high-profile cold storage and industrial projects.
• Collaborative environment with opportunities for long-term professional growth.