Design Manager, Richmond, VA

WORLD WIDE PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS is a project solutions organization committed to implementing lean constructions, collaborative contracting, and execution approaches to enable breakthroughs in performance.

World Wide Professional Solutions (WWPS) is seeking a Design Manager to lead the integration of engineering and design deliverables for a large-scale Bio Pharma construction project in Richmond, VA. This individual will support the initial positioning and programming effort, then manage the design and technical integration throughout new builds and large retrofits of state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical facilities. This is an onsite position in Richmond, VA. Candidates must be local, open to relocation with an approved package, or able to support the project onsite through a per-diem arrangement.

The role requires a deep understanding of GMP requirements, cleanroom environments, and complex process utilities. The successful candidate will serve as a key liaison between owners, stakeholders, designers, engineers, and construction teams to ensure design standards meet both regulatory compliance and project success metrics.

• Manage and integrate all aspects of technical planning, scope development, change management, positioning, programming, design, and engineering services for Bio Pharma facility construction and retrofits.
• Gather, align, and translate technical and business requirements from multiple stakeholders (owners, quality, regulatory, engineering, operations) into actionable scopes of work that establish baseline cost and schedule.
• Drive scope change management processes to support evolving manufacturing technology, compliance standards, and capacity needs.
• Lead the development of design deliverables that enable efficient, high-quality construction execution under aggressive timelines.
• Develop and issue RFPs for consultants and A&E services; manage external design partners, ensuring deliverables meet cGMP, FDA, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Collaborate with client engineering and operations teams to influence design standards, construction specifications, validation requirements, and operational readiness criteria.
• Conduct conceptual engineering analyses for multiple scenarios to support cost/schedule decisions.
• Integrate safety by design and compliance by design principles into all deliverables.
• Partner with Project Managers and Construction Managers to ensure seamless alignment between design, procurement, and construction execution.

• Direct Bio Pharma Construction Project Experience is Required
• Proven track record in managing design and engineering for large, complex technical facilities within the Bio Pharma, Life Sciences, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong technical expertise in engineering disciplines with ability to provide strategic and tactical direction to large design teams (direct and matrix).
• Familiarity with cleanroom design, process utilities (WFI, CIP/SIP, HVAC for controlled environments), and validated systems.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to translate technical information for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholder management and decision-making.
• History of implementing innovative methodologies to improve project effectiveness and delivery.

• BS in Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience preferred.
• 10+ years in project engineering and/or project management, with 7+ years in people management.
• Experience with Bio Pharma is required
• Other experience in cleanroom, or life sciences facility design strongly preferred.
• Construction Management experience is a plus.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Company-match retirement plan
• Paid holidays and time off

Join WWPS and be part of a high-performance team delivering a state-of-the-art Bio Pharma facility that supports critical life sciences and healthcare innovation.

This is a full-time position for World Wide Professional Solutions. We offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, and a company match retirement plan. All benefits begin the FIRST DAY of employment. 

World Wide Professional Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.