Design/CAD Manager - Industrial Industry
Position Overview
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 (NH₃) and/or CO₂ 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.
Apply Today
If you are an experienced design professional with a background in cold storage, refrigerated facilities, industrial construction, or food processing, and you're ready to take on a leadership role overseeing complex multidisciplinary projects, we'd like to hear from you.
This position is confidentially available through a third-party recruiter at the request of the hiring electrical contracting company.
Apply directly or submit your resume and project list to Sandy Josko at sandy.josko@gogpac.com, or call/text 605.799.4799.
All inquiries are confidential
Connect with Sandy’s LinkedIn page for more exciting career opportunities! www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-josko-b7567465
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
