Job Title: National Science & Technology, Design Manager

Reports To: SVP, Science & Technology

Location: West Coast

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Overview:

As the Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving specifications, sales, and positioning ISEC, Inc. on securing Laboratory project sales at a national level. You will be responsible for overseeing the design and development of laboratory projects, ensuring they meet all client requirements, along with applicable industry and architectural standards. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong technical expertise and a proven track record in managing complex sales and design processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and collaborate with applicable sales & design team in developing specifications and conceptualizing innovative solutions for large scale, corporate laboratory projects.
• Lead and support design-assist and design-build pursuits, engaging early to influence scope, budget, and solution development.
• Collaborate with business development and sales teams to identify opportunities, shape client strategy, and drive pipeline growth.
• Guide projects from concept through owner execution, ensuring solutions are right-sized, not over-engineered, and aligned with client expectations.
• Conduct feasibility reviews and risk assessments to identify and mitigate design, scope, and execution risks.
• Ensure solutions protect margin, reduce exposure, and enhance overall project outcomes.
• Partner with laboratory planners, architects, and design firms to develop and influence project specifications aligned with ISEC capabilities and the Kewaunee Scientific product platform.
• Position ISEC as the preferred or sole-source solution through early engagement and technical expertise.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, architects, laboratory planners, and key industry partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, strengthening long-term partnerships and driving repeat business.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and technological advancements to drive continuous improvement and innovation in our product offerings (i.e., pulling other products through to compliment and add to our corporate Science and Technology product portfolio).
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the Science and Technology team, promoting a culture of creativity, competency, accountability, and sales excellence.
• Support cross-functional alignment across design, estimating, operations, and business development teams.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain comprehensive listing or activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Customer Service Skills:

• Demonstrates commitment to deliver outstanding service to internal customers  
• Takes ownership to personally resolve customer problems (or find someone who can) with follow up to ensure the issue is resolved.
• Listens well, asks clarifying questions, and checks for agreement with customers.
• Solicits feedback on solutions
• Approaches business problems with a sense of urgency with quick analysis of problems and potential solutions.
• Committed to following up with customers in a timely manner  
• Strong sense of accountability - ensures that you will do what you say that you are going to do  
• Creates a personal connection with customers – smiles, warm greetings, acts friendly and respectful
• Positive attitude

Preferred Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in laboratory design, capital equipment, and/or technical sales, with a proven track record of influencing and securing complex projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience

• College Degree, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in laboratory design, capital equipment, and/or technical sales, with a proven track record of influencing and securing complex projects.
• Proven track record of success within the Science and Technology space with established stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of laboratory planning, design standards, and construction delivery methods (design-assist, design-build).
• Proven ability to influence specifications and position projects pre-bid.
• Technical proficiency in CAD platforms (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and emerging visualization tools (VR/AR preferred). 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage both technical and visual learning, audiences.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with a customer-focused and results-driven mindset.