CAD/Design Manager

Kidde Global Solutions is a global technology leader providing fire and life safety solutions that protect people and property. The CAD/Design Manager leads the CAD, BIM, and design engineering team, overseeing design quality, code compliance, resource planning, project schedules, and team development. The role also drives process improvement and collaborates with sales, project management, field operations, and customers to deliver accurate, compliant, and cost-effective designs.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of CAD designers, BIM specialists, and design engineers
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and development plans
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching sessions, and career development planning
• Recruit, onboard, and train new design staff
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Manage design department workload, capacity planning, and resource allocation
• Prioritize assignments to ensure adherence to project schedules and customer commitments
• Coordinate with sales, project management, service operations, and field teams regarding project requirements
• Monitor departmental KPIs related to design production, turnaround times, quality, and utilization
• Identify and mitigate resource constraints and project risks
• Ensure all drawings, calculations, and design packages meet company standards and applicable codes
• Review and approve design deliverables prior to customer submission
• Establish and maintain standard design practices, templates, and documentation
• Support complex design reviews and provide technical guidance to the design team
• Oversee BIM coordination and clash detection activities when applicable
• Maintain expertise in applicable industry standards including: NFPA 72; NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code); International Building Code (IBC); International Fire Code (IFC); Local AHJ requirements; Applicable UL/FM standard
• Ensure designs comply with customer specifications, contractual requirements, and regulatory standards
• Support permitting activities and AHJ coordination as required
• Develop and implement best practices for design production and project execution
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology, automation, and process standardization
• Manage CAD standards, drawing libraries, design tools, and software platforms
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and quality
• Partner with project managers to support project execution and customer satisfaction
• Support field operations through design clarifications and technical issue resolution
• Participate in customer meetings, project reviews, and strategic initiatives as required

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in fire alarm, life safety, security, or low-voltage systems design
• 2+ years of leadership experience managing design, CAD, or engineering teams
• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Drafting, Construction Management, or related field preferred
• Experience supporting large-scale commercial and national account projects preferred
• Working knowledge of project delivery processes within construction and service environments
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit
• Experience with BIM coordination and 3D modeling preferred
• Strong understanding of fire alarm system design and life safety codes
• Experience utilizing design and project collaboration platforms
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications