Design Standards and Process Improvement Manager (Engineering)

Candidate can be remote or located in any of our HLB Offices (Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Francisco)

Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design (HLB) is an internationally recognized design firm focused on architectural lighting for both interior and exterior environments. We are inspired by the artistry of light and its impact on the natural and architectural environment. We infuse our core values of artistry, legacy, curiosity, balance, and integrity into every project.

We look for individuals who are inspired by our values, who seek to learn and in turn teach others, who respect, value and promote the integrity of our work, who care about the impact we make in people's lives, and who are responsive to our ever-changing world.

Description
The Design Standards and Process Improvement Manager is a visionary changemaker, driving the evolution of firm-wide design standards, workflows, and quality practices to support operational excellence and creative innovation. This role ensures efficiency, consistency, and compliance with industry standards, internal procedures, and client requirements in addition to continued integration of innovative work products and processes. The position involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to optimize workflows, enhance quality control, and drive continuous improvement in lighting design processes.

Responsibilities

Standards Development & Compliance:
· Develop, update, and maintain design standards, guidelines, and best practices.
· Ensure compliance with industry standards and internal procedures.
· Conduct audits to assess adherence to standards and recommend corrective actions.
· Act as a liaison between design teams, business units, and firm leadership.
· Ensure consistent adoption through training, communication, and follow-up.

Process Improvement & Optimization:
· Analyze existing workflows, identify inefficiencies, and develop strategies for improvement.
· Champion firm-wide process improvements that elevate team performance and streamline project delivery.
· Drive the evolution of QA/QC processes to cultivate a proactive and quality-driven design culture.

Training & Knowledge Management:
· Develop and deliver engaging, hands-on training to promote understanding and consistent application of design standards and process improvements.
· Maintain a centralized knowledge repository for process documentation and best practices.
· Foster a culture of continuous improvement through workshops and engagement initiatives.

Technology & Tools Integration:
· Evaluate and implement software/tools to enhance design workflows.
· Support digital transformation efforts, including automation and data-driven decision-making.
· Collaborate with IT and design teams to integrate new technologies seamlessly.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership:
· Work closely with design teams, business units, and firm leadership.
· Facilitate process improvement initiatives across departments to enhance overall efficiency.
· Lead change management efforts, ensuring smooth adoption of new processes.

Success in This Role Looks Like:
· Firm-wide standards are consistently followed and updated.
· Design teams report increased efficiency and clarity in workflows.
· New technologies or processes are adopted with minimal disruption.
· Quality issues are reduced through proactive improvements.