Design Project Manager

About the job

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most by challenging norms and fixing the ER experience. Since then, we’ve expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7/365, and created an ER experience that focuses on what our pets and pet parents really need. We’ve done the same for our people (VEGgies), finding a way to say YES so they are empowered to achieve great things, grow in unexpected ways, and find a place where they truly belong.

We’re rethinking emergency care from every angle—from how we run our hospitals to how we support the people working inside them. That’s where our headquarters team comes in. Whether building technology to make our hospitals more efficient, recruiting and growing incredible VEGgies, or bringing our brand to life through marketing, our VQ (VEG Headquarters) team makes it all possible—ensuring our hospitals and people have everything they need to help pets and their families.

VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®.

THE JOB

At VEG, we find a way to say YES–and this role brings that mindset to how we design hospitals that make a different kind of emergency care possible. As Design Project Manager, you’ll combine the hands-on design of new VEG hospitals while also assisting with relocations, expansions, and renovations; seeing each project through from initial site evaluation and space planning through construction and opening. You’ll turn spaces into functional, welcoming hospitals for our teams, customers, and pets.

You’ll develop floor plans, guide external architects and engineers, review construction documents, and keep design decisions and deliverables moving. Working cross-functionally with Real Estate, Construction, Operations, and hospital leadership, you’ll balance clinical needs, customer experience, brand standards, and project schedules.

You’ll see your work directly help people and their pets when they need it most, find ways to bring VEG’s hospital experience to life, learn from the people using it, and help make the next hospital better.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Own hospital design projects. Lead the design process primarily for new hospitals, while supporting relocations, expansions, and renovations. Manage schedules, deliverables, decisions, and approvals across multiple projects, anticipating risks and keeping work moving from site evaluation through opening.

• Turn challenging spaces into functional hospitals. Evaluate existing conditions and site constraints, then develop test fits and floor plans that support clinical workflows, customer access, equipment needs, and VEG’s design standards.

• Bring the right people and requirements together. Guide external architects, engineers, and consultants, and partner with Real Estate, Construction, Operations, IT, Facilities, and hospital leaders to resolve competing needs and deliver coordinated designs.

• Get the details right before construction. Critically review architectural and engineering documents for accuracy, coordination, and alignment with approved plans and standards. Work with architects and permitting partners to resolve gaps, review comments, and approval requirements.

• Solve problems as projects become real. Partner with Construction on field conditions, requests for information, submittals, substitutions, and value-engineering decisions. Explain tradeoffs, protect essential functionality, and ensure approved changes reach the right people and documents.

• Improve the next hospital through what you learn. Gather feedback from hospital teams and completed projects, and help strengthen layouts, finishes, details, specifications, and review processes so good solutions carry forward and recurring problems do not.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. Architectural licensure or NCIDQ certification is welcome but not required.

• 5+ years of experience in architectural design or design project management, including responsibility for multiple concurrent projects.

• Experience delivering commercial interiors or tenant improvement projects from space planning through construction. Experience designing veterinary hospitals (or other animal care facilities) is a huge plus. Retail, restaurant, healthcare, or other repeat-location programs are particularly relevant.

• Strong space-planning skills and the ability to turn operational requirements into functional, buildable layouts.

• Experience coordinating external architects, engineers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

• Ability to read and critically review architectural, structural, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.

• Working knowledge of building codes, accessibility requirements, and permitting processes, with the ability to identify issues and coordinate resolution with the architect of record.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Bluebeam; experience with Revit, SketchUp, rendering tools, and project management software is a plus.

• Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through, with the ability to manage shifting priorities and keep decisions moving.

• Clear written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including the ability to explain design recommendations to people without a design background.

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, when needed.

• Ability to be in-person at VQ (our headquarters in White Plains, NY) 4 days per week.

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, instinctively taking a people-centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives

• Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team’s’ accomplishments

• Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long-term, impactful results

• Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Competitive Compensation Including ($100,000 - $130,000) + bonus + benefits.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits that start on day one, and access to free therapy or counseling.

• Paid parental leave, up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary, and offering inclusive fertility and family-building care for all types of families.

• Unlimited PTO to use for vacation or sick days—however you need it!

• Generous employee referral program, so our awesome people can bring in more awesome people.

• And the little (big) things, like casual office attire, ability to bring your fur baby to work, cool VEG swag, food in the fridge for when you’re hungry and free lunches twice a week!!

• Company laptop and a monthly cell phone reimbursement.

BETTER TOGETHER: WHY IN-PERSON MATTERS AT VEG HQ

Our hospitals thrive on in-person collaboration, and VQ is no different. Time in the office sparks stronger connections, meaningful conversations, and better results—all bringing our core values to life. We prioritize being present because our values are best achieved side by side. Plus, we make getting here easy with free parking and a shuttle from the White Plains Metro-North station.

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word—it's a strength that fuels innovation and kindness. Our mission is “Helping people and their pets when they need it most.” And we do that better when our VEGgies (employees) feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That's why we're devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that everyone's perspective is considered. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world’s veterinary emergency company.