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Creative Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Marketing Graphic Design Manager who is first and foremost an exceptional ... Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); Figma or equivalent ...

You will lead brand identity and creative campaign execution, manage a small design team, and report to Reevo's Head of Design. Because of the close collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders ...

OR Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of Gallo brand marketing, corporate communications, sales account management, creative design, hospitality, or media/digital marketing reflecting increasing levels ...

Posted today

The Design Manager Assistant (DMA) is a manager support role on Got Light's field team. The DMA ... A dynamic and creative work environment within a thriving event production company. * Opportunities ...

Posted today

Senior Design Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$161K - $215K/yr

This Design Manager role sits at the intersection of craft and culture: someone who brings the ... creative calls and credibly push back when the work isn't there yet * Partner with product and ...

Experience leading hybrid brand design and performance creative teams * Experience managing in-house studio teams alongside agency relationships * Brand identity evolution experience in a competitive ...

Manager, Product Design

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$203K/yr

The Manager, Product Design leads the fashion design and product development of Hasbro's licensed ... Lead weekly creative meetings with LA-based licensed partners to review design intent, feedback ...

Showing results 41-60

Creative Design Manager information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$113K

$198.9K

How much do creative design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative design manager in California is $112,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a creative design manager do?

A creative design manager oversees the development and execution of visual concepts for projects such as branding, advertising, and product design. They lead a team of designers, coordinate with clients or other departments, and ensure that creative work aligns with brand standards and project goals, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills are essential in this role.

Is a creative design manager a stressful job?

A creative design manager often faces stress related to tight deadlines, managing multiple projects, and balancing client or stakeholder expectations. The role requires strong organizational skills, leadership, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations, which can contribute to job stress.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a creative design manager?

To thrive as a Creative Design Manager, you need strong visual design expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and project management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, team collaboration, and creative problem-solving are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the delivery of innovative, high-quality design solutions while effectively leading and motivating creative teams.

What is the difference between Creative Design Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative Design ManagerGraphic Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees creative projects, manages design teams, develops concepts, and ensures brand consistency.Creates visual content, designs layouts, and produces graphics based on project briefs.
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, advanced design skills, and strategic thinking.Proficiency in design software, creativity, and technical skills.
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, client meetings, and project planning.Design studios, freelance work, or in-house departments.
Common CertificationsDesign degrees, Adobe certifications, leadership training.

The main difference is that a Creative Design Manager leads and oversees creative projects and teams, focusing on strategy and management, while a Graphic Designer primarily executes visual designs and creates graphics. Both roles require strong design skills, but the manager role involves more leadership and project coordination.

How does a creative design manager balance creative vision with client or stakeholder requirements?

As a Creative Design Manager, you'll often navigate the challenge of aligning your team's innovative ideas with client or stakeholder expectations. This involves active listening, clear communication, and presenting creative solutions that address both aesthetic goals and practical needs. You'll facilitate brainstorming sessions, provide constructive feedback, and ensure that the design output meets brand guidelines, project timelines, and business objectives. Strong collaboration with marketing, product, and leadership teams is key to achieving successful outcomes while maintaining creative integrity.

What is a creative design manager?

Creative Design Managers are professionals responsible for leading and overseeing creative projects within organizations, such as advertising campaigns, branding, and visual content creation. They manage teams of designers, ensuring creative output aligns with company goals and brand identity. Their role involves project management, creative direction, collaboration with other departments, and maintaining high standards of design quality. Creative Design Managers also stay up-to-date with design trends and often mentor junior staff.
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Creative Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Design Manager jobs in California? For Creative Design Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Design Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Design Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Creative Design Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Creative Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Creative Design Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,992 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Design Manager - All Levels - Future Hiring

Cordoba Corporation

Los Angeles, CA

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Are you looking to advance your career in construction management?  We are Cordoba Corporation, a leading engineering firm offering construction management, AEC, program management and design solutions to clients throughout California.  We are looking for talented Design Managers for current and future opportunities at all levels (Level 1, 2, and Senior) to support a variety of exciting projects, including public works, capital improvement projects for K-12 schools, community college districts, public and private universities, city or municipal projects, and airport projects to name a few. If you are passionate about engineering and eager to contribute and have a positive impact, we want to hear from you! 

Please note that this description is a general representation of the Project Engineer role and each actual position you are considered for may have other specific requirements.


Design Manager I:

  • Manages, develops, and coordinates the district’s design process for the A&E Services to ensure that plans are within functional program, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements
  • Manages multiple projects, including engineering repair and critical repair, through interaction with Architects, consultants, and District personnel to ensure timely completion of these
    projects
  • Oversees the building design process to ensure compliance with LAUSD’s standards and guidelines for the district by working with design professionals and various District administrators to ensure that new and modernized structures meet both educational and building standards requirements
  • Establishes and follows a process to identify and select the architectural firm best suited for each project based on the firms’ qualifications and ability to meet performance standards
  • Provides Architects with clear and consistent direction regarding goals and objectives, standards, site, schedule, and budget for each project
  • Establishes and follows an effective and efficient design review process to ensure that the design meets the overall goals and objectives for each project
  • Provides maximum value for dollars budgeted and are appropriate and enduring to meet the functional needs of the district, the local community, and the environment
  • Reviews design changes to ensure project remains within budget
  • Monitors project planning and design status to report findings, recommendations, and updates
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Design Manager II:

  • Supervises staff in developing informative, creative, and well-organized presentations and grant application materials related to sustainability and energy efficiency projects and programs
  • Oversees the planning and implementation of special events to increase the exposure of the client’s goals and objectives related to sustainability and making sure standards and guidelines meet both educational and building standard requirements
  • Organizes and participates in sustainability awareness campaigns
  • Collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies, service providers, non-profit and community organization in identifying funding and developing sustainability initiatives
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with external sustainability and greening focused organizations and partners
  • Works with other departments in preparing applications for prospective grant funding opportunities
  • Manages and updates the Sustainability Initiatives Unit website with input from the unit as needed
  • Assists in coordination and outreach for sustainability related educational programs
  • Organizes information, creates presentations, and makes presentations as needed
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Senior Design Manager:

  • Plans, organizes, and directs the design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects. Functions as the lead design professional in the Design Department, providing quality review, implementation of policy and procedures and interface and coordinates with the Division of State Architects (DSA).
  • Manages, develops, and coordinates the District’s design process for the Facilities Planning and Development Division to ensure that plans are within the functional program, budgetary,
    environmental and legal requirements.
  • Manages multiple projects through interaction with Architects, consultants, and District personnel from project conception through draft to final review, approval, and handoff to
    Project Execution.
  • Oversees the building design process to ensure compliance with client standards and guidelines for the District by working with design professionals and various District
    administrators to ensure that new and modernized structures meet both educational and building standards requirements.
  • Establishes and follows a process to identify and select the architectural firm best suited for each project based on the firms’ qualifications and ability to meet performance standards.
  • Provide architects with clear and consistent direction regarding each project's goals and objectives, standards, site, schedule, and budget.
  • Establishes and follows an effective and efficient design review process to ensure that the design meets the overall goals and objectives for the project, provides maximum value for
    dollars budgeted, and are appropriate and enduring to meet the functional needs of the District, the local community, and the environment.
  • Ensures that decisions are made promptly.
  • Ensures that all steps within the project are documented and that the documentation meets legal requirements.
  • Review design changes submitted to ensure the project remains within budget.
  • Recommends architectural firm assignment from an established list of pre-qualified architectural firms.
  • Participates in community relations and outreach programs to create understanding and acceptance of district-building project design within the community.
  • Coordinates with a host of professional staff who support the design function for the District.
  • Develops continuing education opportunities, i.e., seminars and workshops, to learn and share up-to-date information on working with architects and contractors.
  • Coordinates project activities with other District organizational branches and departments such as the Office of the Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, Asbestos Technical Unit, and Local Districts.
    Performs other duties as assigned.

Design Manager I:

  • Minimum 8 years full time paid professional experience managing the facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects that included the overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities
  • 4 years of this experience must be with the design, planning and construction of educational facilities or similar public agencies
  • Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in architecture or Engineering
  • Preferred Licenses and Certificates: A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Design Manager II:

  • Five (5) years full time paid professional experience managing sustainability projects or managing sustainability programs.
  • Additional experience in facilities design and architecture is preferred
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Senior Design Manager:

  • 15 years of full-time paid professional experience managing the facilities design or the planning and coordination of capital projects, including the overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.
  • 2 to 5 years of this experience must be with designing, planning, and constructing educational facilities or similar public agencies.
  • Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering.
  • Master’s degree in Architecture or Engineering.
  • A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
  •  

Salary Range:

Design Manager Level I: $145,000 - $155,000

Design Manager Level II: $155,000 - $165,000

Design Manager: $170,000 - $180,000

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Work Environment: Onsite

Visa Sponsorship: Sponsorship is not available


Cordoba Corporation | Making a Difference

Cordoba Corporation is a leading civil engineering, construction management, program management, and planning firm. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including education and facilities, transportation, water, and energy. Collaborating closely with our clients, we have successfully delivered complex and high-impact infrastructure projects across California.

National Recognition - Cordoba’s efforts have garnered national acclaim. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked us as a “top 100 construction management firm” and a “top 50 program management firm.” Additionally, ENR recognized Cordoba as a “top 100 design firm” in California in 2018. Our business model emphasizes efficiency, fostering a dynamic work environment. We approach projects with multifaceted strategies, ensuring successful outcomes.

Statewide Presence - With headquarters in Los Angeles, Cordoba maintains a strong statewide presence. Our offices extend to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Ramon, Chatsworth, Santa Ana, Ontario, and San Diego.

Enhancing Employee Well-Being

Benefits and PerksWe offer multiple medical and dental insurance plans, as well as vision insurance. Plans are subsidized for both employees and dependents with effective coverage the first month after hire.  Additionally, Cordoba provides employees with paid AD&D and life insurance, a 401k with an industry leading employer match, generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 9 paid holidays, and other forms of paid time off.  We also offer flexible spending accounts (FSA’s) including medical care reimbursement, dependent care reimbursement, and commuter benefit plans. Employees are also eligible for our  employee assistance program and well-being benefits that include stress management, nutrition, and financial well-being.

 

Cordoba Corporation provides equal employment opportunities, promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Harassment-Free Workplace: We strictly prohibit workplace harassment based on any factor, including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Cordoba is committed to fostering a healthy and happy lifestyle for our employees, both within and beyond the workplace.

For inquiries or accommodation, please contact our HR Department at: (213) 895-0224.

Join Cordoba Corporation and be part of shaping California’s future!

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