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Creative Design Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$84K - $130K/yr

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and ... Lead a team of designers (senior, junior, and freelancers) to deliver high-quality creative work ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and ... Lead a team of designers (senior, junior, and freelancers) to deliver high-quality creative work ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and ... Lead a team of designers (senior, junior, and freelancers) to deliver high-quality creative work ...

Camping World

Design Manager

Lincolnshire, IL · Hybrid

$111K - $170K/yr

Camping World's design team leads creative across performance marketing, email, print, events, and web design. We're looking for a Design Manager to help our business deliver high-quality, on-brand ...

aoa

Graphic Design Manager

Chicago, IL

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Design a variety of creative projects from concept to execution to support ... Demonstrated expertise in brand management. Deep understanding of designing for both print and ...

Wonder Group, Inc.

Design Senior Manager

Chicago, IL

$130K - $172K/yr

... Sr. Design Manager who thrives in fast-paced, startup-style environments-someone energized by ... You balance craft and speed, holding a high creative bar while navigating real-world constraints ...

Grubhub

Design Senior Manager

Chicago, IL

$130K - $172K/yr

... Sr. Design Manager who thrives in fast-paced, startup-style environments-someone energized by ... You balance craft and speed, holding a high creative bar while navigating real-world constraints ...

Grubhub Holdings Inc.

Design Senior Manager

Chicago, IL

$130K - $172K/yr

... Design Manager who thrives in fast-paced, startup-style environments--someone energized by ... You balance craft and speed, holding a high creative bar while navigating real-world constraints ...

Leinenkugel's

Brand Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

In the role of Brand Design Manager working in Chicago, IL , you understand design as a critical ... Your creative proficiency is applied in service to brand objectives, creating a partnership that ...

Molson Coors

Brand Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Your creative proficiency is applied in service to brand objectives, creating a partnership that ... Execution of day-to-day brand asset management, including packaging design and general oversight of ...

Molson Coors

Brand Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

In the role of Brand Design Manager working in Chicago, IL , you understand design as a critical ... Your creative proficiency is applied in service to brand objectives, creating a partnership that ...

ENFRA LLC

IS Design Manager

Westmont, IL

$130K - $167K/yr

We embrace innovation and encourage creative problem solving to tackle the energy infrastructure ... The IS Design Manager is responsible for the design production throughout the life cycle of a ...

S&C Electric Company

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$154K - $205K/yr

Stay ahead of design trends, technologies, and industry standards to continuously incorporate fresh ideas and inform creative decisions * Develop and manage budgets to support creative strategy and ...

S&C

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$154K - $205K/yr

Stay ahead of design trends, technologies, and industry standards to continuously incorporate fresh ideas and inform creative decisions * Develop and manage budgets to support creative strategy and ...

FOUR SEASONS MASTER

Creative Director

Bedford Park, IL

$120K - $160K/yr

Manage and mentor the internal creative team, including a Graphic Design Manager and fractional creative specialists, fostering a culture of high output, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Four Seasons Heating

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Manage and mentor the internal creative team, including a Graphic Design Manager and fractional creative specialists, fostering a culture of high output, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

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All JobsCreative Design JobsCreative Design Manager JobsCreative Design Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Creative Design Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.3K

$117.9K

$207.6K

How much do creative design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative design manager in Chicago, IL is $117,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $148,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a creative manager do?

A creative design manager oversees the development and execution of visual concepts and branding strategies, leading creative teams to produce innovative designs. They coordinate projects, set creative direction, and ensure deliverables meet client or company standards, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills are essential in this role.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as Creative Design Manager, Art Director, or Senior Graphic Designer can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and proficiency in industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite. High-level positions in advertising agencies, media companies, or large corporations often offer such compensation packages.

What does a creative Design Manager do?

A Creative Design Manager oversees the development and execution of visual concepts for projects, ensuring they align with brand standards and client goals. They lead design teams, coordinate with other departments, and use tools like Adobe Creative Suite to deliver high-quality creative work within deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Design Manager, and why are they important?

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.

What's the highest paying creative job?

The highest paying creative job is often a Creative Director or Art Director in advertising, film, or digital media, with salaries reaching six figures or more for experienced professionals. These roles typically require strong leadership skills, extensive portfolio work, and proficiency with design and project management tools. Senior positions in large companies or agencies tend to offer the highest compensation in the creative field.

How does a Creative Design Manager typically 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 are Creative Design Managers?

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Creative Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Creative Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Creative Design Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Creative Design Manager job openings:
Creative Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Design Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,942 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
Creative & Design Operations Lead (Hybrid)

Creative & Design Operations Lead (Hybrid)

Enova International

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$80K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Enova International rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas or take over sponsorship at this time.
About the Role:
This is a high-ownership role at the center of how Enova Studios operates. We're rapidly evolving and want an operations leader who knows how to bridge Creative Ops and DesignOps, owning the systems, tools and processes that keep creative production and product/UX design moving. You'll work in close partnership with the Head of Studios to set priorities, surface risks and drive the operational roadmap. You'll be the connective tissue between Studios and the broader business, leading cross-functional conversations and managing vendor relationships in ways that build visibility for the work and the people behind it.
About Enova Studios
Enova Studios is the in-house creative agency for Enova's small business and consumer lending brands: OnDeck, CashNetUSA, NetCredit, Simplic and more. We bring Creative, Content, Code and UX capabilities together under one roof. Leveraging deep brand knowledge, cross-functional relationships and strategic context, we turn customer insights into work that drives real results.
About you Are you the kind of person who looks at a broken process and sees a design solution? Do you know the difference between a sprint and a production cycle and when each one applies? If you're energized by building smarter systems and helping creative and design teams do their best work, this role could be a great fit.
You know how creative and design teams work - the rhythms, the handoffs, the places where things quietly fall apart. You know how to build systems that hold. You're organized without being rigid. You're comfortable holding the line with stakeholders when the process calls for it and just as comfortable rolling up your sleeves when the team needs it.
What you'll Do
You'll own the operational infrastructure and execution of Enova Studios: reporting, traffic, tools, process and vendor management. You'll build the systems and visibility that keep the team running, growing and accountable for results.
Objectives:
  1. Work is organized, moving and unblocked across all Studios capabilities
  2. Leadership has clear visibility into project status and operational health
  3. Studios runs on a connected, well-maintained tool stack that account for marketing and product/UX design workflows alike
  4. External relationships are well-managed and held to Studios standards
  5. Studios is always looking at what's next in tools and AI, not just what's working now

Responsibilities:
  • Build and maintain dashboards that surface the true state of work and inform decision-making.
  • Own end-to-end traffic management: ensuring work is captured, prioritized, resourced and tied back to measurable impact
  • Partner with Studios managers on workflow, capacity and accountability so the team stays focused on execution
  • Step in as project manager on larger initiatives, comfortable running a sprint or a traditional project depending on what the work requires
  • Serve as primary administrator of Asana and lead integration across the Studios tool stack, owning configuration, automations and ongoing optimization
    • Asana, Jira, Slack, PageProof, Claude and others
  • Own SOPs, workflows and escalation paths, applying a design thinking approach to continuously improve how work moves
  • Own vendor relationships including SOW management, vetting and renewals, holding partners accountable to Studios standards

Requirements
  • 8+ years of experience in creative and/or design operations, ideally within a tech, fintech or agency environment
  • Deep proficiency with Asana and Jira, with a track record of building workflows that teams actually use
  • Proven experience operating across both Creative Ops and DesignOps functions, with an understanding of where they overlap and where they diverge
  • Deep understanding of both UX/product design and creative workflows (discovery, prototyping, testing, agile sprints) and traditional creative production cycles
    • Agile or scrum certification is a plus, with experience in applying velocity-based thinking to creative and design output
  • Demonstrated experience using AI and automation to improve operational workflows
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt your approach for different audiences and situations
  • A collaborative, human-centered approach to problem-solving
  • Experience managing vendor relationships and external agencies
  • Familiarity with creative and design tools including Figma, Adobe Creative Suite and review/approval platforms e.g. PageProof

Compensation
  • The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $80,000 - $114,000. Actual annual salary will be determined based on qualifications, skills, experience, and level assessed during the hiring process and may fall outside of the range shown. Additional compensation for this role may include a bonus. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in Company benefits, described in more detail here.

#BI-Hybrid #LI-Hybrid #LI-FB1
Benefits & Perks:
  • Our hybrid roles require in-office work Tuesday through Thursday, with remote flexibility on Mondays and Fridays. This schedule fosters collaboration, team connection, and strategic planning, enhancing communication and effectiveness to drive results.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance including mental health benefits
  • 401(k) matching plus a roth option (U.S. Based employees only)
  • PTO & paid holidays off
  • Sabbatical program (for eligible roles)
  • Summer hours (for eligible roles)
  • Paid parental leave
  • DEI groups (B.L.A.C.K. @ Enova, HOLA @ Enova, Women @ Enova, Pride @ Enova, South Asians @ Enova, APEX @ Enova, and Parents @ Enova)
  • Employee recognition and rewards program
  • Charitable matching and a paid volunteer day...Plus so much more!

About Enova
Enova International is a leading financial technology company that provides online financial services through our AI and machine learning-powered Colossus™platform. We serve non-prime consumers and businesses alike, while offering world-class technology and services to traditional banks-in order to create accessible credit for millions.
Being a values-driven organization is at the core of Enova's success. We live our values by listening to our customers, challenging assumptions, thinking big, setting high expectations, and hiring and developing the best. Through our values and our commitment to making Enova an awesome place to work, we maintain an environment of inclusion and culture where our employees can thrive. You can learn more about Enova's values and culture here.
It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons and not discriminate in employment decisions by placing the most qualified person in each job, without regard to any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. California Applicants: Click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Job Applicants.

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