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

Project Manager

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

RWE Design Build is a rapidly growing design-build general contractor seeking an exceptional Project Manager to lead healthcare construction projects from pre-construction through closeout. This is ...

Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Summit Design + Build is actively seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our team in Chicago, IL. This role is ideal for someone with strong multi-family construction experience who can lead ...

Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Summit Design + Build is actively seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our team in Chicago, IL. This role is ideal for someone with strong multi-family construction experience who can lead ...

Senior Project Manager

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

RWE Design Build is a rapidly growing design-build general contractor seeking an exceptional Senior Project Manager to lead complex healthcare construction projects from preconstruction through ...

The company is seeking a qualified Design Project Manager to work with their architectural, engineering, or design/build teams. The Project Manager is the primary client contact and the single point ...

Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Summit Design + Build is actively seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our team in Chicago, IL . This role is ideal for someone with strong multi-family construction experience who can lead ...

Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Summit Design + Build is actively seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our dynamic team in Chicago, IL. This role is crucial for leading a variety of significant construction projects. If ...

Project Engineer II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Summit Design + Build is growing in Chicago and is looking for experienced Project Engineer IIs ... Develop bidders lists, manage subcontract scopes, and ensure timely execution of contracts.

Project Engineer II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Summit Design + Build is growing in Chicago and is looking for experienced Project Engineer IIs ... Develop bidders lists, manage subcontract scopes, and ensure timely execution of contracts.

Mechanical Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

RWE Design Build is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support our growing portfolio of projects in ... Manage multiple projects across various design phases Requirements * 7+ years of mechanical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Build Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.4K

$84.2K

$141.8K

How much do design build manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for design build manager in Chicago, IL is $84,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design build manager?

A Design Build Manager is a professional who oversees and coordinates design-build construction projects, serving as the primary liaison between clients, designers, and contractors. They are responsible for managing the entire project from conception through completion, ensuring that both the design and construction phases align with the client’s vision, budget, and timeline. Their duties typically include project planning, budgeting, scheduling, quality control, and facilitating communication among all stakeholders. Design Build Managers play a crucial role in streamlining processes and minimizing risks by integrating design and construction services under a single contract.

How does a design build manager typically collaborate with project stakeholders throughout a construction project?

A Design Build Manager plays a central role in coordinating communication between clients, architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure project objectives are met efficiently. They facilitate regular meetings to address design intent, budget constraints, and construction feasibility, often acting as the primary point of contact for all parties. This collaborative approach helps to streamline decision-making, resolve issues quickly, and maintain alignment from the project's conception through completion, ultimately ensuring a smoother workflow and higher client satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design build manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Build Manager, you need expertise in project management, construction processes, and architectural design, often supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or architecture. Proficiency with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), BIM tools, and relevant certifications like PMP or DBIA is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help facilitate collaboration among stakeholders and resolve conflicts. These abilities are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of clients and teams.

What is the difference between Design Build Manager vs Construction Project Manager?

AspectDesign Build ManagerConstruction Project Manager
CredentialsTypically holds degrees in architecture, engineering, or construction management; certifications like PMP or CCM are commonUsually has degrees in construction management, civil engineering, or related fields; PMP certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees both design and construction phases, often working closely with architects and engineersFocuses primarily on the construction phase, coordinating subcontractors and on-site activities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in integrated project delivery firms, design-build firms, and general contractorsWidely used in general contracting companies, construction firms, and project development

The Design Build Manager is responsible for managing both design and construction processes, ensuring seamless project delivery. In contrast, the Construction Project Manager primarily oversees the construction phase, focusing on on-site execution. While both roles require strong project management skills and relevant certifications, their scope and responsibilities differ based on project phases and industry practices.

Infographic showing various Design Build Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,205 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Design Build Design Manager

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the delivery of large-scale Design-Build and other alternative delivery transportation projects.

  • Lead project teams in the development of design and project documentation, coordinating with stakeholders and subcontractors.

  • Manage project scope, schedule, and budget to ensure timely and within scope project delivery.


Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

If you are ready to bridge the gap between our world and our people, join Jacobs. Let’s build a brighter future together. Jacobs is much more than just a traditional engineering company. We consistently receive high rankings from Engineering News-Record (ENR) in many classifications, including the categories of Top Transportation Design Firms, Top Highway Design Firms, Top Bridge Design Firms, and our overall #1 ranking in Top 100 Pure Designer.

Jacobs is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Design/Build Design Manager to lead transportation infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest. This role is central to delivering innovative design-build and other alternative delivery solutions that drive excellence for our clients and strengthen the communities we serve. Supported by local and national resources, including Jacobs extensive network of technical experts, you will work with our geographical leadership to strengthen our competitive presence and deliver quality work.

When you join us, you’ll be responsible for the following:
  • Build upon your existing and new client relationships to organize and develop teams to pursue planning, consulting, design, and alternative delivery work. Assist our Sales Teams in identifying opportunities, developing qualifications packages, and attending interviews.
  • Work closely with our clients and act as the company’s main point of contact on assigned projects and/or clients to ensure expectations are identified and met.
  • Overseeing the delivery of large-scale Design-Build and other alternative delivery transportation projects (such as CM/GC and PDB).
  • Use your technical expertise to lead project teams in the development of design and project documentation by providing overall direction to the team, coordinating with external project stakeholders, internal team members, and subcontractors.
  • Provide effective, skilled project management to help reduce the costs of delivering projects, adding value to the business by applying proven project management techniques. Deliver large complex and/or multiple projects on time, within budget, and per contracted scope. Draft, coordinate, and manage proposals, staffing plans, project delivery budgets / fee documents, progress schedules, and project delivery schedules to meet deliverable milestones and commitments.
  • Provide office environment-based construction phase services, where scope-applicable, including coordinating Jacobs’ responses to RFIs, submittal and shop drawing reviews, construction modification documents, and site visits.
  • Be responsible for the overall quality of the project deliverables in adherence with Jacobs’ rigorous Quality Program. You will manage and enhance project quality by providing ideas and suggestions to the team aimed at improving the effectiveness of their roles, and of project activities in general.
  • Cultivating an inclusive, collaborative team culture and mentor emerging professionals.
  • Ability to recruit additional design team resources and help build a transportation presence in the Midwest

By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to utilize your transportation design and/or construction management expertise to serve as a lead on an exciting and engaging large-scale infrastructure projects. The final candidate could be located in Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO, Milwaukee or Madison, WI.

Here’s what you’ll need
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer and the ability to obtain reciprocity in other states.
  • Substantial years' experience on transportation projects with DOTs and established local relationships
  • Demonstrated project leadership experience
  • Substantial complex transportation project management experience leading roadway, highway, and/or bridge projects and/or programs in various stages of completeness.
  • Understanding of and practical experience applying the AASHTO design guidelines to transportation projects.
  • Demonstrated communication and writing skills including technical report writing
  • Willingness to support multi-state pursuits and delivery across alternative project delivery models.
Ideally, you’ll also have:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $180,000.00 to $255,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

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