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Design Department Manager Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Design Manager

Calgary, AB · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

You will oversee the day-to-day performance of the design department, manage workflow and priorities, review complex projects and work closely with Sales, Estimating, Production and customers. The ...

As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical ... Work with Business/Accounting Manager or Project Controller and Department Manager for project ...

Ensure quality management procedures are followed * Planning, allocating and reviewing work ... Scheduling and expediting department work * Providing leadership and mentorship to project/program ...

Sales Specialist - Dental Equipment

Edmonton, AB · On-site

CA$78K - CA$117K/yr

Assisting the Design department with creating accurate new equipment blocks for new products * Working with Clients to ensure deposits are collected and managing any outstanding receivables

Departmental accountability for the integrity of pressure equipment, piping, tanks, boilers ... Requires strong knowledge of the MAC EI Work Process as well as pressure equipment design ...

Departmental accountability for the integrity of pressure equipment, piping, tanks, boilers ... Requires strong knowledge of the MAC EI Work Process as well as pressure equipment design ...

Cad/Cam Designer

Calgary, AB · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Collaborate with technicians and other departments to maintain efficient case flow * Communicate ... Good attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases in a production environment * Strong ...

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Design Department Manager information

What does a design department manager do?

A Design Department Manager oversees the creative and operational aspects of a company's design team. They are responsible for managing designers, ensuring projects meet deadlines and quality standards, and aligning design strategies with business goals. Their duties include supervising staff, collaborating with other departments, allocating resources, and fostering an innovative work environment. They also play a key role in hiring, training, and evaluating design team members. Ultimately, they ensure that the design output supports the organization’s objectives and brand identity.

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

A Design Department Manager should have expertise in design principles, project management, and leadership, typically backed by a degree in design or a related field and significant experience in creative roles. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), project management tools, and sometimes certifications like PMP are highly beneficial. Strong communication, team-building, and strategic thinking skills help them motivate teams and align creative output with business goals. These competencies are critical for delivering high-quality design work, meeting deadlines, and fostering a collaborative and innovative department environment.

How does a design department manager typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Design Department Manager regularly works cross-functionally, partnering with teams such as marketing, product development, engineering, and sales to ensure that design solutions align with business objectives and project timelines. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as the manager must collect input, coordinate feedback, and balance competing priorities across departments. This collaboration often involves participating in interdepartmental meetings, presenting design concepts, and integrating feedback to deliver cohesive results. Building strong relationships with stakeholders is key to successfully advocating for design initiatives and driving project success.

What is the difference between Design Department Manager vs Design Lead?

AspectDesign Department ManagerDesign Lead
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire design department, manages teams, sets strategic goalsLeads specific projects or teams, focuses on design execution and quality
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, broad design knowledgeAdvanced design skills, project coordination, team collaboration
Work EnvironmentManagement level, strategic planning, cross-team coordinationHands-on design work, project-focused, collaborative
Common UsageUsed in larger organizations with multiple design teamsUsed in both small and large teams for project leadership

The main difference between a Design Department Manager and a Design Lead lies in scope and focus. The Design Department Manager oversees the entire design department, focusing on strategic management and team coordination. In contrast, the Design Lead concentrates on leading specific projects or teams, emphasizing design quality and execution. Both roles require strong design skills, but the manager also needs leadership and management expertise.

Infographic showing various Design Department Manager job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Design Manager

Calgary, AB • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Design Manager - Roof Trusses & Floor Systems
Location: Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
 
The Opportunity
 
Our client is an established and growing manufacturer of roof trusses and engineered floor systems. They are looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead their design team and support the continued growth of the business.
 
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands component design, enjoys developing people and can keep projects moving through a busy production environment.
 
You will oversee the day-to-day performance of the design department, manage workflow and priorities, review complex projects and work closely with Sales, Estimating, Production and customers.
 
The ideal candidate has strong experience designing roof trusses and floor systems and is ready to step into a leadership role. Experienced Design Managers and senior designers who have mentored others and are ready for their next career step are encouraged to apply.
 
What You'll Do
  • Lead, support and develop a team of roof truss and floor system designers
  • Manage design schedules, workload and project priorities across the department
  • Assign projects based on complexity, timelines and designer capabilities
  • Review designs for accuracy, constructability and compliance with applicable building codes and engineering requirements
  • Provide technical guidance on complex residential, multifamily and commercial projects
  • Support designers with troubleshooting, design challenges and customer revisions
  • Establish consistent design standards, quality-control processes and best practices
  • Monitor department performance, turnaround times and project accuracy
  • Work closely with Sales and Estimating to review project scope, pricing assumptions and customer expectations
  • Coordinate with Production to ensure designs are practical, complete and ready for manufacturing
  • Communicate with builders, contractors, engineers and internal teams to resolve technical issues
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, training and performance development within the design team
  • Identify opportunities to improve design workflows, software utilization and departmental efficiency
  • Help build a collaborative environment focused on quality, accountability and customer service
What You Bring
  • Strong experience designing roof trusses and engineered floor systems
  • Previous leadership, supervisory or team-lead experience within a component manufacturing environment
  • Senior designers with strong mentoring and workflow-management experience will also be considered
  • A thorough understanding of wood-frame construction, building plans and structural component design
  • Experience reviewing architectural and structural drawings
  • Knowledge of applicable building codes, engineering requirements and industry standards
  • The ability to review complex designs and provide practical technical direction
  • Strong planning, organization and project-prioritization skills
  • The ability to manage deadlines and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively with customers, designers, salespeople, engineers and production teams
  • A leadership style focused on mentorship, accountability and continuous improvement
Software Experience
 
Experience with Simpson Strong-Tie component design software is a strong asset.
Candidates with experience using other recognized truss and floor design platforms, including MiTek, Alpine or comparable software, are also encouraged to apply. Training may be provided for the right candidate with strong component design experience.
 
Why Consider This Opportunity?
  • Take ownership of an established design department
  • Lead and develop a team of experienced component designers
  • Work on a variety of residential, multifamily and commercial projects
  • Play an important role in improving design quality, workflow and customer service
  • Collaborate closely with Sales, Estimating, Engineering and Production
  • Join a growing organization with opportunities to influence how the department develops
  • Choose to be based in either Edmonton or Calgary
DMC Recruitment has been retained to manage this search. All applications and conversations will be handled confidentially.
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