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Design Department Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Department jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Design Department jobs in Washington are:

Design Department Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Department Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Fire Sprinkler Design Manager

Odenton, MD • On-site

Century Fire Protection
Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Century Fire Protectionexternal

$90K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Century Fire Protection rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 38 rated health and safety providers

Job description

Job Details
  • Location: Chesapeake Sprinkler Odenton - Odenton, MD 21113
  • Position Type: Full Time
  • Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $150,000.00
  • Department: 130 - Odenton, MD
Summary

Responsible for leading the design department for fire sprinkler and suppression systems, overseeing project design quality, team performance, and compliance with NFPA standards, local codes, and project specifications; manages design staff, coordinates with project managers and field teams, and ensures timely delivery of accurate, constructible designs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage and mentor a team of fire sprinkler designers.
  • Oversee the design of fire sprinkler and suppression systems for commercial, industrial, and multi‑family projects.
  • Ensure designs comply with NFPA standards, local codes, and project specifications.
  • Review and approve design drawings, calculations, and submittals prepared by design staff.
  • Coordinate design requirements with project managers and field personnel.
  • Develop and maintain departmental standards, templates, and workflows.
  • Support permitting processes and respond to AHJ inquiries.
  • Assist with resource allocation, project planning, and departmental budgeting.
  • Lead design reviews, technical problem solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Participate in client meetings and represent the design department in cross‑functional discussions.
Education and/or Experience

High school diploma, technical training or degree preferred, and 8+ years of fire sprinkler design experience; 3+ years of design team management or supervisory experience; NICET Level III or IV in Fire Protection Engineering preferred. Extensive knowledge of fire sprinkler systems, hydraulics, and NFPA standards; proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and fire protection design software; ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements.

Computer Skills

Microsoft Office applications and SprinkCad preferred (AutoCAD, or HydroCAD).

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods of computer work; required to sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel and reach with hands and arms, and/or climb a ladder.

Benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Short-term & Long‑term Disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(K) with Company Match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Relief Fund
  • Supplemental Insurance including Critical Illness, Hospitalization & Accident
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What Century Fire Protection employees say

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