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Design Department Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Innovative Construction

Design Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Innovative is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead our Design department and help shape the future of our luxury remodeling projects. This is a high-impact leadership role for an ...

Innovateatlanta

Design Manager

Peachtree Corners, GA · On-site

Innovative is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead our Design department and help shape the future of our luxury remodeling projects. This is a high-impact leadership role for an ...

HGA

E&I Department Manager

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Manage the overall performance, workload, and staffing of the E&I engineering and design department, including engineers, designers, and drafters. * Enforce consistency in procedures and project ...

ITAC

Piping Department Manager

Greenville, SC · On-site

$19.25 - $21.75/hr

From humble beginnings to an ENR-Ranked Top Design Firm with a nationwide footprint and over 450 ... The department manager must optimize solutions through analysis of varied alternatives. The ...

Symons Fire Protection, Inc

Design Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial accountability for the ... Leadership: Oversees departmental operational budgets, software licensing configurations ...

ITAC

Piping Department Manager

Greenville, SC · On-site

$19.25 - $21.75/hr

From humble beginnings to an ENR-Ranked Top Design Firm with a nationwide footprint and over 450 ... The department manager must optimize solutions through analysis of varied alternatives. The ...

ITAC

Piping Department Manager

Greenville, SC · On-site

$19.25 - $21.75/hr

From humble beginnings to an ENR-Ranked Top Design Firm with a nationwide footprint and over 450 ... The department manager must optimize solutions through analysis of varied alternatives. The ...

Symons Fire Protection

Design Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial ... Leadership: Oversees departmental operational budgets, software licensing configurations ...

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Design Department Manager information

See salary details

$99.5K

$118.8K

$137.5K

How much do design department manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for design department manager in the United States is $118,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $127,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities are hiring for Design Department Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Design Department Manager job openings:

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

The most popular types of Design Department jobs are:

What states have the most Design Department Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Design Department Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Design Department Manager jobs?

For Design Department Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Design Department Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Department Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,750 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Design Manager

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Innovative Construction
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Innovative Constructionexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the multi-phase design process from concept through permitting.

  • Lead, coach, and manage the performance and development of the design team.

  • Support the team by resolving complex design challenges and overseeing project lifecycle from signed Design Agreement through completion.

Job description

About the Role:


Innovative is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead our Design department and help shape the future of our luxury remodeling projects. This is a high-impact leadership role for an architectural design professional who combines a sharp creative eye with strong business acumen; someone who can manage people, process, and the P&L with equal confidence.


As Design Manager, you'll oversee our multi-phase design process from concept through permitting, lead and develop a team of talented architectural designers, and serve as a key voice on our Leadership Team. You'll also stay hands-on, designing 1–2 projects of your own each year, while guiding the department's overall success.


If you're a proven design leader who thrives on building great teams, refining systems, and delivering exceptional client experiences, we'd love to talk.


What You'll Do:


Team Leadership

  • Lead, coach, and hold the design team accountable to high standards of performance and quality
  • Onboard and offboard team members, and manage individual goals and development ("Rocks & Goals")
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and support career growth
  • Oversee the Logistical Coordinator and ensure smooth team operations

Department & Financial Management

  • Own the financial success and profitability of the design department
  • Manage team workload and capacity through the pipeline schedule
  • Build, refine, and maintain systems and processes that keep the department running efficiently
  • Track and report monthly performance metrics
  • Prepare and lead weekly departmental and cross-departmental meetings

Design & Project Oversight

  • Support the team by resolving complex design challenges
  • Oversee plan development and the permitting process
  • Maintain a working understanding of every project's lifecycle, from signed Design Agreement through completion
  • Ensure a strong grasp of applicable building codes
  • Design 1–2 projects personally each year while managing the broader team

Relationships & Communication

  • Champion open, transparent communication across all departments at Innovative
  • Build and strengthen relationships with vendors and trade partners to improve collaboration
  • Communicate confidently and persuasively with clients, resolving concerns with professionalism
  • Stay current on industry trends, materials, and design techniques
  • Serve as an active member of Innovative's Leadership Team


What You Bring:


  • 7+ years of experience as a Lead Architectural Designer, including proven experience leading a team
  • Demonstrated success managing the processes, culture, and financial performance of a department
  • Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD, Chief Architect, SketchUp, Canva, Bluebeam, Google Suite, and Buildertrend
  • Solid understanding of building codes and the remodeling/construction process
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
  • A four-year degree
  • NKBA and/or NCIDQ certification preferred; willingness to obtain NCIDQ required


Compensation Package:


Salary commensurate with experience


  • Health Insurance
  • Simple IRA
  • Amazing PTO policy
  • Company bonus based on net profit


About Innovative Design Build:


Innovative Design Build is Atlanta's best-reviewed luxury residential design build firm, and a company that puts its core values at the forefront. More than just the numbers, Innovative Design Build focuses on offering both customers and team members an experience that leaves a lasting impression. From communication with customers to consideration for our staff, Innovative Design Build has shown over the past 20 years that building a great company starts not with the product, but with the people.


Our Core Values: Quality, Trustworthy, Organized, Communication, Consideration, and Growth


How to Apply


  • Complete the online application, submit a resume, cover letter,  portfolio (Applicant's that do not submit a portfolio will not be considered) and at least 1 set of construction drawings saved as a pdf


Innovative Design Build provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Innovative Design Build complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in its office. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We are an E-verify company, and all employment is contingent upon passing a clean drug test.