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Design Leadership Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BRPH

Project Design Leader

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Design Leadership * Lead the overall architectural design of projects from programming through construction. * Partner with clients and stakeholders to establish project vision, design goals, and ...

Cccis

Vice President, Product Design

Chicago, IL

$159K - $196K/yr

CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC) is a leading cloud platform for the multi-trillion-dollar ... Design leadership & transformation: Evolve design from a reactive service model to a proactive ...

Arup

Design Quality Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

Design Quality Leadership * Promote a culture of quality and technical excellence within project teams. * Support Design Managers, Discipline Leads, and Project Managers in achieving project quality ...

New

ForeFlight

Director, Product Design

Austin, TX · On-site

$184K - $225K/yr

Jeppesen ForeFlight builds industry-leading aviation software used by pilots, aircraft operators ... This role will drive design strategy and execution across key areas of the ForeFlight product ...

Corporate Services

Design Quality Manager

Seattle, WA

Design Quality Leadership * Promote a culture of quality and technical excellence within project teams. * Support Design Managers, Discipline Leads, and Project Managers in achieving project quality ...

New

Brex

Senior Design Recruiter

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$142K - $195K/yr

We partner with leaders across the company to find exceptional talent and build high-performing ... You'll source, engage, and assess world-class design talent through diverse channels, while ...

Vogo

Head of Design

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

$153K - $188K/yr

This role combines hands-on design leadership with people management, mentorship, and cross-functional partnership to help shape the future of Vogo's consumer experience across web, iOS, and Android.

Brex

Senior Design Recruiter

New York, NY · Hybrid

$142K - $195K/yr

We partner with leaders across the company to find exceptional talent and build high-performing ... You'll source, engage, and assess world-class design talent through diverse channels, while ...

Solace

Product Design Manager

Redwood City, CA

$180K - $245K/yr

We believe the best design leaders stay close to the work - partnering with Product and Engineering to solve complex problems, coaching designers through ambiguity, and raising the quality of ...

Solace Health

Product Design Manager

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$231K/yr

We believe the best design leaders stay close to the work - partnering with Product and Engineering to solve complex problems, coaching designers through ambiguity, and raising the quality of ...

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Design Leadership information

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$114.5K

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How much do design leadership jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for design leadership in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Design Leadership job?

A Design Leadership job involves guiding and managing design teams to create user-centered solutions that align with business objectives. Design leaders set the vision, drive innovation, and foster collaboration across disciplines. They advocate for design’s strategic value, mentor designers, and ensure that design processes enhance both user experience and company goals. Effective design leaders balance creativity with practicality, enabling high-quality outcomes while aligning with organizational priorities.

Is VP of design higher than Design Director?

In most organizations, the VP of Design is a higher leadership role than the Design Director, overseeing broader strategic initiatives and multiple teams. The Design Director typically manages day-to-day design operations and team execution. The hierarchy can vary depending on company size and structure, but generally, VP of Design holds a more senior executive position.

What is the role of a design leader?

A design leader oversees the design team and guides the development of visual and user experience strategies to ensure alignment with business goals. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, set design standards, and often manage resources, budgets, and project timelines to deliver effective design solutions.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are typically executive roles such as Chief Design Officer or Vice President of Design, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong portfolio, often complemented by advanced degrees or certifications in design or related fields.

How to become a design leader?

To become a design leader, develop strong skills in user experience, visual design, and leadership, often through a combination of formal education and hands-on experience. Building a portfolio, gaining experience in cross-functional teams, and demonstrating strategic thinking are essential steps, along with staying current on industry tools and trends. Leadership roles typically require several years of experience in design or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Design Leadership position, and why are they important?

Design Leadership roles require a strong background in design principles, experience managing creative teams, and typically a degree in design, UX, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, and project management platforms such as Asana or Jira is crucial, as well as experience with industry-standard design methodologies. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and strategic thinking are soft skills that help leaders inspire teams and align design vision with business objectives. These abilities are vital for delivering innovative solutions and driving cohesive, high-impact design outcomes within organizations.

What are the most common challenges faced in a Design Leadership role?

In Design Leadership, one frequently encounters the challenge of balancing creative vision with business objectives and stakeholder expectations. Leaders must often advocate for user-centered design while navigating organizational constraints such as tight deadlines, limited resources, or shifting priorities. Aligning and motivating cross-functional teams, managing feedback effectively, and ensuring consistent quality across projects are also key aspects of the role. Addressing these challenges requires both strong interpersonal skills and strategic foresight, making the position dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy both creative and operational aspects of design.

More about Design Leadership jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Leadership jobs? The most popular types of Design Leadership jobs are:
What states have the most Design Leadership jobs? States with the most job openings for Design Leadership jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Design Leadership jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Design Leadership jobs are:
Design Leadership jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Leadership job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.
Senior Architect | Hospitality Design Leadership

Senior Architect | Hospitality Design Leadership

SNIPEBRIDGE

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

SNIPEBRIDGE is a strategic talent solutions company specializing in connecting exceptional talent to great career opportunities. We work as an exclusive partner to top AEC and design firms that are redefining the industry through innovation and transformative work.
THE COMPANY
Our client is a growing NYC-based architectural studio with a distinct focus on hospitality-driven design. Crafting thoughtful, design-forward environments that seamlessly blend creativity with technical excellence. The studio is recognized for its ability to translate bold creative visions into built reality across a range of experiential and hospitality project types.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The firm is seeking a Principal Senior Architect to take on a meaningful leadership role within a dynamic and growing team. This is not a background position, you will be front and center on project teams, driving design development, managing client relationships, and shepherding high-quality work from first sketch through construction close-out.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead architectural projects end-to-end, from concept and schematic design through construction administration
  • Develop, refine, and present design concepts, drawings, and client-facing presentations with clarity and confidence
  • Coordinate and manage consultants, contractors, and internal team members across all phases of work
  • Oversee the production of construction documents, ensuring accuracy, coordination, and full compliance with NYC building codes, zoning, and permitting requirements
  • Own project schedules, budgets, and deliverable timelines and proactively managing risks and keeping stakeholders aligned
  • Mentor and develop junior staff; model a collaborative, design-focused studio culture
  • Serve as a primary client contact, maintaining strong relationships and representing the firm with professionalism

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture (required)
  • Professional licensure preferred but not required
  • 8-12+ years of professional experience, ideally at NYC-based firms
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating design excellence, particularly in hospitality or experiential environments
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite; SketchUp and 3D visualization tools a plus
  • Deep understanding of NYC building codes, zoning, and permitting processes
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

WORK SCHEDULE
This is a hybrid in-person role based in the firm's NYC office. The expected schedule is Monday through Thursday in-office, with Fridays remote. All candidates must be able to commute to and reliably accommodate this schedule.
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and must already possess long-term work authorization.

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