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Design Leadership Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Be Seen First

From refining design presentations and leading site visits to shaping experiential, multi-sensory spaces, this role requires a blend of creative storytelling, attention to detail, and strong project ...

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

The Design Director is responsible for the overall design leadership of the practice, promoting quality design efforts across all departments within the office, and being actively involved in ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Leadership information

See salary details

$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do design leadership jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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 design leadership?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in design leadership, 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Design Leadership job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.

Design Quality Manager

Corporate Services

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Joining Arup

Arup's purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. 

The Opportunity

The Design Quality Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing design quality management across projects, ensuring that all deliverables meet client requirements, applicable standards, and project quality objectives. The role combines practical design leadership experience with project quality management expertise to drive technical excellence, risk reduction, compliance, and continual improvement throughout the design lifecycle. 

  1. Responsibilities

  1. 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 objectives.

  • Ensure design processes are planned, implemented, and monitored throughout project delivery.

  • Facilitate collaboration between disciplines to improve design integration and constructability.

  1. Technical Assurance and Review

  • Establish and oversee design review, checking, verification, and approval processes.

  • Ensure interdisciplinary reviews (IDRs), technical checks, and independent reviews are completed in accordance with project requirements.

  • Monitor the resolution of review comments and design issues.

  • Verify that design deliverables comply with contractual, regulatory, code, and client requirements.

  1. Quality Management

  • Develop and implement project-specific Design Quality Management Plans (DQMPs).

  • Monitor compliance with the Quality Management System and project procedures.

  • Identify quality risks and opportunities and implement appropriate controls.

  • Support internal and external audits and management reviews.

  1. Design Leadership Support

  • Apply previous Design Lead experience to guide design teams on effective project delivery practices.

  • Provide advice on design planning, coordination, resource management, and deliverable development.

  • Assist teams in addressing technical challenges, interfaces, and quality concerns.

  1. Continuous Improvement

  • Analyze quality performance trends, including review comments, NCRs, audit findings, and lessons learned.

  • Identify recurring issues and drive corrective and preventive actions.

  • Promote the incorporation of lessons learned into future projects and design processes.

  1. Is this role right for you?

  • Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline.

  • 10 + years of design delivery experience, including experience as a Design Lead, Design Manager, Technical Lead, or similar role.

  • 5 + years of quality management experience as a Project Quality Manager, Design Quality Manager, or equivalent on engineering, infrastructure, or multidisciplinary design projects.

  • Strong understanding of design management, technical assurance, design governance, and quality management systems.

  • Demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary design delivery, design coordination, and design review processes.

  • Proven ability to integrate design leadership and quality management principles to improve project outcomes, reduce risk, and achieve client requirements.

  • Excellent organizational, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management qualification preferred.

  • ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) certification (or willing to attain within the first year of employment) preferred.

  • ISO 9001 Quality Management lead auditor training or certification preferred.

  • Professional Engineer (PE/P.Eng.) registration or equivalent professional designation preferred.

  • Formal training or certification in design management, risk management, or technical assurance preferred.

  1. Key Competencies

  • Design leadership and technical excellence.

  • Quality and risk management.

  • Design assurance and governance.

  • Interdisciplinary coordination.

  • Problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Stakeholder engagement and communication.

  • Audit and compliance management.

  • Continuous improvement and lessons learned management.

    At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective - in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.  

  • You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning - to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

    Please note that all applicants must apply directly via the job portal.If this role is not quite what you are looking for, but you are interested in other opportunities for a future with purpose, please sign up to ourTalent Communitywhere you will be kept up to date with roles suitable for you to shape a better world.

    What We Offer You 

    At Arup, we care about each member's success, so we can grow together. 

    Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive - through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.  

    We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup's legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.  

    Benefits at Work - At Arup, we have a comprehensive and valuable benefits program that works for our employees and their families while keeping costs low. These benefits provide health and welfare security for you as well as paid time off for rest and renewal. As a member of Arup, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm's financial performance). Our Global Profit Share Plan (paid bi-annually) provides an opportunity for you to share in the success of the Firm. As a valued employee of Arup, you can also choose to participate in our 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match to help you save for your future 

    Flexible Working - We believe that flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available 

    Hiring Range - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in Seattle is $140,000 to $168,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of Seattle will differ. 

    Different People, Shared Values 

    Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas - this drives our excellence.  

    Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion - we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.  

    Our Application Process 

    We will be reviewing our candidates for this position on a rolling basis. Once you have applied you will be evaluated and potentially moved on to the next round, at which point a member of the talent resourcing team will reach out to you directly. 

    Arup is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of a protected veteran, or disability. 

    Stay safe online. Recruitment fraud is on the rise, and Arup's name, logo, and branding have been used in fraudulent job advertisements. Arup will never ask for bank information as part of our recruitment process.

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