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 ...
Design Release Engineer
Dearborn, MI · On-site
$37 - $42.25/hr
Responsible for overall design leadership to meet vehicle attributes including package, crash, durability, commercial upfitting, and thermal management. Experience Preferred: 3 years experience in ...
Quick apply
Design Release Engineer
Dearborn, MI · On-site
$37 - $42.25/hr
Responsible for overall design leadership to meet vehicle attributes including package, crash, durability, commercial upfitting, and thermal management. Experience Preferred: 3 years experience in ...
Design Director
Atlanta, GA · On-site
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 ...
Design Director
Atlanta, GA · On-site
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 ...
Design Release Engineer
Dearborn, MI · Hybrid
$37 - $42.25/hr
Responsible for overall design leadership to meet vehicle attributes including package, crash, durability, commercial upfitting, and thermal management. Experience Preferred: 3 years experience in ...
Design Release Engineer
Dearborn, MI · Hybrid
$37 - $42.25/hr
Responsible for overall design leadership to meet vehicle attributes including package, crash, durability, commercial upfitting, and thermal management. Experience Preferred: 3 years experience in ...
Industrial Design Manager
Clemmons, NC · On-site
$151K/yr
Responsibilities Design Leadership and Execution Lead industrial design execution for assigned product platforms and NPD programs, ensuring alignment to design intent, user needs, and business ...
Industrial Design Manager
Clemmons, NC · On-site
$151K/yr
Responsibilities Design Leadership and Execution Lead industrial design execution for assigned product platforms and NPD programs, ensuring alignment to design intent, user needs, and business ...
Design Leadership and Execution Lead industrial design execution for assigned product platforms and NPD programs, ensuring alignment to design intent, user needs, and business objectives. Apply and ...
Design Leadership and Execution Lead industrial design execution for assigned product platforms and NPD programs, ensuring alignment to design intent, user needs, and business objectives. Apply and ...
Design Manager
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
$120K/yr
You will be a key leader as the company expands, helping guide design operations and ensure continued success. Key Responsibilities * Produce detailed architectural, fabrication, and shop drawings ...
Design Manager
Pittsburgh, PA · On-site
$120K/yr
You will be a key leader as the company expands, helping guide design operations and ensure continued success. Key Responsibilities * Produce detailed architectural, fabrication, and shop drawings ...
... Design Engineer ... This growth company is a leading valves manufacturer for the military & defense/aerospace industry.
Quick apply
... Design Engineer ... This growth company is a leading valves manufacturer for the military & defense/aerospace industry.
Design Manager
Bentonville, AR · On-site
Leads strategic design program management and creative operations to drive performance, brand consistency, and business impact. This role bridges high-level operational excellence with hands-on ...
Design Manager
Bentonville, AR · On-site
Leads strategic design program management and creative operations to drive performance, brand consistency, and business impact. This role bridges high-level operational excellence with hands-on ...
Senior Design Recruiter
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$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 ...
Senior Design Recruiter
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$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 ...
Design Manager
Bentonville, AR · On-site
Leads strategic design program management and creative operations to drive performance, brand consistency, and business impact. This role bridges high-level operational excellence with hands-on ...
Design Manager
Bentonville, AR · On-site
Leads strategic design program management and creative operations to drive performance, brand consistency, and business impact. This role bridges high-level operational excellence with hands-on ...
Senior Design Recruiter
New York, NY · On-site
$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 ...
Senior Design Recruiter
New York, NY · On-site
$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 ...
This role combines traditional interior design leadership with advanced AI tools to enhance speed, visualization quality, personalization, and overall design efficiency. DIRECTOR OF AI and INTERIOR ...
This role combines traditional interior design leadership with advanced AI tools to enhance speed, visualization quality, personalization, and overall design efficiency. DIRECTOR OF AI and INTERIOR ...
Key Responsibilities Design Leadership & Strategy * Define and drive the creative vision and long-term design strategy for Fine and Demi-Fine Jewelry in alignment with brand, customer, and business ...
Key Responsibilities Design Leadership & Strategy * Define and drive the creative vision and long-term design strategy for Fine and Demi-Fine Jewelry in alignment with brand, customer, and business ...
This role combines design leadership, team management, and strategic development , ensuring the delivery of innovative, high-quality architectural projects while expanding the studio's market ...
Quick apply
This role combines design leadership, team management, and strategic development , ensuring the delivery of innovative, high-quality architectural projects while expanding the studio's market ...
Fabrication Design Manager
Manhattan, NY · Hybrid
You will be a key leader as the company expands, helping guide design operations and ensure continued success. Key Responsibilities * Produce detailed architectural, fabrication, and shop drawings ...
Fabrication Design Manager
Manhattan, NY · Hybrid
You will be a key leader as the company expands, helping guide design operations and ensure continued success. Key Responsibilities * Produce detailed architectural, fabrication, and shop drawings ...
Fabrication Design Manager
Newark, NJ · Hybrid
You will be a key leader as the company expands, helping guide design operations and ensure continued success. Key Responsibilities * Produce detailed architectural, fabrication, and shop drawings ...
Fabrication Design Manager
Newark, NJ · Hybrid
You will be a key leader as the company expands, helping guide design operations and ensure continued success. Key Responsibilities * Produce detailed architectural, fabrication, and shop drawings ...
Design Leader will be responsible for leading the drafting and design for projects while mentoring Designers and Technicians. The Production amp; Design Leader will also be responsible for leading ...
Design Leader will be responsible for leading the drafting and design for projects while mentoring Designers and Technicians. The Production amp; Design Leader will also be responsible for leading ...
You'll partner with leaders in design, product, and engineering teams that lead our Platform, Genuine, and Monetization Growth portfolios. Your primary responsibilities include leading complex, multi ...
You'll partner with leaders in design, product, and engineering teams that lead our Platform, Genuine, and Monetization Growth portfolios. Your primary responsibilities include leading complex, multi ...
This role combines design leadership, team management, and strategic development , ensuring the delivery of innovative, high-quality architectural projects while expanding the studio's market ...
This role combines design leadership, team management, and strategic development , ensuring the delivery of innovative, high-quality architectural projects while expanding the studio's market ...
Design Leadership information
See salary details
$42K - $56.5K
4% of jobs
$56.5K - $71K
8% of jobs
$81.6K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$71K - $85.5K
17% of jobs
The median wage is $99K / yr.
$85.5K - $100K
22% of jobs
$100K - $114.5K
15% of jobs
$114.5K - $129K
6% of jobs
$133.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$129K - $143.5K
7% of jobs
$143.5K - $158K
7% of jobs
$158K - $172.5K
8% of jobs
$172.5K - $187K
2% of jobs
$187K - $201.5K
2% of jobs
$42K
$114.5K
$201.5K
How much do design leadership jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 6, 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.
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:
Full-time
Posted yesterday
Job description
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 marketing and business development activities.
Your Impact:
- Oversees and advocates for the highest quality, innovation, and elevation of design in support of our client's goals and vision.
- Supports the company's mission for client centric design, process, and implementation.
- Supervises a team of designers.
- Oversees design presentations, monitors project design development, and provides design direction and support to ensure firmwide consistency.
- Possesses thorough knowledge of architectural practice with an emphasis on design, building materials, construction methods, integration of engineering disciplines, and building codes/costs.
- Serves as a thought leader in the design industry, participating in professional organizations, outreach, and mentorship of design staff.
- Work collaboratively with firmwide design and thought leaders to support our design culture while bringing ideas to advance our practice.
- Oversee the integration and advancement of firmwide technologies into our design process and outcomes.
- Participates in developing and implementing firmwide design guidelines and standards.
Here's What You'll Need:
- A minimum of 15 years of experience.
- At least a Bachelor of Architecture.
- Must be a Registered Architect (NCARB).
- LEED AP preferred.
- Corporate, educational and/or healthcare experience preferred.
- Strong commitment to customer service.
- Ability to work well under pressure, juggle and prioritize multiple projects and adjust work accordingly, often against tight deadlines.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Understanding of design tool technologies such as REVIT, Rhino, Sketch-up, Generative AI, etc.
- Ability to interact with senior management, external client organizations, and vendors.
- Must be quality minded and self-motivated.