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Design Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in design management, preconstruction planning, and stakeholder coordination. A Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field ...

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in design management, preconstruction planning, and stakeholder coordination. A Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field ...

Implements and monitors compliance with the Webcor Design Management Plan. * Manages design coordinators and maintains design processes. * Defines, schedules, and monitors the quality of design ...

Implements and monitors compliance with the Webcor Design Management Plan. * Manages design coordinators and maintains design processes. * Defines, schedules, and monitors the quality of design ...

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Assist in, and potentially lead project pursuits, including management of the overall design RFQ and RFP response, development of the GMP, and management / coordination of team ...

Minimum Qualifications Bachelorʼs degree in Architecture, Industrial Design, or a related field 10+ years of proven design management experience working with internal and external cross-functional ...

Design Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Assist in, and potentially lead project pursuits, including management of the overall design RFQ and RFP response, development of the GMP, and management/coordination of team ...

Design Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Provides management of project logistics, organization, and safety * Ensures project closeout to ... Experience in design and design management of major K-14 or higher education projects is required ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Management information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$113K

$198.9K

How much do design management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for design management in California is $112,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $142,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Design Management vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign ManagementGraphic Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, business, or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, collaborates with clients and stakeholdersCreates visual content, works independently or in teams, often in design studios or agencies
Industry UsageUsed across industries to manage design projects and teamsPrimarily in advertising, branding, publishing, and digital media

Design Management involves overseeing design projects and teams, focusing on strategy and coordination, while Graphic Designers create visual content directly. Both roles require design knowledge, but Design Managers focus on leadership and project oversight, whereas Graphic Designers focus on creating visuals.

Is design management a good career?

Design management is a professional role that involves overseeing design teams and projects, combining skills in design, leadership, and communication. It offers opportunities in industries such as technology, advertising, and product development, often requiring knowledge of design tools and project management methodologies. The career can be rewarding for those interested in creative leadership and strategic planning.

What can you do with a design management degree?

A design management degree prepares individuals to oversee creative projects, coordinate teams, and align design strategies with business goals. Graduates can work as design managers, project leads, or brand strategists, often utilizing skills in project management, communication, and design tools. The degree supports roles in industries such as advertising, product development, and corporate branding.

What do design managers do?

Design managers oversee design teams and coordinate projects to ensure creative goals are met within deadlines and budgets. They collaborate with stakeholders, provide strategic direction, and often use tools like Adobe Creative Suite or project management software. Strong leadership, communication, and understanding of design processes are essential for this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Design Management jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Management job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,992 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description


Provide experienced leadership of Comprehensive Design Services for advanced/alternative design and construction delivery contracts. Design Managers partner with designated project and discipline leads from the design and construction teams to ensure design is fully integrated into the overall execution of a design excellence project. From project inception through completion, the Design Manager guides all design decisions to maintain program requirements, schedule, budget, quality commitments and customer delight as well as facilitating team coordination, constructability, and design quality reviews.
1. College Degree
• Architecture or similar design major (Interior Design, Architectural Engineering, etc.)
2. Experience / Requirements
• At least 5 years post-college experience in Design, Construction and/or Program / Project Management. A graduate architect (5-year degree) with a minimum of 3 years' experience working for design firms may be considered.
• Experience with an Architectural/Interiors Design Firm, Design-Builder and/or, General Contractor strongly recommended. Preference is exposure to both design and construction outside of college.
• Proven experience with taking a project from Programming through Construction Administration.
• Proven collaboration with Clients, Design Consultants, Builders and Subcontractors.
• Experience in Project Management, Conceptual Estimating / Cost Management and Design Phase Scheduling.
• Self-starter that thrives on problem-solving.
• Detail orientation to organize and manage multiple project tasks and projects.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of design process, including design documentation, inter-disciplinary design coordination, zoning, permitting, sustainability measures and building codes.
3. Professional Interests
• Strong dedication to multi-disciplinary team environments (e.g., big room).
• Liaison / Translator between the languages of design and construction.
• Architectural License, or other applicable design licensure (e.g., RA, CID, PE, etc.). Additional consideration with DBIA certification
• Design management, contracts, cost, and scheduling.
• Advanced / Alternative project delivery methods.
• Emerging initiatives and technologies for design and construction.
4. Software Experience
• Autodesk Suite - AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, other BIM software.
• Office365 Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, etc.
• Bluebeam, ProCore, Primavera P6, Touchplan, JOIN and other collaboration software.
Project Pursuit & Design Phase
• Assist operating groups with design team selection.
• Support proposal development with written narratives, visual images, and graphics.
• Guide the "Winning" strategy during project pursuits.
• Attend presentation preparations and develop presentation skills.
• Review A/E scope, contract terms, and lead design fee discussions.
• Guide the design team through testing program, materials, codes, building systems and constructability.
• Champion innovation and the best possible project for the customer, within program, quality, budget, schedule, and sustainability constraints.
• Assist project teams with maintaining design in alignment with Owner approved budget and schedule thru routine reviews.
• Provide peer reviews and write-ups.
• Lead meetings and monitoring the Design Decisions Log.
• Assist with determining functionality and quality of the design team's solution and documents.
• Track follow-up items for design team action and information needed from WT, subcontractors, vendors and/or the client to keep the design moving forward.
• Manage the flow of information from the client to the design team, and vice versa.
Construction Phase & Post-Construction
• Regularly attend construction meetings and conduct site walks with design team.
• Help WT project team with design-related issues during construction.
• Ensure design team completes their project construction phase and close-out commitments.
Business Development & Professional Growth
• Support the Design Management initiative through building resource tools.
• Maintain one professional license and get involved in approved associations.
• Look for ways to improve our approach to benefit our customers, our build partners and design/trade teammates.
• Facilitate a healthy integrated team structure and workflow.
• Facilitate day-to-day activities of how a Design Manager sustain trust between themselves and all design, construction and owner team members and create an environment of idea sharing, fairness, inclusion, diversity of thought and professionalism.
• Participating in regional and national professional organizations.
Travel
The Design Management Group has been developed around managing the development and execution of the design team's efforts and bridge/balance between design and construction. To that end, travel will occur during pursuit, design and construction phases. Travel isn't typical for extended periods of time, but from time to time that might be necessary if required by the project requirements and/or Client. Any other conditions will be spelled out in an official offer letter or clearly explained as future potential promotions which are granted at the discretion of Whiting-Turner Management.