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Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Design Manager is responsible to help successfully deliver Webcor projects by managing the design process by defining deliverables, scheduling design and defining potential obstacles, and ...

The Design Manager is responsible to help successfully deliver Webcor projects by managing the design process by defining deliverables, scheduling design and defining potential obstacles, and ...

This role will oversee and mentor three Design Managers, ensuring cohesive vision, brand alignment, and executional excellence across all offerings. The ideal candidate brings a strong balance of ...

We are seeking a highly skilled Design Manager to oversee and lead the design process for complex public sector construction projects with budgets exceeding $100 million. The ideal candidate will ...

Design Manager Description Balfour Beatty is seeking a Design Manager to join our team in Orange County. The DM Coordinates and integrates with the owner, the builder and their trades, and the design ...

Design Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site +1

The Design Manager will lead a team in designing solar PV, battery storage, and related systems for various building types, collaborating with engineering and construction teams to deliver efficient ...

The Role The Design Manager will proactively and collaboratively lead integrated teams, made up of both internal and external design and construction professionals, through Suffolk Design's optimized ...

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

This role will oversee and mentor three Design Managers, ensuring cohesive vision, brand alignment, and executional excellence across all offerings. The ideal candidate brings a strong balance of ...

Design Manager

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $155K/yr

The Role The Design Manager will proactively and collaboratively lead integrated teams, made up of both internal and external design and construction professionals, through Suffolk Design's optimized ...

Design Manager

Beverly Hills, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

This role will oversee and mentor three Design Managers, ensuring cohesive vision, brand alignment, and executional excellence across all offerings. The ideal candidate brings a strong balance of ...

They are seeking to add a valued Design Manager to our growing Design and Construction team. Key Responsibilities: * Bridge the gap between the design teams and construction operations * Advocate for ...

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Design Manager information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$113K

$198.9K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager 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 Does a Design Manager in Construction Do?

A design manager oversees a design team during a project and typically works in the construction and architecture industries. As a design manager, you may work for specialty companies that contract out to construction firms on a per-project basis. Or, you may spend your career working as an in-house design manager for a construction company or architect firm. Regardless of the location of your job as a design manager, your duties revolve around supervising the design of a building project and include adhering to legislation and codes, eliminating safety and financial risks, and advising clients during development.

How does a Design Manager typically balance creative vision with project deadlines and client expectations?

A Design Manager is responsible for guiding their team's creative direction while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. This often means carefully prioritizing tasks, setting clear milestones, and communicating regularly with clients and stakeholders to manage expectations. They serve as a bridge between creative teams and project managers, helping to resolve conflicts and maintain a productive workflow. By fostering open collaboration and providing constructive feedback, Design Managers help ensure both the creative vision and practical project requirements are met.

What is the highest paying job in design?

The highest paying roles in design often include Creative Directors, UX Directors, or Design Directors, especially in large corporations or tech companies. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and strategic planning, with salaries reaching six figures or more annually.

How much does a design manager earn?

A design manager's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. Factors such as industry, company size, and skill level in design tools and leadership influence compensation.

What does a designer manager do?

A design manager oversees the design team and guides the development of visual concepts for products, branding, or marketing. They coordinate projects, ensure design quality, and collaborate with other departments, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills are essential for this role.

What are Design Managers?

Design Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design process within a project or organization. They coordinate and lead design teams, ensure design objectives align with business goals, and manage timelines, budgets, and resources. Design Managers often act as a bridge between creative teams and other departments, facilitating communication and ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Their role can span across industries such as architecture, graphic design, product design, and digital media.

What is the difference between Design Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign ManagerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, management experienceBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projectsCreates visual content, works independently or in teams
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, agency, and studio settingsCommon in advertising, publishing, branding

The main difference between a Design Manager and a Graphic Designer lies in their responsibilities and scope. Design Managers oversee design teams and strategic project planning, while Graphic Designers focus on creating visual content. Both roles require relevant design credentials, but Design Managers also need leadership experience. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Manager, you need a strong background in design principles, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field and several years of design experience. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools like Asana or Trello is essential. Exceptional communication, team leadership, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively leading creative teams, delivering high-quality design outcomes, and meeting client or organizational goals.

What is the role of a design manager?

A design manager oversees the design team and guides the development of visual concepts, ensuring projects meet client or company standards. They coordinate with other departments, manage timelines, and often use design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills are essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in California? For Design Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Design Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Manager job openings:
Design Manager

Full-time

Posted 23 hours ago


Job description

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
โ€ข Architecture or similar design major (Interior Design, Architectural Engineering, etc.)
2. Experience / Requirements
โ€ข 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.
โ€ข 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.
โ€ข Proven experience with taking a project from Programming through Construction Administration.
โ€ข Proven collaboration with Clients, Design Consultants, Builders and Subcontractors.
โ€ข Experience in Project Management, Conceptual Estimating / Cost Management and Design Phase Scheduling.
โ€ข Self-starter that thrives on problem-solving.
โ€ข Detail orientation to organize and manage multiple project tasks and projects.
โ€ข Comprehensive working knowledge of design process, including design documentation, inter-disciplinary design coordination, zoning, permitting, sustainability measures and building codes.
3. Professional Interests
โ€ข Strong dedication to multi-disciplinary team environments (e.g., big room).
โ€ข Liaison / Translator between the languages of design and construction.
โ€ข Architectural License, or other applicable design licensure (e.g., RA, CID, PE, etc.). Additional consideration with DBIA certification
โ€ข Design management, contracts, cost, and scheduling.
โ€ข Advanced / Alternative project delivery methods.
โ€ข Emerging initiatives and technologies for design and construction.
4. Software Experience
โ€ข Autodesk Suite - AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, other BIM software.
โ€ข Office365 Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, etc.
โ€ข Bluebeam, ProCore, Primavera P6, Touchplan, JOIN and other collaboration software.
Project Pursuit & Design Phase
โ€ข Assist operating groups with design team selection.
โ€ข Support proposal development with written narratives, visual images, and graphics.
โ€ข Guide the "Winning" strategy during project pursuits.
โ€ข Attend presentation preparations and develop presentation skills.
โ€ข Review A/E scope, contract terms, and lead design fee discussions.
โ€ข Guide the design team through testing program, materials, codes, building systems and constructability.
โ€ข Champion innovation and the best possible project for the customer, within program, quality, budget, schedule, and sustainability constraints.
โ€ข Assist project teams with maintaining design in alignment with Owner approved budget and schedule thru routine reviews.
โ€ข Provide peer reviews and write-ups.
โ€ข Lead meetings and monitoring the Design Decisions Log.
โ€ข Assist with determining functionality and quality of the design team's solution and documents.
โ€ข 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.
โ€ข Manage the flow of information from the client to the design team, and vice versa.
Construction Phase & Post-Construction
โ€ข Regularly attend construction meetings and conduct site walks with design team.
โ€ข Help WT project team with design-related issues during construction.
โ€ข Ensure design team completes their project construction phase and close-out commitments.
Business Development & Professional Growth
โ€ข Support the Design Management initiative through building resource tools.
โ€ข Maintain one professional license and get involved in approved associations.
โ€ข Look for ways to improve our approach to benefit our customers, our build partners and design/trade teammates.
โ€ข Facilitate a healthy integrated team structure and workflow.
โ€ข 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.
โ€ข 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.