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Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Owais Construction Group

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Manage, develop, and coordinate the District's design process for the Facilities Planning and Development Division to ensure that plans are within functional program, budgetary, environmental and ...

ENGICON CM

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Manage, develop, and coordinate the District's design process for the Facilities Planning and Development Division to ensure that plans are within functional program, budgetary, environmental and ...

MAAS Companies

Design Manager

Monterey Park, CA

$167K - $183K/yr

As Design Manager for A/E Services, you run the design side of that work. You manage and coordinate the District's design process so that every set of plans stays inside the program, the budget, the ...

REVOLVE

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Main purpose of the Design Manager role: This is full-time role for a highly experienced, talented Designer Manager who is driven by and can lead on-trend design and concept. This position will ...

PCL Construction

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA

$183K - $237K/yr

Here's how a Design Manager for our California Buildings office contributes to our team: Responsibilities • Manage team of architects, engineers, and other professionals (City Staff and Consultants ...

PCL Construction

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$183K - $237K/yr

Here's how a Design Manager for our California Buildings office contributes to our team: Responsibilities • Manage team of architects, engineers, and other professionals (City Staff and Consultants ...

MAAS Companies

Design Manager

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$167K - $183K/yr

As Design Manager for A/E Services, you run the design side of that work. You manage and coordinate the District's design process so that every set of plans stays inside the program, the budget, the ...

PCL Construction

Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$183K - $237K/yr

Here's how a Design Manager for our California Buildings office contributes to our team: Responsibilities • Manage team of architects, engineers, and other professionals (City Staff and Consultants ...

MAAS Companies

Design Manager

Monterey Park, CA · On-site

$167K - $183K/yr

As Design Manager for A/E Services, you run the design side of that work. You manage and coordinate the District's design process so that every set of plans stays inside the program, the budget, the ...

Symons Fire Protection, Inc.

Design Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial accountability for the design department. This role focuses on resource planning, departmental profitability ...

New

Symons Fire Protection, Inc

Design Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial accountability for the design department. This role focuses on resource planning, departmental profitability ...

New

Pacific Pros

LAWA Design Manager III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$153K - $180K/yr

Vision insurance Pacific Pros is seeking Design Manager III for Construction Projects to be a representative for Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA). Work Location: LAWA has required the candidates be ...

Pacific Pros

LAWA Design Manager III

CA · On-site

$153K - $180K/yr

Vision insurance Pacific Pros is seeking Design Manager III for Construction Projects to be a representative for Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA). Work Location: LAWA has required the candidates be ...

Apple

Workplace Design Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

Description The Design Manager will lead the design vision on given projects from conception to completion. Minimum Qualifications Bachelorʼs degree in Architecture, Industrial Design, or a related ...

Apple

Workplace Design Manager

San Jose, CA

$178K - $268K/yr

Description The Design Manager will lead the design vision on given projects from conception to completion.","responsibilities":"Guide design direction, timely decision making, and all detailing for ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in California

Design Manager information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$113K

$198.9K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 a design manager?

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?

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.

Is a design manager a stressful job?

A design manager role can be stressful due to responsibilities such as overseeing creative teams, managing project deadlines, and balancing client expectations. The level of stress varies depending on company size, project scope, and workload, but strong organizational and communication skills help manage pressure effectively.
More about Design Manager jobs

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 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,992 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Design Manager

Owais Construction Group

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

Position Description:
  • Plan, organize, and direct the design activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects. Function as the lead design professional in the Design Department providing quality review, implementation of policy and procedures and interface and coordinate with the Division of State Architects (DSA)
  • Manage, develop, and coordinate the District's design process for the Facilities Planning and Development Division to ensure that plans are within functional program, budgetary, environmental and legal requirements
  • Manage multiple projects through interaction with Architects, consultants, and District personnel from project conception, through draft to final review, approval, and handoff to Project Execution
  • Oversee the building design process to ensure compliance with LAUSD's standards and guidelines for the District by working with design professionals and various District administrators to ensure that new and modernized structures meet both educational and
    building standards requirements
  • Establish and follow a process to identify and select the architectural firm best suited for each project based on the firm's qualifications and ability to meet performance standards
  • Provide Architects with clear and consistent direction with regard to goals and objectives, standards, site, schedule, and budget for each project
  • Establish and follow an effective and efficient design review process to ensure that the design meets the overall goals and objectives for the project, providing maximum value for budgeted dollars and appropriate and sustainable in meeting the functional needs of the District, the local community, and the environment
  • Ensure that decisions are made in a timely manner
  • Ensure that all steps within the project are documented and that the documentation meets legal requirements
  • Review design changes submitted to ensure project remains within budget
  • Recommend architectural firm assignment from an established list of pre-qualified architectural firms
  • Participate in community relations and outreach programs to create understanding and acceptance of District building projects design within the community
  • Coordinate with a host of professional staff who support the design function for the District
  • Develop continuing education opportunities, i.e., seminars and workshops, to learn and share up-to-date information on working with architects and contractors
  • Coordinate project activities with other District organizational branches and departments such as the Office of the Environmental Health and Safety, A/E Design Services, Maintenance and Operations, School Occupancy Transitional Unit, Asbestos Technical Unit and Local Districts
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Required Qualifications:
Required Experience:
  • Minimum 10 years full time paid professional experience managing the facilities design, or theplanning and coordination of capital projects that includes the overall design, contractadministration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities
  • 5 years of this experience must be with the design, planning and construction of educationalfacilities or similar public agencies

Required Education:
  • Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering

Preferred Licenses and Certificates:
  • A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Compensation: $170,000.00 - $185,000.00 per year
ABOUT US
ENGICON CM is a construction management company with over 20 years of combined experience. Our team of construction management experts brings together expertise in construction, engineering, architecture, and inspection. Through meticulous coordination, communication, and attention to detail, our construction management team streamlines the construction process, minimizes risks, and delivers exceptional results.
Join Our Team
At ENGICON CM, we value expertise, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Join our team of skilled professionals where you'll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, grow your career, and be part of a collaborative work environment dedicated to achieving success.

Apply