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Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Greenridge Group

Design Manager III

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager III to lead the design oversight for the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh Program at LAX. This high-visibility role supports major terminal improvements focused on ...

Ford Motor Company

Exterior Design Manager

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Design Manager reports to a Chief Designer and is responsible for creating and developing future model exterior/interior vehicle design proposals from concept to production release in both two ...

The Greenridge Group

Design Manager III

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager III to lead the design oversight for the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh Program at LAX. This high-visibility role supports major terminal improvements focused on ...

Ford Motor Company

Exterior Design Manager

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$127K - $239K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Design Manager reports to a Chief Designer and is responsible for creating and developing future model exterior/interior vehicle design proposals from concept to production release in both two ...

The Greenridge Group

Design Manager III

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager III to lead the design oversight for the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh Program at LAX. This high-visibility role supports major terminal improvements focused on ...

Pacific Pros

LAWA Design Manager III T7 & T8

Aliso Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$153K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 T7 & T8

Aliso Viejo, CA ยท On-site

$153K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

ENGICON CM

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Campos EPC

EIC Design Manager

CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

* Support Project Managers and Engineers on a daily basis with design, drafting and mapping deliverables within the expectations of work quality, schedule, and budget. * Work with Project Managers and ...

Clark Pacific

Preconstruction Design Manager

West Sacramento, CA

$160K - $200K/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Clark Pacific is seeking a Preconstruction / Design Integration Manager to lead and coordinate design-phase and preconstruction efforts for Design-Build projects. This role ensures alignment across ...

Clark Pacific

Preconstruction Design Manager

West Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Clark Pacific is seeking a Preconstruction / Design Integration Manager to lead and coordinate design-phase and preconstruction efforts for Design-Build projects. This role ensures alignment across ...

Owais Construction Group

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Bergelectric

Design Manager (Electrical)

Escondido, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The Electrical Design Manager is responsible for supporting our internal processes associated with Design Build and Design Assist projects, including efforts during the pursuit phase to help us win ...

STV Incorporated

Design Manager - Aviation

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

STV is seeking an experienced Design Manager - Aviation to join our national aviation team. This position will be onsite at our client location in Los Angeles, California. This position will oversee ...

Mattel

Product Design Manager - Barbie Design

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$201K/yr

As a Barbie Product Design Manager , you will have the unique opportunity to be part of a team of visionary designers on a journey to shape the future of Barbie, while igniting the imaginations of ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 III

The Greenridge Group

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Greenridge Group is a prime contractor and consulting firm specializing in Project and Construction Management for major public-sector agencies.
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager III to lead the design oversight for the Terminal 7 & 8 Refresh Program at LAX. This high-visibility role supports major terminal improvements focused on resiliency, sustainability, and enhanced passenger experience. The selected candidate will oversee architectural and engineering design activities across multiple disciplines and ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with LAWA standards.
Salary Range: $165K/Year-$180K/Year - Dependent on Candidate's Qualifications
Key Responsibilities:
  • Overseeing review and approval of architectural and engineering design deliverables
  • Acting as technical liaison between developers, design-build teams, SMEs, and project leadership
  • Managing design comment resolution and enforcing review procedures
  • Supporting scope management and design consistency across disciplines (Arch, Structural, MEP, Civil, Utilities, IT)
  • Monitoring compliance with LAWA standards and design guidelines
  • Overseeing BIM production and coordinating with LAWA Central BIM (cBIM)
  • Supporting permitting processes and agency coordination
  • Reviewing scope changes and ensuring project alignment
  • Preparing technical briefings and supporting Board and Steering Committee meetings
  • Ensuring design reviews are completed on time and within budget

Requirements
Experience
  • 15+ years of design management experience
  • Experience managing large, complex building projects ($100M+)
  • Strong aviation/airport terminal design experience REQUIRED
  • Experience with multiple delivery methods:
    • Design-Bid-Build
    • Design+CMAR
    • Design-Build
Technical Knowledge
  • Strong understanding of airport terminal operations:
    • Passenger processing
    • Baggage systems
    • Airline operations
    • Aircraft/apron requirements
  • Familiarity with BIM coordination and execution plans
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam
  • CAD or Revit experience is a plus
Education
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field (Required)
  • Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer strongly preferred
Personal Attributes
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized
  • Strong communicator across technical levels
  • Proactive, solution-driven mindset
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-profile airport environment

Benefits
We offer one of the most competitive benefit packages in the industry. Our benefits provide a level of personal care and support that only Greenridge can delivery for you and your family's well-being.
  • Medical, Dental & Vision: 100% employer-paid monthly premiums for employees and 50% coverage for dependents under our company-sponsored plan*
  • Life Insurance: Company-paid coverage up to $50,000
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrues up to 80 hours per year with increased accrual based on tenure
  • Sick Leave: 10 days of paid sick leave annually - well above the average of 5-6 days offered by most firms
  • Holidays: 9 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and a paid day off for your BIRTHDAY!!!
  • 401(k): Company match up to 4% (100% of the first 3%, 50% of the next 2%)
  • Education Support: Assistance with tuition, licenses, and professional certifications
  • Referral Bonus: Highest employee referral program of $5,000-$10,000 depending on level of hire
  • Extra Paid Leave: For jury duty, bereavement leave, and voting time for local/state/federal elections
  • Client Shutdown Days: Additional paid days off when client offices are closed
  • Equipment: Laptop provided as needed
  • Cell Phone Stipend: $100 monthly stipend for eligible roles

Why Join Greenridge?
  • Be part of trusted leader in delivering impactful public sector projects.
  • Play a meaningful role in shaping safe, modern, high-quality school environments.
  • Join a team of experienced professionals dedicated to public infrastructure excellence.

The Greenridge Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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