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Design Manager Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Laukoa

Pre-Construction Design Manager

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Pre-Construction Design Manager BUSINESS SERVICE LINE: Pacific Construction REPORTS TO: Construction Program Manager SUMMARY: As a Pre-Construction Design Manager, you will play a critical role in ...

DAWSON

Pre-Construction Design Manager

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Pre-Construction Design Manager BUSINESS SERVICE LINE: Pacific Construction REPORTS TO: Construction Program Manager SUMMARY: As a Pre-Construction Design Manager, you will play a critical role in ...

LAUKOA

Pre-Construction Design Manager

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Pre-Construction Design Manager BUSINESS SERVICE LINE: Pacific Construction REPORTS TO: Construction Program Manager SUMMARY: As a Pre-Construction Design Manager, you will play a critical role in ...

DAWSON

Pre-Construction Design Manager

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Pre-Construction Design Manager BUSINESS SERVICE LINE: Pacific Construction REPORTS TO: Construction Program Manager SUMMARY: As a Pre-Construction Design Manager, you will play a critical role in ...

Laukoa

Pre-Construction Design Manager

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Pre-Construction Design Manager BUSINESS SERVICE LINE: Pacific Construction REPORTS TO: Construction Program Manager SUMMARY: As a Pre-Construction Design Manager, you will play a critical role in ...

Dragados USA

Senior Design Coordinator

Honolulu, HI · On-site

Recommends changes to design manager for consideration. * Coordinates communication between internal and external design partners in a timely and professional manner. * Attends and participates in ...

Dragados

Senior Design Coordinator

Honolulu, HI · On-site

Recommends changes to design manager for consideration. * Coordinates communication between internal and external design partners in a timely and professional manner. * Attends and participates in ...

HDR

Design Coordinator

Honolulu, HI · On-site

From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering ... Strong leadership, communication and relationship management skills * Excellent analytical and ...

HDR

Design Coordinator

Honolulu, HI · On-site

From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering ... Strong leadership, communication and relationship management skills * Excellent analytical and ...

HDR

Design Coordinator

Honolulu, HI · On-site

From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering ... Strong leadership, communication and relationship management skills * Excellent analytical and ...

AECOM

Project Manager - Design Build

Honolulu, HI · On-site

The role will be responsible for managing the scope, schedule, and budget of small to large-scale design projects across the project lifecycle - from conceptual studies to full design and ...

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Design Manager information

See Hawaii salary details

$43.6K

$119K

$209.3K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Hawaii is $118,951.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $149,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 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 degree do you need to be a design manager?

A design manager typically holds a bachelor's degree in design, graphic design, industrial design, or a related field. Many also pursue a master's degree or additional certifications to enhance their skills and qualifications for leadership roles in design teams.

What does a design manager earn?

A design manager's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often oversee design teams, coordinate projects, and use tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, with higher salaries generally associated with larger companies or senior roles.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, executive roles such as Creative Director or Design Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large corporations or agencies. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, product design, and design consulting can also offer high compensation, particularly with extensive experience and advanced skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch.
More about Design Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Hawaii?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Hawaii are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Hawaii?

For Design Manager jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Hawaii look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Hawaii are:

What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities in Hawaii with the most Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,951 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Pre-Construction Design Manager

Honolulu, HI • On-site

Laukoa
See more jobs at Laukoaexternal

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Mahalo for your interest in this role! Please see the full position description below and click Start Your Application when ready.
Salary Range: $140,000-$180,000
JOB TITLE: Pre-Construction Design Manager
BUSINESS SERVICE LINE: Pacific Construction
REPORTS TO: Construction Program Manager
SUMMARY:
As a Pre-Construction Design Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping project success by leading design coordination, constructability analysis, cost planning, and schedule development during the pre-award and early execution phases of construction projects. Leveraging deep knowledge of design-build and design-bid-build delivery methods, you will collaborate closely with owners, designers, estimators, and operations teams to ensure projects are strategically planned, accurately priced, and positioned for efficient execution. Your ability to integrate design intent with construction means and methods will be central to mitigating risk, controlling cost, and achieving client objectives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Pre-Construction Planning and Strategy:
  • Assume a lead role in defining project scope, design intent, and pre-construction objectives in alignment with client requirements and organizational strategy.
  • Direct pre-construction planning efforts, including design development milestones, cost modeling, and schedule sequencing.
  • Evaluate delivery methods (Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, CM-at-Risk) and recommend optimal approaches based on project constraints.
  • Identify technical, schedule, and cost risks early and develop mitigation strategies to support successful project outcomes.
  • Establish pre-construction benchmarks, performance metrics, and deliverables to guide project development.

Design Management and Coordination:
  • Serve as the primary liaison between design consultants, estimating teams, and construction operations during pre-construction.
  • Lead design reviews to ensure alignment with constructability, phasing, safety, and lifecycle cost considerations.
  • Facilitate interdisciplinary coordination meetings to resolve design conflicts and ensure completeness of contract documents.
  • Ensure design packages comply with applicable codes, standards, client requirements, and federal contracting criteria.
  • Oversee value engineering and alternatives analysis to optimize cost, schedule, and performance without compromising quality.

Cost Estimating and Schedule Development:
  • Collaborate with estimating teams to develop conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates throughout design progression.
  • Validate quantities, assumptions, and pricing strategies to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
  • Lead development of pre-construction schedules, including phasing plans, long-lead procurement, and milestone tracking.
  • Support proposal development, including technical narratives, pricing assumptions, and risk registers.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
  • Cultivate strong working relationships with clients, designers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
  • Clearly communicate design status, cost impacts, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership and clients.
  • Prepare and deliver pre-construction reports, presentations, and briefings to support informed decision-making.
  • Proactively manage stakeholder expectations throughout the design and pre-construction lifecycle.

Transition to Construction:
  • Support seamless transition from pre-construction to execution by coordinating handoff of design intent, estimates, schedules, and risk strategies.
  • Participate in early construction planning, procurement strategies, and subcontractor engagement.
  • Provide ongoing design and technical support during early phases of construction as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of demonstrated experience in pre-construction, design management, and estimating complex construction projects, valued at $20M+
  • Strong understanding of federal construction projects, including regulatory, contracting, and compliance requirements.
  • Proven ability to interpret design documents and integrate construction means and methods into planning decisions.
  • Exceptional communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proficiency with estimating tools, scheduling software, and design coordination platforms.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a strategic mindset.
  • Ability to manage multiple pursuits or projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Professional certifications (DBIA, CCM, PE, AIA or similar) are preferred.
  • Must be able to pass background check.
  • Must possess valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Predominantly office-based with site visits during pre-construction and early execution phases.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, or lifting light materials.
  • Moderate noise levels typical of an office or active construction environment.

COMPETENCIES:
  • Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all professional interactions.
  • Upholds the highest ethical standards and organizational values.
  • Exhibits strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and collaborative problem-solving abilities.
  • Exercises sound judgment and decision-making grounded in data and experience.
  • Maintains a strong focus on quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
  • Promotes a culture of safety, risk awareness, and proactive planning.
  • Communicates effectively in writing, presentations, and technical documentation.

We are an Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We offer a best-in-class benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance, and more.
We give preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be given consideration.

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