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Design Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Interstates

Design Manager- Energy

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

The Design Manager supports client/owner relationships and leads design teams through projects from pursuit through commissioning and support. This role advocates for client/owner requirements and ...

Interstates

Design Manager- Energy

Sioux Center, IA

$93K - $128K/yr

The Design Manager supports client/owner relationships and leads design teams through projects from pursuit through commissioning and support. This role advocates for client/owner requirements and ...

Tri-City Group

Senior Designer/Design Manager

Davenport, IA · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Senior Designer/Design Manager will be responsible for producing design-related documents to ensure the scope of the fire protection system is fully communicated to our installation personnel.

Tri-City Group

Senior Designer/Design Manager

Davenport, IA · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Senior Designer/Design Manager will be responsible for producing design-related documents to ensure the scope of the fire protection system is fully communicated to our installation personnel.

LCS

Project Architect (Design Manager)

Des Moines, IA

$113K - $141K/yr

The Project Architect (Design Manager) is a architect, who will manage LCS Development projects. Ensuring functionality, pleasing design, and compliance. Responsibilities include assisting with ...

LCS

Project Architect (Design Manager)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$113K - $141K/yr

The Project Architect (Design Manager) is a architect, who will manage LCS Development projects. Ensuring functionality, pleasing design, and compliance. Responsibilities include assisting with ...

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All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Iowa

Design Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$39.4K

$107.5K

$189.3K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Iowa is $107,537.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $135,300.00 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 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.
More about Design Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Design jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Iowa? For Design Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Design Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Design Manager job openings:
Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,537 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Design Manager- Energy

Design Manager- Energy

Interstates

Sioux Center, IA • On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Interstates rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Take Charge of Your Career at Interstates
At Interstates, we don't just show up to work, we show up for each other. From our headquarters in Iowa to job sites across the country, we're doing award-winning electrical, controls, automation, and OT work that powers industrial facilities for clients here in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you're bending conduit, wiring panels, writing code, supporting projects, or helping things run behind the scenes, you'll be part of a crew that works hard, shares laughs, and takes pride in doing quality work. We believe in building strong teams, doing the right thing, and making a difference in the communities where we live. If you want to grow and do meaningful work, you'll feel at home here.
The Design Manager supports client/owner relationships and leads design teams through projects from pursuit through commissioning and support. This role advocates for client/owner requirements and delivers constructable design packages across several design disciplines. The Design Manager serves as a technical leader and design decision maker internally and externally, owning the quality and satisfactory delivery of design scope, with a strong emphasis on power and distribution systems, including medium-voltage applications when applicable.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Supports client/owner relationships and project pursuits through presentations, technical discussions, and design input.
  • Reviews project information, develops concept designs, defines design scope, and supports proposals and estimating efforts.
  • Serves as the primary client/owner contact for design parameters, technical questions, and problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Maintains client/owner relationships through regular check-ins during and outside of active projects.
  • Collaborates with the Project Manager to define goals, develop schedules, manage issues, and communicate progress across multiple projects.
  • Leads and coordinates the design team to deliver constructable, code-compliant, and budget-conscious design packages.
  • Provides technical leadership, mentors team members, reviews design efforts, and identifies resource or skill gaps.
  • Ensures quality of all design deliverables through internal reviews, audits, and alignment with client expectations.
  • Supports Construction Administration and maintains client relationships during and between active projects.
  • Develops construction drawings and specifications for electrical installation, interconnection, control, and power distribution systems, including medium-voltage applications where applicable.
  • Applies knowledge of installation, startup, and commissioning of MV systems and equipment, including microprocessor-based relays.
  • Must have knowledge of electrical terminology and components, electrical symbols, and the National Electric Code (NEC).
  • Ensures compliance with applicable codes and standards, including NEC and UL requirements.
  • Coordinates with Engineers, Estimators, Superintendents, CAD Operators, and other trades to communicate project details and resolve issues.
  • Monitors project performance, communicates deviations and risks, and escalates concerns as needed.
  • Uses sound judgment, attention to detail, and prioritization skills to manage competing deadlines.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Preference given to those with experience in power generation, relaying, and/or engineering.
Education and/or Experience: A Design Manager must have expertise in one or more electrical design disciplines and working knowledge of related industrial, power, and utility systems. Typically, the Design Manager must have at least four years of experience working directly with clients/owners on design projects.
What We Offer:
  • Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
  • Engaged, collaborative teams and a culture focused on innovation and quality.
  • Support for licensure, continuing education, and professional development.
  • Inclusive environment with competitive benefits.

Travel: Travel will vary according to business requirements. Travel is expected as project needs arise but will likely be less than 35% overnight travel.
Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Compensation: The pay range for this position is $93,100 to $128,030+ benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by the experience and education required, and level of responsibility. The range posted for this role represents a range that Interstates, in good faith, believes it is willing to pay at the time of this posting. The pay is determined by job related skills, training, education, and experience.
Application End Date: July 30, 2026
In alignment with Colorado state regulations, we encourage interested candidates to submit their applications by July 30, 2026. This will ensure your application is considered in the initial review process. Applications received after this date may be considered depending on the status of the search.
Interstates Describes Its Culture as: Family-Like:
  • Caring co-workers treat each other like family
  • Be treated like an individual, not just a number
  • Flexible schedules allow you to focus on your personal life as well as work-life
  • Lunch gatherings and social activities promotes fun and camaraderie
  • Support charities and your community through events sponsored and hosted by Interstates

Benefits:
  • Competitive Pay so you know you are valued
  • 401(k) to help you plan for your future
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance with different options to meet your needs
  • Vacation so you can focus on you
  • Performance Bonus
  • Established Career Paths to help plan your future
  • Career Coaches that are focused on your success

What You Should Know Before You Apply
Interstates may collect personal information as part of your job application, such as your contact details, work history, education, and any information you provide. This information is used only for recruitment, to evaluate your candidacy, and to meet legal requirements. For details about our privacy practices and your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please see our Privacy Policy. By applying, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this notice.
Interstates is an EEO provider and offers a drug-free workplace. Employment at Interstates is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without notice or cause, except as otherwise provided by law.

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