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Design Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

As we plan, design, and manage projects that move people and goods from Point A to Point B, we create connections that transform our communities. Every airport, road, bridge, port, or transit project ...

A Structural CAD Manager will perform a variety of tasks which may include CAD team leadership, quality control, management of templates / standards, teaching, supervisory duties, in addition to ...

Job Summary As a Design Studio Manager, you will manage the lifestyle design center and team to serve homebuyers in selecting their home's design finishes. In this role, you will provide exceptional ...

Job Summary As a Design Studio Manager, you will manage the lifestyle design center and team to serve homebuyers in selecting their home's design finishes. In this role, you will provide exceptional ...

The Design Supervisor is responsible for the training and development of the design team, and for ... Manage multiple, simultaneous customer projects through all phases with a high level of accuracy ...

The Design Supervisor is responsible for the training and development of the design team, and for ... Manage multiple, simultaneous customer projects through all phases with a high level of accuracy ...

As a Manager, UX Product Designer for the Deloitte DT-US Product Engineering team, you will be tasked with solving complex challenges through elegant, user-centered design solutions. Our ideal ...

Work with design, research, program management, and product leaders on process for product development * Play lead UX role across multiple products, guiding and mentoring multi-disciplinary UX team ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Manager information

See Kentucky salary details

$36.5K

$99.4K

$175K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Kentucky is $99,439.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $125,100.00 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 Kentucky? The most popular types of Design jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Kentucky? For Design Manager jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Design Manager jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,439 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Pre-Construction Design Manager

Marian Development Group LLC

Louisville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Design Manager leads and oversees the full lifecycle management of third-party design consultants for assigned projects, ensuring alignment of design intent, budget, schedule, and constructability from early concept through Issued for Construction (IFC) documentation and project closing.

This role serves as the central coordinator between WBCS Architecture + Design, external design firms (Architecture, Civil, Structural, MEP, Interior Design, and specialty consultants), general contractors, and internal stakeholders including Development, Estimating, and Operations. The Design Manager is responsible for driving design quality, maintaining adherence to WBCS product standards, and ensuring project deliverables support successful execution.

Primary project types include multifamily housing, assisted living (LIHTC and market rate), and build-to-rent townhome communities.

Essential Functions

  • Design Leadership & Consultant Coordination
  • Consultant & Contractor Collaboration
  • Design Process Management & Oversight
  • Early Planning & Concept Development
  • Budget Alignment & Cost Control
  • Design Reviews, Constructability & Compliance
  • Permitting & Agency Coordination
  • Value Engineering & Design Optimization
  • Schedule Coordination & Project Alignment
  • Standards, Documentation & Tools

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of experience in design management, architecture, engineering coordination, or preconstruction.

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.

  • Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination across architectural and engineering disciplines.
  • Experience working closely with general contractors and understanding of construction execution.
  • Experience with multifamily, assisted living, or residential product types strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in design and construction tools such as Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong knowledge of building codes, permitting processes, and construction methods.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Key Competencies

  • Leadership & Accountability
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making
  • Attention to Detail
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Adaptability & Change Management

About Company:

Founded in 1997, The Marian Group is a full-service real estate development & construction firm based in Louisville, KY. The company's offerings include extensive expertise across product lines with a concentration on affordable and market-rate multifamily development and Affordable Assisted Living.

Marian is a company devoted to three things: People, Neighborhoods and Community. This means every project we touch has to impact the lives of those it serves and spark positive change for the community as a whole. That's what sets us apart and gets us up in the morning. We're a team of thinkers, developers, and builders that lives in the communities in which we work. Our mission is to create quality living options for our residents, and we strive to make sure every project we undertake embodies our Core Values: Purpose Driven, Innovative, Compassion & Team-Work.

At Marian, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual can thrive, grow, and make meaningful contributions. Our comprehensive benefit package reflects this commitment. We are proud to offer all of our Full-Time employees the below benefits:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, Dental & Vision
  • Company paid Life Insurance
  • Company paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • In-house Gym
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Program

The Marian Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the policy of providing equal employment opportunities for training, compensation, transfer, promotion, and other aspects of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact The Marian Group at 502-297-8130 to ask for an accommodation, alternative application process or other inquires.