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Design Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Stellantis

Design Manager

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

The Design Manager is responsible for creating both production and advanced exterior design proposals while demonstrating exceptional design intuition, strong presentation and design communication ...

Stellantis

Design Manager

Auburn Hills, MI

The Design Manager is responsible for creating both production and advanced exterior design proposals while demonstrating exceptional design intuition, strong presentation and design communication ...

Marquee Arts

Graphic Design Manager

Ann Arbor, MI

The Michigan & State Theaters are seeking a highly creative, concept-driven Graphic Design Manager to shape visual campaigns for films, live performances, festivals, fundraising, and cultural events.

Abonmarche Consultants

CAD Manager

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site +1

The CAD Manager may be located in any of our office locations. Although this position is advertised in multiple locations, only one position is available. Job Summary: A CAD Manager oversees the ...

Abonmarche Consultants, INC

CAD Manager

Grand Haven, MI · On-site +1

The CAD Manager may be located in any of our office locations. Although this position is advertised in multiple locations, only one position is available. Job Summary: A CAD Manager oversees the ...

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All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Michigan

Design Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$36.6K

$99.8K

$175.6K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Michigan is $99,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $125,500.00 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 Michigan?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Michigan are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Design Manager job openings:

Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,790 per year, or $48 per hour.

Design Manager

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Stellantis
IT Services

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 45 rated automakers

Good employer

Recommended by students

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Learn more about Stellantisexternal

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Design Manager is responsible for creating both production and advanced exterior design proposals while demonstrating exceptional design intuition, strong presentation and design communication skills. Design assignments will range from complete exterior bodies to singular components such as front/rear end designs, wheels, exterior lighting and graphics/badging. The Design Manager must be able to manage and self-lead projects from start to finish by identifying appropriate themes and research that conveys the spirit of each vehicle brand. The Design Manager must be able to work with the necessary cross functional teams in order to achieve program targets and deadlines.
We're looking for people who thrive in a fast-paced environment, deliver as a way of life and are inspired to make a positive impact. Team members are expected to establish effective working relationships, founded on trust and transparency, with our internal and external partners. Sound judgment, excellent communication skills and the ability to drive decisions through consensus and influence change are a must.
Basic Qualifications:
  • A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial, Product or Automotive Design
  • A minimum of 8 years of automotive interior product design experience
  • Working knowledge of Alias, Illustrator, and Photoshop Ability to create both production and advanced design proposals while demonstrating exceptional design intuition
  • Ability to artistically represent 2-D and 3-D concepts using a wide variety of presentation techniques, including manual/digital sketching, ALIAS, Photoshop and/or similar programs
  • Experience with manual and digital sketching
  • Strong presentation and design communication skills
  • Must possess an exceptional awareness of the global state of automotive design concepts and emerging design trends

Portfolio Requirements:
This position requires a portfolio be submitted with your application. Applications will not be processed without meeting this requirement. Please ensure your portfolio meets the following requirements:
  • Your portfolio should represent your skills as it pertains to the position to which you're applying
  • Your most current work should be presented first and displayed in descending order of most current to oldest
  • When appropriate, provide a brief description of your contributions to work that is submitted for review. (i.e.: if a full model is presented, provide explanation to explain you were responsible for the full model or that your involvement was limited to specific areas of the model)
  • Although depictions of your professional work are needed, you're also welcome to submit work you've accomplished on a personal basis; however, the two should be separated and kept in separate sections of the portfolio
  • When naming your portfolio, please use the following naming convention: Lastname-firstname-portfolio.pdf

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