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Design Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Gas Design Manager

Red Wing, MN · On-site

$97K - $138K/yr

Manages highly skilled technical groups with responsibility for adherence to corporate design and quality standards. * Develops leadership, selects and retains a multi-functional, diversified, well ...

Gas Design Manager

Waite Park, MN · On-site

$97K - $138K/yr

Manages highly skilled technical groups with responsibility for adherence to corporate design and quality standards. * Develops leadership, selects and retains a multi-functional, diversified, well ...

Gas Design Manager

Faribault, MN · On-site

$97K - $138K/yr

Manages highly skilled technical groups with responsibility for adherence to corporate design and quality standards. * Develops leadership, selects and retains a multi-functional, diversified, well ...

Gas Design Manager

Mankato, MN · On-site

$97K - $138K/yr

Manages highly skilled technical groups with responsibility for adherence to corporate design and quality standards. * Develops leadership, selects and retains a multi-functional, diversified, well ...

Overview National Award-Winning Engineering Firm is seeking a highly motivated Bridge Design Manager who is responsible for the growth and success of the bridge practice within the firm to lead and ...

The CAD Manager role is a hands-on leadership position responsible for overseeing a team of CAD Designers while supporting engineering projects. This person will guide standards, improve processes ...

The CAD Manager role is a hands-on leadership position responsible for overseeing a team of CAD Designers while supporting engineering projects. This person will guide standards, improve processes ...

The Experience Design Manager is responsible for designing, operationalizing, and continuously improving differentiated client experiences aligned to enterprise CX strategy. This role translates ...

We're seeking a dynamic Design Manager to join our team in Brooklyn Center, MN . In this role, you'll lead and inspire a talented CAD team, ensuring every design is precise, consistent, and fully ...

CAD Manager

Eden Prairie, MN · Hybrid

$120K/yr

ENR Top 500 Firm We have a CAD Manager position available in our Eden Prairie, MN office. This candidate will be responsible for technically leading a CAD department of CAD Designers who do most of ...

CAD Manager

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$120K/yr

ENR Top 500 Firm We have a CAD Manager position available in our Eden Prairie, MN office. This candidate will be responsible for technically leading a CAD department of CAD Designers who do most of ...

Design Manager - Q3C MN

Little Canada, MN · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Q3 Contracting is seeking an experienced and motivated Design Manager to join our team in Little Canada, MN . This role will support operations and design leadership in the successful planning ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$41.1K

$112.1K

$197.4K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Minnesota is $112,134.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $141,000.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Design jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Minnesota? For Design Manager jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Design Manager jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,134 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Gas Design Manager

Gas Design Manager

Xcel Energy

Red Wing, MN • On-site

$97K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Xcel Energy rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.

Position Summary
This position provides supervision and leadership while directing design activities for the gas and/or electric distribution system by dispersed groups of Designers to ensure customer expectations for service are met. Accountable for innovative and cost effective designs, technical matter expertise, and in-depth technical support services to construction and operations teams for gas and/or electric distribution systems. Responsible for balancing customer needs while maintaining Xcel Delivery standards and administrative guidelines (electric and gas where applicable), and to ensure consistent and accurate use of design and work management tools and processes.
Essential Responsibilities

  • Provides leadership and overall direction for distribution design activities which may include planning and budgeting related to distribution capital projects and support of construction and operations departments. Manages highly skilled technical groups with responsibility for adherence to corporate design and quality standards.

  • Develops leadership, selects and retains a multi-functional, diversified, well-trained, motivated and empowered workforce. Promotes employee involvement in continuous learning, career planning and enhancing job/industry knowledge and skills.

  • Responsible for effective, efficient and competitive utilization of design resources, with emphasis on safety, timeliness, cost-containment, system reliability, customer satisfaction, optimal asset utilization and compliance with regulations.

  • Establishes the Unit's business plan, goals and objectives in line with corporate and business unit strategic goals and initiatives. Provide feedback and direction to employees utilizing the Corporate Management System to ensure that business unit goals

  • Actively participate in formal company efforts to streamline processes, maintain and improve safety goals, meet customer expectations, and reduce costs. Informally, work within group to determine and implement best practices. Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with other business units and departments to ensure staff and customers receive information that is current, accurate and meets their expectations. 13

  • Provide mentoring and training to new hires, and existing designers, using the established Skill Based programs and other training resources.

  • Share responsibility for after hours "On-Call" duty. Assist in storm restoration efforts by troubleshooting and prioritizing outages, mobilizing design resources into the field for crew assistance and visual inspections and ensure public safety.

  • Assist in jurisdictional or operating area functions as needed


Minimum Requirements

  • Minimum of 7 years electric and/or gas distribution design experience (preferably from design, engineering, construction, or operations) required OR Bachelors degree in electrical or mechanical engineering with three or more years of electric and/or gas distribution experience.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $97,600.00 to $138,600.00 per yearThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 06/02/26

EEO is the Law |EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.


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About Xcel Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Xcel Energy is a prominent electricity and natural gas service provider serving multiple states in the United States, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Our commitment revolves around delivering essential services to our valued customers. As a trailblazer in the industry, we were the first major US electricity provider with a visionary goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and an ambitious 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on 2005 levels. Through innovative electric vehicle initiatives, we actively contribute to carbon reduction not only in our electricity generation but also in the transportation sector within the states we operate. Simultaneously, we remain devoted to ensuring cost-effectiveness for our customers by implementing advanced electricity rates and energy efficiency programs.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1909