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Design Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Design Manager

Red Wing, MN ยท On-site

$95 - $147/hr

Design Manager Full Time Regular EE Professional Red Wing, MN, US 2 Attachments 13 days ago Requisition ID: 1442 Salary Range: $94,764.80 To $146,868.80 Annually Goodhue County is seeking qualified ...

Design Manager

New Brighton, MN ยท On-site

$131K - $196K/yr

APi Group is seeking a highly motivated Corporate Development Manager to support the execution of APi Group's strategic growth objectives through mergers and acquisitions. This position plays a ...

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 ...

CAD Manager

Hopkins, MN ยท On-site

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 ...

CAD Manager

Hopkins, MN ยท On-site

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 ...

CAD Manager

Eden Prairie, MN ยท 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 ...

CAD Manager

Eden Prairie, MN ยท 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 ...

Additionally, the Game Design Manager is considered the central point of contact for the TCG Design + Development team, ensuring that information is being delivered to the team from vertical ...

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Design Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$41.1K

$112.1K

$197.4K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

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

The most popular types of Design 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,134 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Design Manager

County-of-Goodhu

Red Wing, MN โ€ข On-site

$95 - $147/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Design Manager

Full Time Regular EE Professional Red Wing, MN, US 2 Attachments

13 days ago Requisition ID: 1442

Salary Range: $94,764.80 To $146,868.80 Annually

Goodhue County is seeking qualified candidates for the Design Manager position. The Design Manager is responsible to serve as the right-of-way manager, acquire right-of -way, and perform tasks related to the Departmentโ€™s ownership of public lands; manage the design, preliminary engineering, and plan development for construction projects; participate in the annual in-service bridge inspections; assist Department Management in preparing several programs, assist with the duties of the Engineering Technicians, and perform other duties as assigned.

  • Bachelors of Science degree in Civil Engineering, including the successful passing of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
  • or a 2-year degree in Civil Engineering Technology and eight years of design experience related to highway and bridge construction.
  • This position will also require becoming a Notary Public within six months of hire.

Compensation

County employees receive generous compensation and benefits. The Design Manager is compensated at salary grade 117 (full range: $94,764.80- $146,868.80). Starting compensation is dependent upon qualifications.

The County's comprehensive benefit package includes medical and dental insurance, health savings account, employer paid life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, vacation and sick leave and 13 paid holidays per year. County employees are eligible for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

  • medical and dental insurance
  • health savings account
  • employer paid life insurance
  • short and long-term disability insurance
  • pre-tax flexible spending accounts
  • retirement plan
  • tax-deferred compensation
  • vacation and sick leave
  • 13 paid holidays per year
  • County employees are eligible for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

At Goodhue County we embrace diversity and equality in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Creating a culture of Equality isnโ€™t just the right thing to do, itโ€™s also the smart thing.

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