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Design Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Northern Impact

Bridge Design Manager

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

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 ...

Automationtechies

CAD Manager

Hopkins, MN · 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 ...

Automationtechies

CAD Manager

Hopkins, MN · 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 ...

RSM

Experience Design Manager- CX

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$121K/yr

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

UFP Industries

Design Manager - CAD

Brooklyn Center, MN

$85K - $100K/yr

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 ...

Wunderlich-Malec

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 ...

Wunderlich-Malec

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 ...

Primoris

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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All JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Minnesota

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 11, 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 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.
More about Design Manager jobs
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:
Design Manager jobs near you
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.
Sr. Project Design Manager

Sr. Project Design Manager

Cushman & Wakefield

Minneapolis, MN

$95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 153 rated real estate companies

Job description

Job Title

Sr. Project Design Manager

Job Description Summary

The Senior Design Manager's role is the primary point of contact for their assigned account(s) regarding Space Planning & Design, Data Management, FF&E, and Moves; lead the development of workplace strategy and standards, and provide general oversight of and support for design team members.

Job Description

Responsibilities:
Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and support on design projects from initial sketch through start of construction
Develop and manage team project timelines, budgets, standards, varying complexity of projects, and resource allocation.
Generates monthly metrics reports for SLA's and KPI's identified within the contract
Support Project Designers and Project Design Managers in quality review of design deliverables.
Ensures that all new processes and design standards are communicated to Project Designers and implemented within documentation
Review and confirm all preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety, and applicable code requirements
Review selection and specifications of furniture, fixtures, equipment, and millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description to meet clients' requirements
Provide on-going training to team, related to space planning & design, program management and FF&E services
Support with creation, implementation and managing Revit templates and design assets.
Develops client workplace standards; recommends new standards and looks for continued improvements to the client workplace design
Interfaces with client to develop new workplace strategies and define processes for design team members
Support leading interior design effort of special or more complex projects.
Contribute experience to the interior environment with knowledge and skills about space planning, interior building materials and finishes; casework, furniture, furnishings, and equipment; lighting; acoustics; wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior.
Work independently or with minor oversight to perform assignments including conceptual design, schematic design, design development, space planning and construction documentation
Oversees and helps to direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc.
Participate in internal and consultant meetings
Provide extensive and rapid-fire knowledge of FF&E vendors and resources to the team

Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from a CIDA or NAAB accredited institution in Architecture or Interior Design.
10+ years of professional design experience
5+ years of experience managing and mentoring design team
5+ years of Revit experience in a professional setting
Demonstrates proficiency in architectural drawings, concepts & design
Experienced in contributing to budgets, managing vendor relationships and supporting procurement processes
Excellent time management, communication, collaboration, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, in addition to the ability to work independently
Must be able to lead a team effort, and delegate work to all team members to enable them to work independently
Able to build strong relationships with internal and external partners to deliver effective services
Project Goals. Understand, document, and confirm the client's and stakeholders' goals and objectives, including design outcomes, space needs, project budget, and needs for specific or measurable outcomes.
Data Collection: Collect data from client and stakeholders by engaging in programming, surveys, focus groups, charrette exercises, and benchmarking to maximize design outcomes and occupant satisfaction.


Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 80,750.00 - $95,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or emailAccommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

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