1

Design Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Design Supervisor

Anoka, MN · On-site

$62K - $116K/yr

Manage day-to-day operations of the CAD department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely project completion. YOU HAVE: * Associate or Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience. * Ideally 8+ years of ...

Utilize the Autodesk Vault document management solution to maintain the project files' revision ... Working together with hardware design engineers and panel shop technicians to finish projects in ...

Manage drawings and documents to align with technical and business requirements while adhering to schedules. * Design plant layouts, equipment stack-ups, and demolition layouts. * Utilize design ...

New

Delivering an exceptional Design and Quote across all customer needs for assigned customers, working with Regional Sales Manager, Customer Experience and Product Design & Quote staff and other ...

Staff Product Designer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

$197K/yr

As an individual contributor, you will bring strong influence and deep expertise, partnering closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Design Leadership to solve complex business and user ...

Sr Dsgn,Packaging Design

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$84K - $140K/yr

You will gather project data from Smurfit Westrock sales, project managers and customers, create designs in the Computer Assisted Design (CAD) program, solicit and incorporate customer feedback, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$41.1K

$112.1K

$197.4K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,134 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Preconstruction Design Phase Manager - Solar

Preconstruction Design Phase Manager - Solar

Mortenson

Minneapolis, MN • Remote

$113K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Mortenson rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Mortenson is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Design Phase Manager (DPM) to join our Solar group who can interact with staff at all levels, remain flexible, resourceful, proactive, and efficient in a dynamic environment, anticipate and solve problems creatively, and ensure the owner's vision is translated into design solutions and construction parameters, while demonstrating excellent communication skills and attention to detail, and potentially managing two projects simultaneously or one larger project. 

As a DPM, you'll use your utility scale solar experience to actively engage with a variety of stakeholders (EORs, clients, internal team members) to manage the design process. You'll skillfully guide and facilitate conversations ensuring alignment between all parties while connecting the dots across technical and financial domains. You see the bigger picture but can also work through contract details and analyze risk. You're a project manager at heart who wants to get in at the ground level.  

Location: Any home base location in the continental United States; preference given to those that can work out of our MN- HQ (hybrid)

Travel: flexible, varies based on project needs

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Manage the design process and work closely with customers/owners to define project expectations 
  • Facilitate solicitation, selection, and contracting with designers for design-build projects 
  • Develop and present project proposals 
  • Create detailed project design phase and baseline construction schedules 
  • Conduct detailed construction planning, including subcontractor selections and site utilization 
  • Lead design team in incorporating constructability, logistics, and customer expectations 
  • Guide estimating team in developing technical design aspects and cost documentation 
  • Manage design phase costs, including estimates, value engineering, and budget management 
  • Ensure regulatory approvals and risk management requirements are met 
  • Implement LEED tracking and analysis 
  • Oversee and mentor design phase team members, providing resources and support 
  • Conduct performance evaluations and participate in hiring decisions 
  • Model exceptional customer relations and gather feedback during the design process 
  • Manage site work and logistics efficiently, providing improvement suggestions 
  • Perform other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction, Civil, or Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, Estimating, or equivalent field  
  • Minimum of six years relevant experience 
  • Utility scale solar experience preferred
  • Self-perform experience preferred 
  • Construction and renewables experience preferred 
  • Strong teamwork orientation, initiative, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills 
  • Detail orientation sufficient to organize and manage multiple project tasks 
  • Possess basic understanding of construction law and generally accepted business practices 
  • Microsoft Office, project, and pertinent web application skills at an intermediate level 
  • Proven positive and professional attitude, and strong customer service skills 
  • Ability to interpret and communicate Mortenson policies  
  • Ability to travel up to 50% 

A few benefits offered include: 

(for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25+ hours / week) 

  • Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage 
  • Dental plan 
  • 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match  
  • Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves 
  • Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance 
  • No-Cost mental health tool and conciergewith extensive work-life resources 
  • Tuition reimbursement 
  • Adoption Assistance 
  • Gym Membership Discount Program 

The base pay range for this role is $113,500 - $170,300. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%). 

 Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity. This position is eligible for Mortenson's incentive plan.   

#LI-GL1 #LI-remote

Please make note:  

  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.  

  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days. 

ABOUT MORTENSON 

As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact. 

Let's Redefine Possible 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category. 

Other Items to Note 

  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations.No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. 
  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

What Mortenson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Social media