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Design Manager Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Design Manager

Warwick, RI ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

About the Role We're currently seeking an experienced and driven Wall Panel Design Manager to join our team and provide leadership, coordination, and quality control for our wall panel design Team.

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation: Contractor Work Model: Onsite - onsite Responsibilities * Lead, manage, and review all functional ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation: Contractor Work Model: Onsite - onsite Responsibilities * Lead, manage, and review all functional ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation: Contractor Work Model: Onsite - onsite Responsibilities * Lead, manage, and review all functional ...

Job Title Project Design Manager Summary The Project Design Manager's role is to be the main point of contact for their assigned account(s), implement workplace strategy and standards, and provide ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation: Contractor Work Model: Onsite - onsite Responsibilities * Lead, manage, and review all functional ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation: Contractor Work Model: Onsite - onsite Responsibilities * Lead, manage, and review all functional ...

Shipyard Design Manager Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island Type: Direct Hire Compensation: Contractor Work Model: Onsite - onsite Responsibilities * Lead, manage, and review all functional ...

Partner with a fabulous team of managers and designers. * Are tech-savvy, high-energy and on-trend ... Our Design Selling Leader's strengths include: * An entrepreneurial attitude and approach with ...

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Design Manager information

See Rhode Island salary details

$41.1K

$112.1K

$197.3K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Rhode Island is $112,122.00, 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 Rhode Island? The most popular types of Design jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Rhode Island? For Design Manager jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Design Manager jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,122 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Design Manager

Design Manager

Colt Builders Corp

Warwick, RI โ€ข On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

About Technical Framing Solutions

Technical Framing Solutions provides specialized drafting services and on-site consulting for wood framing projects. Using the latest industry-specific technology, we deliver clear, easy-to-read wall panel elevations and layouts that help framers work faster and more efficiently. With years of hands-on framing and project management experience, we understand the critical information teams need to ensure successful project execution.

About the Role

Weโ€™re currently seeking an experienced and driven Wall Panel Design Manager to join our team and provide leadership, coordination, and quality control for our wall panel design Team. This role will oversee project design, drafting standards, quality assurance, customer coordination, and support of manufacturing operations for multi-family and commercial wood framing projects.

Key responsibilities

  • Assignment of wall panel projects to designers
  • Initial review of awarded jobs for quoting accuracy relating to materials
  • Set up design book, material submittals, initial RFIโ€™s for newly awarded jobs
  • Schedule kick-off meetings on new projects with designer and customer
  • Communicate with customer Project Managers
  • Coordinate information to designers for plan changes, trade requirements, rough openings, etc.
  • Maintain RFI logs for design projects
  • Weekly review of submittal dates to make sure due dates are being met
  • Maintain COR logs for design projects
  • Confirm any required changed orders are being submitted and approved on a timely basis
  • Keep Smartsheet โ€œDesign Logโ€ up to date with shop drawing submittal and review dates
  • Quality control of wall panel shop drawings, panel layouts, elevations, and manufacturing packages to maintain accuracy and constructability
  • Manage weekly โ€œproductionโ€ calls with manufacturing teams and customers to support wall panel fabrication and project schedules.
  • Maintain design standards and processes
  • Training of design team on all standards and processes
  • Evaluate design team for quality and customer approval
  • Analyze ways to improve deliverables and customer relations
  • Assist Director of Design
  • Enter weekly hours worked per job / level in ADP

Qualifications

  • 5+ years framing or wood-framed building experience.
  • 5+ years management experience.
  • Experience with MiTek, CAD and design software.
  • Proficient in Excel, Outlook and Word.
  • Proficient in reading/understanding architectural and structural plans.
  • Strong knowledge of wall panel systems, wood framing, shear walls, hold-downs, structural connectors, and components typical in multi-family and commercial wood-framed construction.
  • Knowledge of plumbing and HVAC requirements as they relate to wood-framed walls.
  • Able to communicate and train the team on all processes and design standards

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, and short-term disability coverage
  • Competitive paid time off (PTO)
  • 401(k) plan with company match and Roth option
  • Voluntary supplemental health benefits available