ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Design Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

System One

Design Manager

Westmont, IL · On-site

$130K - $167K/yr

Design Manager Location: Westmont, IL Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $130,000.00 - $167,000.00 Work Model: Onsite Overview The IS Design Manager is responsible for the design production throughout ...

System One Holdings, LLC

Design Manager

Westmont, IL · On-site

$130K - $167K/yr

Design Manager Location: Westmont, IL Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $130,000.00 - $167,000.00 Work Model: Onsite Overview The IS Design Manager is responsible for the design production throughout ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and business development efforts globally. This individual must be hands-on, collaborative, and capable ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$84K - $130K/yr

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and business development efforts globally. This individual must be hands-on, collaborative, and capable ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and business development efforts globally. This individual must be hands-on, collaborative, and capable ...

Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

In this role as Design Manager within Retail Design & Construction, you'll leverage your extensive retail banking and hospitality-focused financial services design expertise to work closely with ...

JLL

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

In this role as Design Manager within Retail Design & Construction, you'll leverage your extensive retail banking and hospitality-focused financial services design expertise to work closely with ...

Camping World

Design Manager

Lincolnshire, IL · Hybrid

$111K - $170K/yr

We're looking for a Design Manager to help our business deliver high-quality, on-brand work that supports our company goals, ensures the quality and consistency of our creative, and helps move high ...

aoa

Graphic Design Manager

Chicago, IL

JOB SUMMARY The Graphic Design Manager is the driving force behind the visual brand identity of the American Osteopathic Association, and is responsible for concept development and design execution ...

ENFRA LLC

IS Design Manager

Westmont, IL · On-site

$130K - $167K/yr

The IS Design Manager is responsible for the design production throughout the life cycle of a project from development handoff to construction closeout. This position ensures that the project is ...

Actalent

Cad Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Job Title: CAD Manager The CAD Manager oversees and maintains transportation-focused CAD standards across the organization, with a strong emphasis on FDOT, IDOT, and MnDOT requirements. This role ...

ATLAS ENGINEERING GROUP

CAD MANAGER

Deerfield, IL · On-site

The CAD Manager will partner with civil and structural project managers, project engineers, surveyors, and technicians to jointly lead the development of engineering and survey deliverables in ...

Abonmarche Consultants, INC

CAD Manager

Valparaiso, IN · On-site +1

The CAD Manager may be located in any of our office locations. Although this position is advertised in multiple locations, only one position is available. Job Summary: A CAD Manager oversees the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Design Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.3K

$117.9K

$207.6K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Chicago, IL is $117,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $148,300.00 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.
More about Design Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Design Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Design Manager job openings:
Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,942 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
Design Manager

Design Manager

System One

Westmont, IL • On-site

$130K - $167K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Design Manager Location: Westmont, IL Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $130,000.00 - $167,000.00 Work Model: Onsite

Overview The IS Design Manager is responsible for the design production throughout the life cycle of a project from development handoff to construction closeout. This position ensures that the project is delivered efficiently and effectively in accordance with the schedule and energy outcomes while exceeding the client’s expectations. The manager is also responsible for the utilization of the production staff assigned to the project team.

Responsibilities • Supports the day-to-day management of design tasks, ensuring timely progress, accurate documentation, and alignment with project goals. • Guides and assigns tasks to junior staff, monitors performance, and provides mentorship to support team development and efficiency. • Ensures adherence to design standards and safety protocols while helping implement process updates and conducting initial quality checks. • Assists in tracking labor hours and budgets, reviews time entries for accuracy, and contributes to resource planning. • Facilitates clear communication between staff, project managers, and leadership, and supports client interactions under supervision. • Participates in team activities, promotes a positive culture, and handles additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field. • 5+ years of design related experience with mechanical, electrical, building automation systems, programming, or building operation management experience. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Strong leadership skills. • Attention to safety. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). • Proficiency with Autodesk Revit and AutoCad software packages.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #M1 #LI-JB1

Ref: #260-Eng NY Transit