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Design Manager Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

GRAEF

CAD Manager T4

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Our ideal CAD Manager will have a diverse background in the AEC industry, and be a proactive communicator willing to work cooperatively with managers and production leads that know how to get the ...

Molson Coors

Brand Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

In the role of Brand Design Manager working in Chicago, IL , you understand design as a critical growth and business driver, using your expertise to orchestrate effective and aesthetic design ...

Meltwater Group

Sr. Design Manager, Product

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130 - $144/hr

Product Design As the Senior Manager of Product Design, you will be responsible for leading key Meltwater applications through a distributed design team. Your role will involve guiding designers in ...

Molson Coors

Brand Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Crafted Highlights:    In the role of  Brand Design Manager working in Chicago, IL , you understand design as a critical growth and business driver, using your expertise to orchestrate ...

Leinenkugel's

Brand Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

In the role of Brand Design Manager working in Chicago, IL , you understand design as a critical growth and business driver, using your expertise to orchestrate effective and aesthetic design ...

Meltwater

Sr. Design Manager, Product

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130 - $144/hr

Atlanta, Georgia Senior Manager of Product Design As the Senior Manager of Product Design, you will lead key Meltwater applications through a distributed design team. Your role involves guiding ...

ENFRA LLC

IS Design Manager

Westmont, IL · On-site

$130K - $167K/yr

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 ...

ENFRA LLC

IS Design Manager

Westmont, IL

$130K - $167K/yr

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 ...

ENFRA LLC

IS Design Manager

Westmont, IL · On-site

$130K - $167K/yr

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 ...

AECOM

Construction Design Manager

Chicago, IL

The Design Manager is a senior project leader within a Design-Build / Construction Management firm, responsible for coordinating and aligning all design disciplines with construction execution on ...

New

AECOM

Construction Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Design Manager is a senior project leader within a Design-Build / Construction Management firm, responsible for coordinating and aligning all design disciplines with construction execution on ...

New

AECOM

Construction Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Design Manager is a senior project leader within a Design-Build / Construction Management firm, responsible for coordinating and aligning all design disciplines with construction execution on ...

New

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Elgin, IL

Design Manager information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$41.5K

$113.2K

$199.2K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Elgin, IL is $113,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $142,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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?

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.

Is a design manager a stressful job?

A design manager role can be stressful due to responsibilities such as overseeing creative teams, managing project deadlines, and balancing client expectations. The level of stress varies depending on company size, project scope, and workload, but strong organizational and communication skills help manage pressure effectively.
More about Design Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Design jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Elgin, IL? For Design Manager jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Design Manager jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Design Manager job openings:
Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,176 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

CAD Manager T4

GRAEF

Chicago, IL • On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

GRAEF, a leading U.S. consulting firm, has been providing exceptional careers and quality engineering, planning and design services to our clients for over 60 years. We recognize that the best workplaces are filled with technically excellent, innovative, creative, and highly motivated people. GRAEF is more than just a business. We are a committed employer and community member. We invest in our employees as we do our clients, providing a challenging and rewarding environment where you can grow both personally and professionally. GRAEF values exciting work and lasting relationships; we embody values that speak to loyalty, service, quality and integrity; and we strive to grow with these ideas leading the way.
We have an exceptional opportunity for a results-oriented CAD professional to join our growing team who will split their time between production and non-production work. Our ideal CAD Manager will have a diverse background in the AEC industry, and be a proactive communicator willing to work cooperatively with managers and production leads that know how to get the work done.
CAD Manager responsibilities may include:
  • Oversight & maintenance of FDOT\IDOT\MnDOT CAD standards throughout the company.
  • Assist in creating/maintaining Corporate and Local Detail Library.
  • Open Roads Designer (ORD) standards and workflows to promote work-sharing between offices.
  • Beta test software/upgrades/add-ons prior to company-wide deployments.
  • Assist in troubleshooting software/workflow problems in day-to-day operations.
  • Record drawing standardization and protocols.
  • E-Field booking programming and standardization.
  • Attendance to user groups to ensure team is using efficient means within the software.
  • Prepare renderings and project simulations.
  • Application support/knowledge management.
  • Lead training sessions.

We are considering candidates for our CAD Manager position who meet the following basic qualifications:
  • A minimum of 5 years of production CAD experience, focused on the transportation discipline but interacting with and leveraging models and drawings from multiple disciplines for coordination.
  • 2-year technical degree preferred.
  • Open Roads Designer and MicroStation experience required.
  • Production-work capable within a specific discipline.
  • Knowledge of National CAD Standard documents a plus.
  • Technical writing and documentation skills a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple short and long-term tasks and project deadlines.

Why GRAEF? We are proud to offer a complete benefit package to include:
  • The hourly rate for this position is $45.00-$60.00/hour. (Rate to be determined by the applicant's education, experience and skill set, as well as internal and external equity.)
  • Training, Mentorship, and Leadership Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • A team atmosphere dedicated to open communication and collaboration
  • Flexible Schedule/Remote work options
  • Embed yourself in the community by participating in numerous outside activities that GRAEF endorses and supports
  • Medical/Dental/Audio/Visual Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Life Insurance
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Plans
  • Retirement Savings Plan
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Corporate Casual Dress

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Disabled/Vets
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at:
Phone: 414-259-1500 / Email: GRAEFjobs@graef-usa.comAn Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Disabled/Vets
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster, please choose your language:English - Spanish - Arabic - Chinese
If you want to view the EEO is the Law Supplement poster, please choose your language:English - Spanish - Arabic - Chinese
If you want to view the Pay Transparency Policy Statement, please click the link: English

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