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Design Manager Jobs in Encinitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

Symons Fire Protection

Design Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125 - $155/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial accountability for the design department. This role focuses on resource planning, departmental profitability ...

Symons Fire Protection, Inc

Design Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial accountability for the design department. This role focuses on resource planning, departmental profitability ...

Symons Fire Protection, Inc.

Design Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125 - $155/hr

Position SummaryWe are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial accountability for the design department. This role focuses on resource planning, departmental profitability ...

Symons Fire Protection, Inc.

Design Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial accountability for the design department. This role focuses on resource planning, departmental profitability ...

Bergelectric

Design Manager (Electrical)

Escondido, CA

$120K - $145K/yr

The Electrical Design Manager is responsible for supporting our internal processes associated with Design Build and Design Assist projects, including efforts during the pursuit phase to help us win ...

Bergelectric

Design Manager (Electrical)

Escondido, CA · On-site

Overview The Electrical Design Manager is responsible for supporting our internal processes associated with Design Build and Design Assist projects, including efforts during the pursuit phase to help ...

Bergelectric

Design Manager (Electrical)

Escondido, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Overview The Electrical Design Manager is responsible for supporting our internal processes associated with Design Build and Design Assist projects, including efforts during the pursuit phase to help ...

Bergelectric

Design Manager (Electrical)

Escondido, CA · On-site

Overview The Electrical Design Manager is responsible for supporting our internal processes associated with Design Build and Design Assist projects, including efforts during the pursuit phase to help ...

Bergelectric

Design Manager (Electrical)

Escondido, CA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Overview The Electrical Design Manager is responsible for supporting our internal processes associated with Design Build and Design Assist projects, including efforts during the pursuit phase to help ...

Bergelectric

Design Manager (Electrical)

Escondido, CA

$120K - $145K/yr

Overview The Electrical Design Manager is responsible for supporting our internal processes associated with Design Build and Design Assist projects, including efforts during the pursuit phase to help ...

Kyocera

Manager, Design Center

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $167K/yr

We're hiring a Manager, Design Center at our San Diego, CA location! Salary Range: $115,807 - $167,684 annually (Final offer based on experience, education, skills, and market factors) Why Kyocera?

Kyocera

Manager, Design Center

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $167K/yr

We're hiring a Manager, Design Center at our San Diego, CA location! Salary Range: $115,807 - $167,684 annually (Final offer based on experience, education, skills, and market factors) Why Kyocera?

Marvell

Staff Manager - SoC Design

San Diego, CA · On-site

The managed team includes design, verification, and working with the physical design engineers in central engineering. * Develop methodologies and infrastructure with evolving technology challenges ...

Road Runner Sports

Sr Creative Design Manager

San Diego, CA

$108K - $116K/yr

Overview Road Runner Sports is looking for a Sr. Creative Design Manager to join our Marketing team. As the most senior creative leader in our company, you will be the standard-setter for the Road ...

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All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Encinitas, CA

Design Manager information

See Encinitas, CA salary details

$45.1K

$123K

$216.4K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Encinitas, CA is $122,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,700.00 and $154,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 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 degree do you need to be a design manager?

A design manager typically holds a bachelor's degree in design, graphic design, industrial design, or a related field. Many also pursue a master's degree or additional certifications to enhance their skills and qualifications for leadership roles in design teams.

What does a design manager earn?

A design manager's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often oversee design teams, coordinate projects, and use tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, with higher salaries generally associated with larger companies or senior roles.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, executive roles such as Creative Director or Design Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large corporations or agencies. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, product design, and design consulting can also offer high compensation, particularly with extensive experience and advanced skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch.
More about Design Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Encinitas, CA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Encinitas, CA?

For Design Manager jobs in Encinitas, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Encinitas, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Encinitas, CA are:

What cities near Encinitas, CA are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Encinitas, CA with the most Design Manager job openings:

Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Encinitas, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,974 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Design Manager

Symons Fire Protection

San Diego, CA • On-site

$125 - $155/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: 9475 Chesapeake Drive SD Division - San Diego, CA 92123Salary Range: $125,000.00 - $155,000.00 Salary/year

Who We Are:

Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is a premier, full-service fire-life safety contractor based in San Diego, CA. For over 30 years, we have specialized in the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of residential and commercial fire sprinkler and alarm systems across Southern California. We pride ourselves on operational excellence, high-quality craftsmanship, and unwavering safety standards.

How We’ll Take Care of You:
  • 401(k) + Company Matching
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D Insurance, including FREE Employee Only premium for SIMNSA and Kaiser Permanente Bronze Base medical plans.
  • Vacation, Paid Holidays, Birthday Holiday, and Sick Pay
  • Discretionary Bonus Program
  • FREE Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • FREE Onsite Gym
  • FREE premium coffee and snacks
  • Company Celebrations (i.e., summer picnic, holiday event)
  • Employee Referral Program
  • A management team that actively cares about your professional development
Compensation
  • $125,000-$155,000 per year.
Position Summary

We are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial accountability for the design department. This role focuses on resource planning, departmental profitability, major client relationships, and navigating complex regulatory hurdles with senior County and City AHJs. This position requires proven, multi-year people management experience with a demonstrated history of guiding professional career paths, managing workplace dynamics, and building high-retention engineering cultures.

Core Responsibilities
  • Leadership: Oversees departmental operational budgets, software licensing configurations (Autosprink, NFPA, Autodesk, Bluebeam, HydraCAD), and long-term department expansion.
  • Financial Accountability: Monitors project burn rates, estimate design hours for multi-million dollar contracts, and safeguard the department's gross profit margins.
  • QA/QC: Audits the highest-risk projects (e.g., high-rise, high-piled storage, or hazardous industrial spaces) and serve as the final escalation point for complex plan-check disputes.
  • Talent Management: Owns the ultimate authority to hire, fire, discipline, and promote department personnel in alignment with company growth objectives and policies.
  • Leadership Development & Mentorship: Coaches, mentors, and develops team, preparing them for advanced management paths.
  • People Management: Conducts career-pathing sessions, establish succession planning matrices, resolve high-level interpersonal conflicts, and actively work to reduce employee burnout.
  • Performance Monitoring: Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department, conducting formal performance reviews and implementing corrective action plans when necessary.
  • Culture: Cultivates a psychologically safe work environment where team members feel empowered to collaborate, voice technical concerns, innovate, and report errors without fear of negative repercussions.
  • Other management duties as assigned.
Productivity Expectations
  • Department Utilization: Targets an overall department billable utilization rate of 85%.
  • First-Pass Success: Maintains a department-wide first-pass plan check approval rate of 90%+ across all Southern California municipalities.
  • Backlog Stability: Ensure design department capacity matches project backlog schedules up to 90 days out.
Qualifications
  • Experience: At least 8 years of progressive engineering and design experience, including a minimum of 5 years of direct leadership experience overseeing a team of 10+ design professionals.
  • Certification: NICET Level III in Water-Based Systems Layout.
  • Software Mastery: Expert in Autocad, Autosprink, Hydracad, NFPA and Bluebeam Revu (Studio, Sets, Quantity Link) for department-wide standardization and macro executive review.
  • Core Competency: Expert command of local Fire Code amendments, and WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) regulations.
Other
  • No Third-Party Agency Solicitation.
  • Location Requirement: This position is open only to candidates currently residing in the Southern California area. Remote candidates will not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Employer:

Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability, medical condition, genetic info, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application or any part of the hiring process, please let us know.

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