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Design Manager Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

CTI Environmental, Inc.

Design Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$68 - $80/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled Design Manager to oversee and lead the design process for complex public sector construction projects with budgets exceeding $100 million. The ideal candidate will ...

Balfour Beatty

Design Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

Design Manager Description Balfour Beatty is seeking a Design Manager to join our team in Southern Calif supporrting OC and LA offices. The DM Coordinates and integrates with the owner, the builder ...

Balfour Beatty plc

Design Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

Manage the design and permitting processes to ensure quality, on‑time delivery, constructability, and cost control, by working directly with the designers, owners, and operations teams. ESSENTIAL ...

NIS America, Inc.

Graphic Design Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Graphic Design Manager Full Time NIS America, Inc., Santa Ana, CA, US 5 days ago Requisition ID: 1025 Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $120,000.00 Annually GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Graphic Design ...

Chapman University

Interior Design Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Posting Details Position Information Position Title Interior Design Manager Position Type Regular Job Number SA90724 Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification ...

Chapman University

Interior Design Manager

Orange, CA

$95K - $115K/yr

Position Information Position Title Interior Design Manager Position Type Regular Job Number SA90724 Full or Part Time full-time 40 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Exempt ...

Campos EPC

EIC Design Manager

CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

* Support Project Managers and Engineers on a daily basis with design, drafting and mapping deliverables within the expectations of work quality, schedule, and budget. * Work with Project Managers and ...

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All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Irvine, CA

Design Manager information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$45.1K

$122.9K

$216.3K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Irvine, CA is $122,894.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,600.00 and $154,600.00 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 Irvine, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,894 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Design Manager

CTI Environmental, Inc.

Long Beach, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Design Manager to oversee and lead the design process for complex public sector construction projects with budgets exceeding $100 million. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in design management, preconstruction planning, and stakeholder coordination. A Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field is required, with a Master's degree preferred. This role demands extensive experience in public sector projects, a collaborative mindset, and exceptional leadership abilities.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Design Leadership
    • Manage and direct all phases of the design process, from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets.
    • Coordinate with architects, engineers, and other design professionals to produce innovative, functional, and sustainable designs.
    • Oversee the development of detailed plans, drawings, and specifications for construction projects.
  2. Project Coordination
    • Serve as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, and design teams to facilitate seamless communication and decision-making.
    • Collaborate with project managers to integrate design goals with overall project strategies.
    • Ensure that designs comply with public sector regulations, codes, and requirements.
  3. Budget and Schedule Management
    • Develop and manage design budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or functionality.
    • Monitor design schedules and ensure timely delivery of design milestones.
    • Conduct regular reviews to align designs with project constraints and client expectations.
  4. Quality Assurance and Compliance
    • Ensure all design deliverables meet quality standards and are in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
    • Implement and enforce best practices in design processes, sustainability, and risk management.
  5. Team Leadership and Development
    • Lead and mentor design teams, fostering creativity, innovation, and professional growth.
    • Facilitate collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to drive project success.
    • Provide guidance on complex design challenges and technical issues.

  • Education:
    • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (required).
    • Master's degree in a related discipline (preferred).
  • Experience:
    • Minimum of 10 years of experience in design management, with a focus on large-scale public sector projects exceeding $100 million in value.
    • Extensive experience in preconstruction planning, design coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
    • Proven ability to manage design teams and deliver high-quality results under tight timelines.
  • Skills and Competencies:
    • Proficiency in design and construction software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM tools).
    • Strong knowledge of public sector construction regulations and requirements.
    • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
    • Ability to manage complex budgets and schedules effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with public sector entities, including state, county, and municipal agencies.
  • Certifications such as LEED AP, PMP, or AIA accreditation.
  • Experience in sustainable design practices and innovative construction methodologies.

Working Conditions

  • This position involves occasional travel to project sites and meetings with stakeholders.
  • Candidates must be comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.