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Design Manager Jobs in Kalispell, MT (NOW HIRING)

A&E Design

Project Manager (Arch)

Kalispell, MT · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

A&E + SMA Design is seeking an Architectural Project Manager to provide strategic leadership, mentor teams, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality architectural projects in Kalispell ...

A&E + SMA Design

Project Manager (Arch)

Kalispell, MT · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

A&E + SMA Design is seeking an Architectural Project Manager to provide strategic leadership, mentor teams, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality architectural projects in Kalispell ...

A&E Design

Project Architect

Kalispell, MT · On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

A&E + SMA Design is seeking a Project Architect with unlimited creativity and determination to make ... Familiarity with PSMJ project management practices a plus! * Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent ...

A&E + SMA Design

Project Architect

Kalispell, MT · On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

A&E + SMA Design is seeking a Project Architect with unlimited creativity and determination to make ... Familiarity with PSMJ project management practices a plus! * Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent ...

Cushing Terrell

Project Manager

Kalispell, MT · On-site

$85 - $100/hr

Working knowledge of design and construction processes * Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills Preferred Qualifications** * Project Management Professional (PMP) * Deltek ...

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Design Manager information

See Kalispell, MT salary details

$41.5K

$113.1K

$199K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Kalispell, MT is $113,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $142,200.00 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 Kalispell, MT?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Kalispell, MT are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Kalispell, MT?

For Design Manager jobs in Kalispell, MT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Kalispell, MT are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Kalispell, MT with the most Design Manager job openings:

Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Kalispell, MT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,098 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Senior Designer - Tekla Manager

SmartLam North America

Columbia Falls, MT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Innovate the Industry: Build the Future of Mass Timber Detailing

Mass Timber is redefining how we construct buildings, but its detailing workflows are ripe for disruption. At SmartLam North America, we aren't looking for just another designer; we are searching for a Tekla visionary - someone who is hungry to take ownership, challenge legacy processes, and create the next generation of modeling & detailing workflows / solutions. 

If you thrive on complexity, possess the expertise to push Tekla Structures to its absolute limits, and are excited to implement groundbreaking processes that will form the foundation for a whole industry - this is your chance. Join us, and together we’ll make Tekla into our fully integrated Mass Timber detailing platform. 


Primary Objectives

  • System Design & Implementation: Working with the Design Manager and other stakeholders, design, develop, and deploy Tekla workflows for Mass Timber Design & Detailing.
  • Structural Steel Detailing: Lead the modeling & detailing of custom steel for Mass Timber Projects - Teach others on custom steel detailing in Tekla, while learning about timber detailing.
  • Downstream Integration: Extend Tekla workflows beyond the E&D team to drive manufacturing and site logistics. This may include exporting CNC files from Tekla, leveraging the model for truck loading plans & erection sequencing, and extending Trimble Connect & related tools to better inform factory & site personnel.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Utilize Tekla Structures to create fabrication models & associated documentation for custom steel on Mass Timber projects, including (but not necessarily limited to) the following:
  • Import, review, and cleanup of third-party 3D models
  • Create & maintain Tekla model for the project
  • Prepare and manage 2D submittal drawings
  • Manage project specific BIM coordination
  • Prepare and manage project specific RFI’s
  • Create production documents for steel fabrication & installation
  • Support Project Managers with fastener and hardware take-offs and work orders.
  • Pre-Production kick-off and project review with the production team, as necessary.
  • Tekla Environment Ownership: Design, document, and maintain a scalable Tekla Structures platform tailored for Mass Timber, including custom components, part libraries, drawing templates, and reports.
  • Establish Tekla modeling standards that optimize project data quality, minimize fabrication errors, and standardize Bill of Materials (BOM) outputs.
  • Develop workflows to utilize Tekla for construction sequencing, including the creation of 3D truck loading plans and erection sequence visualizations to assist field teams.
  • Collaborate with the manufacturing team to configure Tekla exports for production - ensuring seamless data transfer from the digital model to the shop floor.
  • Proactively evaluate new features, extensions, and Trimble products (e.g., Trimble Connect, API tools) to ensure SLNA remains at the forefront of design & detailing technology.
  • Support the education and training of detailers and 3D modelers.
  • Support the Quality Control review of projects
  • Support effort to maintain drafting standards for ALL drafting software platforms being utilized.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Deep Expertise in Tekla Structures
  • Creation & use of custom components
  • Steel detailing
  • Environment setup
  • Implementation of Tekla in a new team/company.
  • Proven track record in delivering structural projects
  • Experienced in reading/interpreting Construction Drawings.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of products
  • Highly organized and detailed.
  • Advanced communication and organizational skills
  • Able to work well with and manage others in a team environment.


Other Desired Skills & Experience

  • Experience with scripting or automation within Tekla Structures & the Trimble suite of products (e.g. Tekla Open API)
  • Understanding of BIM principles, workflows, and collaboration processes, with experience in implementing and enforcing BIM standards within Tekla Structures.
  • Experience with other 3D software and BIM software (Revit, Rhino, Navisworks, etc.)
  • Experience with Mass Timber


The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Equal Employment Opportunity
 SmartLam North America is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws regarding discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other protected status.

Americans with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.