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Design Manager Jobs in Kitchener Waterloo, ON (NOW HIRING)

Sun Life Financial

Engineering Manager

Waterloo, ON · Remote

As Engineering Manager,you'reaccountable for a single squad's delivery, people development, and ... Own day-to-day delivery coordination with Product, Design, and other squads * Balance technical ...

Sun Life Financial

Engineering Manager

Waterloo, ON · Remote

As Engineering Manager,you'reaccountable for a single squad's delivery, people development, and ... Own day-to-day delivery coordination with Product, Design, and other squads * Balance technical ...

Gorbel

Applications Engineering Manager

Elmira, ON · On-site

Oversee and control the department design work of jobs utilizing the ERP, Build Specifications ... Manages project plans and workload effectively, ensuring adherence to timelines and milestones.

Applied Brain Research

ASIC Architect

Waterloo, ON

Define all aspects of ASIC architecture: secure embedded MCUs, memory subsystem, power management ... Design for test (DFT) * Understanding of ASIC package types and implications for ASIC design ...

Targeted Talent

Lead UX Designer

Kitchener, ON

Experienced in line management of 1-2 designers. Confident mentoring and coaching designers in best design practices. * Prior experience providing input and direction towards overall strategy and ...

Targeted Talent

Lead UX Designer

Waterloo, ON

Experienced in line management of 1-2 designers. Confident mentoring and coaching designers in best design practices. * Prior experience providing input and direction towards overall strategy and ...

Targeted Talent

Lead UX Designer

Kitchener, ON

Experienced in line management of 1-2 designers. Confident mentoring and coaching designers in best design practices. * Prior experience providing input and direction towards overall strategy and ...

Targeted Talent

Lead UX Designer

Waterloo, ON

Experienced in line management of 1-2 designers. Confident mentoring and coaching designers in best design practices. * Prior experience providing input and direction towards overall strategy and ...

Denso

Manager, Engineering

Guelph, ON

CA$106K - CA$140K/yr

Engineering Manager to lead a team of technical departments related to in-house plastic injection ... Participate in the development of production facility/ equipment, jig and fixture design.

Magna

Program Manager

Guelph, ON · On-site

CA$90K - CA$125K/yr

Participates in design decision making (feasibility, functionality, manufacturing ability ... Manages build inventories with the production team * Other duties as assigned Awareness, Unity ...

Magna

Program Manager

Guelph, ON · On-site

CA$90K - CA$125K/yr

Participates in design decision making (feasibility, functionality, manufacturing ability ... Manages build inventories with the production team * Other duties as assigned Awareness, Unity ...

Magna

Program Manager

Guelph, ON · On-site

CA$115K - CA$130K/yr

... design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art ... Job Responsibilities: The Program Manager is responsible for the successful engineering ...

Linamar

IT Project Manager

Guelph, ON · On-site

Project Manager, IT Job Summary The Project Manager, IT will oversee the planning, design, and execution of IT projects, managing budgets, timelines, and teams while ensuring alignment with business ...

Structube

Store Manager

Guelph, ON · On-site

STRUCTUBE is the perfect workplace for fans of modern and contemporary interior design, furniture ... A telemedicine and stress management program available from day one; * Discounts at various ...

New

KEV Group

Product Manager

Kitchener, ON · On-site

We partner closely with Engineering, Design, Sales, and Customer Success to deliver scalable, high ... We are looking for a seasoned Product Manager to join our growing team and work in close daily ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Kitchener Waterloo, ON

Design Manager information

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 Kitchener Waterloo, ON?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Kitchener Waterloo, ON are:

What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Kitchener Waterloo, ON look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Kitchener Waterloo, ON are:

What cities near Kitchener Waterloo, ON are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Kitchener Waterloo, ON with the most Design Manager job openings:

Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Kitchener Waterloo, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Engineering Manager

Sun Life Financial

Waterloo, ON • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 311 rated insurance

Job description

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you'll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do.


At Sun Life, we're driven by our Purpose: helping our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful.


When you join Sun Life, you'll work with passionate colleagues and empowering leaders who support your growth and celebrate your contributions, so you can make a meaningful difference in our Clients' lives.


Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.


Job Description:

The Role

Prospris Sun Life's digital front door for Canadians - startup velocity inside a Fortune 500.We'rerevolutionizing how Canadians access insurance and wealth solutions by building a platform that lets people buy products the way they want to: online in minutes orvirtually viaa team of trusted, licensed Advisors.

We'renot playing it safe.We'rebuilding with AI and creating omnichannel experiences - at the speed customers now expect.Youleadthe squad. Yourteam's success is your success.

As Engineering Manager,you'reaccountable for a single squad's delivery, people development, and execution quality. You balance hands-on technical contribution with people leadership. You translate product requirements into executable work, own sprint commitments, and ensure your squad is healthy, productive, and shipping at startup velocity.

You'reaccountable for how work gets done-sprint execution, code quality, team health, and delivery commitments.You'llleadthesquad, working closely with Product Directors to drive business outcomes.

For candidates with these preferred skills, exceptions beyond the usual salary range below may be possible.

What You'll Do

  • Lead sprint execution and delivery commitmentswith full accountability

  • Translate product requirementsinto clear, executable engineering work

  • Directly manage developers-hiring,own their performance, growth, engagement, and career development

  • Enforce engineering standards and code qualitywithin your squad

  • Stay technically credible-you code when needed and lead technical discussions

  • Build andmaintaina healthy squad culturealigned with Accelerator principles

  • Remove blockers and manage dependencieswith other squads, enterprise teams, and vendors

  • Own day-to-day delivery coordinationwith Product, Design, and other squads

  • Balance technical debt with feature delivery-you make the trade-offs

  • Operate with startup velocity-fast iterations, continuous deployment, data-driven decisions

What Success Looks Like

Your squad delivers predictably and at high velocity. Engineers are growing and engaged. Code quality is consistently high. The team collaborates well. Product and stakeholders trust yourcommitments.You'reshipping features that drive business outcomes-lead conversion, advisor productivity, straight-through processing rates.

Who You Are

  • Experienced engineer ready to lead peopleor current EngineeringManagerfrom a product-focused tech company

  • Startup mindset-you know how to ship fast and iterate based on data

  • Comfortable balancing hands-on technical work with management

  • Strong at sprint planning, estimation, and executionin an Agile environment

  • Comfortablehaving tough conversationsabout performance, growth, and accountability

  • Detail-oriented without losing sight of business outcomes

  • Able to context-switchbetween code reviews, 1:1s, and stakeholder management

  • Protective of your team's time and focuswhilemaintaininghigh throughput

What You Bring

  • 7+ years of professional software engineering experience, including 2+ years in an Engineering Manager (or equivalent team leadership) role.

  • Experience leading a single squad/team end-to-end (delivery, quality, reliability, and team health), with clear examples of outcomes.

  • Hands-onexpertisewith Java, React (or other similar modern Javascript) and enterprise integrations. Experience with Salesforce is an asset.

  • Demonstrated ability to run team-level execution rituals (planning, sprint/flow management, dependencies, release coordination) and improve delivery predictability.

  • Experience hiring, onboarding, and developing engineers (coaching, feedback, performance conversations)

  • Technical credibility to guide design and implementation: comfortable with architecture discussions, code/design reviews, and raising the engineering quality bar.

  • Proven partnership with Product and Design to shape scope, manage trade-offs, and communicate progress/risks clearly.

Why This Role

  • High-Impact Work: Build products that directly shape Sun Life's future, with your code reaching real users quickly

  • Leadership Opportunity: Lead technical direction, mentor others, and shape the engineering culture of a growing team

  • Autonomy and Ownership: Make decisions, drive solutions, and see the direct impact of your work

  • Learn and Grow Fast: Exposure tonew technologies, business problems, and the full product lifecycle in a compressedtimeframe

  • Collaborative, Innovative Culture: Work with passionate, talented people who move fast and support eachother.

  • Flexible Workstyle: In office 2-3days per week, hybrid the rest of the week

What's in it for you?

  • Great Place to Work Certified for Most Trusted Executive Team in Canada - 2025, 2024 and 2023
  • Great Place to Work Certified for Best Workplaces in Canada - 2025
  • Canada Order of Excellence for Mental Health at Work certification from Excellence Canada. Sun Life is one of only four companies in Canada to ever receive this certification - 2024
  • Top Work Places for Remote Work - Monster Canada - 2024
  • Great Place to Work Certified for Best Workplaces in Canada - 2024 and 2022
  • Great Place to Work Certified for Best Workplaces for Women in Canada - 2024
  • Flexible hybrid work model. #LI-Hybrid
  • Pension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial security
  • Work and professional development that is united by our Purpose: to help Clients and Employees achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives
  • A friendly, collaborative and inclusive culture
  • Be part of our continuous improvement journey in developing the next greatest digital enterprise experience.
  • Competitive salary and bonus structure influenced by market range data
  • The opportunity to move along a variety of career paths with amazing networking potential

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.


Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.


Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.


We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you.


We may use artificial intelligence to support candidate sourcing, screening, interview scheduling.


We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


Salary Range:

90,000/90 000 - 140,000/140 000

Job Category:

IT - Application Development

Posting End Date:

16/08/2026

What Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada employees say

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