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Design Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Placon Corporation

Design Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

Design Manager - Multi-Site Leadership We're looking for an experienced Design Manager who thrives on leading teams, delivering innovative product and tooling designs, and driving continuous ...

Placon Corporation

Design Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

Design Manager - Multi-Site Leadership We're looking for an experienced Design Manager who thrives on leading teams, delivering innovative product and tooling designs, and driving continuous ...

Placon Corporation

Design Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

Design Manager - Multi-Site Leadership We're looking for an experienced Design Manager who thrives on leading teams, delivering innovative product and tooling designs, and driving continuous ...

Lands' End

CAD Designer (Hybrid NY or WI)

Dodgeville, WI · Hybrid

$28 - $38.50/hr

The CAD Textile Designer is responsible for the creation of prints and patterns for all product categories under the direction of the CAD Manager and Design Directors. Artwork is created manually ...

nVent

CAD Design Supervisor

Madison, WI · On-site

As a CAD Design Supervisor at nVent Management Company, you will lead our CAD team in producing precise and high-quality technical drawings, models, and documentation. You will experience: * Team ...

nVent

CAD Design Supervisor

Madison, WI · Hybrid

As a CAD Design Supervisor at nVent Management Company, you will lead our CAD team in producing precise and high-quality technical drawings, models, and documentation. You will experience: * Team ...

Kapur and Associates

Site Design Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Site Design Engineer/Manager Location: Madison, WI About Kapur: Kapur & Associates is a reputable, employee-owned consulting engineering firm that has been providing engineering, survey, site design ...

Placon Corporation

Design Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Partner with Sales and Account Managers to provide technical support and present design solutions * Lead ideation, concept development, and product design for customer projects * Create complex 2D/3D ...

Placon Corporation

Design Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Partner with Sales and Account Managers to provide technical support and present design solutions * Lead ideation, concept development, and product design for customer projects * Create complex 2D/3D ...

Placon Corporation

Design Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Partner with Sales and Account Managers to provide technical support and present design solutions * Lead ideation, concept development, and product design for customer projects * Create complex 2D/3D ...

SJE

Design Drafter

Madison, WI · On-site

We are looking for a Design Drafter to support our Altronex brand. This role will work out of our ... Ability to communicate effectively with Engineering, Production, Project Management, and other ...

SJE-Rhombus

Design Drafter

Madison, WI · On-site

We are looking for a Design Drafter to support our Altronex brand. This role will work out of our ... Ability to communicate effectively with Engineering, Production, Project Management, and other ...

Sub-Zero Group, Inc.

Design Engineer II

Madison, WI · On-site

This role is accountable for the design and development of components and systems involved in the ... Manage engineering change requests to move designs through development and production release ...

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All JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Madison, WI

Design Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$42.3K

$115.4K

$203.1K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Madison, WI is $115,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $145,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Design Manager in Construction 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 the highest paying job in design?

The highest paying roles in design often include Creative Directors, UX Directors, or Design Directors, especially in large corporations or tech companies. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and strategic planning, with salaries reaching six figures or more annually.

How much does a design manager earn?

A design manager's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. Factors such as industry, company size, and skill level in design tools and leadership influence compensation.

What does a designer manager do?

A design manager oversees the design team and guides the development of visual concepts for products, branding, or marketing. They coordinate projects, ensure design quality, and collaborate with other departments, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills are essential for this role.

What are Design Managers?

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, and why are they important?

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.

What is the role of a design manager?

A design manager oversees the design team and guides the development of visual concepts, ensuring projects meet client or company standards. They coordinate with other departments, manage timelines, and often use design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills are essential for this role.
More about Design Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Design jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Madison, WI? For Design Manager jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Design Manager jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Design Manager job openings:
Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,382 per year, or $55.5 per hour.
Design Manager

Design Manager

Placon Corporation

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Be an early applicant

Placon rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 79 rated plastic manufacturers

Job description

Design Manager – Multi-Site Leadership

We're looking for an experienced Design Manager who thrives on leading teams, delivering innovative product and tooling designs, and driving continuous improvement. If you enjoy balancing technical expertise with people leadership, influencing cross-functional teams, and making a measurable impact across multiple sites, this is a great opportunity to grow your career.

Compensation

Salary range is competitive and based on experience, with eligibility for annual bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Work Schedule

Full-time, onsite role
Regular travel to regional facilities with occasional domestic and international travel

Why Placon – You'll Love It Here
  • A high-impact leadership role across multiple facilities
  • Opportunity to shape design strategy, processes, and team development
  • Collaborative environment with strong cross-functional partnerships
  • Growth-focused culture with opportunities to influence innovation and continuous improvement
  • Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities
What You'll Do
  • Lead design teams across multiple locations to deliver accurate, on-time product and tooling designs
  • Manage the master design schedule and coordinate resources to meet customer timelines
  • Oversee product development and tooling design within the NPD process
  • Conduct technical feasibility assessments and support project quoting
  • Lead external tooling procurement and manage vendor performance
  • Partner with sales and marketing to identify new business opportunities and develop packaging solutions
  • Establish and monitor metrics for quality, cost, and delivery; drive continuous improvement
  • Manage department budget, capital expenditures, and operating costs
  • Develop and coach a high-performing team through hiring, training, feedback, and performance management
  • Ensure compliance with safety, ISO, SQF, and GMP standards
  • Collaborate across teams to provide technical expertise and optimize performance
  • Maintain and protect company intellectual property
  • Lead strategic projects and maintain clear communication with leadership
What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Management
  • 5+ years of design experience
  • 5+ years of leadership experience
  • Strong knowledge of CAD/CAM and tooling design
  • Experience working in a manufacturing environment (tooling preferred)
  • Project management, budgeting, and problem-solving skills
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Oracle preferred)
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Nice to Have
  • Multi-site leadership experience
  • Background in lean manufacturing or Six Sigma
  • Tool and die fabrication knowledge
  • Experience with change management in a growing organization
Does this sound like you?

If you feel that this job is what you're looking for, applying is a piece of cake – just follow the instructions on this page. Good luck!


Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).


Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.


Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.


This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.
Placon logo

About Placon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Fitchburg, WI, US

Year founded

1966

Social media

Facebook

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