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Design Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

WisDems

Video and Design Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$64K - $74K/yr

As the Video & Design Manager , you will be the visual storyteller for the most important battleground state in the country. Reporting to the Deputy Digital Director, you will produce the creative ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

SJE-Rhombus

Design Drafter

Madison, WI

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

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 ...

Markent Personnel

Design Engineer

Brodhead, WI

... Design Engineer who will focus their activities on designing and redesigning pieces of large Ag ... You will report to the Engineering Manager. Company - A major player in the agricultural equipment ...

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 ...

EN Engineering LLC

Design Technician I

Madison, WI

$21 - $24/hr

Join our dedicated team as a Design Technician I, where you will support gas utility operations by ... You will work closely with senior technicians, engineers, managers, and project teams ...

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All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in Madison, WI

Design Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$42.4K

$115.4K

$203.2K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Madison, WI is $115,446.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $145,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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?

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.

Is a design manager a stressful job?

A design manager role can be stressful due to responsibilities such as overseeing creative teams, managing project deadlines, and balancing client expectations. The level of stress varies depending on company size, project scope, and workload, but strong organizational and communication skills help manage pressure effectively.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,446 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Downtown Design Manager

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Downtown Design Manager
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Location: Remote (Wisconsin-based)
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: Senior Director of Downtown Development

About WEDC

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with businesses, communities, and partners statewide to foster innovation, support job creation, and strengthen Wisconsin's competitive position. Driven by a mission to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work, and build a business, WEDC is a purpose-driven organization that values integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions, and invests in its people so they can help invest in Wisconsin's future.

WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization with a remote-work-first environment. Remote work is expected to be performed in the state of Wisconsin.

Role Overview & Key Responsibilities

The Downtown Design Manager helps Wisconsin communities revitalize downtowns and historic commercial districts through design expertise, technical assistance, and strategic community development support. This role collaborates with local leaders, property owners, and partner organizations to advance redevelopment projects, strengthen district identity, and support sustainable economic growth across the state.In this role, you will:

  • Provide technical assistance and design expertise to communities pursuing downtown and commercial district revitalization initiatives
  • Support redevelopment projects through design guidance, schematic renderings, and assistance navigating local review and permitting processes
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on building design, historic preservation, downtown development best practices, and related incentive programs
  • Develop and deliver workshops, training programs, and educational resources for communities and stakeholders
  • Build and maintain relationships with local communities, partner organizations, and economic development stakeholders
  • Represent WEDC at conferences, meetings, and public events that support downtown and community development efforts

Apply