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Design Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

DESIGN & COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Madison, WI

From photography and journalism to graphic design and videography, Navy MCs can do it all. We're looking for Sailors with talent, originality and who aren't afraid to think outside the box and see ...

ERDMAN

Director of Interior Environments

Madison, WI · On-site

The knowledge to plan, design, manage, and review construction, development, or manipulation of a physical environment for practical or creative objectives, such as buildings, landscapes, and/or ...

Chads Design Build

Project Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Project Manager Chads Design Build Madison, WI Chads Design Build is seeking an experienced Residential Construction Project Manager to join our growing team. This position is ideal for a detail ...

Promega

Product Design Engineer, IoT

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Contribute to risk management and traceability documentation aligned with medical device lifecycle standards where applicable. 12. Maintain organized records of design revisions, test outcomes, and ...

Promega

Product Design Engineer, IoT

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Contribute to risk management and traceability documentation aligned with medical device lifecycle standards where applicable. 12. Maintain organized records of design revisions, test outcomes, and ...

Promega

Product Design Engineer, IoT

Madison, WI

$130K - $156K/yr

Contribute to risk management and traceability documentation aligned with medical device lifecycle standards where applicable. 12. Maintain organized records of design revisions, test outcomes, and ...

Promega

Product Design Engineer, IoT

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Contribute to risk management and traceability documentation aligned with medical device lifecycle standards where applicable. 12. Maintain organized records of design revisions, test outcomes, and ...

Chads Design Build

Project Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$10K - $20K/mo

Project Manager Chads Design Build Madison, WI Chads Design Build is seeking an experienced Residential Construction Project Manager to join our growing team. This position is ideal for a detail ...

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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.

Industrial Design Engineer

Universal Presentation Concepts

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
UPC has been designing and manufacturing retail store fixtures and point-of-purchase displays in Madison, Wisconsin since 1978. We operate out of a 120,000 sq ft facility, and we're family-owned, growing, and hands-on at every level. If you've ever walked into a store and noticed how a product was presented - the fixture that held it, the display that drew your eye - there's a good chance someone like you built it.
We work with real customers on real problems, and our design and engineering team is central to that. We're not a big anonymous corporation. Your ideas will be seen, your work will be built, and your fingerprints will be on the final product.
The Role
We're looking for a practical, creative designer who can take a concept from idea to production-ready - independently, and without a lot of hand-holding. This isn't a role for someone who only sketches and hands off to someone else. You'll own the full arc: conceive it, model it, document it, and hand it to the shop floor ready to build.
The right person thinks visually, works methodically, communicates clearly, and finds genuine satisfaction in seeing their design become a physical thing. Some background in manufacturing or fabrication - even as a hobbyist - is a real advantage here.
What You'll Do
-Take customer needs and translate them into original design concepts - from rough sketches to refined models.
-Build 3D models and produce complete, accurate drawings and BOMs ready for shop floor production.
-Manage your own projects: file organization, version control, drawing updates, and design documentation.
-Work directly with production teams to make sure what you designed can actually be built as intended.
-Support the adoption of new tools and processes that make the team faster and more consistent.
-Contribute to continuous improvement - when you see a better way to do something, you say so.
What You Bring
We're more interested in what you can do than what your resume says. That said, here's what tends to predict success in this role:
-Solid working knowledge of AutoCAD. Blender or other 3D modeling experience is a strong plus.
-Ability to produce clear, complete technical drawings and BOMs - not just pretty renders.
-Comfortable managing your own work: you don't need someone checking in on you every day.
-Enough IT fluency to manage files, formats, cloud storage, and design tool integrations without getting stuck.
-Good communicator - you can explain your design decisions to people who aren't engineers.
-Experience with or exposure to an ERP system (we use Odoo) is helpful, not required.
-2+ years in a manufacturing, design, or fabrication environment is preferred - but show us your portfolio and let's talk.
Recent technical college grads with strong portfolios are encouraged to apply. So are career changers who've spent time in a shop or fabrication environment and taught themselves CAD. We care about capability and drive, not just credentials.
Tools You'll Use
-AutoCAD (primary CAD platform)
-Blender (3D modeling)
-Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator - as needed)
-Odoo ERP (for project and BOM management)
-Google Drive / file sharing and cloud collaboration tools
Benefits
✓ 401(k)✓ Paid holidays
✓ Health insurance✓ Stable, family-owned workplace
✓ Paid Time Off (PTO)✓ Your work gets built - guaranteed
How to Apply
Send your resume and a portfolio (or portfolio link) to HR@upcdisplays.com. We're not looking for perfection - we're looking for someone who can show us how they think and what they've built. Even if your background is unconventional, reach out.
Phone: 608-222-5658 | Fax: 608-222-3933 | www.upcdisplays.com
UPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Apply