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Design Manager Jobs in McLean, VA (NOW HIRING)

WD Partners

Design Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Design Manager We are Thinkers That Do! Delivering innovative solutions to our clients requires the best people. At WD, architects, engineers, designers, and strategists work together to impact ...

Balfour Beatty

Design Manager

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Manage the design and permitting processes to ensure quality, on-time delivery, constructability, and cost control, by working directly with the designers, owners, and operations teams. Essential ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and business development efforts globally. This individual must be hands-on, collaborative, and capable ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Washington, DC · Hybrid

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and business development efforts globally. This individual must be hands-on, collaborative, and capable ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Washington, DC · Hybrid

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and business development efforts globally. This individual must be hands-on, collaborative, and capable ...

Aligneddc

Integrated Design Manager

Oak Hill, VA

Integrated Design Managers ensure design remains aligned with project objectives for scope, schedule, cost, and quality by actively managing third party design teams, coordinating internal ...

Equity Residential

Design Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$82K - $137K/yr

Design Manager Position Type: Full time Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 State: Virginia City: Arlington Zip Code: 22203 Total Base Pay Range: $82,600.00 - $137,500.00 Overview: Vivmark Residential exists ...

Vantage Data Centers

Design Manager, NA

Ashburn, VA

$193K/yr

The Design Manager champions design quality, value engineering, risk mitigation, commissioning readiness, and seamless handoff to construction and operations, while upholding hyperscaler customer ...

Vantage Data Centers

Design Manager, NA

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$193K/yr

The Design Manager champions design quality, value engineering, risk mitigation, commissioning readiness, and seamless handoff to construction and operations, while upholding hyperscaler customer ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$87K/yr

Job Title Project Design Manager Summary The Project Design Manager's role is to be the main point of contact for their assigned account(s), implement workplace strategy and standards, and provide ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$87K/yr

Job Title Project Design Manager Summary The Project Design Manager's role is to be the main point of contact for their assigned account(s), implement workplace strategy and standards, and provide ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Project Design Manager

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$87K/yr

Job Title Project Design Manager Summary The Project Design Manager's role is to be the main point of contact for their assigned account(s), implement workplace strategy and standards, and provide ...

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All JobsDesign JobsDesign Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs in McLean, VA

Design Manager information

See McLean, VA salary details

$42.5K

$115.7K

$203.7K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in McLean, VA is $115,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,400.00 and $145,600.00 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 McLean, VA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in McLean, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in McLean, VA?

For Design Manager jobs in McLean, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in McLean, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in McLean, VA are:

What cities near McLean, VA are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities near McLean, VA with the most Design Manager job openings:

Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in McLean, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,734 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Design Manager

Washington, DC • On-site

WD Partners
Specialized Design Services • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about WD Partnersexternal

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Design Manager

We are Thinkers That Do!

Delivering innovative solutions to our clients requires the best people. At WD, architects, engineers, designers, and strategists work together to impact national and global brands. With over 400 talented associates worldwide, WD is licensed in all 50 states and Canada. We provide an environment where associates gain experience, train and mentor with the best, and build a successful career!

As a Design Manager, you will be coordinating and directing day-to-day project work and communications within the internal team, as well as communicating externally to the client. This typically involves working with prototype designers from cross-disciplinary teams to develop brand right solutions and ensuring accuracy in meeting client specifications.

Location: We are open to hiring for remote work from any location in the US.

Preferred Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, and/or equivalent knowledge gained from education and/or work experience
  • Prior experience managing projects and leading a team - ability to delegate, organize, prioritize and develop quality deliverables
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary
  • Experience working on restaurant, grocery, retail, healthcare or similar projects is helpful
  • A design portfolio and/or work samples are required

What matters to our associates matters to us. Benefits and professional growth are at the top of the list. We provide a comprehensive benefits package that encourages our associates to live healthy lifestyles, reach financial goals, and cope with the challenges of life at work and home. We like to work hard and have fun!

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