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Design Operations Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the Manufacturing Operations of the facility and ... In North America, Yanfeng is focused on enhancing the mobility experience through the design ...

They are seeking a Manager, Data Operations to oversee Azure Data Lake operations, ensuring ... design artifacts, configuration standards, and troubleshooting procedures • Serve as the primary ...

Portfolio Operations Manager The Portfolio Operations Manager is primarily responsible for ... design and improve processes High level of integrity and discretion Ability to work effectively ...

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Design Operations Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$27K

$55.3K

$103.3K

How much do design operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for design operations manager in Michigan is $55,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,700.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design operations manager?

Design Operations Managers are professionals who streamline and optimize processes within design teams to improve efficiency, collaboration, and the quality of creative output. They bridge the gap between design, product, and business operations by implementing workflows, managing resources, and ensuring projects stay on track. Their responsibilities often include project management, budget oversight, and facilitating communication across teams. By establishing best practices and removing operational barriers, Design Operations Managers enable designers to focus more on creative work and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design operations manager?

To thrive as a Design Operations Manager, you need expertise in project management, design process optimization, and a solid understanding of design principles, often supported by a degree in design, business, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Asana, Jira, Figma, and resource management systems, as well as certifications like PMP or Agile, is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills help you bridge gaps between creative and operational teams. These skills are vital for streamlining workflows, ensuring project delivery, and driving alignment across multidisciplinary teams.

How does a design operations manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve workflow efficiency?

A Design Operations Manager works closely with design, product, engineering, and marketing teams to streamline processes, set clear priorities, and remove obstacles that hinder productivity. They often facilitate regular check-ins, build and optimize workflows, and implement tools or systems that foster communication and transparency. By acting as a liaison and ensuring alignment between departments, they help the broader team deliver high-quality design work on time, while also identifying opportunities to refine processes for future projects.

What is the difference between Design Operations Manager vs UX Designer?

AspectDesign Operations ManagerUX Designer
Primary FocusOversees design processes, tools, and team workflowsDesigns user experiences and interfaces
Required SkillsProject management, process optimization, leadershipUser research, wireframing, prototyping
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with design teams, product managers, and developersWorks directly on user interface and experience design
Common CertificationsProject Management Professional (PMP), Agile certificationsUX certifications (e.g., NN/g, Human Factors)

The Design Operations Manager focuses on streamlining design workflows and managing teams, while the UX Designer concentrates on creating engaging user experiences. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within the design process.

Is a design operations manager a high paying job?

Design operations managers typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their experience, skills, and the size of the organization. In many industries, they are considered senior roles with compensation often above average for managerial positions, especially in companies with strong design or creative teams.

Is a design operations manager a stressful job?

A design operations manager role can be stressful due to managing multiple projects, coordinating between teams, and meeting deadlines. The job often requires strong organizational skills, problem-solving, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations, especially in fast-paced environments.

What does a design operations manager do?

A design operations manager oversees the processes, tools, and workflows that support a company's design team, ensuring efficient project delivery and collaboration. They often manage resource allocation, implement design systems, and work with project management tools to optimize team productivity and quality. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Design Operations Manager jobs in Michigan?

For Design Operations Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Design Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Design Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Operations Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,308 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Studio X Chief Designer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 527 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 45 rated automakers


Job description


We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part of Ford Design, you'll be at the cutting edge of Ford's most strategically critical work, designing people and society's needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.
The Studio X Digital Design Chief reports to the Director of Design Operations and leads Design Visualization, Research & Development, and Digital Technologies globally. This leader defines the strategic digital roadmap for the Global Design organization while ensuring operational excellence, rigorous data security, and high-performing team management.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
Strategic Leadership & Digital Transformation
  • Digital Roadmap: Define and execute a long-term global digital support strategy and transformation roadmap to enhance creativity and efficiency across Global Design.
  • Emerging Tech & AI: Evaluate and implement emerging digital tools, including AI, procedural workflow automation, and immersive technologies (AR/VR/MR).
  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Program teams, Engineering, IT, Corporate Security, and Marketing to align digital initiatives with brand vision and future product strategies.

Digital Production & Visualization
  • End-to-End Pipelines: Oversee high-fidelity rendering, narrative animation, real-time visualization, and immersive digital simulation pipelines.
  • Media Services: Manage comprehensive photography (including drone and documentary) and professional videography/editing services for the Design studio.
  • Quality & Delivery: Establish and enforce rigorous quality standards and review processes to ensure on-time delivery of all Studio X assets.
  • Executive Presentation: Support Marketing and Strategy teams with Executive Leadership Team (ELT) presentations and Market Research stimuli; confidently pitch and facilitate project reviews for senior leadership.

Operations, Budget, & IT Asset Management
  • Hardware Lifecycle: Manage procurement, maintenance, and lifecycles for high-performance workstations, AR/VR head-mounted displays, MicroLED displays, printers, and data management systems.
  • Software & SaaS: Oversee software licensing, SaaS usage, vendor negotiations, enterprise agreements, and corporate compliance.
  • ROI Optimization: Ensure maximum ROI on all hardware and software acquisitions through pipeline automation and licensing efficiencies.

Data Governance & Studio Security
  • IP Protection: Implement data governance and security protocols for design imagery and highly sensitive, pre-production data.
  • Access Control: Create, implement, and enforce strict physical access-control policies for all secure design studios and spaces.

People Leadership & Talent Development
  • Culture & Performance: Foster a highly collaborative, accountable, and engaged studio culture. Lead OKR/KPI development and performance management.
  • HR & Personnel Management: Assist the Design Operations Director with personnel programs, including performance reviews, salary planning, employee counseling, and training plans.
  • Mentorship & Coaching: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, and mentor team members through complex, ambiguous challenges.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience: 10+ years in Automotive Design, high-end product visualization, or digital design (in-studio program experience preferred).
  • Project Management: Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder multimedia projects and budgets.
  • Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of modern digital tools, hardware, data governance, IP protection, and the overall Product Development/Design process.
  • Leadership: Strong business acumen with demonstrated leadership skills in hiring, developing, and inspiring creative technical teams.

Even better, you may have...
  • Prior experience working within large, complex corporate environments and creative cultures.
  • Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and global automotive design trends.
  • Proven track record of presenting to and influencing executive-level audiences.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is leadership level 5 and ranges from $141,700-$268,300.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL5
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#DesignTeam #LI-SC3

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