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Design Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Design Project Manager

Newport Beach, CA

$137K - $168K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As Senior Design Project Manager you will be responsible for driving workplaceexperience, planning, and execution to support business objectives and employee experience. This role combines project ...

New

Store Design Project Manager I

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$104K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Store Design Project Manager reports directly to the Department Manager of Store Design, and is responsible for individual project management of the architectural and design related aspects of ...

Store Design Project Manager I

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$104K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Store Design Project Manager I Location: Baldwin Park, CA Work Type: Full-time Department: Real Estate Description & Requirements Come join our family at In-N-Out Burger! In-N-Out Burger is growing!

Showing results 21-40

Design Project Manager information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$95.9K

$165.8K

How much do design project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for design project manager in California is $95,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design project manager?

Design project managers oversee one or a group of creative projects for a client. They are often found working on interior design efforts and online web design projects. As a design project manager, your job duties include establishing the project schedule, monitoring the budget, and motivating a team of creative professionals. The qualifications to pursue a career as a design project manager include a bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, or business management and several years of industry experience.

What does a design project manager do?

A design project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of design projects, coordinating between clients, designers, and other stakeholders. They manage timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring the project meets quality standards and deadlines. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills are essential, often supported by project management tools like Asana or Trello.

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

To thrive as a Design Project Manager, you need expertise in project management methodologies, design principles, and a relevant degree, often paired with experience in design or architecture fields. Familiarity with project management tools (such as Asana, Trello, or MS Project), design software (like Adobe Creative Suite), and certifications such as PMP or Agile are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage teams, stakeholders, and project challenges effectively. These competencies ensure projects are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and align with client or organizational goals.

What is the difference between Design Project Manager vs Interior Designer?

AspectDesign Project ManagerInterior Designer
CredentialsProject management certifications, design backgroundInterior design degree, licensing (if applicable)
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, design firms, client meetingsShowrooms, clients' homes, design studios
Industry UsageConstruction, architecture, design firmsResidential, commercial interior design
Primary FocusManaging design projects, timelines, budgetsCreating interior spaces, aesthetics, functionality

The main difference is that a Design Project Manager oversees the entire project process, coordinating teams and managing timelines, while an Interior Designer focuses on designing and decorating interior spaces. Both roles require design knowledge, but their responsibilities and daily tasks differ significantly.

How does a design project manager typically coordinate collaboration between design teams and other departments?

A Design Project Manager acts as a central point of communication, ensuring that design teams work closely with stakeholders such as marketing, engineering, and product management. They regularly hold meetings to align project goals, clarify requirements, and address any roadblocks, fostering a collaborative environment. By managing timelines and expectations across departments, they help ensure that design deliverables integrate seamlessly with larger organizational objectives. This role often requires balancing creative vision with practical constraints from other teams, making strong communication and negotiation skills essential.

What are popular job titles related to Design Project Manager jobs in California?

For Design Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Project Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Project Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Design Project Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Design Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,851 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Senior Design Project Manager

Pacificlife

Newport Beach, CA

$137K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead - our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate - pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future - including your own.

We're actively seeking a talented Senior Design Project Manager to join our Workplace Services Team in Newport Beach, CA, Omaha, NE, or Charlotte, NC.

As Senior Design Project Manager you will be responsible for driving workplaceexperience, planning, and execution to support business objectives and employee experience. This role combines project management, space planning, workplace design, and stakeholder engagement to ensure optimal use of real estate, alignment with workforce needs, and adherence to workplace standards. You will be joining the Global Workplace Services team that includes facilities professionals, workplace design professionals, project managers, event coordinators, and data and systems professionals.

How you'll help move us forward:

Workplace Optimization

  • Develop and execute workplace strategies that align with organizational goals, workforce trends, and business needs
  • Analyze headcount forecasts, growth, and reductions to proactively plan space requirements
  • Partner with business leaders to understand team structures, workflows, and adjacency requirements
  • Ensure departmental adjacencies support collaboration, productivity, and operational efficiency
  • Lead space planning initiatives, including layout development, workplace concepts, and utilization optimization

Project Management

  • Manage workplace projects end-to-end, including Tenant Improvements, Building Restacks, new site buildouts, and furniture reconfigurations
  • Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets; track progress and mitigate risks
  • Determine project requirements and coordinate with cross-functional teams (Facilities, IT, HR, external vendors) to align project requirements and deliver projects on time and within scope
  • Review project documentation to ensure requirements are documented accurately and meet internal company standards
  • Manage relationships with external consultants and vendors

Workplace Experience, Standards & Governance

  • Establish and maintain workplace standards, guidelines, and best practices
  • Ensure consistency in design, space utilization, and workplace experience across locations
  • Manage various workplace processes/standards: employee relocations, seat assignments, furniture standards, infrastructure standards, ergonomics, art and signage
  • Monitor compliance with workplace policies and corporate standards
  • Analyze workplace data to understand occupancy, space utilization, and usage patterns
  • Stay current on industry trends and best practices

Customer Relationship Management

  • Partner closely with key business leaders ensuring service delivery meets/exceeds expectations.
  • Proactively communicate effectively to keep stakeholders informed
  • Provide recommendations and insights based on data and workplace trends
  • Communicate changes, project updates, and workplace strategies effectively to stakeholders

The experience you bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Facilities Management, or related field
  • 8-10+ years of experience in corporate office design, commercial office furniture, project management, or facilities management
  • Knowledge of building codes
  • Ability to read and understand architectural and MEP drawings
  • Knowledge of the design process, furniture systems, construction and infrastructure standards
  • Strong project management skills with experience leading complex workplace initiatives
  • Proficiency with space planning tools (e.g., AutoCAD, CAFM/IWMS systems) and Microsoft Applications
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Ability to supervise outsourced contractors
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving
  • Adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment
  • Personable, positive, customer service mindset.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes.
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong presentation skills, both oral and written
  • Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively

What makes you stand out:

  • Familiarity with sustainability and workplace wellness standards
  • Experience mentoring and training employees

Salary Ranges per Location:

  • Newport Beach, CA: $137,610 - $168,190
  • Omaha, NE: $118,800 - $145,200
  • Charlotte, NC: $125,100 - $152,900

#LI-AJ1

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

$137,610.00 - $168,190.00

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we're committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.

  • Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

  • Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

  • Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

  • Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

You Can Be Who You Are

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.