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Design Project Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Story Construction is a 100% employee-owned general contractor, construction manager, and design ... Project Managers are responsible for contract administration and the safe completion of ...

Project Managers are responsible for contract administration and the safe completion of ... Evaluate design for constructability * Lead and manage preparation of the following types of ...

Design Manager- Energy

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

The Design Manager supports client/owner relationships and leads design teams through projects from ... Reviews project information, develops concept designs, defines design scope, and supports proposals ...

The Design Manager supports client/owner relationships and leads design teams through projects from ... Reviews project information, develops concept designs, defines design scope, and supports proposals ...

Coordinates with the logistics team and use logistics software, XBE, to plan daily work. * Assist in managing project schedule throughout course of design and/or construction process through ...

The Project Manager establishes project objectives and schedules, directs everyday operations of ... Provides guidance and support to complete all design, detailing, and engineering activities ...

Job Type Full-time Description The Project Manager establishes project objectives and schedules ... Provides guidance and support to complete all design, detailing, and engineering activities ...

Description The Project Manager establishes project objectives and schedules, directs everyday ... Provides guidance and support to complete all design, detailing, and engineering activities ...

Coordinates with the logistics team and use logistics software, XBE, to plan daily work. * Assist in managing project schedule throughout course of design and/or construction process through ...

The position will manage all aspects of projects; design, capital budgeting, contracting, negotiating, bidding, construction managers, safety, coordinating IT and medical equipment planning ...

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Design Project Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$36.6K

$91.2K

$157.8K

How much do design project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for design project manager in Iowa is $91,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,300.00 and $110,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often executive roles such as Creative Director or Chief Design Officer, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures for experienced professionals in large organizations. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, industrial design, and design consulting can also offer high compensation, especially with advanced skills and certifications.

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 projects meet quality standards and deadlines, often using tools like project management software. Strong communication, organizational skills, and knowledge of design processes are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Project Manager, and why are they important?

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's the highest paying PM job?

The highest paying project management roles are often in industries like technology, finance, and engineering, with senior positions such as Program Manager or Portfolio Manager typically earning the most. These roles usually require extensive experience, certifications like PMP or PgMP, and strong leadership skills. Salaries can exceed $150,000 annually, especially in large organizations or high-cost regions.

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 the 4 types of project managers?

In project management, four common types are functional, projectized, matrix, and hybrid managers. Functional managers work within specific departments, projectized managers lead dedicated project teams, matrix managers balance both functional and project responsibilities, and hybrid managers combine elements of these approaches. Each type requires different skills and organizational structures to effectively oversee projects, including design projects managed by professionals with expertise in planning, communication, and resource allocation.
What are popular job titles related to Design Project Manager jobs in Iowa? For Design Project Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Design Project Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Design Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Project Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,224 per year, or $43.9 per hour.
Project Manager

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Story Construction is a 100% employee-owned general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder based out of Ames, IA. As an employee of Story Construction, you'll have the opportunity to join the ownership group through our employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). At Story, we focus on having a good day, every day, regardless of your role. Everything we do revolves around building a joyful work environment and making a difference in the communities in which we work.


Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our project management leadership team! Project Managers are responsible for contract administration and the safe completion of construction projects within the budget, on schedule, with quality, and to the customer's satisfaction. In this position, you will be a leader in creating a positive environment that supports continuous learning and improvement and ensures the safe and productive completion of work. The Project Manager typically reports to the Operations Manager and oversees a small project team.


Summary of Duties:

Supervisory

  • Increases the effectiveness of the project management team and field staff.
  • Acts as a leader in creating a positive environment that supports continuous improvement and ensures
    work is being put in place in a safe and productive manner.
  • Assists the Superintendent and project team in their professional development through mentoring,
    teaching, training, coaching, and completion of periodic performance reviews.

Preconstruction Phase

  • Provide proactive input during design to achieve cost management
  • Advise on how design decisions affect cost and schedule
  • Evaluate design for constructability
  • Lead and manage preparation of the following types of conceptual construction cost estimates: Program Cost Analysis, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Building System Cost Analysis and Evaluation
  • Conduct value engineering and/or cost reduction studies
  • Develop Bid Package Index and assign scope-of-work responsibility
  • Prepare Preliminary Project Schedule for inclusion in specifications
  • Review & edit General Conditions Specifications
  • Solicit construction industry interest in the project (bid solicitation)
  • Develop positive working relationships with Owner staff and Design team

Construction Phase

  • Provide leadership and supervision for project administrative duties
  • Facilitate monthly progress meetings with the owner, designer, and contractors
  • Supervise and/or perform Project Engineering duties such as payment applications, submittals, RFI's, and change orders
  • Lead the development and preparation of the construction schedule
  • Provide monthly construction updates at monthly Owner meetings as required
  • Facilitate resolution of construction issues in a positive, proactive manner

Qualifications:

  • 4-year technical degree, a 2-year technical degree with 2 years of experience, or equivalent combination of experience and training required. 4-year technical degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or related study preferred.
  • 7+ years of construction management experience required; Commercial construction experience preferred.
  • Successful passing of a drug test and a physical examination as a contingency for employment


Travel: Occasional out-of-town and overnight travel expected. May be assigned to multiple jobsites simultaneously, travel to and from jobsites may be frequent.


Benefits:

  • Opportunity to participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Paid time off, including paid holidays
  • Company 401K plan with company match
  • Health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
  • Company work vehicle and cell phone
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Company-paid term life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability
  • Company-paid employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Medical and dependent care flex benefits plans
  • Career Development Plan personalized to you and your career goals
  • Safety boot and prescription safety glasses reimbursement


Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Primarily work out of the corporate office; however, may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, loud noises, and more within OSHA standards when visited the jobsite. Employees may be exposed to outdoor conditions that include inclement weather such as heat, humidity, cold, wind, and dust. May be expected to carry up to 30 pounds regularly and 50 pounds occasionally, stand for long periods of time, walk for moderate-to-long distances on varying surface conditions, climb, crawl, crouch, reach, grip, push, and pull without issue.


Story Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Story is a drug-free workplace, and employment is contingent on the successful passing of a drug test. Story Construction participates in E-Verify.