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Design Project Manager Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Review and interpret CAD drawings and other technical documentation to plan and execute ... Hands-on project management experience with projects in the range of approximately $100,000 to $500 ...

Project Manager - Municipal

Champaign, IL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Project Manager - Municipal Department: Civil/Municipal Employment Type: Full Time Location ... You'll review the quality of work executed by junior staff and guide engineers and CAD technicians ...

Your mission as a Project Manager at Fehr Graham? To set industry benchmarks in efficiency ... You'll review the quality of work executed by junior staff and guide engineers and CAD technicians ...

Project Manager-Facilities

Urbana, IL · On-site

$37.64 - $64.74/hr

Overview The Project Manager's role is the overall responsibility for the successful planning ... with all phases of design and construction management including user programming, design ...

Project Manager-Facilities

Urbana, IL · On-site

$37.64 - $64.74/hr

... programming, design, construction, close-out/evaluation, and budget reporting ... management of approved project budgets and schedules; track expenditures, changes, and progress ...

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Design Project Manager information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$39.1K

$97.3K

$168.2K

How much do design project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for design project manager in Champaign, IL is $97,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $118,200.00 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 cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Design Project Manager jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Design Project Manager job openings:
Structural Department Manager (Bridge Design)

Structural Department Manager (Bridge Design)

Lochmueller Group

Champaign, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced structural engineer to lead our Structural Engineering team in Illinois. In this pivotal role, you will provide technical and people leadership, pursuing and delivering high-quality bridge and structural engineering solutions for municipal and DOT projects. The Department Manager will guide the planning and execution of simple to complex bridge design and inspection projects, mentor and develop engineering talent, and play a key role in client relations and growth of the department. This is an opportunity for a proven structural engineer with leadership capabilities to shape the future of our Illinois practice while driving excellence in project delivery, design, collaboration, and client service.

Lochmueller Group is an engineering consulting firm with an emphasis on infrastructure.  We provide multi-disciplined services for a variety of public agencies and private entities, including bridge and building design and inspection; highway design; traffic engineering and transportation planning; environmental analysis and permitting; construction engineering and inspection; surveying; right-of-way engineering; and land acquisition & appraisal. Our Structures team focuses on the design, analysis, and inspection of man-made structures such as buildings and bridges with the primary goal of ensuring the integrity, safety, and functionality of our built environment.

For over 40 years, Lochmueller Group has helped communities reinvent their future through thoughtful, actionable planning and design. Our dedication to building a team that demonstrates our corporate values (CARDIA) is what sets us apart:

CARDIA: Creativity; Accountability; Respect; Dedication; Integrity; Achievement

Lochmueller Group provides an excellent workplace culture driven by these values. We are a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company, and our people are invested in the success and continued development of each other and the firm. This is a great place to build a career and grow with a company that is dedicated to quality and service.

Key responsibilities include:
  • Structural Department Leadership: Effectively leads and manages the structural engineering team in Illinois with an emphasis on bridge design and inspection, guiding the team to deliver high-quality results. Fosters a positive workplace culture and ensures professional growth and development of department team members. Provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members. Reviews and manages performance, identifies staffing needs, and actively participates in the recruiting and hiring of new staff members. Ensures effective resource allocation.
  • Client and Stakeholder Relations: Collaborates with senior leaders on client management and strategic business development for structural engineering services in Illinois with an emphasis on bridge engineering. Develops new client relationships and seeks out opportunities for new business. Maintains strong relationships with existing clients. Coordinates with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with regulations and specifications.
  • Project Management: Ensures the department's project deliverables are completed on time and within budget. Plans, organizes, and directs department activities, including proposal and contract development, project management, design, design reviews and structure inspections.  Provides leadership in the planning, design, and execution of major projects. Serves as a project manager on bridge design projects. Ensures QC/QA procedures are followed and performs QC/QA as needed.
  • Fiscal Performance: Effectively manages productivity and efficiency and addresses negative project variances. Collaborates on budget development, implements cost control measures, and ensures accurate financial reporting.
Qualifications for this role:
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Civil Engineering; Structural emphasis is helpful 

  • Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois 

  • Licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in Illinois

  • Extensive bridge engineering experience with a proven ability to lead projects and consistently deliver high-quality results 

  • Demonstrated capabilities in personnel management and leadership with a strong track record of guiding teams to deliver high-quality results 

  • Strong client management capabilities with proven ability to develop and maintain new client relationships 

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 

  • Experience with project management and accounting software 

  • Valid Driver's License 

What we offer:
  • Health & Wellness: medical, dental, vision, disability, EAP, HSA, FSA, and basic life insurance w/ option for additional voluntary life insurance
  • Work/Life Balance: vacation, holidays, sick leave, paternal leave, flexible scheduling & telecommuting opportunities
  • Wealth-Building: 401k w/ company match, 401k student loan repayment benefit, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost to you, competitive compensation package including potential for discretionary annual bonus
  • Professional Benefits: professional membership dues, career & educational development
$125,000 - $175,000 a year
The salary range may vary depending upon the experience and capabilities of the selected candidate. 

Lochmueller Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Lochgroup fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws. Some of the content in this job post may have been auto-generated using advanced AI.

 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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