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

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead commercial fire protection projects from ... Coordinate engineering, design, fabrication, procurement, field operations, subcontractors, and ...

New

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 ...

Description Your mission as a Project Manager at Fehr Graham? To set industry benchmarks in ... 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 ...

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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 Aug 9, 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 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 cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Design Project Manager jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Design Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Project Manager job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,265 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Project Manager

Design Hire LLC

Champaign, IL

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description


We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead commercial fire protection projects from award through closeout. This role is responsible for delivering projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards while serving as the primary point of contact for customers, field leadership, vendors, and internal teams.


The ideal candidate understands how complex commercial construction projects come together, possesses strong financial and operational leadership skills, and has the confidence to hold project teams accountable for production, schedules, and profitability. Experience within fire suppression, mechanical construction, plumbing, or MEP environments is highly preferred.


Responsibilities

  • Manage multiple commercial construction projects simultaneously from kickoff through completion.
  • Own project budgets, forecasting, billing, cost tracking, profitability, and financial reporting.
  • Build and maintain detailed project schedules while ensuring milestones are achieved.
  • Coordinate engineering, design, fabrication, procurement, field operations, subcontractors, and customers throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Review construction drawings, fire protection plans, blueprints, schematics, and specifications to ensure successful execution.
  • Lead project meetings and communicate progress, risks, and financial performance with leadership and customers.
  • Identify schedule, labor, or budget issues early and implement corrective action.
  • Hold field teams accountable for productivity, quality, safety, and schedule performance.
  • Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, closeout documentation, and customer communication.
  • Ensure projects comply with NFPA standards, OSHA regulations, local codes, and customer specifications.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
  • 5+ years of Project Management experience within commercial construction.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing project budgets and forecasting.
  • Experience overseeing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, mechanical plans, and technical specifications.
  • Estimating experience required.
  • Strong scheduling and planning experience.
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills.
  • Experience with fire suppression, sprinkler systems, mechanical contracting, plumbing, HVAC, or MEP projects preferred.
  • Experience with Patabid is highly desirable.
  • Experience with Accumatica is preferred
  • Mechanical, plumbing, or related industry certifications are a plus.


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Design Hire is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.


Employment Eligibility: If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.