ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Baxter & Woodman

Wastewater Project Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site +1

$90K - $130K/yr

The Wastewater Project Manager will manage and design wastewater facility and infrastructure projects while developing business through management of existing clients. A successful candidate will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Project JobsDesign Project Manager JobsDesign Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Design Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.2K

$100.1K

$173.2K

How much do design project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for design project manager in Chicago, IL is $100,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,700.00 and $121,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

A Design Project Manager can earn a salary of $100,000 or more depending on experience, location, industry, and company size. Senior project managers with certifications like PMP and strong leadership skills are more likely to reach or exceed this salary level.

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, or design consulting can also command high salaries, 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 delivery of design projects, coordinating between clients, designers, and other stakeholders. They manage timelines, budgets, and resources, often using project management tools like Asana or Trello, to ensure projects meet quality standards and deadlines.

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 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 departments, projectized managers lead dedicated teams, matrix managers share resources across projects, and hybrid managers combine elements of these structures. Each type influences communication, authority, and resource allocation in managing design projects.
More about Design Project Manager jobs
What are popular job titles related to Design Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Design Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Design Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Design Project Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Design Project Manager job openings:
Design Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,130 per year, or $48.1 per hour.
Senior Roadway/Highway Design Project Manager

Senior Roadway/Highway Design Project Manager

Christopher B Burke Engineering Ltd

Rosemont, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Work from our centrally located offices in the Chicago metropolitan area-our Chicago office or our Rosemont headquarters. These offices are strategically positioned to provide engineering services throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Our Transportation Group focuses on large municipal, IDOT, Tollway and County roadway/highway design projects, including expressway interchange improvements, major roadway reconstruction projects, grade separation projects, and more. This role will allow you to independently lead and support roadway design efforts, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. If you enjoy providing technical guidance, overseeing project delivery, and staying hands-on with design, this may be the perfect next step in your career.
At CBBEL, our values guide everything we do:
Integrity - We follow through on our promises.
Excellence - We're always learning, growing, and raising the bar.
Fellowship - We support each other like a true team.
Resilience - We stay steady even when challenges arise.
Collaboration - We bring our best when we work together.
Sound like your kind of environment? Let's dive into the details.
What You'll Do
  • Lead and support the design and development of roadway/highway projects from concept through final design.
  • Prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates in accordance with IDOT and local agency standards.
  • Coordinate with clients, agencies, and internal teams to ensure project goals are met.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers.
  • Conduct quality control reviews and ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.
  • Support proposal development and client presentations as needed. Participate in networking events to support business development, talent outreach, and foster new relationships.

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field
  • At least 10 years of relevant experience
  • PE license
  • Proficiency in MicroStation, Geopak, and OpenRoads Designer
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and multi-tasks
  • Strong knowledge of IDOT and local agency design standards

Not Sure You're a Perfect Match?
  • That's okay. If you have related experience in transportation, infrastructure, site development, utility coordination, or regulatory permitting and are passionate about civil design, we encourage you to apply. Bring your initiative and technical expertise. We'll bring mentorship, flexibility, and opportunities to help you grow.

Why Join CBBEL?
CBBEL is a full-service civil engineering firm with more than 250 professionals committed to delivering accurate, timely and cost-effective solutions to a wide range of engineering and environmental challenges. One out of every three team members has been with us for more than 20 years, demonstrating how our values create a place where people want to grow.
Our team serves as Municipal Engineer for 26 communities and supports hundreds of public and private sector clients with planning, design, and construction services. We boast a highly talented, experienced and educated team and are proud of our successful, long-term relationships with a wide variety of clients throughout Chicagoland. When you join us, you'll find:
  • Clear growth opportunities in civil design, project management, or specialized areas like Construction, Environmental, or Water Resources
  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and discretionary year-end bonuses
  • A team that values your input, supports your goals, and celebrates shared success

Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of CBBEL to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, parenthood, creed, veteran's status, veteran's disability and physical or mental disability, citizenship status or unfavorable discharge from the military. CBBEL intends that all matters related to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, terminations, layoffs and recalls, as well as all CBBEL sponsored social and recreational programs, and all treatment on the job, be free of unlawful discriminatory practices. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email hr@cbbel.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply