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Event Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

R. Jack Balthazar, Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Jack Balthazar is a full-service event design + build firm serving high-end agencies and ... Track and manage all sourcing logistics: order status, vendor communication, shipments, and ...

Meta

Program Manager, MSL Events

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$145K/yr

Offsite Event Design: Design engaging multi-day offsite programs that balance strategic planning ... Budget Management: Develop and manage event budgets, track spend, negotiate cost-effective ...

Meta

Program Manager, MSL Events

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$145K - $205K/yr

... into event design. • Offsite Event Design: Design engaging multi-day offsite programs that ... Source, negotiate with, and manage external vendors and venue partners for all event needs ...

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Event Design Manager information

What is an event design manager?

An Event Design Manager is a professional responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing the visual and experiential aspects of events. They work closely with clients and event planners to create cohesive themes, layouts, décor, lighting, and overall ambiance that align with the event’s objectives. Their role often includes managing budgets, sourcing vendors, overseeing setup, and ensuring that every element contributes to a memorable and seamless guest experience. Strong creative, organizational, and communication skills are essential for this position.

How does an event design manager typically collaborate with vendors and internal teams during the planning process?

As an Event Design Manager, you'll frequently coordinate with both internal stakeholders—such as marketing, sales, and logistics teams—and external vendors like florists, lighting specialists, and furniture rental companies. This role requires clear communication to ensure your creative vision aligns with the event’s objectives and practical constraints. Regular meetings, site visits, and detailed mood boards or design proposals are common tools used to keep everyone aligned throughout the planning process. Building strong relationships with trusted vendors and fostering teamwork internally are key to managing changes smoothly and delivering a cohesive event experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event design manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Event Design Manager, you need expertise in event planning, creative design, budgeting, and vendor management, often supported by a background in hospitality, design, or event management. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), event management platforms, and CAD tools is commonly required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills help you collaborate with clients and guide teams effectively. These skills ensure visually impactful, well-executed events that meet client objectives and stay within budget.

What is the difference between Event Design Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent Design ManagerEvent Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in event planning, design, or related field; experience in event designHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience in event planning
Work EnvironmentLeads creative teams, collaborates with clients, oversees event aestheticsCoordinates logistics, manages vendors, handles on-site event operations
Industry UsageUsed in event planning companies, corporate events, large-scale productionsCommon in wedding planning, corporate events, community functions

The Event Design Manager focuses on the creative and aesthetic aspects of events, leading design teams and ensuring visual concepts align with client goals. In contrast, the Event Coordinator handles logistical details, vendor management, and on-site coordination. Both roles are essential in event planning but differ primarily in their focus and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Event Design jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Design Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Design Manager

Symons Fire Protection, Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:
Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is a premier, full-service fire-life safety contractor based in San Diego, CA. For over 30 years, we have specialized in the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of residential and commercial fire sprinkler and alarm systems across Southern California. We pride ourselves on operational excellence, high-quality craftsmanship, and unwavering safety standards.
How We'll Take Care of You:
  • 401(k) + Company Matching
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D Insurance, including FREE Employee Only premium for SIMNSA and Kaiser Permanente Bronze Base medical plans.
  • Vacation, Paid Holidays, Birthday Holiday, and Sick Pay
  • Discretionary Bonus Program
  • FREE Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • FREE Onsite Gym
  • FREE premium coffee and snacks
  • Company Celebrations (i.e., summer picnic, holiday event)
  • Employee Referral Program
  • A management team that actively cares about your professional development

  • $125,000-$155,000 per year.

Position Summary
We are seeking a Design Manager that retains operational and financial accountability for the design department. This role focuses on resource planning, departmental profitability, major client relationships, and navigating complex regulatory hurdles with senior County and City AHJs. This position requires proven, multi-year people management experience with a demonstrated history of guiding professional career paths, managing workplace dynamics, and building high-retention engineering cultures.
Core Responsibilities
  • Leadership: Oversees departmental operational budgets, software licensing configurations (Autosprink, NFPA, Autodesk, Bluebeam, HydraCAD), and long-term department expansion.
  • Financial Accountability: Monitors project burn rates, estimate design hours for multi-million dollar contracts, and safeguard the department's gross profit margins.
  • QA/QC: Audits the highest-risk projects (e.g., high-rise, high-piled storage, or hazardous industrial spaces) and serve as the final escalation point for complex plan-check disputes.
  • Talent Management: Owns the ultimate authority to hire, fire, discipline, and promote department personnel in alignment with company growth objectives and policies.
  • Leadership Development & Mentorship: Coaches, mentors, and develops team, preparing them for advanced management paths.
  • People Management: Conducts career-pathing sessions, establish succession planning matrices, resolve high-level interpersonal conflicts, and actively work to reduce employee burnout.
  • Performance Monitoring: Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department, conducting formal performance reviews and implementing corrective action plans when necessary.
  • Culture: Cultivates a psychologically safe work environment where team members feel empowered to collaborate, voice technical concerns, innovate, and report errors without fear of negative repercussions.
  • Other management duties as assigned.

Productivity Expectations
  • Department Utilization: Targets an overall department billable utilization rate of 85%.
  • First-Pass Success: Maintains a department-wide first-pass plan check approval rate of 90%+ across all Southern California municipalities.
  • Backlog Stability: Ensure design department capacity matches project backlog schedules up to 90 days out.

  • Experience: At least 8 years of progressive engineering and design experience, including a minimum of 5 years of direct leadership experience overseeing a team of 10+ design professionals.
  • Certification: NICET Level IIIin Water-Based Systems Layout.
  • Software Mastery: Expert in Autocad, Autosprink, Hydracad, NFPA and Bluebeam Revu (Studio, Sets, Quantity Link) for department-wide standardization and macro executive review.
  • Core Competency: Expert command of local Fire Code amendments, and WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) regulations.

Other
  • No Third-Party Agency Solicitation.
  • Location Requirement: This position is open only to candidates currently residing in the Southern California area. Remote candidates will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability, medical condition, genetic info, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application or any part of the hiring process, please let us know.

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