Freelance Senior Design Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title

Sr. Project Design Manager

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead retail design execution and serve as a central point of communication for design and construction projects. This role requires mastery of architectural design principles, Revit, and project management - combined with the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder prototype workflows from concept through construction. You will work closely with client design teams, approved architects, construction managers, real estate teams, and consultants to deliver high-quality, retail-focused solutions that align with business objectives and exceed client expectations.

Job Description

Senior Design Manager

We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead retail design execution and serve as a central point of communication for design and construction projects. This role requires mastery of architectural design principles, Revit, and project management - combined with the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder prototype workflows from concept through construction. You will work closely with client design teams, approved architects, construction managers, real estate teams, and consultants to deliver high-quality, retail-focused solutions that align with business objectives and exceed client expectations.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary design point of contact for the client, building a trusted, long-term partnership across retail design and construction teams.
• Communicate design concepts, decisions, and recommendations clearly and confidently to stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Translate client business needs into functional, innovative retail solutions, including test fits and space planning recommendations.
• Manage and continuously improve client design standards, proactively recommending updates that reflect evolving retail trends and best practices.

• Set up and facilitate Real Estate Site Approval presentations to deliver best in class design options, including recommendations and a clear analysis of the pros and cons of each option, to internal leadership, operations teams, regulatory agencies, and landlords.

Design Execution & Quality Control

• Oversee all phases of the retail design process, ensuring deliverables are safe, functional, code-compliant, and aesthetically aligned with client prototypes.
• Reviews and analyzes site survey and due diligence information as the basis for developing preliminary designs.
• Coordinates with architectural consultants to develop preliminary planning submittal packages for city review and approval.
• Partner with Construction and Real Estate to successfully manage regional store development pipeline.
• Build effective program and alignment with Development Manager
• Review and approve preliminary space plans and design concepts against IBC, ADA, and applicable local code requirements.
• Maintain rigorous quality control across all design documentation and deliverables.
• Explore and implement innovative retail design solutions, encouraging creative thinking within the project team.

Vendor Management

• Act as a primary communicator between the internal client design group, client-approved architects, construction managers, and consultants.
• Proactively manage and problem-solve on-site construction issues affecting design, with a clear understanding of downstream impacts.
• Support vendor relationships and contribute to procurement processes as needed.

Technology, Standards & Process Management

• Create, implement, and maintain Revit templates, families, and design assets that support consistent and efficient retail project delivery.
• Champion the adoption of tools that optimize design workflows.
• Build and maintain program infrastructure, including SharePoint sites, Smartsheet project trackers and dashboards, file structure guidelines, construction document review checklists, retail design management process flowcharts, and design RACIs.
• Track data to demonstrate drive for results.
• Stay current on emerging retail design software, technologies, and industry trends.

Project & Resource Management

• Develop and manage project timelines across a portfolio of retail projects with varying scope and complexity.
• Ensure all design processes and standards are clearly documented, communicated to stakeholders, and consistently implemented.
• Partner cross-functionally with project management, facilities, construction, and other internal teams to deliver integrated retail solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Interior Design from a CIDA or NAAB accredited institution
• 10+ years of professional design experience with demonstrated progression into senior design management roles
• 5+ years of Revit experience in a professional setting
• 5+ years of experience managing complex design and construction projects in a retail environment
• Strong proficiency in architectural drawings, space planning, and retail design concept development
• Working knowledge of IBC and ADA requirements with the ability to review drawings for code compliance
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, SharePoint, and Smartsheet
• Understanding of MEP systems and their integration with architectural design
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically under pressure
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with internal teams, external partners, and clients
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering quality outcomes
• Licensure (RA or NCIDQ) preferred but not required

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 85,000.00 - $100,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or emailAccommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"