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Lead Designer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

BHDP

Lead Designer | Workplace

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

Role Summary The Lead Designer leads design for large-scale projects for a specific market/business segment, elevating project outcomes through strong design thinking aligned with client vision. This ...

IMEG

Senior Mechanical Designer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$107K - $149K/yr

Lead design efforts for the analysis of HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems * Utilize engineering software and tools to create detailed designs, specifications, and calculations according to ...

IMEG

Senior Mechanical Designer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$107K - $149K/yr

Lead design efforts for the analysis of HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems * Utilize engineering software and tools to create detailed designs, specifications, and calculations according to ...

Quanta Services

Designer - Structural

Columbus, OH

Work under supervision of Lead Designer or Engineering Manager in a professional office setting. * Minimum of 5 years experience in drafting disciplines with a background in civil/structural ...

CESO, Inc.

Senior Designer

Columbus, OH

$68K - $122K/yr

Create and lead design and preparation of 2D and 3D detailed construction drawings, and designs using Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and/or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. * Be able to ...

CESO, Inc.

Senior Designer

Akron, OH

$68K - $122K/yr

Create and lead design and preparation of 2D and 3D detailed construction drawings, and designs using Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and/or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. * Be able to ...

CESO, Inc.

Senior Designer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$68K - $122K/yr

Create and lead design and preparation of 2D and 3D detailed construction drawings, and designs using Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and/or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. * Be able to ...

CESO, Inc.

Senior Designer

Cincinnati, OH

$68K - $122K/yr

Create and lead design and preparation of 2D and 3D detailed construction drawings, and designs using Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and/or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. * Be able to ...

CESO, Inc.

Senior Designer

Akron, OH · On-site

$68K - $122K/yr

Create and lead design and preparation of 2D and 3D detailed construction drawings, and designs using Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and/or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. * Be able to ...

CESO, Inc.

Senior Designer

Columbus, OH

$68K - $122K/yr

Create and lead design and preparation of 2D and 3D detailed construction drawings, and designs using Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and/or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. * Be able to ...

CESO, Inc.

Senior Designer

Dayton, OH

$68K - $122K/yr

Create and lead design and preparation of 2D and 3D detailed construction drawings, and designs using Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and/or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. * Be able to ...

CESO, Inc.

Senior Designer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$68K - $122K/yr

Create and lead design and preparation of 2D and 3D detailed construction drawings, and designs using Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and/or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. * Be able to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Designer JobsLead Designer Jobs in Ohio

Lead Designer information

See Ohio salary details

$39.9K

$86.7K

$149.3K

How much do lead designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead designer in Ohio is $86,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lead Designer vs Senior Designer?

AspectLead DesignerSenior Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees design projects, manages design team, sets creative directionExecutes design tasks, develops concepts, and contributes to projects independently
Required SkillsStrong leadership, project management, advanced design skillsAdvanced design skills, creativity, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, team leadership, client interactionFocused on individual contribution, team collaboration
Common UsageUsed in agencies, tech companies, large organizationsUsed across similar industries, often as a senior individual contributor

The main difference between a Lead Designer and a Senior Designer lies in their scope of responsibilities. Lead Designers typically manage teams and oversee projects, while Senior Designers focus on executing complex design tasks independently. Both roles require advanced design skills, but Lead Designers also need leadership and project management abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Designer, you need advanced design skills, a strong portfolio, and experience with design principles and team leadership, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch, and familiarity with project management systems are essential. Exceptional communication, creative problem-solving, and leadership abilities help you guide teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure the delivery of innovative, cohesive designs that align with business goals and drive project success.

How does a lead designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

A Lead Designer frequently works cross-functionally, coordinating closely with product managers, developers, and marketing teams to ensure design solutions align with business objectives and technical constraints. They often participate in strategy meetings, provide design direction, and facilitate feedback sessions to harmonize the visual and functional aspects of a project. This collaboration helps maintain consistency in user experience and brand identity while ensuring that deliverables meet deadlines and stakeholder expectations.

What is a lead designer?

A lead designer is in charge of the creative aspects of a project. As a lead designer, you may work with a creative director to oversee design of a video game, a multimedia project, or website. Your job duties in this career include meeting with clients to assess their needs, creating a framework for the project, and working with an art team to execute the plan according to specifications. Qualifications vary, depending on the employer, but lead designers typically need a bachelor’s degree and several years of industry experience.

More about Lead Designer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Lead Designer jobs in Ohio? For Lead Designer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Designer jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Designer jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Designer jobs in OH? For Lead Designer jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Designer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,666 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Lead Designer | Workplace

BHDP

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Market: Workplace
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Reports to: Design Principal
FLSA: Exempt
Work Mode: Monday - Friday; 8:00 - 5:00; In-Office Monday - Thursday; Hybrid (remote or in-office) Friday
Employment Type: Full-time
At BHDP, we believe great design does more than define spaces-it influences behavior, drives performance, and creates meaningful experiences. Guided by our purpose to Inspire People and Impact Results, By Design, we collaborate across architecture, interiors, strategy, and research to solve complex challenges in integrated ways. Here, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your work has the power to shape experiences that truly make a difference.
Role Summary
The Lead Designer leads design for large-scale projects for a specific market/business segment, elevating project outcomes through strong design thinking aligned with client vision. This role provides design leadership across all phases-serving as the final design authority for key decisions-and drives high-quality delivery through clear expectations, accountability, and effective team leadership.
Responsibilities
  • Leads large-project design delivery by setting clear expectations, aligning the right people in the right seats, and driving follow-through that sustains design quality and strengthens client trust across all phases.
  • Acts as the final design authority for high-impact design decisions, coaching team growth through productive feedback, while managing design effort for revenue efficiency and providing proactive, client-ready communication on options, tradeoffs, and impacts.
  • Leads the day-to-day design relationship with clients on large-scale projects, building trust while translating client goals into clear direction, decisions, and design outcomes.
  • Manages client expectations through all phases of the project by proactively communicating design intent, options, and tradeoffs, aligning stakeholders, and protecting design quality as the work advances.
  • Develops and retains high-performing design talent by setting clear expectations, modeling BHDP design philosophy, and creating an environment where great work can happen.
  • Coaches and grows designers through intentional delegation, timely feedback and critique, and targeted opportunities that build capability, confidence, and future leadership while maintaining accountability to project outcomes.
  • Builds and sustains the right project discipline structure on projects across all capabilities, aligning the "right people in the right seats" to match project complexity, design ambition, and delivery demands.
  • Directs team utilization by clarifying roles and decision authority regarding design, balancing workloads and skillsets over time, and elevating/adjusting staffing to protect design quality, accountability, and performance through the duration of the project.
  • Takes responsibility for setting and sustaining an inspiring, high-quality design vision on large-scale projects, translating client and user aspirations into clear, compelling concepts and measurable design solutions.
  • Leads teams to deliver design excellence through every phase by elevating critique, ensuring cohesion across disciplines/capabilities, and protecting design intent as decisions are tested against complexity, constraints, and delivery realities.
  • Maximizes efficiency by aligning design ambition, scope, and team effort to deliver high-impact outcomes within planned fees and schedules.
  • Elevates design value by focusing time on the decisions and moments that matter most to the client, defining and protecting design intent, and proactively adjusting approach and resourcing to reduce rework while increasing measurable client benefit.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Architecture degree (NAAB accredited program preferred)
  • 18+ years in the design and/or architecture industry.
  • Licensed Architect
  • Advanced Revit knowledge - independently deliver defined drawing packages/projects and teach others on best practice.
  • Advanced knowledge of SketchUp, Enscape, or Lumion
  • Advanced experience with Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Demonstrated capability to delegate, coach, and raise team performance
  • Demonstrated initiative; sees challenges as opportunities
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Strong communication and collaboration within a team
  • Models professional workplace behaviors: reliable follow-through, constructive feedback, and calm, solutions-oriented communication with co-workers and clients

Physical and Mental Demands
  • Sustained attention to detail
  • Sitting/standing
  • Occasional lifting of 20 pounds or less
  • Ability to work in an open office environment

Life at BHDP
Our comprehensive benefit package includes a competitive salary, medical, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401(k), which aligns with our commitment to rewarding our high-performing professionals.
BHDP Architecture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
This position description is prepared to provide a general understanding of the responsibilities of the position and does not include a comprehensive list of activities, duties, success factors, or responsibilities that are required for a specific employee. Success Factors, duties, responsibilities, and activities may be modified or augmented at any time with or without notice.

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