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

At Gensler, we help companies innovate. We design spaces, services, and environments for organizations seeking new ways to deliver value and create meaningful experiences. Within our Hospitality practice, we shape environments that inspire connection, elevate brand identity, and deliver memorable guest experiences. We are searching for an experienced Project-Design Manager with a successfultrack recordof managing all phases of hospitality driven projects and leading multiple complex project teams simultaneously.

Your Role

A Project Manager at Gensler works with autonomy andis responsible forexecuting a variety of hospitality-focused project types and scales, leading all phases of projects from concept through completion.

Potential projects include hotels and resorts, branded residences, restaurants and food & beverage environments, lifestyle and mixed-use hospitality developments, and experiential destinations that redefine how people gather, travel, and connect.

This role is involved throughout the full project delivery process and requires a strong working knowledge of hospitality design and operations to ensure exceptional project outcomes. The Design Manager leads relationships with clients, operators, developers, contractors, agencies, and specialty consultants.

They also collaborate with and mentor junior staff to foster design excellence and deliver outstanding guest-centric environments, serving as the primary point of contact for all work produced.

What You Will Do

• Act as a design manager for a variety of hospitality and lifestyle-driven projects

• Lead the execution of projects through all phases of design, documentation, and construction administration

• Build andmaintainstrong client relationships, including owners, operators, and brand stakeholders

• Generate new business opportunities and support marketing efforts, including proposals, presentations, and interviews

• Drive project delivery, ensuring alignment with design intent, brand standards, and guest experience goals

• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and work plans

• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements

• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including architecture, interior design, F&B consultants, lighting designers, and branding agencies

• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing

• Lead project teams, assign tasks, andmonitorprogress across multiple concurrent projects

• Mentor and support the professional development of junior staff

• Oversee design documentation and coordinate project deliverable

• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, brand standards, and operational requirements

• Other related duties as assigned

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field

• 7+ years of relevant design experience, including 2+ years of project management experience in a design or architecture firm with a focus on hospitality projects

• Experience delivering hospitality environments such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, or mixed-use developments

• Strong understanding of hospitality design principles, guest experience, and operational workflows

• Experience working across multiple disciplines and coordinating complex building systems

• Knowledge of all project phases, including interior design and core & shell architecture

• Ability to provide exceptional client service whilemaintainingproject profitability

• Proven experience managing multiple large-scale, fast-paced projects simultaneously

• Strong programming, planning, and FF&Eexpertise, with attention to brand storytelling and detail

• Knowledge of building codes, accessibility standards, and jurisdictional requirements

• Sustainable design experience, with preference for LEED accreditation or project involvement

• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project) and design tools such as AutoCAD

• Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) are a plus

• Experience with construction administration and/or design-build delivery methods preferred

• Passion for hospitality environments and creating exceptional guest experiences

• Desire to mentor and lead teams

This role is not remote or hybrid; we look forward to working with our new teammemberin our incredibleChicagooffice.

**The base salary will be estimated between $100,000 - $130,000plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visitGreat People, Great Rewards | Gensler

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Week," our offices reflectour people'sdiverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offera 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has beenestablishedbased on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.