1

Program Design Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Design Manager, System Utilities

Warren, MI · On-site

$109.40K/yr

Design Manager, System Utilities This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful ... An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual ...

Design Manager, System Utilities

Warren, MI · On-site +1

$109.40K/yr

Design Manager, System Utilities This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful ... An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual ...

Design Manager, Instrumentation

Warren, MI · On-site

$134.70K - $207.60K/yr

Design Manager, Instrumentation This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful ... An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual ...

Design Manager, Instrumentation

Warren, MI · Hybrid

$134.70K - $207.60K/yr

Design Manager, Instrumentation This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful ... An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual ...

The Design Supervisor leads and oversees a team of SBU CAD Designers responsible for developing ... Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, program-driven environment. Preferred ...

Join Carter Lumber as our Kitchen & Bath Design Sales Manager and lead a team of talented designers ... Working knowledge of 20/20 and Microsoft Office programs. * Ability to read blueprints and manage ...

Join Carter Lumber as our Kitchen & Bath Design Sales Manager and lead a team of talented designers ... Working knowledge of 20/20 and Microsoft Office programs. * Ability to read blueprints and manage ...

Join Carter Lumber as our Kitchen & Bath Design Sales Manager and lead a team of talented designers ... Working knowledge of 20/20 and Microsoft Office programs. * Ability to read blueprints and manage ...

Join Carter Lumber as our Kitchen & Bath Design Sales Manager and lead a team of talented designers ... Working knowledge of 20/20 and Microsoft Office programs. * Ability to read blueprints and manage ...

Manage multiple, simultaneous customer projects through all phases with a high level of accuracy ... level Programs that help you reach your financial goals: 401k with company match, Employee Stock ...

Manage multiple, simultaneous customer projects through all phases with a high level of accuracy ... level Programs that help you reach your financial goals: 401k with company match, Employee Stock ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Program Design Manager information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$38.1K

$106.4K

$155.4K

How much do program design manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for program design manager in Detroit, MI is $106,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $131,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Design Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Design Manager, you need expertise in program development, project management, and stakeholder engagement, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in program leadership. Familiarity with project management software (like Asana or MS Project), data analysis tools, and sometimes certifications such as PMP are typically required. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and driving program success. These skills ensure that programs are effectively planned, executed, and aligned with organizational goals for maximum impact.

How does a Program Design Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development of new initiatives?

A Program Design Manager regularly collaborates with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, operations, and finance, to ensure that new programs align with organizational goals and stakeholder needs. They facilitate workshops, gather feedback, and integrate diverse perspectives to create effective program frameworks. Open communication and strong project management skills are essential, as the role often involves coordinating timelines, resources, and deliverables across departments. This collaborative approach helps ensure the program’s success and fosters a cohesive work environment.

What does a Program Design Manager do?

A Program Design Manager oversees the planning, development, and implementation of programs within an organization. They work closely with stakeholders to identify goals, design effective program structures, and ensure that projects align with organizational objectives. Their responsibilities often include resource allocation, timeline management, and evaluating program success to make continuous improvements. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

What is the difference between Program Design Manager vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram Design ManagerProject Manager
Primary FocusDesigning and developing comprehensive programs and initiativesPlanning, executing, and closing individual projects
ResponsibilitiesCreating program strategies, overseeing multiple projects, aligning with organizational goalsManaging project scope, schedule, resources, and deliverables
CredentialsOften requires a degree in related fields and experience in program developmentTypically requires project management certifications like PMP
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-project coordination, often in corporate or government settingsOperational, task-focused, often within teams or departments

The Program Design Manager focuses on creating and overseeing comprehensive programs, while the Project Manager handles specific projects within those programs. Both roles require coordination skills, but the Program Design Manager has a broader strategic scope.

What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Program Design Manager jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Program Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Design Manager job openings in Detroit, MI as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,382 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Design Manager, System Utilities

Design Manager, System Utilities

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

$109.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 301 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Description
Design Manager, System Utilities
This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, MI or Sunnyvale, CA, three times per week, at minimum.
The Role
GM's Human Interface Design - Vehicle Studio is hiring a Design Manager, System Utilities to define the core building blocks of our in-vehicle operating system. In this role, you will lead a team focused on foundational system utilities-such as connectivity, profiles, settings, controls, and keyboards-that underpin every experience in the vehicle. You'll work closely with software, engineering, and product partners to deliver intuitive, coherent, and robust system experiences that feel effortless to use. Join us to shape the everyday interactions that drivers rely on across millions of vehicles.
What You'll Do
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a team of designers responsible for system utilities and OS-level frameworks, supporting both project delivery and career development.
  • Own the design vision and execution for connections, accounts and profiles, settings, controls, notifications, and virtual keyboards across GM brands and platforms.
  • Define system patterns, information architecture, and interaction models that make complex configuration and control tasks simple and predictable.
  • Collaborate with product managers, software engineers, and platform teams to translate requirements into scalable, reusable design solutions.
  • Oversee the full design lifecycle-from problem framing and flows through wireframes, prototypes, and pixel-perfect specifications-ensuring usability and consistency.
  • Build and maintain design guidelines, components, and documentation that enable teams across the organization to use system utilities correctly and consistently.
  • Ensure adherence to brand guidelines while delivering cohesive, platform-level experiences that feel unified across surfaces and programs.
  • Champion user-centered design by incorporating research insights, telemetry, and usability testing into design decisions.
  • Stay current on OS design trends, connectivity, security, and privacy UX to keep GM's system utilities modern and trustworthy.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and pragmatic team culture aligned with organizational goals.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
Experience & Education
  • 8+ years of experience designing digital interfaces for web, mobile, or embedded platforms, with significant work on system utilities or core application frameworks.
  • Formal training or degree in Interface Design, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related discipline.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end UX, interaction patterns, and visual systems for settings, controls, or other foundational UI.

Design & Strategy Expertise
  • Proven ability to drive platform-level design strategies that align with business objectives while delivering clear, user-centered outcomes.
  • Deep understanding of how system utilities support the broader product ecosystem, including dependencies and technical constraints.
  • Ability to exercise restraint and clarity in design, turning complex configuration into approachable, confidence-building experiences.

Process & Tools
  • Demonstrated success in building design systems, component libraries, and documentation that scale across multiple teams and products.
  • Proficiency in design tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, with familiarity in prototyping tools for flows and interactions.

Collaboration & Leadership
  • Ability to partner with cross-functional teams (platform engineering, security, connectivity, product, research) to define and deliver cohesive system behaviors.
  • Strong adaptability in navigating changing priorities, dependencies, and release schedules, while keeping the team focused and supported.

Core Skills
  • Operational mindset with a focus on systems thinking, detail orientation, and reliability in everyday user flows.
  • Excellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills, especially when aligning stakeholders around frameworks and patterns.
  • Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, with experience managing multiple workstreams across platforms or brands.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Proven experience leading design teams of 5+ designers, building healthy culture and raising the quality bar across a portfolio of products.
  • 5+ years of experience in the automotive or complex systems domain (e.g., OS design, connected devices, consumer electronics).
  • Hands-on experience working in agile or lean environments, including sprint planning, backlog grooming, and iterative UX delivery.
  • Strong understanding of accessibility and inclusive design, particularly for settings, text input, and control patterns.
  • Proficiency in prototyping complex flows and system behaviors, with experience collaborating closely with software and/or hardware development teams.

Compensation:
  • The expected base compensation for this role is: ($134,700-207,600). Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
  • Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

What General Motors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Motors logo

About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908