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Program Design Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Fresh Consulting

Design Manager (Digital)

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Program Management You'll help teams navigate ambiguity, align around shared goals, and make informed design decisions. Support Studio Growth As a consulting practice, every engagement is an ...

Arup

Senior Design Manager - Rail

Seattle, WA · On-site

Given our continued growth, Arup is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our rail team in Seattle and support a portfolio of major rail and transit infrastructure programs across the western ...

Industrious Ventures

Mechanical Design Manager

Kent, WA · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Specific design challenges include cryogenic propellant management systems, high pressure gas ... Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance * Company ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProgram Design JobsProgram Design Manager JobsProgram Design Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

Program Design Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$43.8K

$122.3K

$178.7K

How much do program design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for program design manager in Seattle, WA is $122,293.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,500.00 and $150,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program design manager?

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 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.

Program Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Design Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $122,293 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Design Manager (Digital)

Bellevue, WA • On-site

Fresh Consulting
Business Management Consulting • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Fresh Consultingexternal

$130K - $145K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Who we are:
At Fresh, we partner with clients, leverage strategy, design, development, and engineering to harness the power of technology and create what's next. We bring together amazing designers, sophisticated developers, talented strategists, and experienced engineers to help companies create optimized experiences that connect humans, systems, and machines.
People are the core of everything we do. Our cross-disciplinary approach blends human ingenuity and technology, empowering us to meet uncertainty with confidence. What got us there today won't get us to tomorrow. We test our assumptions and always strive for growth. From the products we build to the partners we collaborate with, we believe people make the difference.
As a Manager, Digital Design, you'll help shape not only the work we deliver, but how we work together.
You'll lead multiple client engagements across a portfolio of digital products and services while helping designers do their best work. You'll partner closely with project managers, developers, industrial designers, and studio leadership to ensure projects are well-defined, thoughtfully executed, and delivered at a consistently high standard.
This role balances design craft, operations, people management, and mentoring. You'll manage designers directly, oversee work across project teams, and help build the collaborative multidisciplinary studio environment we're growing at Fresh.
What You'll Do
Lead Design Across Projects
  • Guide multiple concurrent client engagements from discovery through delivery.
  • Ensure work is grounded in user needs, technical realities, and business objectives.
  • Maintain a high bar for UX quality, interaction design, visual execution, and overall experience.
  • Partner with Project Management to balance scope, schedules, budgets, and quality.

Grow Designers
  • Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and constructive critique on projects.
  • Manage individual designers, conduct performance reviews and support career development.
  • Help onboard new designers and create an environment where people can grow.
  • Foster curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement.

Improve How We Work
  • Balance workload across projects and identify resource needs early.
  • Lead design critiques, workshops, and alignment sessions.
  • Improve studio processes, documentation, and delivery practices.
  • Help remove bottlenecks before they impact projects.

Collaborate Across Disciplines
You'll work closely with:
  • Product Management
  • Development
  • Industrial Design
  • Motion Design
  • Business Development
  • Program Management

You'll help teams navigate ambiguity, align around shared goals, and make informed design decisions.
Support Studio Growth
As a consulting practice, every engagement is an opportunity to build long-term relationships. You'll contribute to project planning, staffing, estimates, proposals, and client presentations, helping ensure we deliver exceptional work while continuing to grow the practice.
What We're Looking For
  • 8+ years designing digital products, software, or services.
  • Experience leading designers within a consulting, agency, or product environment.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating systems thinking, UX, interaction design, and product strategy.
  • Experience leading complex, cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders.
  • Excellent facilitation, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Comfortable balancing strategic thinking with practical execution.
  • Ability to mentor designers while building trust across disciplines.

Success in This Role Looks Like
  • Designers become stronger through your guidance.
  • Projects stay aligned, focused, and moving forward.
  • Clients trust your judgment.
  • Cross-functional collaboration improves.
  • Teams deliver ambitious work without sacrificing quality or sustainability.

Our Perspective
At Fresh, we believe design is evolving.
The value of a designer no longer comes from mastering a particular tool. It comes from understanding people, framing problems, connecting disciplines, and turning ideas into meaningful products and services.
As AI changes how software is created, our work increasingly depends on judgment, collaboration, systems thinking, and creative leadership.
We're building a multidisciplinary studio where designers, developers, strategists, and industrial designers work together to solve problems that none could solve alone.
If you're energized by thoughtful collaboration, enjoy mentoring others, and want to help shape the future of design consulting, we'd love to meet you.
Please submit your portfolio link for consideration.
At Fresh Consulting, we strive to hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
For Washington-based roles, the base salary hiring range for this position is $130,000 to $145,000. Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
*Fresh Consulting is a participating E-Verify company.

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