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

Showroom Manager

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Showroom Leader, you will be responsible for managing a team of retail Design Assistants, driving sales and customer experience at the showroom level. You will educate and advise customers on ...

Showroom Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Showroom Leader, you will be responsible for managing a team of retail Design Assistants, driving sales and customer experience at the showroom level. You will educate and advise customers on ...

Sales Design Consultant

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Many of our top designers started in sales, retail, hospitality, education, and customer service ... management of this franchise. All inquiries about employment at this franchise should be made ...

Sales Design Consultant

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Many of our top designers started in sales, retail, hospitality, education, and customer service ... management of this franchise. All inquiries about employment at this franchise should be made ...

Sales Design Consultant

Bartlett, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Vision

Many of our top designers started in sales, retail, hospitality, education, and customer service ... management of this franchise. All inquiries about employment at this franchise should be made ...

Sales Design Consultant

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Many of our top designers started in sales, retail, hospitality, education, and customer service ... management of this franchise. All inquiries about employment at this franchise should be made ...

Design Coordinator - Retail

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and schedule. * To participate and collaborate in a project team setting through all phases of design ...

Design Coordinator - Retail

Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $114K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and schedule. * To participate and collaborate in a project team setting through all phases of design ...

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Kohler Signature Design Consultant

Naperville, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • PTO

Account management experience with trade professionals and track record of sales performance and ability to grow customer base * Retail experience * Luxury design experience * Bachelor's degree ...

Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will focus on the design and development of metal retail fixtures, working closely with ... Manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring on-time completion. * Support prototype ...

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Account Managers. This role assists with the development of display and packaging prototypes ... Key Responsibilities Structural Design & Documentation * Assist in the design of corrugated retail ...

Showing results 21-40

Retail Design Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$23

$36

How much do retail design manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail design manager in Chicago, IL is $23.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a retail design manager do?

A Retail Design Manager oversees the design and layout of retail spaces to ensure they are both visually appealing and functional for customers. They coordinate with architects, contractors, and marketing teams to create environments that reflect the brand’s identity and enhance the shopping experience. Their responsibilities include managing design projects from concept to completion, selecting materials and fixtures, and ensuring compliance with safety and accessibility standards. They play a key role in optimizing store layouts to drive sales and customer engagement.

What is the difference between Retail Design Manager vs Visual Merchandising Manager?

AspectRetail Design ManagerVisual Merchandising Manager
CredentialsDesign or architecture degree, relevant certificationsMarketing, retail, or visual merchandising background
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, retail store planning, corporate officesRetail stores, shopping centers, brand displays
Industry UsageOversees store layouts, interior design, brandingCreates visual displays, product placement, window designs

The Retail Design Manager focuses on the overall store design, layout, and branding, ensuring functional and aesthetic spaces. The Visual Merchandising Manager specializes in creating attractive product displays and visual setups to enhance sales. Both roles collaborate to create a cohesive retail environment but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

How does a retail design manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during store development projects?

A Retail Design Manager works closely with teams such as marketing, merchandising, operations, and construction throughout the store development process. They coordinate with marketing to ensure brand consistency, partner with merchandising to optimize product placement, and liaise with construction teams to oversee implementation and resolve on-site challenges. Regular meetings and clear communication are essential to align project goals and ensure all aspects of the retail environment support both customer experience and business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retail design manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retail Design Manager, you need expertise in spatial design, project management, and a relevant degree such as interior design or architecture. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of building codes and construction processes, is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and leadership skills help in collaborating with stakeholders and leading design teams. These abilities ensure cohesive, brand-aligned retail environments that attract customers and drive business success.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Retail Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Retail Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Retail Design Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,047 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Project Manager, Retail Architecture & Design

Ware Malcomb

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Are you ready to join a growth-oriented team where creativity meets innovation? At Ware Malcomb, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking design firm committed to pushing the boundaries. Our team-oriented, collaborative approach ensures that every project is a blend of visionary design, seamless project delivery, and we are actively engaged with both the community and the industry. Discover our vibrant culture to get an inside look into life at Ware Malcomb and the programs we offer. https://waremalcomb.com/life-at-ware-malcomb/ 

As a Project Manager at Ware Malcomb, you will deliver innovative design projects to diverse clients through all phases. You will lead internal and external teams, be financially responsible for projects by adhering to budgets and workplans and oversee the development of contract documents. As the primary client contact, your leadership and exceptional client service ensures project success.
 
This position would work on retail projects for diverse corporate clients on projects nationwide.
Your Role
  • Responsible for the management of the projects, start to finish.
  • Utilize the company's resource groups for design, preparation of design and construction documents.
  • Plan, schedule, conduct and coordinate each of the phases of the project.
  • Provide construction services (Site visits, review shop drawings, etc.)
  • Be the key contact with the client, and their consultants and representatives.
  • Assemble consultant team for the project (Identify scope of work, collect fees, select consultants, and facilitate contracts).
  • Work with the Ware Malcomb consultants to coordinate all of the various trades to achieve a complete, coordinated set of contract documents and specifications for building permits and construction.
  • Responsible for local, county, state and federal project code searches and analysis for each project.
  • Be responsible for the financial success of all responsible projects.
  • Communicate with clients, brokers, contractors, consultants, and team members.
Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in the field of Architecture
  • Experience managing retail roll out or food & beverage projects
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture
  • AutoCAD and Revit skills
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, and Newforma
  • Thorough knowledge of building codes
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to coordinate a complete set of contract documents
$85,000 - $100,000 a year
The compensation range is $85k-$100k, plus benefits. Read more about Life at Ware Malcomb. 
The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, licensing, project specialty/complexity and work location. We may exceed the posted compensation range for candidates who surpass the posted requirements. At Ware Malcomb, certain roles are bonus eligible.  
This is a full-time, long-term position.
 
Established in 1972, Ware Malcomb is a dynamic, forward-thinking commercial real estate design firm providing professional architecture, interior design, civil engineering, branding, building measurement, structural engineering and MEP engineering services to clients throughout the world. With office locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, the firm specializes in the design of office, industrial, science & technology, healthcare, multifamily, retail, hospitality and public/institutional projects.
 
The firm is also ranked among the top 10 Architecture/Engineering firms in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms and the Top 30 Interior Design Firms in Interior Design magazine's Top 100 Giants. For more information, visit waremalcomb.com.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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