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Senior Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Design Manager - A/E Services - Los Angeles, CA Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA Why CMTS? Every day at CMTS, our team delivers infrastructure projects that positively impact lives and ...

Senior Design Manager - A/E Services - Los Angeles, CA Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA Why CMTS? Every day at CMTS, our team delivers infrastructure projects that positively impact lives and ...

Senior Design Manager - A/E Services - Los Angeles, CA Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA Why CMTS? Every day at CMTS, our team delivers infrastructure projects that positively impact lives and ...

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$176 - $195/hr

We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to join our Facilities Sector.The Senior Design Manager leads and oversees multiple capital improvement projects with a strong focus on seismic upgrades ...

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$176K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to join our Facilities Sector.The Senior Design Manager leads and oversees multiple capital improvement projects with a strong focus on seismic upgrades ...

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$176K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to join our Facilities Sector.The Senior Design Manager leads and oversees multiple capital improvement projects with a strong focus on seismic upgrades ...

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$176K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to join our Facilities Sector.The Senior Design Manager leads and oversees multiple capital improvement projects with a strong focus on seismic upgrades ...

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160.65 - $183.60/hr

JR5913STV is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to join our Construction Management group in Los Angeles. This leadership role is responsible for managing the planning, design, and ...

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$191 - $210/hr

As Senior Design Manager, you are the lead design professional in the Design Department, planning, organizing, and directing design activities for the upgrade program and critical repair projects ...

Senior Design Manager/Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$179.93 - $205.63/hr

## Senior Design Manager/ArchitectApplylocations: South Flower Street, Los Angeles, Californiatime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR5689STV is currently looking for a Senior ...

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Struction Solutions is seeking a Senior Design Manager to leaddesign activities for the School Upgrade Program and critical repair projects.This role ensures compliance with LAUSD standards while ...

As Senior Design Manager, you are the lead design professional in the Design Department, planning, organizing, and directing design activities for the upgrade program and critical repair projects ...

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$191K - $210K/yr

As Senior Design Manager, you are the lead design professional in the Design Department, planning, organizing, and directing design activities for the upgrade program and critical repair projects ...

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $183K/yr

STV is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to join our Construction Management group in Los Angeles. This leadership role is responsible for managing the planning, design, and coordination ...

STV is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to join our Construction Management group in Los Angeles. This leadership role is responsible for managing the planning, design, and coordination ...

Senior Design Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$132K - $175K/yr

Senior Design Manager Designing & building infrastructure, at record speed, is key to enabling us to scale worldwide. We are looking for a highly motivated BESS Design Manager to join our Engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Design Manager information

See California salary details

$66.6K

$142.7K

$195.8K

How much do senior design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior design manager in California is $142,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,830.00 and $167,448.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior design manager?

Senior Design Managers are experienced professionals who lead and oversee design teams within an organization. They are responsible for setting design strategies, managing multiple projects, mentoring designers, and ensuring that design outputs align with business objectives. Senior Design Managers collaborate with stakeholders across departments, drive innovation, and maintain high-quality standards in all design processes. Their role is crucial in bridging creative vision with practical execution, ensuring that projects meet both user needs and business goals.

How does a senior design manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Senior Design Manager, you will work closely with product managers, engineers, marketing, and other stakeholders throughout the design process. Effective collaboration involves facilitating design reviews, ensuring alignment between business objectives and creative direction, and proactively seeking feedback from multiple departments. You’ll often act as a bridge between the design team and other functions, translating technical or business requirements into actionable design solutions. This collaborative dynamic is essential for delivering cohesive, user-centered products and achieving shared project goals.

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

To thrive as a Senior Design Manager, you need advanced design expertise, leadership experience, and a strong portfolio, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management platforms such as Asana or Jira is typically required. Exceptional communication, team leadership, and stakeholder management skills set top performers apart. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality design solutions, leading creative teams, and aligning design objectives with business goals.

What is the difference between Senior Design Manager vs Design Director?

AspectSenior Design ManagerDesign Director
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Design, Architecture, or related field; experience in project managementSimilar educational background; often more extensive experience and leadership credentials
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams on multiple projects, collaborates with clients and stakeholdersOversees entire design departments, sets strategic vision, and manages senior teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in architecture, product, and interior design firmsTypically found in larger organizations with broader strategic responsibilities

The main difference between a Senior Design Manager and a Design Director lies in scope and strategic influence. Senior Design Managers focus on managing design teams and project execution, while Design Directors oversee overall design strategy and department leadership, often with higher-level responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Senior Design Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Design Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Design Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Design Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,663 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Senior Design Manager

CMTS LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Senior Design Manager - A/E Services - Los Angeles, CA

Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA

Why CMTS?

Every day at CMTS, our team delivers infrastructure projects that positively impact lives and communities. With over 42 years of industry experience, CMTS has built a strong foundation for continued success, providing project and construction management services to public and private clients nationwide.

We value our employees by fostering a culture of learning, professional development, and collaboration. CMTS is committed to maintaining a work environment that emphasizes safety, integrity, and accountability while supporting work-life balance and employee well-being. Our teams are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact through the projects we deliver.


About Your Role

CMTS is seeking a highly qualified Senior Design Manager - A/E Services to support the Los Angeles Unified School District's Facilities Services Division. This role is responsible for managing multiple facilities design projects with particular emphasis on seismic, critical repair, engineering repair, and retrofit projects.

The Senior Design Manager will oversee design professionals throughout the design review process and coordinate with architects, consultants, engineers, and District personnel to ensure projects meet functional, budgetary, environmental, legal, educational, and building-standard requirements.


Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering from a recognized college or university.
  • Master's degree in Architecture or Engineering is preferred.


What You'll Need to Get the Job Done

Qualifications

  • 14+ years of full-time paid professional experience managing facilities design or planning and coordinating capital projects.
  • Experience must include overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities.
  • At least 4 years of experience involving the design, planning, and construction of educational facilities or similar public agencies.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


Preferred Licenses and Certifications

  • Valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect in the State of California, or
  • Valid Professional Engineer (PE) registration through the applicable California State Board.


Responsibilities

  • Manage multiple projects with particular emphasis on seismic, critical repair, engineering repair, and retrofit projects.
  • Manage and supervise teams of design professionals throughout the design review process.
  • Manage, develop, and coordinate the District's A&E design process to ensure plans comply with functional program, budgetary, environmental, and legal requirements.
  • Coordinate with architects, consultants, engineers, and District personnel to ensure projects are completed on schedule.
  • Oversee the building design process and ensure compliance with LAUSD standards and guidelines.
  • Ensure new and modernized facilities meet educational and building-standard requirements.
  • Identify and select architectural firms based on qualifications, capabilities, and performance standards.
  • Provide architects with clear direction regarding project goals, objectives, standards, sites, schedules, and budgets.
  • Establish and manage an effective design review process.
  • Ensure designs provide maximum value for budgeted funds while meeting the functional needs of the District, community, and environment.
  • Review proposed design changes to ensure projects remain within approved budgets.
  • Monitor project planning and design status and provide findings, recommendations, and project updates.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Salary : 195, 000 - 207,000


What You Can Expect from CMTS

  • Opportunities to work on high-impact infrastructure and public-sector projects across the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Collaborative and growth-focused team environment.
  • Competitive compensation.
  • CMTS LLC offers 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life, and long-term disability insurance coverage for the employee.
  • Career advancement and professional development opportunities.


Equal Employment Opportunity

CMTS, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.