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Senior Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pacifica Services

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Manages and supervises a team of design professionals and other professionals through the design review process * Manages, develops, and coordinates the District's design process for the A&E services ...

The Tsui Group

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$178K - $183K/yr

The Tsui Group is seeking a candidate who is qualified and experienced in educational facility construction projects to serve as a Senior Design Manager for a large educational client within Los ...

Cumming Group

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$132K - $185K/yr

Our firm is currently looking for a dedicated Senior Design Manager with experience in educational facility project types. The position will be located in downtown Los Angeles, CA and will be ...

ENGICON CM

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

Manage, develop, and coordinate the District's design process for the Facilities Planning and Development Division to ensure that plans are within functional program, budgetary, environmental and ...

CUMMING GROUP

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Our firm is currently looking for a dedicated Senior Design Manager with experience in educational facility project types. The position will be located in downtown Los Angeles, CA and will be ...

STV

Senior Design Manager/Architect

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$179K - $205K/yr

STV is currently looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our Buildings team in our Los Angeles, CA location. About STV STV is a nationally recognized leader in architecture, engineering, planning ...

The Tsui Group

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Tsui Group is seeking a candidate who is qualified and experienced in educational facility construction projects to serve as a Senior Design Manager for a large educational client within Los ...

ENGICON CM

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Manage, develop, and coordinate the District's design process for the Facilities Planning and Development Division to ensure that plans are within functional program, budgetary, environmental and ...

Rivian

Sr. Design Manager, Web

Irvine, CA · On-site

$196K - $245K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking an experienced design leader to join our Digital Studio at Rivian as a Senior Manager, Web Product Design. This role is responsible for leading the team behind customer ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDesign JobsSenior Design Manager JobsSenior Design Manager Jobs in California

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 Sep 8, 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 are popular job titles related to Senior Design Manager jobs in California?

For Senior Design Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Senior Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Design Manager job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,663 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Senior Design Manager

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Pacifica Services
Business Management Consulting • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Pacifica Servicesexternal

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Duties:

  • Manages multiple projects with particular emphasis on seismic, critical repair and retrofit projects
  • Manages and supervises a team of design professionals and other professionals through the design review process
  • Manages, develops, and coordinates the District’s design process for the A&E services to ensure that design plans are within functional program, budgetary, environmental and legal requirements
  • Manages multiple projects, including engineering repair and critical repair, through interaction with Architects, consultants, and District personnel to ensure timely completion of these projects
  • Oversees the building design process to ensure compliance with LAUSD’s standards and guidelines for the District by working with design professionals and various District administrators to ensure that new and modernized structures meet both educational and building standards requirements
  • Establishes and follows a process to identify and select the architectural firm best suited foreach project based on the firms’ qualifications and ability to meet performance standards
  • Provides Architects with clear and consistent direction with regard to goals and objectives, standards, sites, schedules, and budgets for each project
  • Establishes and follows an effective and efficient design review process to ensure that the design meets the overall goals and objectives for each project
  • Provides maximum value for dollars budgeted, and are appropriate and enduring to meet the functional needs of the District, the local community, and the environment
  • Reviews design changes submitted to ensure project remains within budget
  • Monitors project planning and design status to report findings, recommendations and updates
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

  • 14 years full time paid professional experience managing the facilities design, or the planning and coordination of capital projects that included the overall design, contract administration, cost estimating, and scheduling activities 
  • 4 years of this experience must be with the design, planning and construction of educational facilities or similar public agencies
  • With excellent written and verbal communication skills

Required Education:

  • Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering

Preferred Education:

  • A master's degree in architecture or engineering

Preferred Licenses and Certificates:

  • A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Boardor Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors