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Strategic Design Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Manager

Washington, DC ยท Hybrid

$170K/yr

Assesses and defines project strategic design management delivery. * Implements and approve consultant appointments across all work streams when contractually required. * Builds and leads project ...

Innovation Design Senior Manager

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$123K - $206K/yr

... lead strategy, planning, project management. You will be familiar with working in a multi ... Partnering with the Design Innovation Director and working alongside the cross functional ...

Seasoned Innovation & Design Thinking Practitioner: The Design Innovation Senior Manager is ... Proven track record of strong leadership, team management skills and a strategic acumen * Superior ...

Lead comprehensive design process, which includes strategic, conceptual, and technical phases ... Manage the creation, submission, and revision of design deliverables to meet project demands.

Design Management Lead

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$144K - $196K/yr

Lead comprehensive design process, which includes strategic, conceptual, and technical phases ... Manage design Quality Assurance and Quality Control, to ensure the highest level of design ...

Design Manager

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$100 - $115/hr

Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain project timelines Documentation & Change Management * Maintain detailed documentation of design changes and revisions * Analyze impacts ...

You will guide daily activities of the team of design management resources for project/s You will be responsible for supporting the delivery of design management to deliver key strategic outcomes ...

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Strategic Design Management information

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$37K

$119K

$189K

How much do strategic design management jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic design management in the United States is $119,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $149,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Strategic Design Management?

Strategic Design Management is the practice of integrating design thinking, processes, and innovation into business strategy and operations. It focuses on aligning design initiatives with organizational goals to create value, enhance customer experiences, and drive competitive advantage. Professionals in this field work at the intersection of design, business, and technology, facilitating collaboration across teams and ensuring that design efforts support long-term business objectives.

How does a Strategic Design Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation?

Strategic Design Managers work closely with teams from marketing, engineering, product management, and user research to align design solutions with broader business objectives. They often facilitate workshops, lead brainstorming sessions, and use design thinking methodologies to integrate diverse perspectives and foster innovative ideas. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential, as the role requires balancing stakeholder needs while ensuring that design strategies are cohesive and actionable. This collaborative approach not only enhances creativity but also ensures that projects move smoothly from concept to implementation.

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

To thrive in Strategic Design Management, you need a solid background in design thinking, business strategy, and project management, often supported by a degree in design, business, or related fields. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, prototyping platforms, and collaborative software such as Miro or Figma, as well as knowledge of frameworks like Agile or Lean, is common. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help bridge the gap between creative teams and business stakeholders. These abilities ensure innovative solutions align with organizational goals and drive successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Strategic Design Management vs Product Design?

AspectStrategic Design ManagementProduct Design
FocusAligning design with business strategy and long-term goalsCreating and developing specific products for users
SkillsDesign leadership, strategic thinking, project managementUser experience, prototyping, technical skills
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, executive collaborationDesign studios, product teams, engineering departments
CertificationsDesign management, strategic planningIndustrial design, UX/UI certifications

Strategic Design Management focuses on integrating design into overall business strategy, overseeing design processes at a high level. Product Design concentrates on developing specific products to meet user needs. While both roles require design expertise, Strategic Design Management emphasizes strategic alignment and leadership, whereas Product Design is more hands-on with product development and user experience.

More about Strategic Design Management jobs
What states have the most Strategic Design Management jobs? States with the most job openings for Strategic Design Management jobs include:
Infographic showing various Strategic Design Management job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,028 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
Design Manager

Design Manager

Mace

Washington, DC โ€ข Hybrid

$170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities, and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit ourย strategy site.

Within our consult business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project deliveryconsultancy to unlock the potential in every project. ย 

The Project:ย 

The operator of a major international airport is considering a further update to expand the main terminal, reconfigure concourses and phase out legacy passenger transport systems.ย 

Shared with airline stakeholders earlier this year, the proposed programme is estimated at c.$22 billion, with completion targeted in the mid-2030s, forming part of a wider transformation to support significant long-term passenger growth.ย 

By comparison, the existing master plan approved in 2025 outlined c.$7 billion of phased capital investment, aligned to projections of up to 90 million annual passengers by the end of the century.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

  • Safety First -ย Going Home Safe and Well.

  • Client Focus -ย Deliver on Our Promise.

  • Integrity -ย Always Do the Right Thing.

  • Create Opportunity -ย For Our People to Excel.

You'll Be Responsible For:ย 

  • Contributes and inputs in to strategy development, develops plans and oversees the delivery and manages the achievement of annual business plan to time and budget.ย 

  • Assesses and defines project strategic design management delivery.

  • Implements and approve consultant appointments across all work streams when contractually required.

  • Builds and leads project design team (internal/external) to ensure correct resource is allocated and project deliverables are clear.

  • Partners with multiple internal and external stakeholders, working in collaboration to (implement strategy/programmes/initiatives).

  • Manages, influences & negotiates with key senior stakeholders.

  • Act as the day to day operational manager for any design managers or other design management resource deployed to the project.

  • Leads and presents management review data/ key performance indicators (KPIs) to senior leadership.

  • Supports business development and work winning activities.

  • Delivers continuous improvements in processes through application of best practices and lessons learned. Drives transformational change.

  • Responsible for ensuring the identification, development, and delivery of relevant training.

  • Ensures management systems are followed during project lifecycle roles and responsibilities are adhered by.

  • Provides leadership and strategic direction for all design engineering activities to team/s, including external Stakeholders. ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย 
    Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

You'll need to have:

  • Excellent knowledge and application of design management systems, including design risk management, mitigation strategies, and prefabrication/build approaches.

  • Strong capability in business planning and effective communication across design and project teams.

  • Good understanding of all design disciplines and their integration within complex projects.

  • Proven expertise in developing design workflows, design scheduling, and managing design deliverables.

  • Experience delivering projects across a range of typologies and levels of complexity.

  • Ability to proactively manage internal budgets and fees, ensuring delivery of agreed outcomes.

  • Solid knowledge of Building Safety legislation, building standards, construction contracts, professional appointments, and Health & Safety regulations.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively and drive performance.

  • Strong influencing and persuasion skills, particularly with senior management stakeholders.

  • Commitment to continuous improvement through training and business enhancement initiatives.

  • A relevant degree or equivalent in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related discipline is required.
    Note: The estimated starting salary for this position is $170k. Starting salary may vary based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, skills and qualifications.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organization.ย ย 

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with-in the role.