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Strategic Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Director, Product Design

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

This role is ideal for a strategic design leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, is deeply passionate about user-centered design, and is excited to shape the future of health technology at ...

This role is ideal for a strategic design leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, is deeply passionate about user-centered design, and is excited to shape the future of health technology at ...

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Design Leadership & Strategic Direction * Lead the overall vision, quality, and execution of OBE's Design function, overseeing outputs across integrated design disciplines ...

Digital Design Director

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$178K - $218K/yr

EXPERIENCE STRATEGY & DESIGN TEAM The Experience Strategy & Design team is defining the next generation of in-vehicle experiences and the operational approach needed to get there. Rather than ...

Showing results 41-60

Strategic Design information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$117.5K

$186.5K

How much do strategic design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic design in California is $117,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,800.00 and $147,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is strategic design?

Strategic design is the practice of using design principles to solve complex business challenges and shape organizational strategy. It goes beyond traditional design by integrating research, creative thinking, and business objectives to create solutions that align with a company's long-term goals. Strategic designers work collaboratively across disciplines to innovate processes, products, services, and systems, helping companies adapt to change and remain competitive. This approach often involves user-centered research, prototyping, and testing to ensure that solutions are both practical and effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a strategic designer?

To thrive as a Strategic Designer, you need a strong foundation in design thinking, business strategy, and user research, often supported by a degree in design, business, or related fields. Proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Miro, and familiarity with frameworks such as Lean Startup or Agile is typical. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help in aligning multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure that innovative, user-centered solutions are developed and successfully integrated with organizational goals.

How does a strategic designer typically collaborate with stakeholders and cross-functional teams during a project?

Strategic Designers often work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including product managers, engineers, marketers, and executives, to align design solutions with business objectives. They facilitate workshops, lead design sprints, and use research-driven insights to ensure everyone has a shared understanding of project goals. Effective communication and the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives are crucial, as Strategic Designers act as a bridge between creative and business teams. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures that proposed solutions are both user-centered and strategically viable.

What is the difference between Strategic Design vs User Experience Designer?

AspectStrategic DesignUser Experience Designer
FocusHolistic business and brand strategy, aligning design with organizational goalsDesigning user interfaces and interactions to enhance user satisfaction
SkillsDesign thinking, business strategy, branding, researchWireframing, prototyping, user research, usability testing
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with marketing, branding, and product teamsWorks closely with developers, product managers, and users
CertificationsDesign thinking, strategic planning, UX certificationsUX certifications, UI design courses

While both roles involve design, Strategic Design focuses on aligning design with business strategy and brand goals, whereas User Experience Designers concentrate on creating intuitive and satisfying user interfaces. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right roles for their project needs.

What cities in California are hiring for Strategic Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Strategic Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Strategic Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,470 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Senior Director, Workplace Strategy & Design Studio

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

South San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$191 - $355/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Why Genentech

We're passionate about delivering on Our Promise to improve the lives of patients and create healthier communities for all. We foster a culture of inclusivity, integrity and creativity while boldly pursuing answers to the world's most complex health challenges and transforming society.

The Position

Genentech is establishing a strategically focused Workplace Delivery Team responsible for the end-to-end delivery of all workplace solutions for the South San Francisco campus and key satellite sites. We are seeking a visionary, enterprise-minded senior leader to lead the Workplace Strategy & Design Studio within Workplace Delivery. This role is both strategic and operational, responsible for defining the long-range agenda and ensuring disciplined execution across a large, complex set of campus and portfolio initiatives.

The Opportunity

In this pivotal role, you will be accountable for workplace strategy and technical standards; Interior architecture, interior design, and workplace standards; lab and technical design, including lab planning, lab automation, and robotics integration strategies; furniture strategy and standards; and contracts and procurement coordination related to workplace design. You will set and execute the workplace strategy and design vision for Genentech's South San Francisco campus and related sites, aligning with major business units. Acting as a strategic integrator, you will provide a unified "one-voice" perspective across business units, shaping an employee-centric, science-enabled workplace that amplifies our culture and mission. You will also evolve the Workplace Strategy & Design Studio's operating model and governance to match business needs, while partnering with the campus development team to integrate new workplace standards across existing and future portfolios.

Key Responsibilities
  • Define and own the enterprise workplace strategy and design vision for the SSF campus and related sites, ensuring alignment with scientific, manufacturing, and corporate priorities.
  • Build, lead, and inspire the integrated Workplace Strategy & Design Studio, consolidating existing functions into a single, cohesive organization.
  • Provide strategic direction to the Design Studio responsible for interior architecture and interior design across offices, labs, and technical spaces; lab and technical design, including lab planning, lab automation, and robotics; and furniture and workplace configuration strategies.
  • Translate Genentech's culture, brand, and scientific mission into the physical environment through campus placemaking, art, and cultural programs that foster community, belonging, and inspiration.
  • Serve as a strategic workplace advisor to major business untis, translating business strategies, headcount projections, technology shifts, and work practices into multi-year space and workplace strategies across office, lab, and plant environments.
  • Oversee technical standards and guidelines, ensuring coherence across South San Francisco and relevant network sites.
  • Lead complex change initiatives related to workplace transformation, hybrid work, lab reconfiguration, and campus evolution, ensuring high adoption and minimal disruption.
Who You Are
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical or related field), Business Administration, Organizational Dynamics, or a related discipline.
  • Professional licensure in Architecture or Engineering (California preferred) highly desirable.
  • 15+ years of progressive business experience in workplace strategy, real estate, interior architecture/design, and/or engineering, with extensive workplace strategy and change management experience, and significant exposure to campus occupancy planning and complex multi-site environments.
  • 5+ years of direct line management of technical subject matter experts and/or design teams.
  • Demonstrated success in leading client-facing organizations and multi-year strategic initiatives.
  • Proven track record managing large, complex project portfolios and significant budgets, consistently meeting performance metrics and driving cost savings.
  • Demonstrated success working with A/E consulting firms in highly technical, regulated environments; biotech/pharma experience and familiarity with cGMP, Pharma Quality System, and manufacturing processes are desirable.
Location

This position is based in South San Francisco, CA campus Relocation assistance is not available at this time.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $190,900.00- $354,500 USD. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

Who We Are

Genentech, a member of the Roche group and founder of the biotechnology industry, is dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. To solve the world's most complex health challenges, we ask bigger questions that challenge our industry and the boundaries of science to transform society. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The next step is yours.

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

Who We Are

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws. If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.

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