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Vp Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Vice President, Product Strategy Kardigan is a heart health company working to make cardiovascular ... Partner with Clinical Development and Medical to influence trial design, endpoints, and evidence ...

Vice President, Product Strategy Kardigan is a heart health company working to make cardiovascular ... Partner with Clinical Development and Medical to influence trial design, endpoints, and evidence ...

Design and implement all SOPs, service standards, and systems integrations from the ground up; lead ... Oversee VP of Facilities and full campus operations; protect the integrity of a $1.7 billion asset

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Showing results 1-20

Vp Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.8K

$162.3K

$285.9K

How much do vp design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for vp design in Chicago, IL is $162,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $195,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a VP of Design do?

A VP of Design is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the design direction and strategy of an organization. They lead design teams, collaborate with other departments, and ensure that all products and brand elements align with the company's vision and goals. Their role often includes managing design processes, fostering innovation, and maintaining quality standards across all design projects. Additionally, they may play a key part in recruiting and mentoring design talent within the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VP of Design?

To thrive as a VP of Design, you need extensive experience in design leadership, a strong portfolio, and a solid understanding of design principles, user experience, and business strategy. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and prototyping platforms, as well as knowledge of agile methodologies, is typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team management skills set top candidates apart in this executive role. These abilities are vital for driving creative vision, aligning design with business goals, and leading high-performing design teams.

What are some common challenges a VP of Design faces when leading multidisciplinary design teams?

A VP of Design often encounters the challenge of aligning diverse design teams—such as UX, visual, and product designers—with broader business objectives. Balancing creative vision with strategic goals requires strong communication and negotiation skills, especially when collaborating with product, engineering, and executive leadership. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation while maintaining consistent design standards across projects is a common hurdle. Navigating rapid organizational growth and adapting to evolving market demands also requires flexibility and forward-thinking leadership.

What is the difference between Vp Design vs Creative Director?

AspectVp DesignCreative Director
Primary FocusOversees design strategy, product design, and team managementLeads overall creative vision, branding, and concept development
ResponsibilitiesAligns design with business goals, manages design teams, and ensures qualityDevelops creative concepts, directs creative projects, and maintains brand consistency
CredentialsDesign-related degrees, leadership experience, portfolioDesign or marketing background, strong portfolio, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with product, marketing, and executive teamsWorks closely with marketing, branding, and creative teams

While both roles involve leadership in creative fields, the Vp Design primarily focuses on design strategy and team management within product and user experience contexts. The Creative Director emphasizes overall brand vision and creative concepts across multiple channels. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Vp Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,281 per year, or $78 per hour.

Vice President (Mechanical)

Allen + Shariff Corporation

Chicago, IL • On-site

$185K - $239K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Allen + Shariff is an international MEP engineering firm providing consulting and design services in the United States and Mexico and project management services in the Middle East. Our mission is to engineer an exceptional level of personal care and connection designed to help our clients, employees, and communities thrive. We have fun at work doing what we love to do and are proud to be certified as a “Great Place to Work.”

A+S is seeking a Vice President with strong hands-on knowledge of HVAC Design to co-lead its Chicago, Illinois office. In addition to providing technical expertise to the office within the Mechanical discipline, the Vice President will share responsibility for the achievement of key Company objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Participate with the Corporate Management Team to establish and implement goals, direction, and policy for the company as a whole.
  • Communicate the direction, goals, and policies of the overall company and the Chicago office to the local team.
  • Continually improve staff performance in terms of technical capability and production efficiency via mentorship. Coach team members and provide opportunities for growth and development.
  • Maintain and improve quality control procedures related to mechanical and plumbing designs.
  • Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with current and prospective clients.
  • Strategize with business development staff and participate in proposal presentations and negotiations.
  • Develop, evaluate, and track project goals for the office or group.
  • Ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and to the highest quality.
  • Debrief and critique project performance with team members.
  • Ensure office is properly staffed and workloads are appropriately assigned.   
  • Evaluate performance of team members and address any issues.
  • Provide technical expertise to the office on a variety of HVAC systems.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a mechanical focus.
  • Minimum 15 years of experience in the HVAC design field.
  • PE registration required.
  • CAD required; Revit preferred.
  • In-depth understanding of mechanical and plumbing systems, including all relevant codes and LEED requirements.
  • Proven leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.

Benefits

  • Bonus Pay
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • At least 7.5 Holiday Days
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Medical Insurance
  • Company contribution to Health Savings Account
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Reimbursement Program
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Professional Development Assistance
  • Paid Pregnancy Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Community Service Day