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Creative Design Manager Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Proficient in UX/UI design principles * Experience with high-level branding and management of ... Creative thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills, along with flexibility ...

A Brief Overview The brand activation team is at the intersection of design, storytelling, and ... the management of timelines, budgets and the proper leadership approval processes. * Trend ...

A Brief Overview The brand activation team is at the intersection of design, storytelling, and ... the management of timelines, budgets and the proper leadership approval processes. * Trend ...

... creative design intent and real-world production execution. This role sits at the center of client engagement, design consultation, and project delivery for large-scale retail remodel and brand ...

Salesforce Technical Manager

Columbus, OH · On-site

$112K - $112K/yr

... and creative design. We can enhance customer experiences and drive sustained growth and customer ... Work you'll do As a Manager, Managed Services on the Digital Foundry, Operate, & Innovation team ...

Provide creative and strategic leadership for design, collaborating with empowered product teams to ... Work with design, research, program management, and product leaders on process for product ...

We are looking to fill a Inside Sales / Project Manager position in our manufacturing facility ... You're a problem solver with a creative/design mentality to be able to address knowledge of our ...

We are looking to fill a Inside Sales / Project Manager position in our manufacturing facility ... You're a problem solver with a creative/design mentality to be able to address knowledge of our ...

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Creative Design Manager information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$39.2K

$107K

$188.3K

How much do creative design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative design manager in Columbus, OH is $106,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $134,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a creative Design Manager do?

A Creative Design Manager oversees the development and execution of visual concepts for projects, ensuring they align with brand standards and client goals. They lead design teams, coordinate with other departments, and use tools like Adobe Creative Suite to deliver high-quality creative work within deadlines.

How much does a Design Manager earn?

A Creative Design Manager typically earns between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior roles or those in high-demand industries may offer higher salaries, and proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite can enhance earning potential.

What is the highest paying job in design?

The highest paying roles in design often include Creative Directors, Art Directors, and UX Directors, with salaries exceeding six figures in many industries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and strategic planning.

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

To thrive as a Creative Design Manager, you need strong visual design expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and project management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, team collaboration, and creative problem-solving are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the delivery of innovative, high-quality design solutions while effectively leading and motivating creative teams.

What is the difference between Creative Design Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative Design ManagerGraphic Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees creative projects, manages design teams, develops concepts, and ensures brand consistency.Creates visual content, designs layouts, and produces graphics based on project briefs.
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, advanced design skills, and strategic thinking.Proficiency in design software, creativity, and technical skills.
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, client meetings, and project planning.Design studios, freelance work, or in-house departments.
Common CertificationsDesign degrees, Adobe certifications, leadership training.

The main difference is that a Creative Design Manager leads and oversees creative projects and teams, focusing on strategy and management, while a Graphic Designer primarily executes visual designs and creates graphics. Both roles require strong design skills, but the manager role involves more leadership and project coordination.

What is the highest paid creative job?

The highest paid creative job often is a Creative Director or Chief Creative Officer, roles that oversee branding, advertising, and design strategies at the executive level. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong portfolio, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures in large organizations. Compensation varies based on industry, company size, and geographic location.

How does a Creative Design Manager typically balance creative vision with client or stakeholder requirements?

As a Creative Design Manager, you'll often navigate the challenge of aligning your team's innovative ideas with client or stakeholder expectations. This involves active listening, clear communication, and presenting creative solutions that address both aesthetic goals and practical needs. You'll facilitate brainstorming sessions, provide constructive feedback, and ensure that the design output meets brand guidelines, project timelines, and business objectives. Strong collaboration with marketing, product, and leadership teams is key to achieving successful outcomes while maintaining creative integrity.

What are Creative Design Managers?

Creative Design Managers are professionals responsible for leading and overseeing creative projects within organizations, such as advertising campaigns, branding, and visual content creation. They manage teams of designers, ensuring creative output aligns with company goals and brand identity. Their role involves project management, creative direction, collaboration with other departments, and maintaining high standards of design quality. Creative Design Managers also stay up-to-date with design trends and often mentor junior staff.
What are popular job titles related to Creative Design Manager jobs in Columbus, OH? For Creative Design Manager jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Creative Design Manager jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Creative Design Manager job openings:
Design Manager - Complex Architectural Projects

Design Manager - Complex Architectural Projects

Gensler

Columbus, OH • On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Gensler rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Your Role
As a Design Manager / Project Lead, you will take full ownership of the successful delivery of complex, client-facing architectural and interiors projects-from early strategy and concept through post-occupancy. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, a leader and mentor to project teams, and a key contributor to the growth and success of the Columbus studio.
This role is ideal for a senior project leader who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, client relationships, team leadership, and financial performance, and who is motivated by seeing projects-and people-reach their full potential.
Based in Columbus, you'll join a studio energized by the region's rapid growth, innovation, and diversity. Gensler Columbus partners with clients across workplace, mixed-use, education, healthcare, and critical facilities to shape environments that meaningfully support how people live and work.
What You Will Do
Lead Client & Project Strategy
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building trusted relationships and guiding projects through all phases
  • Maintain a deep understanding of client objectives, business drivers, and market conditions to inform design and delivery decisions
  • Identify opportunities to expand client relationships through additional Gensler services and expertise

Own Project Delivery & Financial Performance
  • Lead day-to-day project delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards
  • Prepare, communicate, and manage project work plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
  • Review project accounting, forecasts, and billing, taking full accountability for financial performance
  • Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements

Guide Teams & Consultants
  • Lead and facilitate cross-functional project teams, fostering collaboration across disciplines
  • Coordinate and manage consultant teams, including structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, civil, and specialty consultants
  • Proactively resolve complex technical, coordination, and design challenges in partnership with Practice Area and Studio leadership

Contribute to Studio Growth
  • Support business development efforts with existing and prospective clients
  • Contribute proactively in staffing and resource planning meetings to support studio delivery and financial goals
  • Partner with Design Directors and Marketing to ensure project narratives are documented and photography or videography is coordinated

Your Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience leading architectural or interior design projects across a range of scales and typologies
  • Registered Architect or Interior Designer
  • Proven experience managing project scope, fees, schedules, and financial performance
  • Demonstrated leadership across the full project lifecycle, including post-occupancy
  • Strong client-facing skills, with the ability to build trust and serve as a strategic advisor
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and consultant coordination on technically complex projects
  • High level of design competence and working knowledge of building codes
  • Proficiency in Revit
  • Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment

Why This Role Matters
This is a senior leadership role for a Design Manager ready to expand their influence-leading increasingly complex work, shaping long-term client relationships, and mentoring the next generation of designers and project managers. You will play a meaningful role in the continued growth and evolution of the Columbus studio.
Design Technology at Gensler
Applications we work with include:
  • Design Authoring: Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, Navisworks
  • Collaboration: BIM 360
  • Computational Design: Grasshopper, Dynamo
  • Building Performance Simulation: Insight, Sefaira, Diva, Ladybug Tools
  • Visualization: V-Ray, Enscape, Twinmotion, 3ds Max
  • Graphics & Productivity: Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office
  • Experiential: Unreal Engine, Unity
  • Development: C#, Python

Life at Gensler
Gensler is committed to supporting a healthy and balanced lifestyle for our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, and paid time off. Additional benefits include 401(k), profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice-annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
We actively support licensure and professional development through reimbursement for professional licenses, renewals, exam fees, and eligible tuition expenses. We view professional growth as a meaningful investment in our people and our future.
*For consideration, you must submit a portfolio and your resume in PDF format.
To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler

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