Design Managers guide creative teams and shape products, services, and brand experiences. They connect design strategy with business goals, mentor designers, and collaborate with partners across product, engineering, marketing, and research. Explore vetted Design Manager opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.
Responsibilities vary by organization and specialty. Design Managers may set team priorities, oversee design systems and workflows, provide feedback on concepts, and ensure that work meets customer needs and quality standards. They also hire and develop talent, advocate for design in leadership discussions, and help teams deliver consistent results.
Roles may focus on product design, user experience (UX), user interface (UI), visual design, brand, or service design. Some managers lead a multidisciplinary team, while others concentrate on a particular product area or customer journey. Review each job description to understand the team's scope, reporting structure, and expectations.
Employers often seek people leadership, clear communication, strategic thinking, and a strong grasp of design principles and user-centered methods. Depending on the role, experience with prototyping, research, design systems, accessibility, and collaboration tools may be valuable. Familiarity with product development and the ability to connect design decisions to measurable outcomes can also help.
Compare opportunities by specialty, industry, location, work arrangement, and team scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs with salaries of $100,000 or more, helping experienced design leaders discover roles aligned with their skills and career goals. Explore current Design Manager openings and identify the opportunity that fits your next step.
Project Manager, Design & Construction
$100K - $120K *
Take ownership of diverse Investor Center projects, managing all phases from concept to closeout. Ensure timely delivery within budget and scope while coordinating with stakeholders, contractors, and...
1 week ago
Principal Enterprise Architect
$154K - $208K *
Unlock your potential as you shape the architecture for consumer-facing platforms, driving innovation in AI and DTC technology. Collaborate across teams to establish standards and governance, ensuring...
Reposted 6 days ago
$100K - $135K *
Unlock your potential by leading impactful projects from initiation to close. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage risks, and ensure timely delivery while utilizing AI tools to enhance prod...
2 days ago
$95K - $185K *
Elevate the brand through compelling visual design across web, digital, and print. Collaborate with teams to create impactful visuals, manage projects from concept to delivery, and shape the visual id...
3 weeks ago
$91K - $136K *
Champion the end-to-end management of products, driving innovation and customer satisfaction while achieving business objectives through strategic insights and collaboration with cross-functional team...
2 days ago
$73K - $102K *
Join a team that's driving project success by managing diverse tasks and collaborating with stakeholders. You'll oversee project progress, ensure accurate billing, and support operations while enhanci...
Today
Application Development Manager - Flexibles
$110K - $130K *
Transform flexible packaging solutions by leading technical development, enhancing product performance, and fostering strong customer relationships to meet evolving needs and drive business growth...
Reposted yesterday
$130K - $150K *
Drive the pre-execution contract lifecycle for pharmacy and medical benefits, ensuring clear agreements and timely completion. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance contracting processes...
1 week ago
$63K - $108K *
Manage and coordinate construction projects across various company locations, ensuring compliance with all regulations and standards. Oversee budgets, schedules, and contractor performance to deliver...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in overseeing construction projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget while coordinating with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams...
Yesterday
Associate Director - Senior Construction Program Manager
$140K - $197K *
Lead the charge in managing strategic client relationships and projects, leveraging your extensive cost management expertise in the data centre sector. Empower teams through mentorship while driving b...
4 weeks ago
Implementation Project Manager
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in managing end-to-end ProShop ERP implementations for machine shop clients. Ensure successful adoption through effective project management, client relationship building, and hands-on...
2 weeks ago
$188K - $245K *
Drive innovative UX design strategies in clinical settings, leading a talented team to enhance decision support and care coordination. Collaborate across functions to integrate AI and elevate user exp...
Reposted 1 week ago
$275K - $325K *
Lead the charge in building and managing a construction banking sector, driving strategy, partnerships, and product development while overseeing P&L and fostering key relationships to establish Flex a...
3 weeks ago
$109K - $140K *
Shape the future of product design by owning the user experience for a flagship product. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence design direction and deliver impactful solutions that reso...
3 weeks ago
$135K *
Elevate client success by leading innovative training programs that enhance learning experiences. Drive product adoption and satisfaction through tailored onboarding and ongoing education, ensuring cl...
2 weeks ago
$126K - $176K *
Lead the charge in managing complex data center projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery. Collaborate with diverse teams to foster relationships and drive strategic improvements while e...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $175K *
Lead and optimize project management efforts, ensuring safety and efficiency while fostering strong relationships with clients and teams. Drive strategic improvements and mentor diverse teams to achie...
4 weeks ago
Manager, Modern Workplace Engineering
$170K - $181K *
Champion the evolution of endpoint management by leading a team to modernize and secure the firm's digital workplace, ensuring seamless user experiences and operational excellence across diverse techn...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Strategic Project Management
$117K - $206K *
Lead strategic initiatives from inception to delivery, driving cross-functional collaboration and leveraging AI tools to enhance project outcomes. Partner with executives to ensure alignment and measu...
5 days ago
$80K - $130K *
Lead dealership implementations by managing go-lives, training teams, and ensuring seamless integrations. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize workflows and drive adoption, while traveling freque...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager Data Center Rapid Deployment
$115K - $138K *
Manage complex data center deployment projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment among stakeholders. Oversee planning, execution, and closeout while maintaining budget and risk controls in fast...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Application Architecture
$109K - $183K *
Champion the evolution of a leading SaaS platform by guiding a global team of architects. Drive modernization, scalability, and security while establishing standards and collaborating across departmen...
5 days ago
$140K - $185K *
Transform project delivery by managing IT initiatives for California agencies. Collaborate with state staff to ensure timely, budget-compliant outcomes while leveraging Agile methodologies and large s...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $205K *
Join a team that's driving M&A success by leading financial strategy, target evaluation, and integration planning. Collaborate with senior leaders to identify opportunities and execute critical phases...
3 weeks ago
What does a Design Manager do?
A Design Manager leads designers and helps set design direction, priorities, and quality standards. The role often includes coaching and hiring, reviewing work, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and aligning design decisions with customer and business needs.
What types of Design Manager jobs are available?
Openings may include product design, UX, UI, visual, brand, or service design management. Some roles lead a broad design function; others focus on a product, team, or specific area of the customer experience.
What qualifications are commonly required for Design Manager roles?
Employers commonly look for relevant design experience, a portfolio or record of shipped work, and experience leading or mentoring people. Requirements vary, but may include expertise in a design specialty, cross-functional collaboration, and familiarity with design systems and user research.
How much do Design Managers earn?
Compensation varies by employer, location, industry, experience, and scope of responsibility. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including qualifying Design Manager opportunities.
How can I find Design Manager jobs on Ladders?
Browse Design Manager openings on Ladders and compare roles by specialty, location, work arrangement, and responsibilities. Review qualifications and compensation details in each listing to find a strong fit.