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.
$240K - $330K *
Champion strategic initiatives and drive execution as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, ensuring alignment and informed decision-making across the organization while navigati...
1 week ago
Principal Technical Program Manager, New Product Development
$150K - $200K *
Manage advanced product development programs for data center infrastructure, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive comprehensive manufacturing strategies, optimize operations, and ensure...
Reposted 1 week ago
Planning Studio - Studio Leader
$110K - $130K *
Drive strategic direction and growth in urban planning initiatives, ensuring exceptional project delivery and client satisfaction. Lead and mentor a collaborative team while managing resources, financ...
Reposted 2 days ago
$85K - $105K *
Optimize regulatory compliance processes for a multi-state transportation network. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure operational readiness and manage ongoing compliance across diverse markets...
2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Empower innovation by designing and scaling backend services for an AI platform. Lead initiatives in automation, reliability, and performance while mentoring a talented team to enhance system architec...
1 week ago
$80K - $105K *
Pioneer the evolution of our marketing technology ecosystem, shaping strategies and driving integration to empower growth and enhance scalability. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize performanc...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Director, Brand Marketing
$150K - $180K *
Champion the evolution of brand marketing by leading a dynamic team, crafting compelling campaigns, and enhancing executive communications to elevate brand presence and engagement across all platforms...
2 weeks ago
Data Architect (Microsoft Azure / Microsoft Fabric)
$140K - $175K *
Shape data-driven solutions as a Data Architect, utilizing Azure technologies to create scalable, AI-ready data architectures that unlock business insights and enhance operational performance through...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Document Ctrl Specialist II (SRM - CM2) (Remote Option Available)
$71K - $96K *
Optimize technical documentation processes for the Solid Rocket Motor program, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Collaborate with engineering teams to gather data, maintain product information, and pr...
3 weeks ago
$113K - $125K *
Drive product strategy and outcomes in a senior role, focusing on educational equity and data-driven impact. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape product direction, prioritize initiatives...
1 week ago
Principal Product Manager, Buyer Products
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining the buyer experience in B2B software. As a Principal Product Manager, you'll lead strategy, drive product delivery, and enhance buyer trust across multiple platforms, ens...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager, Financial Benefits
$98K - $122K *
Empower progress at the intersection of project management and benefits innovation. Lead initiatives for 401(k) MEP and Benefits Billing, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to enhance operational...
1 week ago
$120K - $150K *
Champion data innovation by leading a skilled engineering team to enhance our enterprise data platform. Drive architectural excellence and streamline processes across Azure and Microsoft Fabric, ensur...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, AI Innovations Team, Operations Orchestration
$120K - $145K *
Champion the monetization strategy for operations orchestration, driving pricing, packaging, and go-to-market initiatives. Collaborate closely with engineering and finance to optimize unit economics a...
5 days ago
$120K - $180K *
Optimize sourcing strategies for electronic components, fostering supplier partnerships and ensuring reliable access to critical materials. Collaborate across teams to enhance procurement processes an...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Product Management (Infra)
$245K - $279K *
Architect innovative product strategies that enhance customer experiences and drive business growth. Lead cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges while leveraging technology for sustainable...
3 weeks ago
$272K - $320K *
Champion AI innovation by defining product strategy, conducting research, and enabling cross-portfolio collaboration to enhance observability and customer value in engineering workflows...
2 weeks ago
Organizational Change Management (OCM) Senior Consultant
$115K - $135K *
Join a team that's transforming Medicaid agencies through expert OCM strategies. Leverage your project management and change management skills to enhance health outcomes and build stronger communities...
2 weeks ago
Finance Manager, Adaptive Planning
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in optimizing our Adaptive Planning platform, ensuring accurate data management and seamless integrations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reporting and streamline f...
1 week ago
$112K - $193K *
Shape the future of AI solutions by defining end-to-end architecture, integrating advanced capabilities, and driving innovation across cross-functional teams while ensuring scalability, security, and...
2 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Global, Remote
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining pharmacy automation by leading engineers to deliver impactful solutions. Drive team growth, manage processes, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure suc...
1 week ago
$80K - $100K *
Join a team that's redefining market expansion by managing and optimizing field sales programs. Drive recruitment, training, and process improvements to ensure success in newly launched markets across...
1 week ago
Director of Business Development
$125K - $150K *
Drive growth by building relationships and exceeding sales quotas through effective prospecting and discovery calls. Join a dynamic team focused on revolutionizing the energy industry with innovative...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by designing and optimizing cloud-based data platforms, ensuring scalability and performance across relational, NoSQL, and vector databases while collaborating with AI and engineering...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager, Data Systems, AIMS
$500K+*
Lead the charge in building robust data systems that enhance personalization and optimize product experiences. Drive strategic direction for large-scale data pipelines while developing a high-performi...
Yesterday
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.