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.
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in managing field activities for large-scale construction projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timely completion through effective team leadership and collaboration...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $180K *
Shape the visual identity of two distinct brands by designing impactful sales assets, web pages, and social graphics. Collaborate closely with marketing and sales teams to elevate brand presence in th...
3 weeks ago
Clinical Trial Manager, Class III Medical Devices
$117K - $156K *
Shape the future of clinical trials by managing the execution and oversight of Class III medical device studies. Collaborate with teams and ensure compliance, quality standards, and operational succes...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate public safety operations by managing CAD and MDT systems for regional agencies. Serve as the expert liaison, ensuring seamless configuration, support, and training while enhancing GIS integrat...
Today
$188K - $245K *
Shape innovative user experiences by leading design initiatives, mentoring teams, and driving strategic solutions in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate across functions to elevate design quality an...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining People Operations by leading strategic initiatives in benefits, payroll, and automation. Drive impactful change while managing a high-performing team and collaborating ac...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Sustaining Automation
$121K - $142K *
Elevate automation in software engineering by building AI-driven tools and systems. Collaborate with a focused team to enhance reliability and speed in package and image management, shaping the future...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of stablecoin infrastructure by leading product management, driving execution, and developing a high-impact team. Collaborate closely with customers and engineering to enhance adoptio...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Energy Engineering Management
$150K - $180K *
Contribute to strategic leadership in engineering management, aligning execution with business goals. Drive portfolio success, enhance client satisfaction, and empower teams to optimize performance in...
3 weeks ago
Lead Device Software Engineer, Embedded & Firmware
$155K - $209K *
Drive the future of device software as a hands-on technical lead, overseeing architecture and delivery for a team of firmware engineers. Own critical subsystems, ensuring safety and performance while...
4 weeks ago
Sr Director, Product Management
$160K - $200K *
Drive the evolution of dealer marketing solutions by leading product management efforts, overseeing current offerings, and defining a next-gen platform that enhances customer engagement and retention...
1 week ago
$66K - $102K *
Empower the future of PLM solutions by providing expert support for Teamcenter. Collaborate with global teams to enhance system performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement in a...
Yesterday
Interactive Technology Developer (Unity)
$90K - $110K *
Innovate interactive experiences by developing and integrating technologies using Unity and C#. Collaborate with a diverse team to solve challenges and enhance live events and installations with cutti...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director Utilization Management
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing healthcare delivery through strategic leadership in Utilization Management. Drive excellence in clinical care and operational outcomes while ensuring complia...
4 weeks ago
Industrial Process Mechanical BIM Designer
$74K - $104K *
Drive your career with innovative Mechanical BIM design, focusing on piping systems for water and wastewater facilities. Collaborate across disciplines to produce high-quality engineering documents an...
5 days ago
Senior Director, Engineering Program/Project Management
$160K - $190K *
Lead the technical direction of a strategic customer program, overseeing all phases from concept to volume ramp. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product delivery while mai...
Reposted 4 days ago
$100K - $115K *
Advance the payroll function for a diverse workforce, ensuring compliance and accuracy across multiple states. This hands-on role requires expertise in payroll systems and regulations, driving process...
2 weeks ago
Performance Excellence Manager
$115K - $173K *
Transform operational excellence by driving compliance and standardization across Plasma Procurement. Collaborate with leaders to enhance processes, implement Lean practices, and foster a culture of c...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Manager, GTM Systems Architecture
$135K - $160K *
Lead the evolution of our GTM Systems Architecture, enhancing Salesforce and its tech stack for AI-native workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build a trusted data foundation and driv...
4 weeks ago
Principal Product Builder, Data
$205K - $256K *
Transform your career by leading Apollo's data strategy, ensuring the highest quality B2B data for GTM success. Drive product vision, collaborate cross-functionally, and enhance customer experiences t...
3 weeks ago
Claims Configuration Senior Manager
$110K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading claims adjudication logic to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Drive strategic improvements, collaborate across teams, and ensure compliance while optimizing operations in a...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $172K *
Transform healthcare delivery by managing CDI operations, liaising with vendors, ensuring quality, and fostering staff development. Join a collaborative team to enhance patient care through innovative...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $128K *
Elevate our proposal visual strategy by crafting compelling graphics and narratives. Collaborate with diverse teams to transform complex ideas into engaging visuals for federal submissions, enhancing...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's driving marketing transformation by leveraging Adobe's ecosystem. Lead consultative engagements, advise senior executives, and design integrated solutions that enhance client satisf...
4 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Elevate client marketing strategies by leading transformative engagements using Adobe's ecosystem. Collaborate with senior executives to design data-driven solutions that enhance customer experiences...
4 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.