Explore Design Manager Jobs

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.

What Does a Design Manager Do?

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.

Common Design Manager Specialties

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.

Skills Employers Look For

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.

Find Your Next Design Leadership Role

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.

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$110K - $130K *

Lead project initiatives in Communications Security and ATO processes, ensuring compliance and secure communication systems. Oversee cross-functional teams and manage risks while delivering high-stake...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$91K - $138K *

Lead project expediting operations by planning, staffing, and budgeting. Monitor assignments, evaluate schedules, and ensure quality while collaborating with suppliers to meet project objectives and t...

5 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of design by leading innovative projects, collaborating with teams, and enhancing client experiences. Utilize your expertise to drive strategic solutions and mentor others in a dynami...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Lead complex, customer-facing technology projects in life sciences. Drive project success by managing scope, timelines, and cross-functional teams in a dynamic, collaborative environment...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$170K - $210K *

Elevate project outcomes by leading controls design for data center developments. Collaborate with clients and teams to ensure high-quality automation solutions, integrating advanced technologies and...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$200K - $260K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of transit infrastructure by leading mechanical design for HVAC and vertical transportation systems. This senior role involves project management and technical lea...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$200K - $260K *

Partner with us to lead mechanical design for complex transit infrastructure projects. This senior role focuses on HVAC and vertical transportation systems, ensuring excellence in engineering and proj...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Elevate operational efficiency by leading cross-functional projects that enhance warehouse management processes, ensuring effective communication and adherence to standard operating procedures...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $100K *

Optimize project outcomes by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring timely deliverables, and maintaining effective communication. Drive success through strategic planning and execution while managin...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer innovative mechanical design solutions for data centers. Drive project success from inception to operational handover, ensuring top performance and efficiency through collaboration and expert...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$141K - $190K *

Drive exceptional brand experiences by leading hands-on creative development across diverse channels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to elevate brand identity and execute innovative campaigns...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Empower the organization by automating workflows and driving strategic initiatives. Leverage AI to enhance operations, connect cross-functional teams, and deliver impactful solutions in a fast-paced...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform high-density data center infrastructure by leading product strategy for AI/HPC cabling solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable offerings that meet market needs...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in establishing a robust BIM infrastructure, driving digital transformation and AI integration across projects. Oversee standards, mentor teams, and enhance collaboration to elevate de...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Lead the establishment of BIM standards and drive digital transformation across the organization. Oversee technology integration, mentor the Design Technology team, and enhance collaboration through i...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Champion the establishment of BIM standards and drive digital transformation across the organization. Lead the Design Technology team, enhance collaboration, and integrate emerging technologies to opt...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

Drive the establishment of BIM standards and technology integration across projects, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Lead the Design Technology team, champion digital transformation, and lever...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by leading diverse teams to deliver high-quality commercial, retail, and grocery projects. Manage all phases from planning to execution, ensuring alignment with client goals and indus...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$109K - $142K *

Partner with us to drive strategic initiatives by coordinating cross-functional projects, managing executive communications, and supporting the Office of the CEO. Leverage your analytical skills to en...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $145K *

Lead the design and delivery of electrical systems for data centers, overseeing project lifecycles while ensuring performance, resilience, and efficiency. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive innov...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $175K *

Unlock potential by leading environmental compliance for data center construction projects. Manage permits, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure adherence to regulations while driving project succ...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of manufacturing by enhancing processes and quality controls. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements in production systems, ensuring safety, efficiency, and com...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$101K - $161K *

Lead the charge in managing workplace construction and renovation projects, ensuring alignment with safety, budget, and quality standards while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to deliver succe...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion project success by coordinating schedules, resources, and communication across teams. Play a key role in monitoring progress, managing risks, and providing updates to stakeholders, ensuring t...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$97K - $121K *

Accelerate strategic initiatives by managing cross-functional teams, driving decision-making, and ensuring repeatable processes across global operations. Thrive in a dynamic environment while deliveri...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Design Manager do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.