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.
Commercial Manager (Cost Management)
$125K - $175K *
Lead the charge in cost management for diverse projects, overseeing tender processes, valuations, and dispute settlements. Foster strong relationships and ensure clear communication to drive project s...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $190K *
Innovate your career as a Product Manager, driving user-centered solutions from concept to launch. Collaborate across teams to enhance IT asset management platforms, leveraging AI insights to elevate...
2 weeks ago
Technical Project Manager - DDP
$116K - $159K *
Drive operational excellence by leading strategic projects that enhance manufacturing efficiency and productivity. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize resources and ensure successful execution...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of defense technology by reviewing and checking mechanical designs for a groundbreaking weapon system. Collaborate with experts to ensure precision and compliance...
3 weeks ago
Manufacturing Engineer Manager
$97K - $143K *
Transform manufacturing processes by leading a team of engineers to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety. Drive strategic initiatives and manage projects to support significant annual sales while f...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing document control processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency across projects. Collaborate with teams to streamline documentation, enhance workflows, and support project s...
Yesterday
Product Manager, Embedded Experience Platform
$133K - $213K *
Lead the development of scalable digital capabilities for premium benefit experiences across various channels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, enhance content m...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in advancing aerospace and additive manufacturing by managing production teams, ensuring quality, and optimizing operations in a dynamic environment. Drive innovation and safety while...
6 days ago
$110K - $125K *
Support on-site construction operations by managing field activities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and coordinating with project teams for successful delivery of both new bui...
Reposted 4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining digital experiences by transforming UX strategy into impactful designs. Leverage your expertise to create user-centered, conversion-optimized solutions that balance brand...
4 weeks ago
$144K - $210K *
Transform the creative landscape by leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver cohesive brand storytelling and performance marketing across global accounts, ensuring high-quality output and strategic...
1 week ago
$144K - $210K *
Lead the charge in shaping brand storytelling and performance marketing across global accounts. Drive cohesive creative direction, manage multidisciplinary teams, and ensure high-quality output while...
1 week ago
$100K - $130K *
Champion project success by managing large-scale capital design and construction projects in higher education and municipal sectors. Oversee planning, design, procurement, and construction phases to e...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Transform the DevOps landscape by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving operational excellence, and fostering collaboration across functions to achieve business goals and enhance custome...
1 week ago
Manager, Project Planning / Space Planner
$100K - $120K *
Architect innovative workspace solutions to enhance efficiency and employee experience. Lead project planning and space optimization initiatives across multiple locations, ensuring alignment with orga...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Program Manager (Automotive Manufacturing)
$80K - $95K *
Lead automotive programs from launch to production, managing cross-functional teams and ensuring timely delivery. Oversee tooling, engineering, and supplier coordination while maintaining quality stan...
5 days ago
Senior Graphic & Multimedia Designer
$85K - $95K *
Lead the design and execution of impactful visual communications across print, digital, and video channels, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance brand consistency and support marketing...
6 days ago
Design Quality Control Manager
$90K - $110K *
Lead the design quality management process, ensuring compliance with standards and timely submittals. Collaborate with contractors and stakeholders to uphold quality across all project phases, enhanci...
4 weeks ago
Manager, HR Project Management
$110K - $130K *
Champion complex global initiatives by leading cross-functional project teams, ensuring successful delivery from planning to implementation while managing risks, budgets, and stakeholder relationships...
6 days ago
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's leading engineering excellence in manufacturing processes, optimizing operations across multiple facilities, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, qualit...
1 week ago
$80K - $90K *
Empower project success by managing construction activities and ensuring compliance with contract requirements, coordinating various phases of projects, and overseeing complex facility development for...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$105K - $162K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative technology initiatives, managing project scope, budget, and vendor relationships while ensuring alignment across teams and stakeholders for successful outcomes...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Manufacturing Engineering - Furniture
$108K - $130K *
Champion operational excellence by leading the Manufacturing Engineering team to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency while driving continuous improvement and technical talent development in a dyna...
6 days ago
$60K - $140K *
Shape the creative vision and execution of innovative design projects, driving excellence from concept to delivery. Lead, mentor, and inspire junior designers while collaborating closely with strategi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative AI-driven solutions for contract management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape product strategy and enhance workflows for sales, procurement, a...
Today
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.