Design Manager

Role overview

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement design strategies, plans, and criteria for projects and initiatives.
• Assess the feasibility, soundness, and innovation potential of design concepts.
• Lead and mentor designers while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.
• Oversee large-scale design projects, brand development, and design system implementations.
• Monitor design standards, quality benchmarks, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical advice and consultation on design matters to stakeholders and leadership.
• Evaluate design operations and team performance, identifying improvement opportunities.
• Prepare reports on design initiatives, outcomes, and operational metrics.
• Manage design budgets and resources efficiently.
• Collaborate with product, marketing, and engineering teams on business-aligned design solutions.
• Advise leadership and stakeholders on design strategy and industry trends.
• Adapt design approaches to diverse customer needs while maintaining brand consistency.

Required skills and experience

• 15 years of professional design experience, including at least 8 years in leadership or management.
• Expertise in design management, team leadership, and project oversight.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, or an equivalent tool.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience developing design strategies and establishing design standards.
• Project management experience across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Proficiency in budget management and resource allocation.
• Experience with stakeholder management and advising senior leadership.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or a related field.
• Experience with design thinking and user-centered design principles.
• Knowledge of design compliance, accessibility standards, and quality assurance processes.
• Familiarity with digital and print media design tools and platforms.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior designers.
• Understanding of market trends and competitive design landscape analysis.

Essential attributes

• Visionary, detail-oriented, strategic, resilient, and decisive approach to design leadership.
• Organized and efficient work style with strong time management.
• Empathetic and supportive leadership that values team input and diversity.
• Transparent communication and inclusive collaboration.
• Flexibility and adaptability as project and organizational requirements evolve.
• Goal-oriented focus on measurable results and continuous improvement.

Recruitment and workplace notes

• Newly hired employees must attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office as a condition of employment.