Entry Level Design Manager Jobs
New grad design manager jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can carry more weight than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Construction & Real Estate, Consulting & Professional Services, and Energy, with employers like CBI, HDR, and CBRE hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Entry Level Design Manager jobs
FRESHFIELDS OVERVIEW
Join a leading firm at the forefront of law, business, and technology. You’ll find yourself part of a global team, tackling the world’s most complex challenges, where big ideas thrive, diverse viewpoints are celebrated, where you can own your own growth and feel supported every step of the way.
ROLE SUMMARY
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Manager to join our HR Strategic Projects team. This dynamic team supports key People initiatives that contribute to the firm's success.
The Manager will support the delivery of strategic People projects across a range of priority areas, helping to develop and implement practical, effective People solutions with key focus on the Future of Work, Workforce and Workplace.
This role requires adaptability, strong organization, and a proactive approach to managing changing priorities aligned to Freshfields’ People Strategy. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across functions and regions to support successful project outcomes.
This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the future of the People Team within a leading professional services environment as part of a global team working cohesively across regions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Project Delivery & Communications: Support and manage workstreams within strategic People projects from initiation through to completion, helping to ensure timely delivery and effective coordination. This includes developing project plans, tracking actions and milestones, supporting risk and issue management, and drafting clear communications on project progress, outputs, and impact for stakeholders.
-
Organizational Design: Support the design and implementation of organisational structures that align with the firm's strategic objectives, considering factors such as efficiency, effectiveness, future-readiness, and scalability.
-
Workforce Planning: Support the development and implementation of workforce planning approaches that align with current and future talent needs, considering factors such as utilisation, team structure, attrition, recruitment, and skills gaps.
-
AI-enabled Transformation: Support the design and delivery of firm transformation initiatives as AI becomes embedded in ways of working, helping assess impacts on roles, skills, processes, operating models, and change readiness across the People function and wider business services teams.
-
Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the firm, including People Team colleagues, business leaders, and project contributors. Communicate project updates clearly and support expectation management.
-
Continuous Improvement: Analyse current operational workflows, identify opportunities for improvement, and support the development of practical solutions to streamline processes, reduce complexity, and enhance efficiency.
-
Change Management: Support the development and implementation of change management plans that encourage engagement and adoption of new initiatives across the firm.
-
Research and Analysis: Conduct research and data analysis to identify internal and external trends and best practices, helping inform the development of People solutions.
-
Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with external vendors as needed, helping to monitor delivery, quality, timelines, and budget considerations.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
-
Relevant experience in supporting and delivering HR strategic projects, organisational effectiveness or organization transformation initiatives, or change activity within Human Resources/Talent Management or Human Capital Strategy & Operations teams.
-
Experience managing project workstreams or medium-complexity projects, with a track record of supporting successful delivery.
-
Good understanding of organisational design principles, workforce planning techniques, workforce transformation and talent management practices.
-
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and judgement skills, with the ability to interpret information and recommend practical next steps.
-
Experience working within a professional services firm is desirable.
-
Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
-
Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team across multiple time zones.
-
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
-
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and experience with project planning tools such as Microsoft Project or Microsoft Planner.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $165,000 to $200,000.
EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com, or you can send your resume to BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com, or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.
FRESHFIELDS OVERVIEW
Join a leading firm at the forefront of law, business, and technology. You’ll find yourself part of a global team, tackling the world’s most complex challenges, where big ideas thrive, diverse viewpoints are celebrated, where you can own your own growth and feel supported every step of the way.
ROLE SUMMARY
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Manager to join our HR Strategic Projects team. This dynamic team supports key People initiatives that contribute to the firm's success.
The Manager will support the delivery of strategic People projects across a range of priority areas, helping to develop and implement practical, effective People solutions with key focus on the Future of Work, Workforce and Workplace.
This role requires adaptability, strong organization, and a proactive approach to managing changing priorities aligned to Freshfields’ People Strategy. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across functions and regions to support successful project outcomes.
This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the future of the People Team within a leading professional services environment as part of a global team working cohesively across regions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Project Delivery & Communications: Support and manage workstreams within strategic People projects from initiation through to completion, helping to ensure timely delivery and effective coordination. This includes developing project plans, tracking actions and milestones, supporting risk and issue management, and drafting clear communications on project progress, outputs, and impact for stakeholders.
-
Organizational Design: Support the design and implementation of organisational structures that align with the firm's strategic objectives, considering factors such as efficiency, effectiveness, future-readiness, and scalability.
-
Workforce Planning: Support the development and implementation of workforce planning approaches that align with current and future talent needs, considering factors such as utilisation, team structure, attrition, recruitment, and skills gaps.
-
AI-enabled Transformation: Support the design and delivery of firm transformation initiatives as AI becomes embedded in ways of working, helping assess impacts on roles, skills, processes, operating models, and change readiness across the People function and wider business services teams.
-
Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the firm, including People Team colleagues, business leaders, and project contributors. Communicate project updates clearly and support expectation management.
-
Continuous Improvement: Analyse current operational workflows, identify opportunities for improvement, and support the development of practical solutions to streamline processes, reduce complexity, and enhance efficiency.
-
Change Management: Support the development and implementation of change management plans that encourage engagement and adoption of new initiatives across the firm.
-
Research and Analysis: Conduct research and data analysis to identify internal and external trends and best practices, helping inform the development of People solutions.
-
Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with external vendors as needed, helping to monitor delivery, quality, timelines, and budget considerations.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
-
Relevant experience in supporting and delivering HR strategic projects, organisational effectiveness or organization transformation initiatives, or change activity within Human Resources/Talent Management or Human Capital Strategy & Operations teams.
-
Experience managing project workstreams or medium-complexity projects, with a track record of supporting successful delivery.
-
Good understanding of organisational design principles, workforce planning techniques, workforce transformation and talent management practices.
-
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and judgement skills, with the ability to interpret information and recommend practical next steps.
-
Experience working within a professional services firm is desirable.
-
Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
-
Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team across multiple time zones.
-
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
-
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and experience with project planning tools such as Microsoft Project or Microsoft Planner.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $165,000 to $200,000.
EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com, or you can send your resume to BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com, or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.
See All 12 Entry Level Design Manager Jobs
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Entry Level Design Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level design manager job?
Entry level design manager roles reward candidates who can show hands-on work over credentials alone. A portfolio demonstrating real projects, even from coursework, internships, or freelance work, gives you a concrete edge. Employers at this level also look for comfort with design tools, an eye for organizing a creative workflow, and the ability to communicate design decisions clearly to non-designers.
Which companies hire entry level design managers?
Companies hiring entry level design managers right now include CBI, HDR, and CBRE, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a wide range of employers, including consumer brands, technology companies, and agencies that build junior design managers into their teams from the ground up.
Are there remote entry level design manager jobs?
Yes, though on-site and hybrid roles remain common at the entry level. About 17% of entry level design manager openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, so fully remote positions exist but are not the majority. Candidates open to on-site or hybrid arrangements will find the widest range of opportunities at this stage.
Are these new grad design manager jobs?
Yes, many of these roles are new grad and junior positions that welcome recent graduates and candidates with little or no professional experience. A new grad friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, treats internship work or a strong portfolio as qualifying, and does not require prior people-management history. Look for language like 'entry level,' 'junior,' or 'recent graduates encouraged to apply.'
Which industries hire the most entry level design managers?
Entry Level design manager roles concentrate in Construction & Real Estate, Consulting & Professional Services, and Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors hire at the entry level because they maintain active in-house design functions and regularly build out junior talent to support growing creative and product teams.