Design Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL
Design Manager jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Loop, River North, and Fulton Market, where agencies, tech companies, and consumer brands drive steady hiring across product design, brand, and UX. Employers actively hiring right now include JLL, AECOM, and Jacobs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Design Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 65+ Design Manager jobs











F.H. Paschen has over 115 years of experience in the construction industry. You’ve driven on highways we paved, you’ve travelled through airports we modernized, you’ve commuted through rail stations we constructed, and your children learn in schools we built. But we are MORE than that. We offer MORE Versatility—as we work in any industry, offering any delivery method and service. We operate with MORE Tenacity—as we maneuver through tight schedules, spaces, and budgets. We provide MORE Ingenuity—by creating solutions to solve your greatest challenges. And we perform with MORE Pride—in focusing on safety and quality, and in offering more opportunities for our communities and diverse populations to build with us. We deliver far more than just on time and on budget—we deliver with MORE Paschen.
Position Overview:
The VDC Project Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing construction planning through accurate coordination and quality by integrating reality capture technologies and digital workflows. This position leads the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM), field technology, and model-based processes to enhance coordination, precision, and efficiency across all phases of the project lifecycle. The VDC Project Manager collaborates closely with preconstruction, operations, and field teams to ensure that models, data, and technology are seamlessly aligned with project delivery and on-site execution.
Assigned Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement companywide VDC standards and templates.
- Train teams on VDC tools to boost digital proficiency
- Lead BIM/VDC coordination across architectural, civil, structural, and MEP disciplines.
- Develop and maintain discipline specific BIM models.
- Coordinate with project teams, subcontractors, and designers to ensure accurate model-based planning and execution.
- Manage BIM Execution Plans and VDC standards.
- Conduct clash detection and constructability reviews using Navisworks, Revit, Civil 3D, AutoCAD, MicroStation, and Autodesk Construction Cloud.
- Geolocate models for survey alignment, field layout, and spatial coordination.
- Integrate point clouds into Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks for design verification.
- Collaborate with Senior Survey Manager to translate models into field layout and verify as-builts.
- Maintain as-built models throughout construction.
- Validate field conditions for QA/QC and coordination.
- Perform and manage 3D laser scanning with Leica, FARO, or Trimble equipment.
- Manage and operate reality capture technologies including drones (FAA Part 107 certification required) and insta 360 cameras for precise geospatial data and visual documentation to support planning, design and construction.
- Ensure organized data management and long-term storage.
- Research and apply emerging construction technologies.
Requirements
- 8–10 years of experience in the construction, engineering, or design industry.
- Minimum 5 years of direct BIM coordination experience.
- Proven expertise in BIM model management and reality capture technologies.
- Proficiency in BIM software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, Navisworks, ReCap, and MicroStation.
- Proficiency in scan processing software: Leica Cyclone, FARO Scene, Trimble RealWorks.
- Proficiency with drone operation and data processing tools: DroneDeploy, DJI Terra, Pix4D.
- Solid understanding of survey principles and practices.
- Ability to read and interpret construction documents, including drawings, specifications, schedules, and scopes of work.
- Skilled in interpreting and utilizing scanned point cloud data.
- Highly motivated team player with the ability to work collaboratively across internal and external teams.
- Strong communication skills and a passion for BIM and its impact on construction processes. Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- 401K matching
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Referral program
- Professional development assistance
- Eligibility for Year End Bonus
- LifeLock Subscription
Pay Range
$105,000 - $150,000
F.H. Paschen reserves the right to offer the selected candidate or applicant an hourly rate or salary at an appropriate level to be set and determined by the employer that is commensurate with the applicant's qualifications, experience, education, skill training, certifications, or seniority.
F.H. Paschen is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
If you require an accommodation in order to complete this application, please contact Tracy Tesnow at 773-444-3474.
Note to Search Firm Agencies, Recruitment Agencies, and Similar Organizations and Firms: F.H. Paschen does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. Please do not forward unsolicited resumes or candidate information to any F.H. Paschen employee. F.H Paschen will not pay fees to any third-party agency or firm and will not be responsible for any agency fees and referral compensation associated with unsolicited resumes. Unsolicited resumes received will be considered property of F.H. Paschen and will be processed accordingly.
See All 65 Design Manager Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Manager JobsDesign Manager Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Banking & Financial Services
Design Manager Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a design manager job in Chicago?
Focus your search on Chicago's agency corridor in River North, the tech and startup cluster in Fulton Market, and the major consultancies and financial firms in the Loop. Candidates who stand out bring a portfolio that shows cross-functional leadership, not just craft. Experience managing distributed teams or working within product-led organizations gives you an edge in Chicago's competitive mid-senior market.
Which companies hire design managers in Chicago?
Employers hiring design managers in Chicago right now include JLL, AECOM, and Jacobs, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's hiring mix leans toward in-house teams at established tech companies, consultancies, and large consumer brands, alongside independent creative and digital agencies headquartered in the city.
Are there remote design manager jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though availability depends on the role type. Design managers overseeing digital product or UX teams tend to have the most remote flexibility, while those managing physical, retail, or environmental design work are more likely to require an on-site presence. About 68% of design manager openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common at larger tech and consulting firms.
How can I get a design manager job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is moving into a lead designer or senior individual contributor role first, then making the case for management. Smaller agencies in River North and Wicker Park, along with Chicago's growing startup scene in Fulton Market, tend to offer informal leadership opportunities that build the portfolio of people management experience larger employers want. Volunteering to mentor junior designers or lead a project team also helps bridge the gap.
Which industries hire the most design managers in Chicago?
The sectors hiring the most design managers in Chicago are Construction & Real Estate, Consulting & Professional Services, and Banking & Financial Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's position as a hub for financial services, healthcare technology, and consumer packaged goods means design leadership roles are distributed across a wider range of industries than in purely tech-focused markets.
Related Jobs in Illinois
See All 65 Design Manager Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Manager Jobs