Senior Level Design Manager Jobs
Senior level design manager jobs put seasoned professionals in charge of design direction, cross-functional outcomes, and the teams or projects that bring complex products to life. Roles are concentrated across Construction & Real Estate, Consulting & Professional Services, and Technology & Software, with a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote opportunities, and employers like Arcadis, Gensler, and AECOM hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 223+ Senior Level Design Manager jobs
Job Description:
Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.
We’re actively seeking a talented Senior Design Project Manager to join our Workplace Services Team in Newport Beach, CA, or Charlotte, NC.
As Senior Design Project Manager you will be responsible for driving workplace experience, planning, and execution to support business objectives and employee experience. This role combines project management, space planning, workplace design, and stakeholder engagement to ensure optimal use of real estate, alignment with workforce needs, and adherence to workplace standards. You will be joining the Global Workplace Services team that includes facilities professionals, workplace design professionals, project managers, event coordinators, and data and systems professionals.
How you’ll help move us forward:
Workplace Optimization
- Develop and execute workplace strategies that align with organizational goals, workforce trends, and business needs
- Analyze headcount forecasts, growth, and reductions to proactively plan space requirements
- Partner with business leaders to understand team structures, workflows, and adjacency requirements
- Ensure departmental adjacencies support collaboration, productivity, and operational efficiency
- Lead space planning initiatives, including layout development, workplace concepts, and utilization optimization
Project Management
- Manage workplace projects end-to-end, including Tenant Improvements, Building Restacks, new site buildouts, and furniture reconfigurations
- Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets; track progress and mitigate risks
- Determine project requirements and coordinate with cross-functional teams (Facilities, IT, HR, external vendors) to align project requirements and deliver projects on time and within scope
- Review project documentation to ensure requirements are documented accurately and meet internal company standards
- Manage relationships with external consultants and vendors
Workplace Experience, Standards & Governance
- Establish and maintain workplace standards, guidelines, and best practices
- Ensure consistency in design, space utilization, and workplace experience across locations
- Manage various workplace processes/standards: employee relocations, seat assignments, furniture standards, infrastructure standards, ergonomics, art and signage
- Monitor compliance with workplace policies and corporate standards
- Analyze workplace data to understand occupancy, space utilization, and usage patterns
- Stay current on industry trends and best practices
Customer Relationship Management
- Partner closely with key business leaders ensuring service delivery meets/exceeds expectations
- Proactively communicate effectively to keep stakeholders informed
- Provide recommendations and insights based on data and workplace trends
- Communicate changes, project updates, and workplace strategies effectively to stakeholders
The experience you bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Facilities Management, or related field
- 8–10+ years of experience in corporate office design, commercial office furniture, project management, or facilities management
- Knowledge of building codes
- Ability to read and understand architectural and MEP drawings
- Knowledge of the design process, furniture systems, construction and infrastructure standards
- Strong project management skills with experience leading complex workplace initiatives
- Proficiency with space planning tools (e.g., AutoCAD, CAFM/IWMS systems) and Microsoft Applications
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to supervise outsourced contractors
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Personable, positive, customer service mindset
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong presentation skills, both oral and written
- Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively
What makes you stand out:
- Familiarity with sustainability and workplace wellness standards
- Experience mentoring and training employees
Salary Ranges per Location:
- Newport Beach, CA: $137,610 - $168,190
- Charlotte, NC: $125,100 - $152,900
Base Pay Range:
The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.
$137,610.00 - $168,190.00
Your Benefits Start Day 1
Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.
- Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
- Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
- Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation
You Can Be Who You Are
We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife
EEO Statement:
Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.
Job Description:
Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.
We’re actively seeking a talented Senior Design Project Manager to join our Workplace Services Team in Newport Beach, CA, or Charlotte, NC.
As Senior Design Project Manager you will be responsible for driving workplace experience, planning, and execution to support business objectives and employee experience. This role combines project management, space planning, workplace design, and stakeholder engagement to ensure optimal use of real estate, alignment with workforce needs, and adherence to workplace standards. You will be joining the Global Workplace Services team that includes facilities professionals, workplace design professionals, project managers, event coordinators, and data and systems professionals.
How you’ll help move us forward:
Workplace Optimization
- Develop and execute workplace strategies that align with organizational goals, workforce trends, and business needs
- Analyze headcount forecasts, growth, and reductions to proactively plan space requirements
- Partner with business leaders to understand team structures, workflows, and adjacency requirements
- Ensure departmental adjacencies support collaboration, productivity, and operational efficiency
- Lead space planning initiatives, including layout development, workplace concepts, and utilization optimization
Project Management
- Manage workplace projects end-to-end, including Tenant Improvements, Building Restacks, new site buildouts, and furniture reconfigurations
- Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets; track progress and mitigate risks
- Determine project requirements and coordinate with cross-functional teams (Facilities, IT, HR, external vendors) to align project requirements and deliver projects on time and within scope
- Review project documentation to ensure requirements are documented accurately and meet internal company standards
- Manage relationships with external consultants and vendors
Workplace Experience, Standards & Governance
- Establish and maintain workplace standards, guidelines, and best practices
- Ensure consistency in design, space utilization, and workplace experience across locations
- Manage various workplace processes/standards: employee relocations, seat assignments, furniture standards, infrastructure standards, ergonomics, art and signage
- Monitor compliance with workplace policies and corporate standards
- Analyze workplace data to understand occupancy, space utilization, and usage patterns
- Stay current on industry trends and best practices
Customer Relationship Management
- Partner closely with key business leaders ensuring service delivery meets/exceeds expectations
- Proactively communicate effectively to keep stakeholders informed
- Provide recommendations and insights based on data and workplace trends
- Communicate changes, project updates, and workplace strategies effectively to stakeholders
The experience you bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Facilities Management, or related field
- 8–10+ years of experience in corporate office design, commercial office furniture, project management, or facilities management
- Knowledge of building codes
- Ability to read and understand architectural and MEP drawings
- Knowledge of the design process, furniture systems, construction and infrastructure standards
- Strong project management skills with experience leading complex workplace initiatives
- Proficiency with space planning tools (e.g., AutoCAD, CAFM/IWMS systems) and Microsoft Applications
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to supervise outsourced contractors
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Personable, positive, customer service mindset
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong presentation skills, both oral and written
- Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively
What makes you stand out:
- Familiarity with sustainability and workplace wellness standards
- Experience mentoring and training employees
Salary Ranges per Location:
- Newport Beach, CA: $137,610 - $168,190
- Charlotte, NC: $125,100 - $152,900
Base Pay Range:
The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.
$137,610.00 - $168,190.00
Your Benefits Start Day 1
Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.
- Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
- Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
- Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation
You Can Be Who You Are
We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife
EEO Statement:
Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.
See All 223+ Senior Level Design Manager Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Level Design Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Arcadis19
- Gensler18
- AECOM10
- Kiewit9
- Apple8
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate86
- Consulting & Professional Services77
- Technology & Software26
- Manufacturing15
- Electronics & Hardware14
Senior Level Design Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level design manager job?
Employers at this level look for candidates who have led design systems, shaped product direction, and mentored other designers through ambiguous, high-stakes projects. A portfolio that shows measurable outcomes, cross-functional influence, and team development carries more weight than titles alone. Demonstrating that you can set design standards and defend them with stakeholders is what separates senior candidates from the rest.
Which companies hire senior level design managers?
Companies hiring senior level design managers right now include Arcadis, Gensler, and AECOM, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level covers large technology companies, consumer brands with mature design organizations, and fast-scaling companies building out dedicated design leadership for the first time.
Are there remote senior level design manager jobs?
Yes, remote and hybrid availability is meaningful at this level. About 37% of senior level design manager openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how companies treat design leadership as a function that can operate across distributed teams. On-site roles still exist, particularly where hands-on collaboration with product and engineering is central to the position.
What makes a design manager role senior level?
Senior level design manager roles are defined by scope and ownership. Responsibilities typically include setting design direction for a product area or line of business, managing and developing a team of designers, and representing design in executive or cross-functional decision-making. The expectation is that you arrive with a point of view, not just execution skills, and that you can develop other designers while delivering on strategic goals.
Which industries hire the most senior level design managers?
Senior Level design manager roles concentrate in Construction & Real Estate, Consulting & Professional Services, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. These sectors tend to hire at this level because they have established design functions with enough complexity to require dedicated leadership, whether that means overseeing a product design team, a brand design practice, or an experience organization working across multiple platforms.