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What does a Design Manager do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A design manager is responsible for the overall design of a product or service. They work with other managers to ensure that the design meets the needs of the customer and is feasible to produce. Design managers also work with suppliers to ensure that the materials and components used in the product meet specifications and are of high quality.

Design Manager job duties include:

  • Overseeing the design process for a variety of projects
  • Liaising with clients to discuss their design requirements
  • Brainstorming ideas and concepts with colleagues
  • Presenting initial design ideas to clients
  • Developing design concepts into final designs
  • Amending designs according to client feedback
  • Producing detailed specifications for production
  • Managing a team of designers
  • Monitoring design trends and keeping up to date with new technologies
  • Researching new materials, methods and processes

Design Manager Job Requirements

Most design managers have a bachelor's degree in a field related to design, such as graphic design, interior design, or industrial design. Some employers may require a master's degree or certification in project management. In addition, design managers should have several years of experience working in a design-related field.

Design Manager Skills

  • Design
  • Management
  • Organization
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Problem solving
  • Research
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Graphic design
  • Adobe Creative Suite

Related: Top Design Manager Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Design Manager

There are many paths to becoming a design manager. Some people start out as designers and then move into management roles, while others come into the field with a background in management. No matter what your path is, there are a few things that will help you succeed as a design manager.

First, it’s important to have a strong understanding of the design process. You need to be able to understand the different stages of design, from concept development to execution. This will allow you to effectively manage your team and ensure that projects are moving forward smoothly.

It’s also important to have strong communication skills. As a manager, you’ll need to be able to communicate clearly with your team members and clients. This includes being able to give feedback constructively and provide direction when needed.

Finally, it’s helpful to have some experience with project management. This will allow you to better understand how to manage timelines, budgets, and other aspects of a project. Having this knowledge will help you keep your team on track and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

If you have these skills and qualities, then you’re well on your way to becoming a successful design manager.

Related: Design Manager Resume Example

Related: Design Manager Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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