Design Manager
On this page
- What's it like to be a Design Manager?
- How to become a Design Manager
- Latest Design Manager jobs
- Top skills and experience for Design Managers
- Design Manager role reviews
What's it like to be a Design Manager?
A Design Manager is tasked to work closely with designers, engineers and other team members. They are in charge of developing and resourcing design strategies. They ensure that designs align with the company's brand, as well as growing customer needs and the changing industry landscape. Aside from allocating resources, they set timelines and design goals to guide the team in various projects. They provide feedback for designers to improve their work, ensuring that the designs are of high quality and meet the desired standards. Design Managers also stay updated with industry trends, new technologies and design methodologies. They explore innovative ideas and techniques to enhance the company's design capabilities. They may conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities and ensure that the company's designs are competitive in the market.
Tasks and duties
- Managing and coordinating design projects within the company.
- Working closely with designers, engineers, and team members to develop design strategies.
- Making sure that the design suits the brand, as well as customer needs and industry trends.
- Providing feedback to junior designers and helping improve design work.
- Overseeing the design team, setting goals, establishing timelines and allocating resources for projects.
- Ensuring that designs meet technical requirements, manufacturing capabilities and cost considerations.
- Staying up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies and design methodologies.
How to become a Design Manager
To become a Design Manager, you usually need a qualification in design as well as several years of experience.
Complete a bachelor degree in design, graphic design, industrial design, product design or a related discipline.
Gain relevant work experience in a design team to apply the fundamental skills of design.
Gain further design experience in a leadership capacity to prepare for this role. You could enhance your credentials by taking management courses online or at private institutions.
