At Gensler, we design for impact—helping organizations innovate through spaces that drive performance, culture, and long-term value. Our work transforms how companies operate by creating environments that foster collaboration, well-being, and meaningful experiences.
We are seeking a Senior Design Manager with a proven track record of leading complex, large-scale corporate interiors projects and cultivating strong client relationships. This role is ideal for a strategic leader who thrives at the intersection of design excellence, business development, and team leadership.
Your Role
As a Senior Design Manager at Gensler, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy and accountability, leading complex, high-impact projects from concept through completion. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients—owning key relationships while driving both project success and business growth. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, provide strategic direction, and ensure design excellence while maintaining financial performance and delivery rigor.
What You Will Do
Project & Design Leadership
- Serve as the lead design manager for complex, large-scale corporate interiors projects; managing large-scale, high-impact work (e.g., $1M+ fee, 100K+ SF, multi-phase or multi-stakeholder projects, or multiple concurrent large projects)
- Drive overall project vision, design excellence, and successful delivery across all phases
- Lead multiple concurrent projects, including high-value and multi-phase engagements
- Ensure alignment between design intent, client goals, and execution
Client Leadership & Relationship Management
- Act as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders
- Build, grow, and maintain long-term client relationships
- Provide account leadership (CR ownership) for key clients, identifying opportunities for expansion
- Navigate complex stakeholder environments and facilitate decision-making
Business Development & Strategy
- Generate new business opportunities and expand existing client relationships
- Lead and contribute to proposals, interviews, and pursuit strategies
- Partner with Marketing on lead generation, positioning, and storytelling
- Support sector growth initiatives (Tech Workplace, Advanced Tech, Critical Facilities, R&D/Labs)
Financial & Operational Management
- Own project financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and profitability
- Develop and manage project schedules, work plans, and resource allocation
- Oversee preparation and negotiation of proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
- Review project accounting and manage billing processes
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Build, lead, and inspire high-performing, multidisciplinary project teams
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and career development for junior and mid-level staff
- Contribute to recruiting and team growth efforts
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance studio culture
Technical Excellence & Delivery Oversight
- Guide coordination, documentation, and delivery to ensure quality and consistency
- Oversee quality assurance and technical review of project documentation
- Ensure compliance with building codes, accessibility standards, and project requirements
- Drive innovation in design process, tools, and delivery methods
Your Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field
- 15+ years of design management experience within an architecture or design firm
- Proven success leading large, complex projects and multidisciplinary teams
- Strong client management and business development experience
- Expertise across all phases of project delivery
- Advanced skills in space planning, programming, and FF&E
- Strong knowledge of building systems, codes, and accessibility requirements
- Experience delivering financially successful projects
- Demonstrated leadership and mentorship capabilities
- Sustainable design experience preferred (LEED or similar)
- Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office
For consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio in PDF format showcasing your experience and design capabilities.
**The base salary range is estimated between $150,000 – $180,000, plus bonuses and benefits, and is contingent on experience and qualifications.
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we believe excellence in design is fueled by a culture that values creativity, diversity, and well-being. From curated exhibits to wellness initiatives, our offices reflect the passion of our people.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, 401(k), profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and biannual bonus opportunities. We also invest in your growth through licensure support, exam reimbursement, and ongoing professional development.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
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