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What is a project manager/design manager and how to become one
If you have designs on pursuing a stimulating career in the construction industry, then the job of a design manager or project manager might be just what you're looking for. Design managers coordinate all of the design work required during construction projects.
By bringing together structural engineers, architects, and specialist designers, they manage the production of technical drawings used to build a structure. Their main task of design managers is to ensure that the multi-disciplinary team works together well to create coordinated designs for a project and provides deliverables on time and within budget.
If you choose to pursue this career path, you'll need to have strong skills in project management, problem-solving, creative thinking, relationship-building, and client management skills. If you're interested in becoming a project or design manager, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in business will give you a solid foundation. You may also want to develop a background in design. Some design courses can take less than two years and can be done either online or in-class.
What general advice would you give to a project manager/design manager?
Becky Serbin
Director of Education and Curriculum, National Tile Contractors Association
Avg. Salary $83,794
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%
Asian 2.86%
Black or African American 3.75%
Hispanic or Latino 17.72%
Unknown 4.45%
White 70.66%
Genderfemale 33.97%
male 66.03%
Age - 46American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 46Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Project manager/design manager career paths
Key steps to become a project manager/design manager
Explore project manager/design manager education requirements
Start to develop specific project manager/design manager skills
Skills Percentages Project Management 19.71% CAD 6.46% Construction Management 4.83% Fire Protection 4.74% Project Scope 4.58% Complete relevant project manager/design manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New project manager/design managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a project manager/design manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real project manager/design manager resumes.Research project manager/design manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage and approve all changes to the project along with all AIA document approvals.
- Involve in Unix shell script development to automate ETL jobs by using Informatica sessions and workflows.
- Manage the schematic phase and generate all the necessary documents to be submit to the structural and MEP consultants.
- Manage internal prototype injection molding operations on a project basis.
Prepare your project manager/design manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your project manager/design manager resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a project manager/design manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable project manager/design manager resume templates
Build a professional project manager/design manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your project manager/design manager resume.
Apply for project manager/design manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a project manager/design manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first project manager/design manager job
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Average project manager/design manager salary
The average project manager/design manager salary in the United States is $83,794 per year or $40 per hour. Project manager/design manager salaries range between $55,000 and $126,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
