Design Manager - Workplace Technology - Mid Level

Design Manager

At Gensler, we design for people. We bring together creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit to shape spaces that inspire and perform. In our San Jose office, we collaborate with some of the most dynamic organizations in the world, creating environments that connect people, support culture, and strengthen brands.

We are seeking a Design Manager with a strong focus on interior workplace projects and R&D facilities, from agile, high-performance offices to advanced research and development environments. We also value a diversity of project experience across architecture, planning, and other sectors. This role is equally about building and deepening client relationships as it is about leading a talented team of designers to deliver exceptional results. You will work directly with clients, guide them through the design process, inspire your team, and position Gensler as a trusted advisor for future projects.

Your Role

As a Gensler Design Manager, you will combine design insight with leadership skills to manage projects from concept through completion. You will lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams, maintain active and long-term client relationships, and ensure that every project meets our design, performance, and business goals.

What You Will Do

• Lead all phases of workplace interiors and R&D facility projects, from project setup through design, documentation, and construction administration
• Serve as the primary client contact, building trust and anticipating needs to strengthen relationships and generate future opportunities
• Inspire, guide, and develop a talented team of architects, interior designers, and technical staff, fostering an environment of collaboration, growth, and design excellence
• Create and communicate clear and attainable project objectives and project requirements
• Manage project scheduling, budgets, and set-up with sub-contractors, vendors and consultants
• Manage a range of project team sizes, comprised of project architects, interior designers, technical designers and graphic designers
• Maintain awareness of design trends, sustainability goals, and innovative workplace and R&D strategies to inform project outcomes
• Track financial performance of project
• Prepare project proposals, negotiate contracts and fees, coordinate bidding process
• Ensure projects conform to contract

Your Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience, including demonstrated success as a project manager on a range of corporate interiors project types
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Interior Design
• Experience managing interiors projects is preferred
• Strong client-facing skills with experience in relationship building and business development
• AIA, NCIDQ or CID preferred
• Experience with the entire project lifecycle, through post-occupancy
• Experience leading, managing, and mentoring multiple project teams
• Experience negotiating project scope and fees
• Knowledge of building codes, standards and building structures
• Proven fiscal accountability and responsibility on projects
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and relationship management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and sustainable building practices strongly valued. Candidates should be prepared to talk to this in their interview, especially built projects with LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard, Fitwel, and/or Net Zero Building certification
• Must have the ability to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationships
• Experience with project management software, such as MS Project, a plus
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit
• Ability to be in the office 5 days a week

To be considered for this opportunity, you must upload a sample design portfolio to the attachments section of your application.

The base salary will be estimated between $88,000–$107,000 plus bonuses and benefits and is contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions and hackathons, to "Well-being Week," our offices reflect our teams' diverse interests.

We encourage our employees to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership and twice annual bonus opportunities.

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.