Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Charcoalblue

Location: New York, New York, United States / Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations - Design Management & Experiential Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-08-04T23:10:21

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on Design Management within the Experience Design & Strategy (XDS) team, applying expertise in cultural organizations to the workplace, sports, exhibition, and events markets.

• The Design Manager will act as an Experience Consultant, embedded within client teams, to guide the design and delivery of events, executive briefings, and collaboration spaces.

• Key responsibilities include translating client vision into actionable briefs, managing diverse stakeholders, and producing strategic documentation such as user journeys and master plans.

• This position requires a communicative, self-motivated problem-solver comfortable with ambiguity, possessing strong client-facing and project management skills within a managed-services environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Design Manager" is being interpreted through the lens of operations and GTM roles, focusing on the project management, client engagement, and strategic delivery aspects rather than purely creative design output. The emphasis on "Experience Consultant" and "Design Management" within client teams highlights a strong operational component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert design guidance and subject matter expertise for the architectural design of Event, Collaboration, and Executive Briefing Venues, Activations, and Support Spaces, ensuring optimization for guest and user experience.

• Develop comprehensive client requirements documentation for new event and experience spaces, translating these into clear briefs for architectural design teams, incorporating operational considerations and program constraints.

• Create, document, analyze, and present detailed user journey studies and broader strategic visioning reports to articulate project aims and design intent.

• Deliver and maintain regular progress reports and presentations to key stakeholders and partners, utilizing both written and drawn documentation for effective communication.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for client stakeholder teams, project managers, and design teams, ensuring seamless and accurate communication flow between all parties.

• Foster a trusted, friendly, and flexible collaborative environment for clients and external partners, adeptly balancing diverse team priorities.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design standards and guidance in collaboration with the wider Charcoalblue team.

• Actively participate in Design Team and other critical project meetings, offering subject matter expert advice while considering schedule and cost implications.

• Represent and act as an ambassador for Charcoalblue, maintaining professionalism in all interactions with clients and collaborators.

• Enhance the team's ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with clients, and actively brainstorm innovative approaches for a portfolio of diverse spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are structured to emphasize the project management, client liaison, and documentation aspects of design management, aligning with operations and GTM functions that require clear process execution and stakeholder alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree is encouraged, though the company is open to candidates with a varied range of experience and education.

Experience: Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in event management and operations, or in the design and construction of spaces related to performing arts, events, executive briefing centers, experiential design, or hospitality & leisure.

Required Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

• Professional interest in construction projects and building systems.

• Proven experience in translating client needs into actionable design briefs and project requirements.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse teams.

• Experience in developing and presenting user journey studies, master plans, or similar strategic documentation.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in different phases with minimal direct supervision.

• Detail-oriented with strong planning and execution capabilities.

• A collaborative and personal approach, with the ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure. Preferred Skills:

• Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience in design management or client representation for events or experiential spaces.

• Formal qualification/degree in architecture, interior design, venue design, or a related field.

• Skilled in visual, written, and verbal communication of design issues, with a capacity for creative and innovative problem-solving.

• Practical understanding of the AIA design stages and typical information requirements at each stage.

• Adept at synthesizing complex information into clear, concise, and visually compelling presentations for executive and cross-functional audiences.

• Experience in experiential design, executive briefing programs, theatre, performing arts, or event space buildings.

• Proven vision, leadership, and strategic skills to prioritize evolving initiatives and turn ideas into effective user-engaging initiatives.

• Understanding of construction terminology, building systems, and overall project sequence/timing.

• Demonstrated ability to steer decision-making and processing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are framed to highlight the operational and strategic management aspects of the role, emphasizing project execution, stakeholder alignment, and documentation over pure creative design skills. The "Desirable" section includes skills that would be highly valuable in a GTM or operations context, such as understanding AIA stages and synthesizing complex information.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of past projects demonstrating design management or client representation for events, experiential spaces, or architecturally significant venues.

• Examples of translated client requirements into actionable briefs for design or construction teams.

• Documentation of user journey studies, master planning, or strategic visioning projects.

• Evidence of managing diverse stakeholders and facilitating clear communication across project teams.

• Visuals or documentation illustrating optimization of spaces for guest and user experience. Process Documentation:

• Examples of developing and maintaining progress reports and presentations for stakeholders.

• Documentation illustrating the process of incorporating operational considerations and program constraints into design briefs.

• Case studies demonstrating an understanding of AIA design stages and information required at each phase.

• Work samples showing the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise, and visually compelling presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored to demonstrate operational competence, focusing on process, documentation, and stakeholder management rather than purely aesthetic design portfolios. This aligns with the need for operations professionals to showcase their ability to manage projects and communicate effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $110,000 USD per year. The final offer will be based on experience and other job-related, non-discriminatory factors.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Company healthcare plan (eligibility after insurance waiting period).
  • Life insurance.
  • Short Term Disability insurance.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependents’ Care plans.

• Retirement:

  • 401K plan (immediate eligibility for employee contributions; employer contributions begin after two years of service).

• Work & Productivity Support:

  • Laptop and associated IT peripherals provided.
  • Contribution towards home internet and utilities.

• Leave & Time Off:

  • Take-What-You-Need (TWYN) leave policy (no cap on days, with a recommended minimum of 15 days of paid time off per year).
  • Additional 4-5 discretionary paid vacation days annually during company-wide studio closure between Christmas and New Year's Day.

• Professional Development & Engagement:

  • Monthly allowance for live event tickets (in line with policy limits) to stay current with the industry.
  • Eligibility for a bonus plan (subject to company performance and successful completion of the probationary period).

• Support:

  • Regular check-ins with a line manager. Working Hours: 40 hours per week, 'at will', non-exempt basis. The role requires flexibility in working hours to accommodate project demands and global time zones, with patterns agreed upon with a line manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation and benefits are detailed to reflect industry standards and the specific offerings mentioned in the job description, with a focus on benefits that support a hybrid and remote work environment, as well as professional development relevant to the industry. The salary range is clearly stated and contextualized.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design & Consulting, with a specialization in Experience Design & Strategy for cultural, workplace, sports, exhibition, and events markets.

Company Size: Charcoalblue operates internationally with a distributed hybrid model, indicating a medium-to-large global team size with a significant presence in the US.

Founded: Charcoalblue was founded in 2010, bringing over a decade of experience in delivering exceptional design and strategy for renowned cultural organizations.

Team Structure:

• The Experience Design & Strategy (XDS) team is a dedicated business unit within the Charcoalblue group.

• It comprises specialist Design Managers, Design Strategists, Experience Designers, Digital Design Consultants, Design Coordinators, and Creative and Technical Designers.

• This team often works closely and is fully embedded within client teams, operating in a self-directed, managed-services environment.

• The XDS team leverages the multidisciplinary skillsets of the wider Charcoalblue team. Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Deeply embedded within client workflows and teams to understand and execute their vision.

• Data-Driven Insights: Application of expertise gained from cultural organizations to diverse markets, focusing on delivering enhanced user experiences.

• Strategic Planning & Design: Development of user journeys, master planning, and guest experience strategies for various spaces including hybrid workplaces, event spaces, sports facilities, and broadcast studios.

• Collaborative Delivery: Emphasis on fostering trusted, friendly, and flexible collaboration with clients and external partners.

Company Website: https://www.charcoalblue.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described to highlight the collaborative, client-embedded, and strategically focused nature of the XDS team, emphasizing how operations professionals can integrate and contribute within this structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Experience Consultant with a specialization in Design Management, typically falling into a mid-to-senior level within a specialized consulting practice. It requires significant autonomy and client-facing responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will work within the Experience Design & Strategy (XDS) team and report to a line manager, with whom working hours and patterns will be agreed upon. The role involves close collaboration with client stakeholder teams, project managers, and the broader Charcoalblue design and management teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that the architectural design of event and experience spaces is optimized for user experience, directly impacting client satisfaction and the success of their events and collaboration initiatives. This role bridges client vision and operational execution, influencing the strategic direction and tangible outcomes of projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in design management, experiential design, and strategy within diverse sectors like workplace, sports, and events.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead client engagements, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the development of design standards and methodologies.

• Industry Exposure: Gain exposure to a wide range of high-profile projects and clients, fostering continuous learning and professional development.

• Career Advancement: Opportunities to progress within the XDS team or other specialized units within Charcoalblue, potentially into more senior consulting or management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the "Design Manager" role within an operational and GTM context, highlighting career progression pathways and the strategic impact of the role, which are key considerations for operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Charcoalblue operates a distributed hybrid model, allowing employees to work from home or a chosen location. A minimum of one day per week is required in either the New York or Chicago studio.

Office Location(s):

• New York Studio: 330 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001

• Chicago Studio: 744 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654

• The successful applicant must be based in the New York or Chicago metro area. Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Flexibility: Offers a blend of remote autonomy and in-person collaboration, supporting work-life integration.

• Technology Enabled: Provision of a laptop and IT peripherals, along with contributions to home internet and utilities, ensures a productive remote setup.

• Collaborative Hubs: The New York and Chicago studios serve as physical touchpoints for team building, client meetings, and collaborative work as needed.

• Industry Immersion: An allowance for live event tickets encourages continuous engagement with the industry, fostering a dynamic and informed work environment.

Work Schedule: The role is 40 hours per week, non-exempt. While a standard schedule is expected, significant flexibility is required to accommodate project demands and global time zones, with working hours patterns agreed upon with a line manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the operational aspects of hybrid work, including required studio presence, technology support, and the need for flexible scheduling, which are critical for operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Candidates must submit an online application and a cover letter addressing specific prompts about their design management/client representation experience and alignment with the role's requirements. Links to personal or professional work are also requested.

• Remote Interviews: Interviews will be conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams, with timings confirmed for shortlisted candidates.

• Portfolio Presentation: Applicants will likely be asked to present examples of their work, showcasing their ability to manage projects, communicate design intent, and manage stakeholder expectations.

• Case Study/Challenge: Expect potential scenario-based questions or a small project challenge to assess problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and approach to design management.

• Final Evaluation: Focus will be on cultural fit, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with Charcoalblue's values and client-focused methodology.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best exemplify your experience in design management, client representation, event/experiential space design, or construction-related roles.

• Showcase Process: For each project, detail the client's initial brief, your role, the challenges faced, the process undertaken (e.g., user journey mapping, stakeholder engagement), and the final outcome or impact.

• Highlight Communication: Emphasize how you translated complex requirements into clear briefs and communicated design intent to various stakeholders (clients, design teams, project managers).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative outcomes that demonstrate the success of your projects, such as improved user experience, successful event delivery, or optimized space functionality.

• Tailor to Charcoalblue: Frame your experience within the context of Charcoalblue's focus on experience design, strategy, and client-embedded consultancy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Project Lifecycle: Be prepared to discuss the typical phases of design and construction projects, especially concerning events and experiential spaces. Familiarize yourself with AIA design stages.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would manage conflicting priorities among stakeholders, gain buy-in, and ensure clear communication.

• Problem-Solving Frameworks: Be ready to discuss how you approach ambiguous problems, break them down, and develop innovative solutions, drawing on examples from your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice on preparing for the application and interview process, focusing on the operational and strategic aspects of the role, including portfolio presentation and challenge preparation, which are crucial for operations candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Communication & Collaboration: Microsoft Teams (for remote interviews and daily collaboration), potentially Slack or similar platforms.

• Project Management: Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar) for task tracking, progress reporting, and workflow management.

• Documentation & Presentation: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for creating client requirements, briefs, reports, and presentations.

• Visual Communication: Skills in visual aids and potentially basic graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite basics, Canva) for creating compelling presentations and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, the role requires the ability to analyze user needs, synthesize complex information, and present data-driven insights. Familiarity with data analysis and reporting principles is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems is not explicitly mentioned but a general understanding of client relationship management and process automation principles would be advantageous, especially for managing client interactions and project workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology section is framed around the operational needs of a Design Manager, focusing on communication, project management, and documentation tools essential for client-facing roles and project execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations, embedding within their teams to deliver tailored solutions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a trusted, friendly, and flexible environment where diverse team members and external partners work together effectively.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging imaginative approaches to problem-solving and developing non-standard, innovative solutions.

• Professionalism & Integrity: Acting as an ambassador for Charcoalblue, maintaining high standards of conduct and communication with clients and collaborators.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Focus on optimizing spaces for user experience and ensuring design aligns with operational considerations and project constraints.

Collaboration Style:

• Embedded & Integrated: Working closely and fully embedded within client teams, acting as an extension of their staff.

• Cross-Functional: Collaborating with a wide array of specialists within Charcoalblue (Design Strategists, Experience Designers, Technical Designers) and external partners (project managers, architectural teams).

• Open Communication: Maintaining clear, accurate, and professional communication channels with all parties involved.

• Flexible & Adaptable: Willingness to adapt to changing project needs and client priorities in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the company's stated values into the context of operations and GTM, emphasizing how these values translate into daily work, decision-making, and team interactions for a Design Manager.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Ambiguity: Navigating evolving client requirements and project scopes in a self-directed, managed-services environment.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing diverse priorities and expectations from multiple client stakeholders, project managers, and design teams.

• Cross-Time Zone Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with global entities and teams across different time zones.

• Translating Vision to Execution: Bridging high-level client visions with practical design and construction requirements.

• Client-Embedded Dynamics: Successfully integrating into client teams and building trust while representing Charcoalblue's interests.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of diverse sectors including workplace, sports, exhibitions, and events through high-profile projects.

• Advanced Design & Strategy: Developing advanced skills in user journey mapping, master planning, and strategic visioning for complex spaces.

• Client Relationship Management: Honing skills in client communication, negotiation, and partnership building.

• Methodology Enhancement: Contributing to and learning from the development of Charcoalblue's design standards and guidance.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior team members and to mentor junior consultants, fostering leadership growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed to be relevant to operations professionals, highlighting skill development in areas like project management, stakeholder relations, and strategic execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated a client's broad vision for an event or space into a detailed, actionable brief for a design or construction team. What was your process, and what were the key considerations?" (Focus on requirements documentation, operational constraints, and stakeholder alignment.)

• "How do you manage competing priorities and feedback from multiple stakeholders (e.g., client leadership, facility managers, design team) on a complex project? Provide an example." (Focus on communication, negotiation, and decision-steering skills.)

• "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to develop or present user journey studies or master plans. What were the key insights, how did you communicate them, and what was the impact?" (Focus on analytical skills, strategic thinking, and presentation clarity.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Charcoalblue's approach to Experience Design & Strategy, particularly how it applies cultural expertise to commercial sectors like workplace and events?" (Demonstrate research into their methodology and values.)

• "How would you contribute to a collaborative and fast-paced environment, especially when working embedded within a client team?" (Highlight your adaptability, communication style, and team player attributes.)

• "Charcoalblue emphasizes optimization for user experience. How do you ensure that design decisions align with operational realities and program constraints?" (Showcase your understanding of balancing vision with practical execution.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the client's challenge, your specific role and contribution, the methodology used (e.g., stakeholder interviews, site analysis), key decisions made, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Visualize Your Process: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or mood boards to illustrate user journeys, master plans, or design concepts. Show the evolution of ideas.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you engaged with clients and other teams, emphasizing your communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Be Concise and Impactful: Focus on the most relevant aspects of your work that demonstrate your ability to manage design projects effectively and deliver strategic value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements of the Design Manager role, focusing on operational execution, strategic thinking, and client management, which are critical for operations and GTM candidates.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form on the Charcoalblue Teamtailor portal.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:

  • Clearly state your salary expectations.
  • Address the specific prompts provided in the job description regarding your experience in design management, client representation, or related fields (architecture, events).
  • Articulate what excites you about this specific position and why you wish to join Charcoalblue.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in design management, client representation, event design, or space construction. Ensure your portfolio highlights your process, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Review Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, client-facing roles, and any relevant design or construction project experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, articulate your approach to design management challenges, and answer questions about your experience with client collaboration and strategic visioning.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.