Design Manager - Interiors - Senior Level

Gensler•San Jose, CA

17h•$150,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

Sustainable design experience preferred (LEED or similar)

Responsibilities

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
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
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)
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
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
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