📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Design Manager - Brand Services
🔹 Company: Gensler
🔹 Location: Seattle, WA, US
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Architecture & Planning
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-11
🔹 Experience Level: 8+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing projects for clients, ensuring effective team strategies, staffing, and budget management
- Coordinating vendor contributions and developing better client engagements and project efficiencies
- Working with strategy and design leaders to prepare presentations, workshops, and related research and client interactions
- Organizing regular research and analysis around client issues, consumer behavior, and design trends
- Leading with excellence, curiosity, kindness, and drive
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, communication, and project management skills. It is well-suited for an individual with a background in interior design, architecture, marketing, or a related field.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop the skills to independently manage projects for clients, navigate team strategies, staffing, time, and budget management
✅ Maintain accurate client records, keeping track of scopes of work, contract updates, and renewals
✅ Coordinate vendor/consultant contributions to projects
✅ Work on new business proposals/presentations
✅ Learn key aspects of studio business and proactively develop ways to create better client engagements, people-centric approaches, and project efficiencies
✅ Coordinate studio financial cycles by managing client follow-up, calendars, deadlines, meetings
✅ Lead with excellence, curiosity, kindness, and drive
✅ Work with strategy and design leaders to prepare presentations, workshops, and related research and client interactions
✅ Write and edit project briefs for project teams
✅ Organize regular research and analysis around client issues, consumer behavior, and design trends
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of client interaction and project management. Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills are essential for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in a design-related program
Experience: 8+ years’ experience in an interior design/architecture firm, agency, marketing/communications capacity, or similar professional experience
Required Skills:
- Highly organized and aware of how to use/create tools that support work efficiency
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience communicating directly with clients
- Ability to multitask and juggle several responsibilities simultaneously
- Both client and team-oriented; experience with managing projects and design teams
- Proficient in MS Office programs; experience with Adobe Creative Suite a plus
Preferred Skills:
- 3+ years' of experience in environmental/experiential graphic design
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong background in project management, client service, and graphic design. Familiarity with the architecture and design industry is a plus.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The base salary will be estimated between $91,000 - $114,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience.
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off
- 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement for certain eligible programs or classes
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Design Manager role in the architecture and design industry. The benefits listed are typical for a company of Gensler's size and industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 57 locations across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. They focus on creating a better world through the power of design.
Company Size: Gensler has 5,001-10,000 employees, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: Gensler was founded in 1965 and has since grown into a global leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- Gensler is committed to creating a better world through the power of design, promoting equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone.
- The company offers a people-first philosophy centered on diversity empowerment, impact, community, respect, and growth.
- Gensler was named one of Forbes’ Best Large Employers in 2024 and one of Fast Company’s Top 10 Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024.
Company Specialties:
- Architecture
- Brand Design
- Consulting
- Interior Design
- Planning + Urban Design
- Product Design
- Sustainability Consulting
- Digital Experience Design
- Hospitality
- and Workplace Design
Company Website: http://www.gensler.com
ASSUMPTION: Gensler's large size and global presence offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development. The company's commitment to creating a better world through design makes it an attractive option for individuals passionate about making a positive impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the management level, requiring significant experience and expertise in project management, client service, and graphic design.
Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports directly to the Brand Services team and collaborates with various teams across the organization, including strategy, design, and project teams.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Seattle, WA, with flexibility for remote work as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Gensler's large size and diverse project portfolio offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
- The company encourages proactivity and innovation, providing opportunities for employees to take on new challenges and advance their careers.
- Gensler's commitment to employee development includes reimbursement for certain professional licenses, exam fees, and tuition for eligible programs or classes.
ASSUMPTION: This role provides ample opportunities for career growth and development within Gensler's large and diverse organization. The company's commitment to employee development and growth makes it an attractive option for ambitious and driven individuals.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Gensler's Seattle office is a collaborative, creative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork.
Office Location(s): 45 Fremont St, Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA 94105, US
Geographic Context:
- Seattle is a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong focus on technology, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
- The city offers a high quality of life, with numerous cultural attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a thriving food scene.
- Seattle has a mild, oceanic climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project demands.
ASSUMPTION: Gensler's Seattle office offers a dynamic, collaborative work environment in a vibrant and culturally rich city. The company's commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being makes it an attractive option for professionals seeking a positive work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with key stakeholders
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Project management and organizational skills
- Client service and communication skills
- Graphic design and Adobe Creative Suite proficiency
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Gensler's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Gensler's brand and values in your application materials
- Prepare examples of your project management, client service, and graphic design work to showcase during the interview
- Research Gensler's recent projects and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
ATS Keywords: Project Management, Client Service, Graphic Design, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office, Brand Design, Environmental Graphic Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Marketing, Communications, Team Management, Budget Management, Time Management, Research, Analysis, Presentation Skills
ASSUMPTION: Gensler's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit for the role. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite
- MS Office Suite
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Client relationship management software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Design software (e.g., Sketch, Figma, AutoCAD)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the architecture and design industry. Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this position.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Diversity Empowerment
- Impact
- Community
- Respect
- Growth
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Innovative and proactive
- Client-focused and results-driven
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to continuous learning and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Gensler's company values?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated exceptional client service and how you handled a challenging situation?
- How do you approach project management, and can you describe a successful project you've led from start to finish?
ASSUMPTION: Gensler places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and values alignment. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their fit with the company's values and work style during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role may require long hours and flexibility for project demands
- The role involves a high level of client interaction, which may require travel and occasional weekend work
- The role may require working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- The role may involve working with diverse teams and stakeholders, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, it also presents challenges that require strong project management, communication, and adaptability skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to Project Manager or Account Manager positions in architecture, design, or marketing agencies, but with a focus on brand services and graphic communications
- Gensler's large size and global presence offer more opportunities for career growth and development compared to smaller agencies
- This role requires a higher level of experience and expertise than entry-level project coordinator or assistant roles
ASSUMPTION: This role is well-suited for experienced project managers or account managers with a background in graphic design, architecture, or marketing. Familiarity with the architecture and design industry is a plus.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing a rebranding project for a major corporate client, including logo design, brand guidelines, and application across various touchpoints
- Coordinating a large-scale environmental graphic design project for a new office building, working with architects, interior designers, and fabricators to ensure seamless integration of branding elements
- Leading a research and analysis project to identify trends in consumer behavior and design, and developing recommendations for a retail client's brand refresh
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and challenging nature of the Design Manager - Brand Services role at Gensler. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and skills in relation to these projects.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
- How does Gensler support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- Can you provide an example of a recent project that the Brand Services team has worked on, and how the Design Manager contributed to its success?
- How does Gensler approach work-life balance and employee well-being?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company and team dynamics.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your project management, client service, and graphic design work to showcase during the interview
- Research Gensler's recent projects and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
