Design Project Manager

Type: Full-time | On-site (Costa Mesa, CA)

We're a design + experiential agency with a strong post-production department (editors, designers, artists, animators, CGI, etc) supporting major brand work across video, live events, presentations, and integrated campaigns. We're looking for a Design Project Manager who knows how creative agencies operate, earns the trust of both clients and designers, and thrives when the stakes and the deadlines are real. You'll own projects end to end, keeping timelines tight, budgets on track, and the creative work at the level our clients expect.

This role goes beyond keeping things on schedule. We want someone who stays close enough to the work to spot what's missing, suggest what's next, and make the project better — not just move it forward.

What You'll Do

• Own the full project lifecycle for print, branding, and presentations from kickoff through final delivery
• Receive assignments / work orders from our Account Services team, as well as Lead Project Managers on our Events and Communications team
• Review assignments and ask for any required information to prepare estimates and initiate projects with our Creative and Design teams
• As a Design project management expert, partner with Accounts, Creative, Events, Communications leads to gather additional discovery with clients where needed to capture additional information required for completion of projects
• Manage print production workflows, including vendor coordination, proofing, press checks, and fulfillment timelines
• Maintain clear, proactive communication across teams and clients to keep everyone aligned from kickoff to delivery
• Lead coordination and production of presentations, including layout oversight and deadline management
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, and resource plans across multiple concurrent projects
• Partner with creative directors and designers to ensure quality standards are maintained from concept to final output
• Identify and mitigate project risks, escalating issues early and driving resolution with a solutions-first mindset
• Contribute ideas and perspective throughout the project, not just coordination around it

What We Expect You to Already Know

• Deep knowledge of print production, including prepress, file specs, vendor management, press checks, and quality control
• Proven experience managing client-facing relationships with professionalism and clarity under pressure
• Strong understanding of design workflows and the ability to speak fluently with designers, art directors, creative directors, and production teams
• Proficiency in project management tools such as Asana, Monday.com, or similar, and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
• Able to manage competing priorities across several projects without losing track of the details

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Design, Communications, Marketing, or similar)
• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in a creative agency or design-focused environment
• Demonstrated experience managing graphic design projects from brief to delivery
• Clear, confident communicator — in writing, in meetings, and in tough conversations

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Graphic Design experience

Non-Negotiables (Read Before Applying)

This role is a strong fit for people who bring excellence to both the work and the team. Please do not apply if these aren't true for you:

• Work ethic: You consistently put thought and effort into what you do. You take pride in craft, follow through, and you don't need to be chased
• Skills + ownership: You approach problems with confidence. You're proactive, you think ahead, you communicate early, and you bring solutions, not surprises
• Teamwork: You assume positive intent, work well with others, and contribute to a healthy team. You help when needed, are open to feedback, share credit, and celebrate other people's wins

If you're exceptionally talented but you're not aligned with the above, this won't be the right environment… and we won't be the right team for you.

How to Apply

Please send:

• Your resume
• A brief note highlighting your role on 2–3 recent print or proposal projects
• And lastly, tell us a bit about yourself outside of work — what inspires you, hobbies, music, weird obsessions, favorite creative outlets… whatever makes you, you

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person