Design Manager/Project Manager

Gensler Kansas City is quickly growing and we’re seeking entrepreneurial and like-minded creatives who share a desire to have an imprint on shaping the future of our city and beyond.  Ideally, we are looking for talented individuals whose experience may include mixed-use, hospitality, sports, workplace interiors, and education.  Our culture is centered around a belief that great design matters. We also believe doing great work should be fun and rewarding. Whether you’re into sketching new ideas, hacking a building or growing client relationships and if you want to join a rapidly emerging design-centered practice in KC, we should talk! 

Your Role

As a Gensler Design Manager, it’s your role to lead and deliver a variety of project types and sizes, through all phases. You will join our team of design thinkers and doers who specialize in helping to tell stories and create experiences in the context of design. As the main point of contact for the client in all work produced, you’ll draw on your extensive knowledge of the design and delivery process while mentoring junior staff to encourage the highest level of design and client satisfaction.

What You Will Do 

• Develop and nurture positive relationships with existing client contacts, optimizing all potential opportunities  

• Maintain an awareness of existing clients’ business objectives, plans, target audience and market trends, and ensure that appropriate opportunities are identified to generate further demand for Gensler services.  

• Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of projects ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget  

• Lead and facilitate the overall cross-functional project team  

• Focus on the smooth management of the project process, ensuring clarity of requirements, deliverables, timelines, and visibility against fees throughout the project life cycle  

• Prepare, communicate, and monitor project work plans, budgets, and deliverables for client and internal teams  

• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements  

• Manage multiple aspects of client, team, and project coordination, including full documentation coordination with structural, MEP, lighting, AV, landscape, civil, and other consultants  

• Actively take ownership of problems and successful resolution planning in consultation with Practice Area leadership and Studio Director  

• Support and contribute to new business development with both current and potential clients  

• Contribute positively to project reports and staffing meetings with concise and accurate information to continually improve the studio’s delivery and financial objectives  

• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing   

• Work with the Design Director and the marketing team to ensure that the project story is documented, and that photography/videography is arranged as needed 

Your Qualifications 

• Design Management and Project Management experience required 

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Interior Design or architecture 

• 10+ years of experience 

• Registered Interior Designer or Architect preferred

• Comfortable in Revit, SketchUp, 3D Studio Max and other modeling software programs

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.   

• Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design/architectural projects                

• Proven ability to provide excellent client service and account leadership   

• Be proactive and adaptable with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment   

• Strong programming and space planning skills   

• High level of design competence with knowledge of building codes.   

• Proficiency in Revit   

• Experience managing consultant teams and resolving complex technical and design issues 

TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT A CURRENT PORTFOLIO AND/OR WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT

This position is in-person. Successful candidates will be located in the Kansas City, Missouri area. If you’re open to relocating to the area, please apply! Non-local candidates are welcome. Take a look at U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 study on what it’s like living in Kansas City!

Life at Gensler

As a people-first organization, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests. 

We encourage every person at Gensler 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. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets. 

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.