Workplace Design Manager

San Jose, California, United States Corporate Functions

In Places, we don’t sit back and let things happen, we make things happen, and we do this in service to all Apple employees and customers. Our team is a diverse and nimble group that manages Apple’s retail stores, workplaces, and workplace services. We develop and manage Apple’s global real estate portfolio, lead all related capital construction projects, provide outstanding facilities and site services, develop and lead sustainability initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of all Apple facilities, including commute and renewable energy programs, and do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of all Apple personnel, facilities, and customers in our facilities around the world.

Our Workplace Design Team focuses on designing incredible human-centered spaces and experiences that reflect Apple’s brand and values in the built environment, inspiring and empowering employees to achieve their best work. We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and detail orientated design professional with a passion for workplace design to join our team as a Design Manager to oversee and manage design related elements for workplace projects in the Americas region.

* Please submit your application with PDF or web link to your portfolio of body of work*

The Design Manager will lead the design vision on given projects from conception to completion.

• Guide design direction, timely decision making, and all detailing for the project including unique materials, millwork, furniture, and other systems
• Responsible for the internal design approval process at multiple phases of the projects
• Accountable for the success of all design partners on the project design team
• Oversee, review and comment on the design and construction documentation from architects and consultants to ensure full scope capture & coordination, all required detailing, alignment with design standards/guidelines, and development of unique conditions where required
• Maintain an open dialogue with internal stakeholders, cross functional partners, and external parties to ensure the project meets all established project parameters including schedule and budget
• Coordinate prototypes, mockups, and samples and comment accordingly
• Organize, update, and archive all project design deliverables
• Report on project status and schedule to leadership
• Share lessons learned and provide feedback/suggestions to support standard and guideline development
• Travel as required to project sites and mockups (+-25% of time)

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Industrial Design, or a related field
• 10+ years of proven design management experience working within internal and external cross‑functional teams globally, in corporate or workplace design environments
• Demonstrated leadership skills as an advocate for design on behalf of the company to a variety of internal and external audiences
• Successfully managed multiple projects/priorities concurrently in a fast‑paced, high growth, and results driven environment
• Experienced in developing comprehensive presentations and documentation packages with excellent graphic verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Ability to understand and interpret applicable building codes, local regulations, and regional laws including accessibility requirements
• In‑depth technical understanding of commercial construction and related trades / engineering disciplines

• Masters or other advanced degree in Architecture or Design preferred
• Understands how to navigate ambiguity to drive forward progress, decisions and results
• Experience managing vendors and consultants
• Understands the commercial real estate development process on the client‑side
• Licensed professional
• Self‑starter and capable individual contributor
• Excellent independent critical thinking, problem‑solving, organizational, and reporting skills
• Exceptional designer with the ability to develop and convey compelling designs and describe considerations, implementation strategies, and overall design direction in a succinct manner
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills…