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Design Manager - Project Hire/Internal Assignment

The Walt Disney Company, Florida, NY, United States


Design Manager - Project Hire/Internal Assignment
Job ID 10147364

Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States

Business Walt Disney Imagineering

Date posted Apr. 20, 2026

Job Summary:
Project Design Manager – Project Hire/Internal Assignment

About the Role
You will coordinate, plan, and manage the Architecture, Design & Planning disciplines during the course of a specific project, land, or park. This includes coordination of efforts with Creative, Show Design and Production, and Ride studios, with accountability for the financial health of the projects.

In this role, you will report to the Studio Executive, Architecture & Design Management.

This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do:

Provide architecture and facilities engineering project management and technical leadership from conceptual design through construction of a single themed entertainment project of critical importance to Imagineering and The Walt Disney Company

Function as the representative of the Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) division on the project core team responsible to the Division Vice President and the Project Manager for the Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) design process and product

Coordinate with functional management on staffing/costing and strategy issues

Direct the activities of in-house staff and outside consultants in the preparation of construction contract document

Ensure coordination of multi-discipline architectural, environment design and engineering scopes of work, including integration of all show and ride system requirements and facility impacts

Assemble and manage design schedules, labor estimates and budgets

Provide technical and administrative directing to maintain project costs within budget with appropriate cost and schedule tracking and reporting

Ensure conformance to all divisional standards and procedures

Oversee design/build consultant as the owner's representative

Make recommendations on bid packages

May function as the Project Architect on venue(s) assigned when we self-perform

Coordinate with Graphics, Themed Lighting, Show Set, and Interiors

Project reporting for status of Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) project risks, budget management (internal/external design disciplines) and issues. Participate in and contribute to weekly project staff meetings

Required Qualifications

5 or more years of professional experience

Working knowledge of Building Information Management (BIM), Integrated Product Delivery (IPD), Design Assist, and Building Specification Design Program

Demonstrated experience in architecture and facilities engineering project management

Proficiency in technical coordination of design documents

Strong financial acumen for managing project budgets

Effective communication and persuasive skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the themed entertainment industry

Previous experience managing a team of professional employees

Familiarity with Disney's design standards and procedures

Education

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or architecture required

Advanced degree desired but not required

Professional license desirable but not required

Benefits and Perks
Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

The hiring range for this position in Florida is $120,800 to $161,900 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

Disability Accommodation for Employment Applications
The Walt Disney Company and its affiliated companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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