Sr. Design Manager, Environments; Events

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

The Environments Design Team creates immersive, brand-forward experiences across events, activations, and physical spaces that communicate the Rivian brand and help broaden our reach with new audiences. As Design Manager, you will lead the development and execution of scalable event concepts, guiding them from idea to completion. This role requires a creative problem solver who can collaborate cross-functionally, document processes, and scale experiences while maintaining the highest standards of design and storytelling.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless execution of events that engage and inspire our audiences.

• Lead the creative direction and execution of experiential events, activations, and branded environments, ensuring alignment with Rivian's brand values and event strategy.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop event concepts, including spatial layouts, mood boards, and design packages that are scalable across multiple locations and formats.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation, including schematic and design development packages, ensuring all deliverables meet project goals, timelines, and budgets.
• Manage relationships with vendors, fabricators, and production teams to ensure the highest quality execution of event designs, with an emphasis on scalability and repeatability.
• Oversee the production process from concept through installation, providing creative direction and feedback to ensure consistency and quality.
• Conduct site visits and surveys to assess event spaces, ensuring all design and operational requirements are met.
• Stay current on trends in event design, technology, and experiential marketing, introducing new ideas and processes to elevate Rivian's event experiences.
• Ensure meticulous documentation of design decisions and revisions, contributing to the development of scalable frameworks for future events.
• Lead internal creative reviews and brainstorming sessions to refine the event design process and inspire cross-functional teams continuously.
• Facilitate cross-collaboration with Visual Identity (Graphics) and Furniture & Styling to ensure event spaces are fully realized, coordinated across design scopes, and aligned with brand standards.
• Drive successful execution by integrating standardized content and graphics assets, while consistently feeding project learnings back to evolve and refine operational standards and guidelines.
• Contribute to the overall team culture, fostering collaboration, innovation, and design excellence.

• 5+ years of experience in experiential design, event design, or related fields, with proven experience managing scalable event processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in experiential design, architecture, interior design, or related discipline.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating your ability to design and execute events and activations across a range of scales and formats.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects at different stages of development.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across teams to manage complex projects.
• Proficiency in design tools such as 3d modeling software (Rhino, Sketch Up, Revit), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), and Figma
• Knowledge of event production constraints, including timelines, budgets, and logistics, and the ability to document these processes for future use.
• Up to 30% travel is required:
  Willingness to travel and participate in on-site event installations.
• Strong understanding of event technology, fabrication processes, material sourcing, and the ability to document these processes for future projects.

Salary Range for California Based Applicants: $98,500 to $123,100 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for…