Design Director

Job Description: Design Director (Ultra-Luxury Automotive Brand)

Department : Global Design

Location : European Union（Italy\French\Grmaney）

Reports To : VP of Global Design

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Overview

We are seeking a visionary Design Director to lead the design strategy and execution for our ultra-luxury automotive brand. As a key leader in the global design team, you will define and evolve the brand’s iconic design language, ensuring every vehicle embodies the brand’s heritage of craftsmanship, exclusivity, and innovative luxury. You will oversee all aspects of automotive design (exterior, interior, CMF) for our flagship models, limited-edition vehicles, and future mobility concepts, while aligning design goals with business objectives and global market demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Define & Steward Brand Design Language

• Lead the development and refinement of the brand’s global design language, ensuring consistency across all product lines (sedans, SUVs, electric vehicles, and limited-edition models) while preserving the brand’s heritage and ultra-luxury identity.
• Oversee the design of concept cars that showcase the brand’s future vision, translating innovative ideas into tangible design solutions that influence production vehicles.

• Lead Global Design Team & Operations

• Manage a cross-functional design team (20-30 members, including exterior/interior designers, CMF specialists, and design strategists) across multiple locations (e.g., Europe, Asia, North America).
• Foster a culture of creativity, excellence, and collaboration; mentor senior designers and develop talent pipelines to sustain long-term design leadership.

• Drive Design Execution & Cross-Department Collaboration

• Own the end-to-end design process from sketching and 3D modeling to prototype validation and production handoff, ensuring designs meet ultra-luxury standards for craftsmanship, functionality, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, R&D, product management, and marketing teams to resolve design-engineering conflicts, balance aesthetic goals with technical feasibility, and align designs with market trends (e.g., sustainable luxury, personalized customization).

• Oversee CMF & Material Innovation

• Lead CMF (Color, Material, Finish) strategy for all models, integrating high-end, sustainable materials (e.g., recycled luxury textiles, carbon fiber, handcrafted leather) and bespoke detailing to enhance the brand’s exclusivity.
• Partner with premium suppliers to source innovative materials that push the boundaries of luxury design while meeting regulatory and sustainability requirements.

• Shape Design Strategy for Global Markets

• Develop region-specific design adaptations (e.g., for China, Middle East, North America) that respect local cultural preferences and market demands without compromising the brand’s core design identity.
• Conduct regular competitive analysis and trend forecasting to ensure the brand’s designs remain ahead of ultra-luxury competitors (e.g., Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini).

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education : Master’s degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or a related field from a top-tier design school (e.g., ArtCenter College of Design, Royal College of Art, Hochschule Pforzheim).
• Professional Experience :

• Minimum 15 years of automotive design experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Senior Design Manager, Chief Designer) at an ultra-luxury or premium automotive brand (e.g., Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche).
• Proven track record of leading the design of production vehicles that have successfully launched in global markets and strengthened brand equity.
• Experience managing global, cross-cultural design teams and collaborating with international stakeholders.

• Technical & Creative Skills :

• Expertise in automotive design tools (e.g., Alias, Keyshot, Photoshop, Sketchbook) and deep understanding of automotive engineering, manufacturing processes, and regulatory standards (e.g., crash safety, aerodynamics).
• Exceptional creative vision with the ability to balance artistic innovation, brand heritage, and commercial viability.
• Strong knowledge of CMF trends and sustainable material applications in ultra-luxury automotive design.

• Leadership & Soft Skills :

• Excellent leadership, team-building, and conflict-resolution skills; ability to inspire and motivate creative teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design strategies to C-suite executives, engineers, and external partners.
• Global mindset with sensitivity to cultural differences and regional market needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading the design of electric vehicles (EVs) or sustainable mobility concepts for ultra-luxury brands.
• Track record of collaborating with high-end customization teams (e.g., bespoke vehicle programs) to deliver personalized luxury experiences.
• Recognition in the design industry (e.g., Red Dot Award, iF Design Award, Automotive Design of the Year) for automotive design work.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape the design legacy of an iconic ultra-luxury brand and lead innovations in global automotive design.
• A competitive compensation package including base salary, performance bonuses, long-term incentives, and luxury benefits (e.g., company vehicle, exclusive brand events).
• A global, collaborative work environment with access to cutting-edge design facilities and premium industry networks.
• Comprehensive professional development opportunities to stay at the forefront of automotive design trends and technologies.

To apply, please submit your resume, portfolio (showcasing automotive design leadership work), and a cover letter explaining your vision for our brand’s design future to ( ).