Product Design Team Leader

Product Design Team Leader – Consumer Devices (Milan, Italy | Onsite)

About the Role

Our client is a global technology leader with a strong focus on innovation in consumer electronics and smart devices. As part of their European design hub in Milan, they are building a forward-thinking design ecosystem to shape the next generation of products.

They are now seeking a Product Design Team Leader to drive future vision, concept development, and design strategy across a range of consumer devices including smartphones, wearables, and emerging smart products.

This is a highly strategic role combining design leadership, trend research, and conceptual innovation , with strong influence on global product direction.

Key Responsibilities

Design Strategy & Future Vision

• Lead research into emerging technologies, materials, and design trends to identify future product opportunities
• Develop forward-looking product concepts exploring new form factors, user interactions, and design languages
• Translate insights into clear design strategies and frameworks

Concept Development & Innovation

• Create high-level design concepts and visual narratives to communicate product vision
• Drive innovation in CMF (Colour, Material, Finish) and sensory design
• Explore sustainable and next-generation materials and design approaches

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop a team of designers, fostering a strong creative culture
• Collaborate closely with global product, engineering, and UX teams
• Influence stakeholders through compelling storytelling and presentations

Market & Trend Analysis

• Analyse consumer behaviour, competitor products, and industry trends
• Bring cross-industry inspiration (fashion, mobility, architecture, digital experiences) into product design
• Engage with external partners including design studios, suppliers, and research institutions

Requirements

Background & Experience

• Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in product/industrial design, ideally within consumer electronics or similar industries
• Proven experience in design strategy, concept development, and future visioning
• Minimum 2 years of team leadership experience

Skills

• Strong conceptual thinking and ability to translate ideas into compelling design directions
• Experience with CMF design and material innovation
• Proficiency in design tools such as Rhino, KeyShot, Adobe Creative Suite (or similar)
• Strong visual storytelling and presentation skills

Personal Profile

• Strategic, forward-thinking, and highly creative mindset
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Passion for pushing design boundaries and shaping future products