Design Manager (m/f/d) – Automotive Design

Location: Munich
Full-time job

For our client, a globally established automotive group with a strong international presence and long-term investment in design innovation, we are seeking a Design Manager to join their Munich-based design studio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead exterior and/or interior vehicle design projects from concept development through production implementation.
• Contribute to defining creative direction in alignment with brand strategy and evolving market positioning.
• Ensure high standards of design execution, proportion, surfacing, and feasibility in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Support and mentor designers within the studio while fostering a collaborative and performance-driven culture.
• Work closely with product planning and global design teams to deliver cohesive and competitive vehicle concepts.
• Present design proposals and development progress to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Transportation Design, Automotive Design, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 6+ years of professional automotive design experience with exposure to production programs.
• Candidates with 8+ years of experience and prior team leadership exposure are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Experience within premium or luxury automotive brands is considered a strong advantage.
• Strong sketching, digital visualization, and 3D development skills.
• Solid understanding of brand language, proportion, and current automotive design trends.

What could be offered

• A leadership opportunity within an expanding international design organization in Munich.
• The chance to shape forward-looking vehicle concepts for global markets.
• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and industry standards.
• A modern studio environment with cross-cultural collaboration.
• Clear career development perspectives within a globally growing automotive group.