SUMMARY
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles and batteries, and the global leader in battery-electric buses—with more than 80,000 buses sold in 200 cities, 50 countries, and on six continents. Since its establishment in 1995, BYD has grown from a startup with 20 employees to an international, high-tech leader with 300,000 employees worldwide.
The Design Manager is responsible for leading and developing the Exterior and Interior Design Teams, aiming to elevate the team’s capacity to an international top-tier level. The role involves overseeing the complete design process, from concept creation to final production, ensuring that all designs align with the company's strategic goals and quality standards. The Design Manager will also play a critical role in shaping the design philosophy, strategy, and criteria to maintain and enhance the brand's visual and functional identity.
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Lead and manage the Exterior and Interior Design Teams, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
- Oversee the entire design process, including concept design, project development, quality design presentations (both VR and physical models), and final production.
- Develop and implement design strategies and philosophies that align with the company’s vision and goals.
- Ensure the evolution and adherence to design criteria to maintain the brand’s integrity and innovation.
- Collaborate closely with other departments, such as Engineering, Marketing, and Production, to ensure cohesive and practical design solutions.
- Present design concepts and developments to senior management and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
- Mentor and guide team members, helping to build their skills and advance their careers within the organization.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Automotive Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
- At least 10 years of experience in automotive design, with a deep understanding of the design processes for both concept and production vehicles.
- Proven experience in managing at least three complete production projects in either exterior or interior design.
- Exceptional design sense, with a strong understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and market trends.
- Excellent communication, coordination, and organizational skills.
- Strong leadership abilities with a proven track record in managing and developing teams.
- Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
TRAVEL
- Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, conferences, and design presentations, up to 50%
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
- Direct supervision of the Exterior and Interior Design Teams.
- Responsible for the professional development and performance evaluations of team members
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in automotive design, industrial design, or related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in automotive design.
- In-depth experience with at least three complete production projects.