Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Nilfisk

Location: Nordhavn/Copenhagen, Denmark (with potential for Hadsund)

Job Type: PART_TIME (1-year contract, 3 days/week)

Category: Industrial Design / Product Development

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days/week in office implied)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end industrial design processes for professional cleaning products, from initial concept to production.

• Develop user-centric, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable product solutions that align with Nilfisk's brand identity and design principles.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including R&D, UI/UX, Product Management, and external partners, to ensure integrated and high-quality product development.

• Leverage advanced 3D CAD, sketching, and prototyping skills to visualize and refine design concepts for complex technical products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as a "Design Consultant" with a "Part time position (1 year contract - 3 days/ week)". This suggests a need for an experienced professional who can hit the ground running, bringing specialized expertise to a defined project or departmental need. The hybrid nature, requiring 3 days in-office, indicates a collaborative environment where physical presence is valued for team interaction and design reviews.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the industrial design lifecycle for professional cleaning equipment, including floor scrubbers, vacuum cleaners, high-pressure washers, and Light Ivac systems.

• Translate early user insights and market trends into compelling design concepts, focusing on form, aesthetics, durability, and sustainability.

• Produce high-quality design deliverables such as detailed sketches, form studies, functional prototypes, and precise 3D CAD models, with a preference for SolidWorks.

• Integrate mechanical, digital, and hybrid user interfaces to ensure intuitive, robust, and seamless user experiences across diverse product lines.

• Effectively communicate design intent, rationale, and progress to multidisciplinary internal teams and external suppliers, fostering alignment and buy-in.

• Actively participate in product testing, prototyping phases, and quality validation processes in close partnership with engineering teams.

• Continuously monitor and analyze emerging design trends, technological advancements, and competitor activities within industrial and adjacent markets to inform design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design execution, from conceptualization to production support. The mention of "external design partners" and "suppliers" highlights the need for strong communication and vendor management skills, crucial for a consultant role. The focus on "durability and sustainability" points to Nilfisk's commitment to product longevity and environmental responsibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field is typically expected for a senior role of this nature.

Experience: Proven end-to-end product development experience as a senior industrial designer or design consultant, ideally within complex, technical, or industrial sectors. A minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience is implied by the "senior" descriptor and the expectation of driving projects from concept to production.

Required Skills:

• Advanced conceptual thinking and ideation capabilities.

• Proficient sketching and form development techniques.

• Expertise in 3D CAD software, with a strong preference for SolidWorks. Proficiency with alternatives like Rhino or Creo is also valuable.

• Experience with physical prototyping methods (e.g., foam, paper, basic models) and understanding their role in design validation.

• Familiarity with rendering tools, particularly KeyShot, to create compelling visualizations.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and their application in technical product development.

• Ability to effectively communicate design intent and rationale to diverse, international, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience working within established brand and design guidelines, ensuring consistency and alignment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the professional cleaning equipment industry or similar technical/mechanical product sectors.

• Familiarity with UI/UX principles and how they integrate with industrial design.

• Experience managing external design partners and suppliers.

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials relevant to industrial products.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite for design presentations and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Profile" section clearly indicates a need for a senior-level individual. The requirement for "proven end-to-end product development experience" and "strong conceptual thinking, sketching, and form development skills" are critical indicators of seniority. The preference for SolidWorks, alongside mentions of Rhino and Creo, suggests a robust 3D modeling environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of completed product development projects, demonstrating the full design cycle from initial concept to production.

• Highlight projects with a strong emphasis on user-centric design, problem-solving, and innovative solutions for technical or industrial products.

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the design challenges, your approach, the tools and processes used, and the final outcomes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (especially SolidWorks) through rendered visuals, technical drawings, or CAD renders.

• Present examples of physical prototyping and how it informed the design process and final product.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to concept generation, including ideation techniques, sketching methods, and early-stage form exploration.

• Explain your workflow for translating concepts into detailed 3D CAD models and preparing them for engineering and manufacturing.

• Illustrate how you collaborate with R&D, engineering, UI/UX, and other stakeholders throughout the product development process.

• Provide examples of how you ensure designs adhere to brand guidelines and maintain aesthetic consistency.

• Showcase your process for integrating user feedback and testing results into design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Consultant role, a compelling portfolio is paramount. It should not only display aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrate a structured, strategic approach to product development, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration within an industrial context. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions is as important as the "what."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a part-time, 1-year contract position in Denmark, the salary will be prorated. For a senior-level industrial designer with 5-10 years of experience in Copenhagen, Denmark, a full-time equivalent salary might range from DKK 45,000 to DKK 65,000 per month (approximately €6,000 - €8,700 per month). Therefore, for a 3-day work week, the prorated salary would be approximately DKK 27,000 to DKK 39,000 per month (approximately €3,600 - €5,200 per month).

Benefits:

• Contribution to a pension scheme (standard in Denmark).

• Paid holidays and vacation days, prorated for part-time.

• Potential for professional development and training opportunities.

• Access to company facilities and resources.

• The opportunity to work on innovative products for a globally recognized brand.

• Flexible working arrangements (hybrid model).

Working Hours: This is a part-time position requiring 3 days per week. The total weekly hours will be approximately 22.5 hours (assuming a standard 7.5-hour workday for 3 days). Specific working days can likely be agreed upon with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the part-time, contract nature and location in Denmark, a specific salary range is provided based on general market data for senior industrial design roles. The benefits listed are typical for contract positions in Denmark, with emphasis on the flexibility and professional exposure offered by Nilfisk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Cleaning Equipment and Services. Nilfisk operates in a B2B market, providing solutions that enhance health, safety, and efficiency in various professional environments. The company is at the forefront of technological innovation in this sector.

Company Size: Approximately 4,500 employees globally. This indicates a well-established, medium-to-large enterprise with a significant international presence, offering structured processes and opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration.

Founded: 1906. With over a century of history, Nilfisk has a strong legacy and deep expertise in its field, combined with a forward-looking approach to innovation and sustainability.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is part of a larger Product Development or R&D function.

• This role involves close collaboration with external design partners, UI/UX designers, R&D engineers, quality assurance specialists, sourcing departments, and product managers.

Methodology:

• Nilfisk emphasizes customer-centricity, driving innovation based on understanding user needs and market demands.

• A strong focus on design guidelines ensures brand consistency and quality across its diverse product portfolio.

• The company embraces technology and innovation to create sustainable cleaning solutions.

• Collaboration is key, with an emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and integration of different expertise areas.

Company Website: https://www.nilfisk.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Nilfisk's long history and global presence suggest a company with established processes but also a commitment to modernizing its approach, particularly in design and sustainability. The "Design Consultant" title implies a need for someone who can bring external perspective and specialized skills to enhance internal capabilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior level, acting as a Design Consultant. It requires a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and leadership in design execution. The focus is on delivering high-quality design solutions and contributing to Nilfisk's innovation pipeline.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant will likely report to a Design Manager or Head of Design, with project-specific reporting lines to project leads or product managers. The role requires frequent interaction and collaboration with various departments, emphasizing a matrixed project environment.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant's work directly impacts product marketability, user adoption, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue. By delivering innovative, user-friendly, and sustainable designs, this role contributes to Nilfisk's competitive edge and its mission to create a cleaner future.

Growth Opportunities:

• For a contract role, direct career progression within Nilfisk might be limited. However, the opportunity to gain significant experience with a leading global company in the cleaning equipment sector is substantial.

• Successful performance could lead to opportunities for longer-term contracts or permanent positions within Nilfisk's design or product development teams.

• The role provides exposure to diverse product lines and complex technical challenges, fostering skill development in specialized industrial design areas.

• Potential for learning about new materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainability initiatives within the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the "senior" and "consultant" designation implies significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. The growth potential lies more in skill enhancement and industry experience gained rather than immediate promotion within the contract term.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires 3 days per week in the office, suggesting a collaborative workspace environment that blends focused individual work with team interaction. The specific locations are Nordhavn/Copenhagen or Hadsund, Denmark.

Office Location(s):

• Nordhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark: A modern urban area, likely offering good accessibility and a vibrant professional setting.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard design tools, software access, and potentially prototyping facilities.

• Collaboration will be facilitated through team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions.

• Exposure to engineering and product development teams will provide a rich learning environment.

• The international nature of Nilfisk means opportunities to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Work Schedule: Part-time, 3 days per week. This offers a degree of flexibility, allowing for a better work-life balance while still enabling significant contribution. The specific days can likely be negotiated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and specific office locations are key to understanding the daily work environment. Nordhavn/Copenhagen suggests a more contemporary, urban setting, while Hadsund might be closer to manufacturing operations, offering different collaborative dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience and qualifications against the role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. This is crucial for a consultant role.

• Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Discussions focusing on your technical skills (CAD, sketching, prototyping), understanding of industrial design principles, and your ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams. Behavioral questions will assess your communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.

• Team/Manager Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager or design team lead to assess cultural fit, alignment with Nilfisk's values, and overall suitability for the role and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select projects that best showcase your experience in end-to-end product development, particularly in technical or industrial contexts. Highlight projects where you drove design from concept to production.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process (ideation, concept development, prototyping, refinement), the tools and technologies used, and the final outcome or impact.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include high-quality renders, CAD models, sketches, and photos of physical prototypes. Clearly label the software used (SolidWorks, KeyShot, etc.).

• Emphasize User-Centricity & Sustainability: Demonstrate how you incorporated user needs and sustainability principles into your designs.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes related to user satisfaction, market success, or efficiency improvements.

• Tailor to Nilfisk: If possible, subtly align your project selection or presentation with Nilfisk's product categories (cleaning equipment) and their emphasis on durability and sustainability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail and articulate your rationale for design decisions.

• Anticipate questions about how you handle design constraints, technical challenges, and collaboration with engineers.

• Review Nilfisk's current product line and their stated design principles to align your responses with their brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and presentation is critical for this consultant role. Candidates must be prepared to walk through their work and articulate their strategic thinking and problem-solving methodologies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD: SolidWorks (preferred), Rhino, Creo. Proficiency in at least one is essential, with SolidWorks being highly advantageous.

• Prototyping: Experience with physical prototyping methods (foam, paper, basic models) is required.

• Rendering: KeyShot (a plus), and other rendering software.

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign for presentations and graphics).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how product design integrates with broader Go-To-Market processes might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the core industrial design tools. SolidWorks is a key requirement, indicating its prevalence in Nilfisk's product development workflow. KeyShot as a "plus" suggests it's desirable for high-quality visualization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: Designing solutions that directly address user needs and improve their experience.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new ideas and technological advancements to drive product development.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental responsibility and product longevity into design decisions.

• Quality & Durability: Ensuring products are robust, reliable, and built to last in demanding professional environments.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams and with external partners to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring close interaction with R&D, UI/UX, Product Management, and external partners.

• Open communication and clear articulation of design intent are vital for cross-functional alignment.

• A constructive feedback culture is likely, where ideas are shared and refined through discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nilfisk's stated values—growth, sustainability, and diversity—underscore a forward-thinking and inclusive culture. The emphasis on "creating a cleaner future together" suggests a mission-driven environment where employees are encouraged to contribute to a larger purpose.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics with Technical Constraints: Delivering compelling industrial design within the functional and manufacturing limitations of complex professional equipment.

• Driving Sustainability: Effectively integrating sustainable materials and design principles into products while maintaining cost-effectiveness and performance.

• Global Consistency: Ensuring design cohesion and brand alignment across a diverse product portfolio and international markets.

• Contract Duration: Working within a 1-year contract framework requires swift integration and immediate impact.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Professional Cleaning Technology: Gaining specialized knowledge in the design and engineering of floor care equipment, pressure washers, and related professional tools.

• Exposure to Global Design Standards: Understanding and applying Nilfisk's international design guidelines and brand ethos.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills: Enhancing abilities to work effectively with engineering, marketing, and product management teams.

• Sustainability Practices: Learning about advanced sustainable design methodologies and materials relevant to industrial products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge for a consultant is often rapid integration and demonstrating value within a defined timeframe. For this role, it also involves adapting to Nilfisk's specific design language and product ecosystem.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking an industrial design concept from initial sketch to a production-ready 3D CAD model."

• "How do you approach balancing aesthetic appeal with the functional requirements and manufacturing constraints of technical products?"

• "Can you provide an example of a time you successfully integrated sustainability principles into a product design? What were the challenges?"

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines and maintain consistency across a product portfolio?"

• "Describe your experience collaborating with R&D and engineering teams. How do you communicate design intent effectively?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Nilfisk and our mission to create a cleaner future?"

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with Nilfisk's focus on durability and sustainability?"

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or international team environment."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps project by project, or by design process stages. Start with an overview of your capabilities and then dive into specific case studies.

• Narrative: Weave a compelling story for each project: the problem, your solution, your role, the process, and the outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-resolution images, renders, CAD views, sketches, and photos of prototypes. Ensure clarity and impact.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most relevant aspects of each project and be prepared to answer follow-up questions.

• Engagement: Be enthusiastic, confident, and ready to engage in a discussion about your work. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating practical application of design principles, problem-solving skills, and the ability to articulate the value of design within a technical product development context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant industrial design projects (especially technical/industrial products), and clearly details your end-to-end design process. Be ready to present key projects.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in industrial design, product development, 3D CAD (SolidWorks), prototyping, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Emphasize achievements and responsibilities relevant to the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design philosophy, problem-solving approach, and experience with specific tools and methodologies. Practice presenting your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Nilfisk's product lines, their sustainability initiatives, and their brand identity. Understand their market position and mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.