Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Stellantis

Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Automotive Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-27T15:43:51

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for conceptualizing and developing both production and advanced exterior design proposals for automotive vehicles.

• Demonstrates exceptional design intuition, leading projects from inception to completion with a focus on brand spirit and aesthetic integrity.

• Manages and self-leads design assignments, encompassing full exterior bodies, specific components like front/rear ends, wheels, exterior lighting, and graphics/badging.

• Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve program targets, deadlines, and overall project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and qualifications lean heavily into a senior individual contributor role focused on design execution and project leadership rather than direct people management. The "Manager" aspect appears to refer to managing projects and design direction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and brand-aligned exterior design concepts for production vehicles and future advanced design initiatives.

• Translate design themes and research into compelling visual proposals, ensuring alignment with the spirit and identity of each Stellantis vehicle brand.

• Execute design assignments ranging from complete vehicle exteriors to detailed components, including front/rear fascias, wheels, exterior lighting, and graphics/badging.

• Utilize advanced 2D and 3D design tools, including manual and digital sketching, Alias, Illustrator, and Photoshop, to articulate design intent.

• Present design proposals effectively to stakeholders, articulating design rationale, intuition, and strategic vision with clarity and impact.

• Proactively manage and self-lead design projects, identifying key themes, conducting necessary research, and ensuring timely delivery of design milestones.

• Foster strong working relationships with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, marketing, product planning) to integrate design effectively and achieve program objectives.

• Stay abreast of global automotive design trends, emerging technologies, and competitor strategies to inform and inspire innovative design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "self-lead projects" and "managing projects from start to finish" suggests this role requires a high degree of autonomy and project ownership, typical of a senior designer or design lead.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Industrial Design, Product Design, or Automotive Design. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of direct automotive interior product design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in exterior design.

• Experience managing and leading design projects from concept through to production. Required Skills:

• Automotive Design Expertise: Deep understanding of automotive design principles, aesthetics, and industry trends.

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Alias, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop for creating detailed 2D and 3D design visualizations.

• Sketching Proficiency: Demonstrated ability in both manual and digital sketching to rapidly ideate and communicate design concepts.

• 3D Design & Modeling: Proven ability to create and manipulate 3D models for design proposals and component development.

• Presentation & Communication: Exceptional skills in presenting design concepts, articulating rationale, and influencing stakeholders.

• Project Leadership: Ability to self-lead and manage design projects, ensuring timely execution and achievement of program targets.

• Trend Awareness: Keen awareness of global automotive design concepts and emerging design trends.

Preferred Skills:

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with engineering, marketing, and other departments.

• Production Design Experience: Proven track record of contributing to successful production vehicle designs.

• Advanced Design Concepts: Experience with advanced design proposals and future mobility solutions.

• Brand Identity: Ability to understand and translate specific brand identities into design language.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "automotive interior product design experience" alongside responsibilities focused on "exterior design" suggests a broader design background is valued, with the ability to apply design principles across different vehicle sections. The "10+ years" AI-derived experience level aligns with a senior role managing complex projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate Design Competency: Your portfolio must clearly represent your skills and experience as they directly pertain to automotive exterior design, project leadership, and the use of required design software.

• Chronological Relevance: Present your most current work first, followed by older projects in descending chronological order to showcase recent capabilities and evolution.

• Contribution Clarity: For each project, provide a concise description of your specific contributions. If a full model is presented, clarify whether you were responsible for the entire model or specific components/areas.

• Work Segmentation: Clearly separate and label professional work from personal projects. Both are welcome, but distinct presentation ensures clarity.

• Naming Convention: Adhere strictly to the specified naming convention: Lastname-firstname-portfolio.pdf.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow: Showcase understanding of the end-to-end automotive design process, from initial concept generation and research to final design development and cross-functional integration.

• Tool Integration: Demonstrate how you leverage design software (Alias, Illustrator, Photoshop) within a cohesive workflow to achieve optimal design outcomes.

• Presentation Methodology: Outline your approach to presenting design proposals, including how you gather feedback, iterate on concepts, and gain stakeholder buy-in.

• Project Management Approach: Detail your methods for managing design projects, including task prioritization, timeline adherence, and proactive problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit portfolio requirements highlight the critical nature of this submission. Candidates should meticulously prepare a portfolio that directly addresses the responsibilities and skills outlined, with a strong emphasis on clarity regarding individual contributions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in automotive design in the Auburn Hills, Michigan area, the estimated annual salary range is between $130,000 and $180,000. This range accounts for the senior nature of the role, the specialized skills required, and the cost of living in the region. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Employee Vehicle Programs: Potential for discounts or access to Stellantis vehicles.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and attendance at industry conferences.

• Relocation Assistance: May be available for eligible candidates.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typical for a full-time position in the automotive industry. Occasional overtime may be required to meet program deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on aggregated data from industry job boards, salary survey sites (e.g., Glassdoor, Salary.com), and cost of living indices for the Detroit metropolitan area, adjusted for a senior-level Design Manager role within a large automotive corporation like Stellantis.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing. Stellantis is a global automotive group formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, operating a vast portfolio of iconic brands and committed to innovation in mobility.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This scale implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across numerous departments and global locations.

Founded: Stellantis was formed in January 2021, but its heritage brands (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën, etc.) have decades of automotive history and established design philosophies.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely operates within a larger Product Development or Engineering organization.

• This role may report to a Director of Exterior Design or Head of Design, overseeing a team of designers or managing specific design projects.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Planning, Engineering, Marketing, and Brand Strategy teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing market research, consumer insights, and trend analysis to inform design decisions.

• Agile Development Principles: Applying iterative processes to design and development, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to program changes.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring design concepts are technically feasible and commercially viable through continuous feedback loops with other departments.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title in a large automotive firm like Stellantis often implies a blend of creative leadership and project management, requiring a deep understanding of both design principles and the complex development cycles of vehicle manufacturing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Design Professional / Project Lead. This role sits at a senior individual contributor level, requiring extensive experience and the ability to guide design direction and manage complex projects independently. It is a crucial step for designers aspiring to lead larger design teams or take on executive design roles.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Director-level executive within the design organization, such as the Director of Exterior Design. The role involves managing specific design projects and potentially mentoring junior designers.

Operations Impact: Directly influences the aesthetic appeal, brand perception, and market success of Stellantis vehicles. Successful design proposals translate into competitive advantages, increased sales, and enhanced brand loyalty by creating desirable and innovative vehicle exteriors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Advancement to Director of Design, Head of a Specific Brand Design Studio, or Chief Design Officer roles.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like advanced concept design, specific vehicle segments (e.g., SUVs, performance vehicles), or emerging technologies (e.g., autonomous vehicle interiors).

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work in Stellantis design studios located in various international hubs.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Transitioning into broader product development leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience derived by AI strongly suggests this is a senior role. The growth path would typically involve moving into more strategic design leadership or managing larger design portfolios.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office / Design Studio Environment. Located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a major hub for the automotive industry, this role will be based at Stellantis's corporate facilities.

Office Location(s):

• Auburn Hills, Michigan: The primary location for this role, offering access to extensive automotive industry resources and a concentration of design and engineering talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Studios: The workspace will likely be a mix of individual workstations equipped with high-end design software and hardware, alongside collaborative areas for team discussions, brainstorming, and model reviews.

• Advanced Tools: Access to state-of-the-art design software, potentially VR/AR visualization tools, and physical modeling facilities.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with fellow designers, design managers, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in the vehicle development process.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) with flexibility to accommodate project demands. The fast-paced automotive development cycle may require occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "On-site" AI-derived status, candidates should expect a traditional office and studio environment focused on in-person collaboration and access to physical resources essential for automotive design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a detailed resume and the required portfolio.

• Initial Screening: HR or a design recruiter will review applications and portfolios for basic qualifications and alignment with role requirements.

• Design Assessment: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or present specific portfolio pieces to a panel of design leaders and hiring managers. This will assess design intuition, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from engineering, product planning, and marketing to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of the broader development process.

• Final Interview: Typically with the hiring manager or a senior design executive to discuss strategic fit, leadership potential, and overall cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio explicitly showcases expertise in automotive exterior design, proficiency in Alias, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and your ability to manage projects.

• Showcase Your Process: For each project, don't just show final renderings; illustrate your design process, including initial sketches, concept development, problem-solving steps, and how you integrated feedback.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, describe the impact of your designs. For example, if a design element you developed contributed to a successful product launch or improved brand perception.

• Clarity on Contributions: Be crystal clear about your role in collaborative projects. Use phrases like "I was responsible for..." or "My contribution focused on..."

• Professional Presentation: Ensure the PDF is well-organized, easy to navigate, and free of errors. Adhere to the strict naming convention.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be prepared to articulate your design process and how you approach challenges.

• Software Proficiency: Expect questions or tasks that might test your practical application of Alias, Illustrator, or Photoshop.

• Industry Knowledge: Brush up on current automotive design trends, competitor analysis, and Stellantis's brand identities.

• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating how you would approach a hypothetical design problem within the automotive context, considering technical, market, and brand constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount. Candidates must treat this as a critical component of their application, demonstrating not just creative talent but also professional rigor and alignment with Stellantis's design standards.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Alias (Autodesk Alias): Essential for 3D surfacing, modeling, and design development of complex automotive forms. Mastery is expected.

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for 2D technical drawings, vector graphics, line art, and detailed component design.

• Adobe Photoshop: Widely used for rendering, image manipulation, concept visualization, mood boards, and creating photorealistic presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not direct analytics tools, designers use these to present data-informed design choices. Understanding how design impacts market reception and sales figures is key. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but awareness of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and project management software (e.g., JIRA, Asana for tracking) could be beneficial for project management aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Alias, Illustrator, and Photoshop is non-negotiable. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience and portfolio work generated using these specific tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A driving force in developing forward-thinking and desirable automotive designs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions that meet rigorous standards.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the end-user in mind, understanding their needs and aspirations.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and evolving the distinct design language and heritage of Stellantis brands.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active participants in cross-departmental meetings, providing design input and understanding technical constraints.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages open and honest feedback exchange among design peers and with other teams to refine concepts.

• Shared Vision: Working towards a unified vision for vehicle development, where design is a critical, integrated component.

📝 Enhancement Note: Stellantis, as a large, global automotive entity, likely fosters a culture that balances individual creative expression with the structured, collaborative, and results-oriented demands of mass-market vehicle production.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Identity and Innovation: Creating fresh, modern designs while respecting the established heritage and unique identity of each Stellantis brand.

• Technical Constraints: Integrating design concepts seamlessly with engineering requirements, manufacturing limitations, and cost targets.

• Fast-Paced Development Cycles: Meeting aggressive program deadlines in a highly competitive automotive market.

• Global Market Diversity: Designing vehicles that appeal to a wide range of consumer tastes and regulatory requirements across different global regions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Access to specialized training in new design software, visualization techniques, and emerging design methodologies.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading automotive design and technology conferences to stay ahead of trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Guidance from senior design leaders within Stellantis to foster career growth and skill development.

• Cross-Brand Exposure: Working on projects for various Stellantis brands can broaden design perspective and understanding of different market segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The automotive industry's rapid evolution, particularly with electrification and autonomous driving, presents ongoing challenges and opportunities for designers to innovate and adapt their skill sets.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing design requirements (e.g., aesthetics vs. manufacturability) and how you resolved it."

• "How do you stay current with automotive design trends, and how have these trends influenced your recent work?"

• "Walk me through your process for developing an exterior design proposal from initial concept to final rendering."

• "How would you approach designing for a specific Stellantis brand (e.g., Jeep vs. Peugeot), considering its unique design language?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Stellantis specifically, and what do you know about our design philosophy?"

• "Describe your experience working within a large, cross-functional automotive development team."

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your design work?"

• "What are your thoughts on the future of automotive exterior design, particularly with the rise of EVs?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a narrative about each project, highlighting the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, and the outcome.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality renderings and clear diagrams. Ensure your contribution is explicitly stated for each piece.

• Tool Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss how you used Alias, Illustrator, and Photoshop to achieve specific design outcomes.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most impactful projects that align with the job requirements. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for not just creative talent but also a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to collaborate and deliver within a corporate automotive environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Stellantis careers portal and ensure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to this role.

• Curate and Upload Your Portfolio: Meticulously prepare your Lastname-firstname-portfolio.pdf adhering to all specified requirements, ensuring it highlights your automotive exterior design skills, software proficiency, and project leadership.

• Practice Your Portfolio Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on clarity of your contributions, design rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to present this virtually or in person.

• Research Stellantis Brands: Familiarize yourself with the design language, current models, and future concepts of Stellantis's diverse brand portfolio.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Anticipate potential design exercises or case studies that assess your creative problem-solving and technical skills.

⚠️ 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.

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