Head of Design and Development

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design and Development

Company: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA. (FORVIA HELLA)

Location: Shanghai, China (Specific address: 7F NBC, No. 555 West Haiyang Road, Shanghai, 200126)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Product Development / Operations Management

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years (Managerial/Head level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This senior role focuses on leading Design and Development (DnD) for a build-to-print business model within the automotive sector, requiring a blend of technical oversight and strategic business involvement.

• The position demands a hands-on approach to product development lifecycle management, from initial concept through to production readiness, adhering to rigorous automotive standards.

• A key aspect involves acting as a technical liaison, supporting business development efforts by translating customer requirements into manufacturable engineering solutions and contributing to securing new contracts.

• This role requires building and mentoring a high-performing engineering team, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and managing key client relationships with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Head of Design and Development," the core responsibilities and qualifications strongly indicate a role that bridges technical product development with business operations, particularly in a build-to-print context. This implies a need for strong process management, quality adherence, and customer-facing technical expertise, aligning it with advanced operations and engineering management functions. The emphasis on "build-to-print execution" and "production readiness" highlights its operational significance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Build-to-Print Execution: Lead all Design and Development (DnD) activities specifically tailored to a build-to-print business model, ensuring accurate interpretation of customer specifications, drawings, and standards to deliver manufacturable automotive components. This includes driving process adherence for all engineering deliverables.

• Hands-On Development & Quality Assurance: Maintain a strong, hands-on technical foundation by overseeing prototyping, testing, validation, and production readiness. This involves diligent application of standard automotive development processes such as Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA).

• Business Development & Technical Feasibility: Act as a technical partner to sales and business development teams by participating in client pitches, conducting technical feasibility studies, and translating customer needs into actionable engineering solutions to secure new business. This requires a deep understanding of operational capabilities and constraints.

• Internal & External Stakeholder Management:

  • Internal: Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing DnD engineering team. Foster robust cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless project execution and operational efficiency.
  • External: Serve as the primary technical point of contact for key automotive OEM and Tier 1 clients. Manage external partnerships, suppliers, and technical consultants effectively, ensuring alignment with project objectives and company standards.

• Strategic Planning & Operational Alignment: Develop and implement DnD strategies that align with the company’s commercial goals and operational capabilities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This involves strategic resource allocation and process optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational component beyond pure R&D. "Build-to-print execution," "production readiness," and "cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain" are key indicators of an operations-centric approach to product development. The role requires ensuring engineering outputs are directly translatable into efficient manufacturing processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a Design and Development (DnD) Manager role.

Required Skills:

• Build-to-Print Expertise: Deep understanding of the build-to-print manufacturing environment, including reverse-engineering customer intent, optimizing designs for manufacturing (DFM), and managing technical risks inherent in custom production.

• Technical Leadership & Team Management: Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop a high-performing engineering team to achieve business and operational objectives.

• Business Development Acumen: Demonstrated experience contributing to business growth, including technical selling, contract review, and identifying new revenue opportunities within the automotive space, requiring an understanding of commercial viability alongside technical execution.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to foster and manage effective collaboration with manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless product realization and operational efficiency.

• Automotive Industry Standards: Strong knowledge of automotive industry standards such as IATF 16949 (Quality Management Systems) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), critical for compliance and operational excellence.

• Communication & Negotiation: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to negotiate effectively with external clients (OEMs, Tier 1s) and inspire internal engineering teams.

• Language Proficiency: Professional proficiency in English is mandatory, enabling clear communication for daily operations, meetings, email correspondence, and technical documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with standard automotive development processes (APQP, PPAP, DFMEA).

• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and validation methodologies.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies to ensure timely and budget-conscious delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "build-to-print expertise" and "optimizing designs for manufacturing (DFM)" directly links engineering design to manufacturing operations. The requirement for knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 underscores the importance of robust operational processes and quality management systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Build-to-Print Case Studies: Showcase successful projects executed under a build-to-print model, detailing how customer specifications were met and how designs were optimized for manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Process Optimization Examples: Provide evidence of implementing or improving engineering processes, particularly those that enhanced collaboration with manufacturing, quality, or supply chain teams, leading to measurable improvements in delivery time or product quality.

• Technical Feasibility & Development Documentation: Include examples of technical feasibility studies or development reports that demonstrate the ability to translate complex customer requirements into actionable engineering plans and solutions.

• Cross-Functional Project Examples: Present projects that required significant collaboration with non-engineering departments (e.g., manufacturing, quality, sales), highlighting your role in bridging technical and operational needs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing engineering workflows, especially those that interface with manufacturing and quality assurance processes.

• Implementation & Automation Strategies: Demonstrate understanding of implementing new engineering processes or tools, and where applicable, leveraging automation to improve efficiency and reduce errors in the design and development lifecycle.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Be ready to discuss how engineering project success is measured, including key performance indicators (KPIs) related to project delivery, quality adherence, and operational impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design and Development in a build-to-print automotive context, the portfolio should heavily emphasize practical application of engineering principles to manufacturing realities. Demonstrating how designs are made "manufacturable" and how engineering processes integrate with broader operational functions like quality and production is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision)

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions

• Paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, public holidays)

• Professional development and training opportunities, including potential for international assignments or advanced certifications.

• Performance-based bonuses and potential for stock options or long-term incentives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often expected for project deadlines and critical client needs, especially given the leadership and client-facing nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for senior engineering and management roles in the automotive industry in Shanghai. This estimation considers the specific requirements of the Head of Design and Development role, including leadership, technical depth, and the build-to-print model. Benefits are standard for multinational corporations in China.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Supplier (Automotive Lighting Technology and Vehicle Electronics). FORVIA HELLA is part of the FORVIA Group, a significant player in the automotive supply chain.

Company Size: Approximately 36,500 employees globally, indicating a large, established multinational corporation with diverse operational units and career paths.

Founded: The company has a long history, established in 1920, signifying a stable and experienced organization with deep roots in the automotive industry.

Team Structure:

• DnD Engineering Team: This role leads a dedicated Design and Development (DnD) engineering team, likely comprising various engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software, etc.) relevant to automotive components.

• Reporting Structure: The Head of DnD will likely report to a senior executive within the product development, engineering, or operations division, such as a VP of Engineering, CTO, or Head of Operations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with manufacturing operations, quality assurance, supply chain management, sales, and business development teams, emphasizing a matrixed and integrated organizational approach.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Expect a strong emphasis on using data from prototyping, testing, and production to inform design iterations and process improvements.

• Agile & Structured Development: While specific methodologies aren't detailed, automotive development typically follows structured processes like APQP, PPAP, and DFMEA, often complemented by agile principles for iterative development where appropriate.

• Continuous Improvement: FORVIA HELLA's long history and position in the industry suggest a culture that values continuous improvement in products, processes, and operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.hella.com/ (Note: The company is now part of FORVIA)

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of FORVIA, HELLA benefits from the scale and resources of a large automotive group. The company's history and focus on core automotive technologies suggest a culture that values expertise, reliability, and innovation within established frameworks, particularly for a build-to-print business model where precision and adherence to specifications are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or VP level within engineering and product development, with significant operational oversight due to the build-to-print focus. The role demands strategic thinking, team management, and substantial impact on business outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Head of DnD will likely report to a senior executive (e.g., VP of Engineering, CTO, or Operations Director) and will manage a team of engineers and potentially project leads. This position is critical for interfacing between engineering, manufacturing, and commercial functions.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the company's ability to secure and successfully execute build-to-print contracts. Effective DnD leadership ensures that products are not only technically sound but also manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet stringent automotive quality standards, thereby directly influencing revenue, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to higher executive roles within the broader FORVIA group, such as VP of Engineering, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), or Head of Global Product Development, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple product lines.

• Strategic Business Unit Leadership: Opportunity to lead or significantly influence the strategic direction of the build-to-print business unit, potentially taking on P&L responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop deeper expertise in manufacturing operations, quality management, and supply chain by working closely with these departments, opening doors to operations leadership roles.

• Global Mobility: As a global company, there may be opportunities for international assignments, leading global teams, or contributing to R&D initiatives in different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "build-to-print" nature of this role positions it at the intersection of product development and manufacturing operations. Growth opportunities will likely involve leveraging this integrated expertise to move into broader operational leadership or more strategic product portfolio management roles within the large FORVIA organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Shanghai, China, a major global business hub. The specific office at 7F NBC, No. 555 West Haiyang Road, Pudong, Shanghai, suggests a modern office environment typical of international companies in China's key economic zones.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Shanghai, China. The mention of "JiangSu Province/Zhen Jiang City" in the original description might indicate manufacturing or R&D sites that this role would collaborate with or potentially visit.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive collaboration with internal teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales) and external clients (OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers). The workspace is expected to facilitate this through meeting rooms, open-plan areas, and potentially dedicated project spaces.

• Technology & Tools: Access to advanced engineering software, simulation tools, prototyping facilities, and communication platforms will be essential for the design and development process.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the direct reports, peers in other departments, and senior management is expected, fostering a dynamic and communicative work setting.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the demanding nature of automotive product development, client relations, and leadership responsibilities may require flexibility and extended hours, particularly during critical project phases or when dealing with international client time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location in Shanghai and the automotive industry context, the work environment is likely to be fast-paced, demanding, and highly professional, with an emphasis on meeting global standards and client expectations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (potentially the direct supervisor), focusing on technical expertise, leadership style, and alignment with the role's strategic objectives.

• Technical/Team Interview: Interviews with key team members or peers from cross-functional departments (e.g., manufacturing, quality) to evaluate technical depth, problem-solving skills, and collaboration capabilities. A case study or technical challenge may be presented here.

• Senior Leadership Interview: Meeting with a senior executive (e.g., VP of Engineering, Operations Director) to assess strategic thinking, business acumen, and long-term fit within the company's vision.

• Final Offer & Background Check: Upon successful completion of interviews, an offer will be extended, contingent on background verification.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Build-to-Print Success: Your portfolio should prominently feature projects executed under a build-to-print model. Clearly articulate the challenges, your specific contributions, the engineering solutions developed, and the outcomes achieved.

• Demonstrate DFM & Manufacturability: Showcase how you optimized designs for manufacturing efficiency, cost reduction, and quality. Use diagrams, examples, and metrics to illustrate these improvements.

• Showcase Process Improvement: Include examples where you improved engineering workflows, enhanced collaboration with manufacturing/quality, or implemented new development processes that led to tangible benefits (e.g., reduced cycle time, improved yield, fewer design-related issues in production).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work. This includes metrics related to project delivery, cost savings, quality improvements (e.g., reduced defect rates), and business development contributions.

• Tailor to Automotive Context: Ensure your examples and language are relevant to the automotive industry, referencing common standards and challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Build-to-Print Scenario: Be prepared for a case study involving a hypothetical build-to-print project. You might need to outline your approach to understanding customer requirements, identifying technical risks, planning development phases, and ensuring manufacturability.

• Team Leadership & Problem Solving: Anticipate questions about how you would manage a diverse engineering team, resolve conflicts, handle underperformance, and drive innovation within a structured environment.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage relationships with demanding automotive clients and ensure alignment with internal operational teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The review process for this role will heavily scrutinize practical engineering application to operational constraints. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they designed, but how they ensured it could be efficiently and effectively manufactured, and how their engineering decisions impacted broader business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or Siemens NX, commonly used in automotive design.

• PLM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for managing product data, revisions, and workflows.

• Simulation Software: Familiarity with CAE tools for Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and other simulations to validate designs virtually.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize tools for analyzing performance data from prototypes, testing, and production (e.g., Excel advanced functions, potentially statistical software like Minitab).

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for planning, tracking, and reporting on project progress and resource allocation.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly managing CRM, understanding how engineering outputs feed into CRM for sales and customer support is beneficial. Familiarity with Salesforce or similar platforms might be advantageous.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficient use of Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external communication and project collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements are not listed, the nature of automotive design and development, especially in a build-to-print context, necessitates expertise in advanced CAD/CAE software. The emphasis on process and collaboration also implies familiarity with robust project management and communication platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Precision: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, precisely engineered solutions that meet stringent automotive specifications.

• Customer Focus & Partnership: Valuing strong relationships with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 clients, acting as a trusted technical partner.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to continuously improve engineering processes and product designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and speed to market.

• Integrity & Reliability: Upholding high ethical standards and delivering on commitments, crucial for long-term partnerships in the automotive supply chain.

• Innovation within Constraints: Encouraging creative problem-solving and new ideas, but always within the framework of customer requirements and operational feasibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A culture that promotes seamless collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, quality, and sales to ensure a holistic approach to product development and delivery.

• Proactive Communication: Open and transparent communication channels are vital for managing complex projects and diverse stakeholder expectations.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An environment where constructive feedback is encouraged and utilized to refine processes, designs, and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be professional, results-oriented, and collaborative, reflecting the demands of the automotive industry. Emphasis on precision, reliability, and strong client partnerships is expected.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Innovation with Build-to-Print Constraints: Effectively translating customer-provided designs or strict specifications into manufacturable, cost-effective solutions without compromising core engineering principles.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the varying priorities and technical requirements of multiple automotive OEMs and Tier 1 clients, alongside internal manufacturing and quality teams.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in automotive technology, materials, and manufacturing processes while ensuring existing capabilities remain competitive.

• Global Team Management: Leading and motivating a team across potentially different cultural and professional backgrounds, ensuring consistent performance and adherence to global standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automotive Technologies: Opportunities to gain deep expertise in cutting-edge automotive lighting and electronics technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to FORVIA's internal leadership training and development programs designed to enhance management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Certifications & Conferences: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, advanced engineering certifications) and attending key automotive industry conferences.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within FORVIA HELLA or the broader FORVIA group, gaining insights into strategic decision-making and global operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in effectively bridging the gap between engineering design and the realities of manufacturing operations within a strictly defined build-to-print framework, a core aspect of operations management in this sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Build-to-Print Strategy: "Describe your approach to leading Design & Development for a build-to-print business. How do you ensure manufacturability and cost-effectiveness based on customer specifications?" (Focus on process, DFM analysis, risk mitigation).

• Team Development: "How would you build, mentor, and manage a high-performing engineering team in a fast-paced automotive environment? Provide an example of a time you developed a team member." (Focus on leadership, performance management, talent development).

• Client Engagement: "Walk me through a challenging scenario where you had to technically influence a key automotive OEM client. What was the situation, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on technical sales, negotiation, client relationship management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about FORVIA HELLA and our position in the automotive supplier market? How do your skills align with our build-to-print strategy?" (Research company, its products, market position, and the build-to-print model).

• "How do you foster collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to achieve operational excellence?" (Highlight experience with cross-functional teams and process integration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key project themes: Build-to-Print Success, Process Improvement, Technical Leadership, and Business Development Contribution.

• Quantify Everything: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the steps taken, the challenges overcome, and the measurable results (e.g., % reduction in cycle time, % improvement in yield, revenue generated from new business).

• Focus on DFM & Operational Alignment: When presenting design projects, emphasize how your design decisions impacted manufacturing efficiency, cost, and quality. Use visual aids like drawings, CAD models, or manufacturing flow charts where appropriate.

• Tell a Story: Frame your experience as a narrative, highlighting your problem-solving skills, leadership capabilities, and ability to drive tangible outcomes for the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of how engineering design directly impacts manufacturing operations and business success within the specific context of the automotive build-to-print model. Candidates should be ready to discuss process, efficiency, and collaboration extensively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design and Development position:

• Submit your application via the FORVIA HELLA careers portal (link provided: https://hella.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/3/home/requisition/18039?c=hella).

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to prominently highlight your experience in build-to-print manufacturing, automotive engineering leadership, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. Prepare your portfolio with specific case studies demonstrating the impact of your leadership on design for manufacturability and operational efficiency.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of managerial experience in automotive DnD, your expertise in build-to-print, and your proficiency with automotive standards (IATF 16949, ISO 14001). Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, your approach to technical challenges in a build-to-print context, and your strategies for client and internal stakeholder management. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research FORVIA HELLA, its product lines, its role within the FORVIA group, and its strategic focus on build-to-print business. Understand the company's culture and values to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.