Industrial Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Industrial Design Director

Company: Above Agency

Location: Malmö, Sweden & Stockholm, Sweden

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Industrial Design Leadership / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-06-08T20:55:56

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead and elevate the industrial design practice within a global design team, driving innovation and exceptional client work.

• Lead complex, multidisciplinary projects from initial concept and vision through to final execution and implementation.

• Shape the overall design culture, commercial offerings, and strategic direction of industrial design at Above Agency.

• Foster a collaborative environment, mentoring designers and leading cross-functional teams at the intersection of physical and digital product experiences.

• Serve as a senior creative leader, bringing a strong point of view, refined judgment, and strategic coherence to all projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within an innovation agency, implying a strong focus on strategic GTM contributions through product innovation and design excellence. The emphasis on "shaping design culture, commercial offerings, and future direction" suggests a significant impact on the agency's business development and market positioning, extending beyond purely creative execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a global team of industrial designers, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee the full lifecycle of industrial design projects, from initial client brief and concept development to detailed design, prototyping, and manufacturing liaison.

• Develop and articulate compelling design visions, strategic narratives, and holistic portfolio strategies for diverse client projects.

• Ensure the highest standards of industrial design craft, aesthetics, materiality, and technological integration across all deliverables.

• Drive client acquisition and retention by contributing to project scoping, proposal creation, and client relationship management, representing Above's creative leadership externally.

• Collaborate closely with agency leadership to refine commercial offerings, optimize creative processes, and define the future trajectory of the industrial design discipline.

• Think in systems and experiences, bridging physical and digital product development to create cohesive and impactful solutions.

• Champion a user-centered design approach, translating complex challenges into commercially viable and desirable products.

• Present design rationale and strategic value persuasively to clients and internal stakeholders, demonstrating strong storytelling abilities.

• Actively contribute to the growth and development of individual designers, providing mentorship and career guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative leadership and business development, characteristic of senior roles in design agencies. The emphasis on "commercial offerings," "client acquisition," and "sales dialogues" indicates that this role will directly contribute to the agency's revenue growth and market expansion.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related creative field is highly preferred, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and methodologies.

Experience:

• Preferably 10+ years of progressive professional experience in industrial design, with a significant portion in leadership or senior creative roles within an agency or in-house setting.

• Proven track record of leading complex, multidisciplinary innovation programs and cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing strategic visions and creative direction across multiple projects and portfolios. Required Skills:

• Exceptional industrial design craft, with a refined aesthetic sensitivity and deep understanding of materiality, manufacturing processes, and technology integration.

• Strong leadership abilities, capable of mentoring, inspiring, and guiding designers of varying experience levels.

• Strategic thinking and systems thinking capabilities, able to develop holistic product portfolios and experience strategies.

• Proficient in user-centered design methodologies, translating user needs into compelling and commercially viable solutions.

• Advanced client relationship management skills, with a proven ability to build trust and represent the agency externally.

• Excellent storytelling, communication, and presentation skills, capable of articulating design rationale and strategic value persuasively.

• Commercial acumen, including experience in project scoping, proposal creation, and contributing to sales dialogues.

• Confidence navigating ambiguity, complexity, and fast-paced creative environments with clarity and strategic precision.

• Integrity, optimism, and a self-propelled, collaborative mindset. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working at the intersection of physical and digital product experiences.

• Familiarity with Scandinavian design principles and their application in a global context.

• Experience in specific industry verticals relevant to Above's work (e.g., consumer electronics, smart home, robotics, healthcare, mobility).

• Proficiency in relevant design software and prototyping tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience requirement, coupled with "creative leadership responsibilities," positions this as a senior management role. The emphasis on "leading by doing" and "hands-on creative approach" suggests that while leadership is key, direct design contribution and craft are still highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a broad range of high-level industrial design work, demonstrating exceptional creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership.

• Specific case studies that highlight the ability to lead complex innovation programs from vision through execution, detailing the process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Examples of systems thinking and portfolio strategy, illustrating how individual products contribute to a larger ecosystem or brand vision.

• Evidence of a strong, user-centered approach, with clear articulation of how user insights informed design decisions.

• Demonstrations of refined aesthetics, sensitivity to craft, materiality, and manufacturing processes.

• Portfolios should clearly articulate the candidate's role and impact within team-based projects, showcasing leadership and collaboration. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to defining and refining creative processes within a design discipline.

• Examples of how they have implemented or optimized design workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and innovation.

• Documentation or discussion of methodologies used for translating complex challenges into executable design solutions and strategic narratives.

• Ability to articulate how they ensure strategic coherence and holistic perspective at every stage of a project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role and the agency's focus on innovation and strategy, the portfolio is critical. It's expected to demonstrate not just design output but also the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and process-oriented approach to problem-solving.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For an Industrial Design Director role in Malmö or Stockholm, Sweden, with 10+ years of experience and leadership responsibilities, the estimated annual salary range is approximately SEK 750,000 - 1,100,000 (gross). This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership positions in major Scandinavian cities, considering the agency's global reach and the specialized nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.

• Generous paid time off (vacation and public holidays).

• Pension scheme contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and workshops.

• Assistance with work permits and relocation for international candidates.

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and creativity.

• Access to state-of-the-art design tools and studio facilities. Working Hours:

Full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week. While a structured work week is expected, the agency likely offers flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and creative workflows, encouraging a results-oriented approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for director-level creative roles in Sweden. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits listed are standard for professional roles in Sweden, with specific mention of relocation/work permit assistance, which is a significant perk for international candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Innovation Consulting / Design Agency

Company Size: The description mentions a "growing global design team" and collaboration with "leading global brands," suggesting a mid-sized to large agency, likely between 50-250 employees, with international reach. This size allows for specialization while maintaining agility and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: The company was founded in 2016. This indicates a relatively young but established agency, likely with a modern approach to design and business strategy.

Team Structure:

• The Industrial Design team is part of a larger "global design team," implying a specialized unit within a broader creative organization.

• The role reports to "leadership" and works in "close collaboration with leadership," suggesting a flat or matrixed organizational structure where senior leaders are accessible.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with the agency emphasizing moving "fluidly between disciplines" (hardware and software, physical and digital). Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The agency uses a 360° creative approach, integrating design, strategy, and technology, which implies a data-informed process for understanding user needs and market opportunities.

• Holistic Approach: Emphasis on creating "positive impact for people, businesses, and the planet" and blurring boundaries between disciplines points to a holistic and integrated approach to problem-solving.

• Client Collaboration: Working with "leading global brands, ambitious startups, and local Scandinavian industry leaders" suggests a flexible methodology adaptable to various client needs and project scales.

Company Website: https://above.se/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "Scandinavian," "warm, curious, and highly dedicated," with a "shared ambition to create progressive work with care and meaning." This suggests an environment that values both high performance and a thoughtful, human-centered approach to work and design. The emphasis on interdisciplinarity is a key differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position, representing a senior leadership role. It requires not only deep expertise in industrial design but also strategic vision, business acumen, and the ability to manage teams and client relationships at a high level. The scope extends to shaping the agency's practice and commercial offerings.

Reporting Structure: The Director will report to senior leadership within the agency and will work closely with them. They will also lead and mentor a team of industrial designers, influencing their career growth and development.

Operations Impact: The Industrial Design Director's impact is multifaceted:

• Product Innovation: Directly influences the quality and success of client products, driving market differentiation and adoption.

• Business Development: Contributes significantly to client acquisition, project scoping, and sales dialogues, impacting agency revenue and growth.

• Design Strategy: Shapes the agency's overall design philosophy, methodologies, and service offerings, positioning Above in the market.

• Talent Development: Cultivates a high-performing design team, fostering talent and ensuring the agency's creative capacity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Opportunity to influence the long-term strategic direction of the industrial design discipline and the agency as a whole.

• Business Growth: Play a key role in expanding the agency's client base and commercial success through design expertise and client engagement.

• Mentorship & Development: Develop leadership skills by mentoring and growing a diverse team of designers.

• Industry Influence: Build personal and agency reputation through thought leadership, client work, and participation in industry events.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expansion: Deepen expertise in areas like strategy, technology integration, and digital product experiences through collaborative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical growth opportunity, offering a chance to significantly impact both client outcomes and the agency's business trajectory. The blend of creative leadership and commercial responsibility is a hallmark of senior roles in successful design consultancies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, preferably based in the Malmö studio, with Stockholm as a secondary option. This indicates a preference for a physical studio environment that fosters collaboration, idea-sharing, and a strong sense of team presence. The agency emphasizes an integrated approach, suggesting the studio space is designed to support multidisciplinary work.

Office Location(s):

• Malmö, Sweden: Grimsbygatan 24, 211 20 Malmö

• Stockholm, Sweden: Grev Turegatan 1, 114 46 Stockholm

These are prime locations in major Swedish cities, offering access to talent, amenities, and a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The agency culture fosters warmth, curiosity, and dedication, suggesting a supportive and engaging studio atmosphere conducive to creative ideation and problem-solving.

• Tools & Technology: As an innovation agency, it's expected that the studios are equipped with state-of-the-art design tools, prototyping facilities, and technology infrastructure to support advanced industrial design and cross-disciplinary projects.

• Team Interaction: The on-site requirement underscores the value placed on spontaneous collaboration, design critiques, and team cohesion, which are vital for high-level creative work.

Work Schedule: While typically a full-time role (around 40 hours/week), the emphasis on "fast-moving creative environments" and "project deadlines" suggests that flexibility and a results-oriented approach are key. The agency likely supports work-life balance while ensuring project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for on-site work, even with the possibility of a remote start and transition, highlights the agency's belief in the power of in-person collaboration for complex creative and strategic work. The studio environment is likely designed to facilitate this.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Review: Submit a portfolio and motivation statement. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. This is a critical first filter.

• Screening Call: Likely a brief discussion with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Conversation with Aaron Wansch (Senior Director of Industrial Design) to delve deeper into experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and design philosophy.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with other senior designers, leadership, and potentially representatives from strategy or technology teams to assess collaboration skills and multidisciplinary fit.

• Creative/Strategic Challenge: A potential case study or design challenge presentation, requiring candidates to articulate their approach to a complex problem, demonstrate strategic thinking, and showcase their process and rationale.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final evaluation and offer discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, user-centered approach, and craft. Ensure a mix of complex innovation programs and refined executional work.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, leadership responsibilities, and impact within each project, especially in team efforts.

• Showcase Process: Detail your design process, from research and ideation to prototyping and problem-solving. Explain your rationale and decision-making.

• Emphasize Strategy: Demonstrate how your design decisions align with business objectives, user needs, and portfolio strategy.

• Present Holistically: For systems or portfolio projects, show how individual elements work together to create a cohesive experience or strategy.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives that highlight challenges, your solutions, and the resulting impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Above's Work: Research the agency's portfolio, client list, and stated values. Tailor your approach to align with their focus on innovation, Scandinavian design, and integrated physical/digital experiences.

• Prepare for Strategic Questions: Be ready to discuss your vision for industrial design, how you foster design culture, and your approach to commercial offerings and client acquisition.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and discussing complex design challenges concisely and persuasively. Focus on clarity and impact.

• Anticipate Leadership Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you have mentored designers, managed cross-functional teams, and navigated challenging client situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio without which applications won't be considered is paramount. Candidates should prepare a portfolio that meticulously highlights leadership, strategic thinking, and process, not just aesthetic output. The rolling interview process means prompt application is advisable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: Expertise in industry-standard CAD software such as SolidWorks, Rhino, Alias, or similar, for detailed product design, surfacing, and complex geometry.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with various prototyping methods, from digital rendering and simulation to physical prototyping techniques (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining, model making).

• Design Visualization: Proficiency in rendering software (e.g., Keyshot, V-Ray, Blender) to create high-fidelity product visuals for client presentations and marketing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., user adoption, conversion rates, market share) is crucial. The ability to interpret and communicate data related to product success will be valuable.

• Familiarity with tools that help analyze user feedback or market trends to inform design direction. CRM & Automation:

• While the Director may not manage CRM systems directly, understanding how product design integrates with sales, marketing, and customer support processes is beneficial.

• Experience in project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Jira) for managing design workflows and team progress.

• Familiarity with tools that facilitate remote collaboration and communication (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) if hybrid work is involved during transition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description emphasizes "craft," "materiality," and "manufacturing processes," suggesting a need for strong 3D modeling and physical prototyping skills. The "physical and digital product experiences" aspect implies a need to understand how design translates across platforms and technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Progressive Design: A commitment to forward-thinking, innovative design solutions that push boundaries and anticipate future needs.

• Holistic Integration: Valuing the seamless blend of strategy, design, and technology across physical and digital realms.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs, ensuring that design creates positive impact for people.

• Collaboration & Curiosity: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed, ideas are shared openly, and continuous learning is encouraged.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: Upholding high standards for aesthetic quality, execution, and attention to detail in all aspects of design.

• Impact & Meaning: Striving to create work that has a tangible, positive effect on businesses, users, and the planet.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary: Encouraging seamless collaboration between industrial design, UX/UI design, strategy, and technology teams.

• Mentorship-Driven: A culture where senior designers actively guide and develop junior talent, fostering growth and knowledge transfer.

• Client Partnership: Building trusted, long-term relationships with clients through transparent communication, strategic insight, and consistent delivery of high-quality work.

• Open Feedback: Promoting a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged to elevate creative output and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Scandinavian innovation agency" identity suggests a culture that values transparency, equality, and a strong work-life balance, alongside high professional standards and a focus on sustainability and human-centered design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity & Complexity: Leading projects with undefined parameters and managing multiple stakeholders with diverse expectations.

• Balancing Client Ambitions with Creative Vision: Effectively advocating for design excellence while meeting client business objectives and commercial realities.

• Driving Design Culture: Elevating design standards and methodologies across a multidisciplinary team and potentially across different studio locations.

• Integrating Physical and Digital: Seamlessly bridging the gap between hardware design and digital user experiences in innovative ways.

• Talent Development & Retention: Mentoring and growing a diverse team of designers to meet evolving industry demands and agency growth.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Training: Opportunities to refine skills in business development, client acquisition, and agency strategy.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Participation in leading design and innovation forums to stay abreast of trends and network.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Deepening understanding and collaboration with strategy, technology, and digital design specialists.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior leadership within the agency or through external networks.

• Exposure to Diverse Industries: Working with a wide range of clients and project types, from consumer electronics to healthcare and mobility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior leadership role in a dynamic agency environment. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding strategic influence, business impact, and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your vision for the future of industrial design and how Above Agency can lead in this space." (Focus on innovation, Scandinavian principles, and interdisciplinary work).

• "How do you balance leading by doing with empowering your design team? Provide an example." (Showcase leadership style and hands-on craft).

• "Walk us through a complex innovation program you led from concept to execution. What were the key strategic decisions, challenges, and outcomes?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving, and process).

• "How do you approach building and maintaining trusted client relationships, especially when advocating for design excellence against commercial pressures?" (Highlight client management and persuasive communication).

• "How would you contribute to shaping Above's commercial offerings and elevating our design practice?" (Focus on business acumen and strategic contribution). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Above Agency's mission and approach to design?" (Show research into their 360° approach and Scandinavian roots).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and curious design culture within a team?" (Relate to their stated values and team structure).

• "Describe a time you had to integrate physical and digital product experiences. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Address their core methodology).

• "How do you ensure user-centricity is embedded throughout the design process, especially in fast-moving environments?" (Align with their user-centered approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning (problem/brief), middle (process, solutions, challenges), and end (impact, outcomes, lessons learned).

• Leadership Focus: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, leadership contributions, and how you guided the team and process.

• Strategic Rationale: For every design decision, explain the strategic thinking behind it, linking it to user needs, business goals, or a broader portfolio vision.

• Showcase Craft & Execution: Highlight the attention to detail in aesthetics, materiality, and manufacturing considerations. Include high-quality visuals and prototypes.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., user adoption, market impact, client satisfaction).

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful projects and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, strategic leadership, business acumen, and a deep understanding of the design process, all within the context of Above Agency's specific approach and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Industrial Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Above Agency careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects that showcase your leadership in complex innovation programs, strategic vision, and cross-functional collaboration. Emphasize case studies demonstrating your ability to guide work from vision through execution.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of experience, leadership roles, and achievements in industrial design. Use keywords from the job description such as "Industrial Design Director," "creative leadership," "strategic vision," "innovation programs," and "user-centered design."

• Motivation Statement Crafting: Write a concise yet compelling motivation statement that articulates why you are a strong fit for Above Agency, referencing their Scandinavian roots, interdisciplinary approach, and specific projects that resonate with you.

• Company & Role Research: Thoroughly research Above Agency's website, client work, and mission. Understand their methodology and values to effectively articulate your fit and prepare for interview discussions.

⚠️ 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.