Design Manager - Commission & Personalization at General Motors

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Commission & Personalization

Company: General Motors

Location: Warren, Michigan, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Automotive Design, Color, Material & Finish (CMF), Interior Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-13T00:00:00

Experience Level: 8+ years (Managerial)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Lead a team of creative designers to translate client visions into unique, one-of-one automotive designs for Commissions and Personalizations.
Define and shape the branded strategy for commissioned, curated palettes, and bespoke personalization solutions, focusing on textures, colors, and materials.
Act as the primary design point of contact for high-profile clients, guiding them through the design process and ensuring their vision is realized.
Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Purchasing, Brand Marketing, and Appearance Quality to ensure design intent is maintained through production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Categorized the role under Automotive Design, CMF, and Interior Design based on the responsibilities and focus on color, material, finish, and personalization elements within vehicles. Emphasized the unique nature of the "one-of-one" design aspect for high-end commissions.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Provide creative direction and leadership to a team of designers, inspiring original and innovative 2D and 3D design proposals aligned with brand authenticity and program requirements.
Manage the design and development of texture, color, and soft-trim designs, ensuring they form cohesive, well-resolved palettes appropriate for the brand and client.
Oversee the revision, refinement, and tracking of design proposals according to GVDP timing and production timelines.
Prepare comprehensive documentation, presentations, and prototypes to communicate design intent and progress to stakeholders.
Analyze global market trends, competitor landscapes, and customer preferences to inform design strategies and material research.
Develop and maintain the strategy for commissioned, curated, personalization, and accessory offerings across different brands.
Serve as the primary design liaison for clients, particularly for high-end programs like Celestiq, managing in-person design sessions and addressing unique design requests.
Identify and resolve design-related issues during program execution to maintain brand and strategy integrity.
Support project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for design initiatives.
Mentor and foster the professional growth of the design team, providing guidance and feedback.
Work closely with Executive Design Directors, Brand Directors, C&T Managers, and cross-functional partners throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expanded on the responsibilities to highlight the strategic and leadership aspects of the role, including managing a team, setting brand strategy for personalization, and acting as a key client interface. Included specific examples like "Celestiq client sessions" to provide concrete context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Transportation Design, Interior Design, Architecture, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or a related creative field is required. A Master's degree in a relevant design discipline is often preferred for managerial roles in this field.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience in Color, Material & Finishes (CMF), Interior Design, Product Design, or a related design field, with demonstrated leadership and management experience. A strong portfolio showcasing creative judgment, process documentation, and resolved designs is essential.

Required Skills:

Proven leadership and team management abilities, with experience mentoring and developing designers.
Exceptional creative judgment and the ability to make appropriate brand decisions in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex design ideas to clients and stakeholders.
Sound understanding of manufacturing processes and their limitations, particularly related to CMF and interior components.
Strong understanding of 3D form and its application in automotive design.
Strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to navigate complex situations and influence outcomes.
Proactive, composed, and able to take initiative under pressure.
Expert proficiency in design software including Photoshop, Illustrator, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with 3D visualization tools such as VRED or equivalent software.
Familiarity with automotive design processes and industry-specific software.
Experience working with high-net-worth clients on bespoke design projects.
Knowledge of global automotive markets, trends, and customer preferences.
Understanding of design system principles and their application in automotive interiors.

📝 Enhancement Note: Added specific design disciplines to the education requirements and noted that a Master's is often preferred at this level. Detailed the required and preferred skills with a focus on those critical for a Design Manager in automotive personalization, including leadership, client communication, and manufacturing knowledge. Included VRED as a preferred skill based on industry trends in automotive visualization.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate exceptional out-of-the-box creative thinking and sound design judgment through diverse project examples.
Include conceptual ideation sketches and drawings, clearly illustrating the design process from initial concepts to final resolution.
Showcase inspiration sources, thought processes, and their application to the final design solutions.
Present trend, theme, and customer mood boards with thoughtful graphic composition and layout, demonstrating research and strategic thinking.
Illustrate expertise in developing and executing color palettes, including material selections and finishes.
Include examples demonstrating proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D visualization software like VRED or equivalent.
Clearly demonstrate the ability to translate 2D proposals into compelling 3D concepts.

Process Documentation:

For each project, provide a clear narrative outlining the research and discovery phase, including market analysis, trend research, and inspiration gathering.
Detail the ideation and iteration methods used, showcasing sketches, alternative concepts, and refinement stages.
Explain the validation and testing approaches, including material sampling, color matching processes, and client feedback integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided detailed guidance on portfolio content, specifically tailored to a design management role in automotive CMF and personalization. Emphasized the need to show process, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate 2D to 3D. Added a section on Process Documentation to highlight the importance of demonstrating a structured design workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry data for Design Manager roles in the automotive sector in the Detroit metropolitan area (Warren, MI), the estimated annual salary range is typically between $120,000 and $180,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, leadership track record, and negotiation. This estimate is based on research from compensation data providers focusing on the automotive design industry in this region.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision) from day one.
Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with company match.
Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Company vehicle evaluation program (CVO eligibility) upon successful motor vehicle report review.
Potential eligibility for relocation benefits.
Access to professional development resources and training programs tailored for design professionals.
Employee discounts on GM vehicles and products.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, on-site role. While standard business hours are expected, flexibility may be required to accommodate client meetings, project deadlines, and collaboration with global teams. The creative nature of the role may involve periods of focused work and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided an estimated salary range based on typical compensation for Design Manager roles in the automotive industry located in the Detroit, MI area. Included a disclaimer that this is an estimate and depends on various factors. Listed common benefits offered by large automotive companies, including the specific detail about the company vehicle program mentioned in the original description.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing. General Motors is a global leader in the automotive industry, undergoing significant transformation towards electrification, software-defined vehicles, and advanced technology. This context is crucial for designers, as it influences the focus on innovative materials, sustainable practices, and the integration of digital experiences within the vehicle.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees globally. Working within a large organization like GM means joining a vast network of professionals and potentially working on projects with significant scale and global reach. For designers, this implies established processes, specialized teams, and the opportunity to impact a large user base.

Founded: General Motors was founded in 1908. Its long history provides a rich legacy and established brand identities, which the design team must respect while pushing for innovation and future-forward concepts, especially in personalization and luxury segments.

Team Structure:

The Design Manager for Commissions & Personalization will lead a dedicated team of Creative Designers focused on bespoke automotive projects.
This role reports to a higher-level Design Director, likely within the Cadillac and Chevrolet Brand and ID or Global C&T organization.
Significant cross-functional collaboration is required with teams such as Appearance Quality, Program Teams, Brand Marketing, Engineering, Purchasing, and external Suppliers.

Methodology:

The design process likely follows a structured automotive product development lifecycle (GVDP - Global Vehicle Development Process), which includes phases for research, ideation, design development, validation, and production.
Emphasis is placed on translating trend, material, and technology research into tangible design proposals.
Collaboration with engineering and manufacturing is key to ensuring designs are feasible for production while maintaining creative intent.

Company Website: http://www.gm.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided context on GM's industry positioning, size, and history, explaining how these factors influence the design environment. Detailed the probable design team structure and reporting lines based on the listed collaborators. Described the likely design methodology within a large automotive company, referencing GVDP and the importance of collaboration with engineering and manufacturing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is a managerial position within the automotive design hierarchy. It requires significant experience (8+ years) and demonstrated leadership capabilities. This level typically involves leading a team, managing complex projects, and contributing to strategic design direction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to a Director-level position, such as the Executive Design Director of Cadillac and Chevrolet Brand and ID or the Global Director C&T. This structure indicates a clear path for upward mobility into more senior leadership roles within the design organization.

Design Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the brand identity and customer experience, particularly for high-value and personalized vehicles. The design decisions made by this team directly influence the perception of luxury, exclusivity, and craftsmanship for GM's premium offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

Potential advancement to Director-level design roles, overseeing larger teams or broader design functions within GM.
Opportunities to specialize further in specific areas of automotive design, CMF, or luxury personalization.
Development of strategic leadership skills through managing complex projects and collaborating with senior stakeholders.
Exposure to cutting-edge materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes in the automotive industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Analyzed the career level and reporting structure to provide insights into potential career progression within GM's design organization. Highlighted the significant impact of this role on brand and customer experience, particularly in the high-end segment. Outlined specific growth opportunities relevant to a design manager in the automotive industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site at the GM Global Technical Center - Design Center in Warren, MI. This is a dedicated automotive design studio environment, likely equipped with advanced design tools, modeling facilities, material libraries, and presentation spaces designed to foster creative work.

Office Location(s): GM Global Technical Center - Design Center in Warren, Michigan, United States. This centralized location facilitates close collaboration with other design teams, engineering, and prototyping facilities located on the technical campus.

Design Workspace Context:

The workspace is situated within a world-class automotive design facility, providing access to resources like clay modeling studios, VR visualization suites, and material research labs crucial for automotive CMF and personalization.
Collaboration spaces are likely integrated to facilitate teamwork between designers, modelers, and engineers.
Being on-site promotes direct interaction with physical prototypes, materials, and full-scale vehicle bucks, essential for evaluating CMF and personalization details.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position with on-site requirements. The nature of automotive design, especially for bespoke projects, may involve intense periods leading up to client presentations or program milestones. While a standard work week is the norm, flexibility and dedication are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Described the work environment based on the location being the GM Global Technical Center, highlighting the resources and collaborative opportunities available in a dedicated automotive design studio. Emphasized the importance of being on-site for working with physical models and materials.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening of resume and portfolio by HR and/or a Design Recruiter, focusing on experience, relevant skills, and portfolio quality.
Portfolio review with Design Leadership, where candidates will present their work, articulating their design process, creative judgment, and strategic thinking, particularly for CMF and personalization projects.
Interviews with Design Directors and potentially cross-functional partners (e.g., Engineering, Marketing) to assess technical skills, leadership potential, collaboration style, and cultural fit.
A design challenge or case study presentation may be required to evaluate problem-solving abilities and presentation skills under pressure.
Final interviews with senior design leadership to discuss vision, strategy, and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights experience in CMF, interior design, product design, or luxury goods, showcasing projects relevant to automotive personalization.
Structure case studies to clearly document your design process, from research and inspiration to ideation, material selection, and final execution.
Emphasize your strategic thinking, demonstrating how your design decisions align with brand identity, target audience, and manufacturing constraints.
Include high-quality visuals of material boards, color palettes, 3D renderings, and potentially physical samples or prototypes if possible.
Be prepared to discuss your role in collaborative projects and your approach to working with cross-functional teams.
Tailor your portfolio presentation to demonstrate your understanding of the automotive industry and the unique challenges of designing for commissions and personalization.
Highlight projects that showcase your ability to translate conceptual ideas into feasible, production-ready designs.

Challenge Preparation:

If a design challenge is assigned, carefully read the brief and clarify any ambiguities.
Allocate time effectively to address all aspects of the challenge, including research, ideation, development, and presentation.
Focus on demonstrating your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate your design rationale clearly and concisely.
Practice presenting your solution as you would to a client or internal stakeholder, emphasizing the strategic thinking behind your design decisions.

ATS Keywords: Automotive Design, CMF, Color Material Finish, Interior Design, Product Design, Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Design Management, Creative Direction, Team Leadership, Portfolio, Case Study, Design Process, Ideation, Sketching, 2D Design, 3D Design, Photoshop, Illustrator, VRED, Keyshot, Alias, Surface Modeling, Clay Modeling, Material Research, Trend Forecasting, Color Strategy, Trim Design, Soft Trim, Hard Trim, Manufacturing Processes, Supplier Collaboration, Cross-functional Teams, Client Management, Presentation Skills, Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving, Brand Strategy, Luxury Design, Personalization, Commissioning, Automotive Industry, GVDP, User-Centered Design, Design Thinking, Innovation, Appearance Quality, Program Management, Project Management, Mentoring, Talent Development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Outlined a typical automotive design interview process for a managerial role, including portfolio review specifics. Provided detailed, actionable tips for portfolio preparation and presentation, emphasizing the need to tailor content to the role's focus on CMF and personalization in automotive. Included advice for preparing for a potential design challenge. Compiled a comprehensive list of relevant ATS keywords based on the job description and design industry standards.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): Essential for 2D design, rendering, mood boards, and graphic presentations. Expert proficiency is required, indicating a deep understanding of these tools for automotive design applications.
PowerPoint/Keynote: Used for creating compelling presentations for client meetings, internal reviews, and program updates. Proficiency in visual storytelling through slides is crucial.
Word/Excel: Standard office tools for documentation, tracking deliverables, and managing project information.
3D Visualization Software (e.g., VRED, Keyshot): Preferred tools for creating realistic renderings and visualizations of interior and exterior designs, essential for evaluating CMF and personalization options in a virtual environment. Experience here demonstrates the ability to work with advanced visualization workflows.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Internal Collaboration Platforms: Likely utilizes company-specific platforms for communication, file sharing, and project management to coordinate with global design teams and cross-functional partners.
Handoff Tools: Processes and potentially software for handing off design specifications to engineering and manufacturing teams, ensuring design intent is accurately translated into production data.
Documentation Systems: Tools for maintaining design systems, material libraries, style guides, and project documentation.

Research & Testing:

Material Databases & Libraries: Access to extensive internal and external resources for researching and selecting materials, colors, and finishes.
Trend Forecasting Resources: Utilization of industry reports, trend agencies, and internal research to stay ahead of design trends.
Physical Prototyping & Sampling: Working with physical material samples, color chips, and potentially full-scale vehicle bucks to evaluate designs in a real-world context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Detailed the specific design tools and technology likely used in this role, emphasizing those relevant to CMF, visualization, and collaboration within a large automotive company. Categorized tools by function (Primary, Collaboration, Research) for clarity. Included VRED/Keyshot as key visualization tools based on industry standards.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Creativity & Innovation: A core value in automotive design, focusing on pushing boundaries and developing unique, forward-thinking design solutions, particularly important for bespoke personalization.
Brand Authenticity: Ensuring that all designs, especially commissions, remain true to the core values and design language of the specific GM brand (e.g., Cadillac, Chevrolet).
Craftsmanship & Quality: High emphasis on attention to detail, material selection, and execution to deliver a premium feel, critical for luxury personalization.
User-Centered Approach: Designing with the client's vision and preferences at the forefront, translating their unique needs into a personalized vehicle experience.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sales teams is essential to ensure design feasibility, market relevance, and successful client engagement.
Design Critique Culture: Engaging in constructive feedback sessions within the design team to refine concepts and elevate the quality of the work.
Client Partnership: Working directly and collaboratively with clients throughout the design process, acting as a trusted advisor and creative partner.

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferred key design values and collaboration styles likely present within a large automotive design organization focused on high-end personalization. Highlighted values like brand authenticity, craftsmanship, and a user-centered approach tailored to the client commissioning process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing client unique visions with brand identity and manufacturing feasibility within tight timelines.
Managing a team of creative individuals while ensuring project deliverables and strategic goals are met.
Staying ahead of rapid advancements in materials science, manufacturing technologies, and digital design tools.
Effectively communicating complex design concepts and technical constraints to non-design stakeholders and clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to attend industry conferences and workshops focused on automotive design, CMF trends, and luxury goods.
Participation in internal GM training programs focused on leadership development, project management, and new technologies.
Mentorship opportunities with senior design leaders within GM.
Exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies and design methodologies within a global organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identified potential design challenges inherent in a role focused on automotive commissions and personalization within a large corporation, such as balancing client needs with brand and feasibility. Outlined corresponding learning and development opportunities available within a company like GM.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

"Walk me through your process for developing a new color palette or material strategy for a luxury product." Be prepared to discuss your research methods, inspiration sources, and decision-making criteria.
"Describe a time you had to manage conflicting design feedback from multiple stakeholders (e.g., client, engineering, marketing). How did you navigate the situation and reach a resolution?" Focus on communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
"Explain your approach to translating 2D design concepts into 3D visualizations and ensuring accuracy for manufacturing handoff." Discuss your experience with 3D tools and collaboration with engineering teams.

Company Culture Questions:

"What excites you about working on commissions and personalization projects specifically for General Motors' brands?" Research recent GM vehicle launches and personalization programs.
"Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and develop a team of creative designers." Provide specific examples of past leadership experiences.
"How do you stay current with trends in CMF, automotive design, and luxury goods?" Discuss your methods for continuous learning and trend forecasting.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Begin with a brief introduction and overview of your design philosophy and experience.
Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your skills and experience in CMF, interior design, and personalization, particularly those with a luxury or bespoke focus.
For each project, clearly articulate the problem or brief, your design process, key decisions made, and the final outcome. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
Highlight your role in collaborative projects and your experience working with clients and cross-functional teams.
Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Conclude by summarizing your key strengths and reiterating your interest in the specific role and GM.

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided example interview questions tailored to the role's focus on design process, collaboration, and leadership in the automotive CMF space. Included questions related to company culture and motivation for working at GM. Offered a structured strategy for presenting a design portfolio effectively in an interview setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Prepare a comprehensive design portfolio as a PDF document, following the specific naming convention (LAST NAME, FIRST NAME.pdf) outlined in the job description. Ensure your portfolio demonstrates creative thinking, design judgment, process documentation, and proficiency in relevant design software.
Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in CMF, interior design, product design, and leadership roles, incorporating relevant keywords from the job description and the ATS keywords list provided. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely, as this will be a key part of the interview process.
Research General Motors, its brands (especially Cadillac and Chevrolet), and recent initiatives in personalization and luxury vehicles to demonstrate your informed interest and understanding of the company's strategic direction.

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

Design Manager - Commission & Personalization