HID Component Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: HID Component Senior Design Manager Company: General Motors Location: Warren, Michigan, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Design Management / Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-10 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office minimum)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a team of branded component managers to define and execute the aesthetic direction for innovative interior production components and concepts within the automotive sector.
• Integrate customer experience needs and brand differentiation opportunities across all customer interaction touchpoints in product interiors, focusing on human-centered digital and physical design.
• Direct and coordinate interior component integration work within a production design studio environment, requiring a high degree of independent design judgment, attention to detail, and execution expertise.
• Manage a team of program-embedded design managers toward a singular goal of branded component excellence throughout the vehicle design lifecycle, fostering cross-functional collaboration with production interior teams and engineering partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the emphasis on "component integration," "production design studio environment," "managing teams through strategic and execution phases," and "working cross-functionally with Design, Engineering, Program Teams, Sculpting, Fabrication" strongly indicates a role that requires robust operational oversight and process management within the design function. This aligns with Revenue Operations/Sales Operations/GTM roles that focus on enabling and optimizing processes for business units. The "HID" (Human Interface Design) aspect further suggests a focus on user experience and operationalizing design inputs for scalable product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead design teams through strategic and execution phases of the design process, ensuring alignment with brand identity and customer experience goals.
• Develop and maintain matrixed strategies across diverse vehicle programs, multiple brands, and various applications, requiring strong cross-functional coordination and program management skills.
• Facilitate the development of two and three-dimensional design representations with a keen focus on world-class aesthetic execution and manufacturability.
• Collaborate extensively with internal stakeholders including Design, Engineering, Program Teams, Sculpting, and Fabrication to develop and refine design proposals.
• Enhance critical relationships with design studio leaders, sculpting, engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to diplomatically resolve roadblocks and ensure smooth project progression.
• Promote a sense of urgency when design issues arise, proposing decisive and mutually beneficial solutions in concert with cross-functional partners.
• Present new design concepts and ideas effectively, both orally and visually, to a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of brand appropriateness and brand direction, ensuring all designs align with overarching brand strategies.
• Negotiate design criteria with engineers and branded design leaders, balancing aesthetic vision with technical feasibility and production realities.
• Proactively manage program timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks and deliverables through effective project planning and execution.
• Adhere to and develop common design processes and best practices to ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality across all projects.
• Stay informed on current and future global design trends, emerging technologies, production methods, advanced materials, and supply chain capabilities to drive innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for process definition, cross-functional alignment, and project execution management, which are core to operations roles. The emphasis on "matrixed strategies," "collaboration," "resolving roadblocks," and "managing program timelines" points to an operational focus on enabling efficient and effective design delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or a closely related field.
• Master’s degree in a relevant design discipline is a strong asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in design, with a significant portion dedicated to leadership and managing matrixed teams within the automotive industry.
• Proven track record of successfully navigating complex vehicle development processes, from concept to production.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor design teams, guiding them through concept development, refinement, and production implementation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional skills in working effectively with diverse teams, including engineering, program management, sculpting, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• 3D Modeling & Development: Strong understanding and practical experience with 3D modeling software and the 3D development process for automotive components.
• Brand Strategy Integration: Deep understanding of brand identity and the ability to translate brand direction into tangible design elements for product interiors.
• Customer Experience Focus: Demonstrated ability to empathize with and translate user needs and behaviors into intuitive and engaging design solutions across various touchpoints.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and visual communication skills for presenting design concepts, strategies, and proposals to diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify design challenges, propose decisive solutions, and diplomatically navigate complex stakeholder landscapes to achieve optimal outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Engineering Requirements Understanding: Familiarity with engineering requirements, limitations, and the development process, enabling effective negotiation and design feasibility.
• Design Systems Development: Experience in creating or contributing to scalable design systems that ensure consistency, accessibility, and innovation across platforms.
• User Research Integration: Ability to leverage user research insights to inform design decisions and validate design concepts.
• Material & Process Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of automotive materials, production methods, and supply chain capabilities to drive innovation and manufacturability.
• Global Design Trends: Awareness of current and future global design trends, technologies, and consumer behavior shifts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10 years’ experience Leading matrixed teams" and "Experience working through vehicle development processes using multiple software mediums" are critical for operations candidates to highlight, focusing on their ability to manage complex workflows, stakeholder relationships, and project lifecycles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Design Execution: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your leadership in bringing complex interior production components from concept to successful market launch, emphasizing aesthetic quality and brand alignment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Include evidence of how you have effectively collaborated with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to overcome design challenges and achieve production-ready solutions.
• Team Leadership & Strategy: Provide examples of how you have led design teams, managed matrixed relationships, and developed strategic design approaches for multiple vehicle programs or brands.
• Visual Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your ability to articulate design decisions through compelling 2D and 3D representations, explaining the rationale behind your choices and their impact on user experience and brand differentiation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Illustrate your experience in developing, refining, or implementing design workflows that enhance efficiency, consistency, and quality within a production design studio environment.
• Cross-Functional Process Integration: Detail how you have integrated design processes with engineering, manufacturing, and program management timelines and methodologies to ensure seamless project progression.
• Best Practice Development: Showcase your contribution to establishing or adhering to design best practices, standard processes, and quality control measures within a team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, the portfolio should emphasize the management and optimization of design processes, not just the creative output. Highlighting how teams were led, roadblocks were overcome, and efficient workflows were implemented will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in the automotive sector in the Detroit Metro area, the estimated annual salary range is $150,000 - $220,000. This range may vary based on specific qualifications, experience, and internal General Motors compensation structures.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Relocation benefits are available for eligible candidates.
• Employee vehicle discount programs and purchase plans.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Life Insurance and Disability coverage.
• Access to GM's employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid work arrangement requires a minimum of three days per week in the Warren, Michigan office.
• Flexibility may be available based on project needs and team collaboration requirements, but core in-office presence is mandatory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the specified location and industry. The specific compensation package will be determined by General Motors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing and Technology. General Motors is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and selling vehicles, and is at the forefront of developing new technologies for mobility, including electric vehicles and autonomous driving systems. Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This scale offers opportunities for significant impact, broad career development, and exposure to complex, global operations. Founded: 1908. With over a century of innovation, GM has a deep-rooted history in shaping the automotive landscape, fostering a culture that balances tradition with forward-thinking technological advancement.

Team Structure:

• The Human Interface Design (HID) team operates within a broader design and engineering organization, likely structured by functional specialization (e.g., UI/UX, graphic design, interaction design, physical component design).
• This role sits within the HID team, leading a group of "branded component managers" and their respective teams, indicating a hierarchical structure with direct reports and matrixed responsibilities.
• Close collaboration is expected with production interior teams, engineering partners, product managers, UX researchers, and potentially interior/exterior designers, emphasizing a highly integrated, cross-functional operational model.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A strong emphasis on understanding driver and passenger needs through user research to inform design decisions.
• Design Systems Approach: Development and utilization of scalable design systems to ensure consistency, accessibility, and innovation across vehicle, web, and mobile platforms.
• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, the nature of automotive development and design often involves iterative processes, cross-functional sprints, and continuous feedback loops.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: Designs are informed by user research, market trends, and potentially performance data from existing systems.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GM's scale and long history imply a structured, process-oriented environment. Operations professionals will find familiar challenges in managing large-scale projects, cross-functional dependencies, and ensuring consistent execution across diverse product lines and brands.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design operations function, bridging creative direction with operational execution. It's a management role focused on team leadership, process optimization, and strategic implementation of design initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The HID Component Senior Design Manager reports to a higher-level design executive or director. They will directly manage a team of branded component managers and indirectly influence numerous cross-functional teams involved in vehicle development.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the customer experience and brand perception by ensuring the aesthetic quality, functionality, and integration of interior components. This operational oversight ensures that innovative design concepts are translated into manufacturable, user-friendly products, directly influencing customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into executive design leadership roles, overseeing larger design organizations or entire product lines.
• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in Human Interface Design, automotive UX, or specific component integration areas.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into broader program management, product strategy, or operations leadership roles within GM, leveraging a deep understanding of the product development lifecycle.
• Industry Influence: Opportunities to contribute to industry standards, participate in design forums, and shape the future of automotive interior design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, framing this role as managing the "operations of design" – i.e., the processes, teams, and resources that bring design concepts to life – will resonate. The growth path emphasizes moving from managing design execution to managing broader business functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires a minimum of three days per week at the GM Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed for team interaction, brainstorming, and hands-on work with physical and digital design tools. Office Location(s): GM Global Technical Center, Warren, Michigan. This is a major hub for GM's research, development, and design activities, offering extensive resources and a dynamic environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, studios, and presentation spaces designed to foster collaboration among design, engineering, and program teams.
• Advanced Design Tools: Access to state-of-the-art design software, 3D modeling hardware, and potentially physical prototyping facilities and material labs.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with direct reports, peers, and stakeholders across various departments, promoting knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the hybrid nature and project-driven environment may require flexibility. The expectation is for consistent in-office presence on designated days to facilitate in-person collaboration critical for design execution and team management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and specific office days are crucial for operations candidates to understand the expected balance between remote work and in-person collaboration, which is critical for managing team dynamics and project workflows.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, leadership capabilities, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your leadership style, strategic thinking, experience managing design teams, and understanding of automotive design processes.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key cross-functional partners (e.g., engineering leads, program managers, other design leaders) to evaluate your collaboration skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to integrate design with business objectives.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of your work on design execution and user experience.
• Executive Review: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership to assess strategic fit and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operations: Highlight how you managed teams, optimized workflows, resolved cross-functional conflicts, and ensured timely, high-quality execution of design projects.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects, such as improvements in efficiency, reduction in design cycle time, or positive feedback on user experience.
• Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, mentoring designers, and driving strategic initiatives.
• Visual Storytelling: Use compelling visuals (2D renderings, 3D models, prototypes) to illustrate your design concepts and execution, but ensure the narrative focuses on the operational aspects of bringing them to life.
• Brand & User Alignment: Demonstrate your understanding of how designs align with brand identity and address user needs effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach managing a complex interior component development program under tight deadlines.
• Anticipate questions about resolving conflicts between creative vision and engineering constraints.
• Practice articulating your design strategy and operational approach to achieving world-class execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should frame their portfolio and interview responses around their ability to operationalize creative visions, manage complex project lifecycles, foster cross-functional collaboration, and drive efficiency and quality in the design process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: Expertise in industry-standard tools such as CATIA, Alias, or similar for automotive design and development.
• CAD/CAM Software: Familiarity with systems used for design engineering and manufacturing integration.
• Visualization Tools: Proficiency in rendering software (e.g., VRED, KeyShot) for creating high-fidelity visualizations of design concepts.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for tracking project progress, managing tasks, and coordinating team efforts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not a primary focus, an understanding of how to interpret data from user research, market analysis, and performance metrics is beneficial.
• Presentation Software: Mastery of PowerPoint or similar for creating impactful visual presentations of design concepts and strategies.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM Systems (Product Lifecycle Management): Familiarity with systems like Siemens Teamcenter or Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA, which are critical for managing complex product development data and workflows.
• Collaboration Platforms: Proficient use of tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or GM's internal collaboration suites for communication and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasize familiarity with PLM systems, as these are foundational to operations in product development. Highlight any experience with project management tools that demonstrate process control and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering world-class quality in all aspects of design, from concept to production.
• Collaboration & Partnership: A strong belief in working hand-in-hand with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.
• User-Centricity: Prioritizing the needs and experiences of drivers and passengers in every design decision.
• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas, technologies, and design approaches to shape the future of mobility.
• Accountability & Urgency: Taking ownership of responsibilities and acting decisively to address challenges and meet deadlines.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Working in highly integrated, cross-functional teams where design is not siloed but a key partner from the outset of product development.
• Open Communication: Fostering an environment of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent information sharing across all levels and departments.
• Process-Oriented: Valuing well-defined processes and best practices that ensure efficiency, consistency, and successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should connect their own professional values to GM's stated values, emphasizing their ability to drive efficiency, foster collaboration, and ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes through robust processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Production Realities: Navigating the inherent tension between pushing creative boundaries and adhering to engineering constraints, manufacturing limitations, and cost targets.
• Managing Matrixed Teams & Stakeholders: Effectively leading and influencing teams not directly reporting to you, while aligning diverse stakeholder interests across multiple vehicle programs and brands.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive brand identity across a wide range of products and touchpoints, which requires rigorous process adherence and strategic oversight.
• Rapidly Evolving Technology Landscape: Keeping pace with advancements in automotive technology, digital interfaces, and user expectations in a dynamic industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Technology Training: Access to internal and external training programs on the latest design tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone management and leadership skills through GM's internal development initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of other areas of the automotive development lifecycle (e.g., engineering, manufacturing, marketing) through collaboration.
• Industry Conferences & Forums: Participation in leading automotive and design conferences to stay abreast of trends and network with industry professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Frame these challenges as opportunities for operations professionals to apply their skills in process improvement, stakeholder management, and strategic execution. Growth opportunities should be linked to developing operational leadership within the design function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a team of design leads responsible for distinct interior components across multiple vehicle programs. How do you ensure alignment and consistent quality?" (Focus on your operational framework, communication strategy, and performance management.)
• "Walk me through a time you had to reconcile conflicting design visions between creative teams and engineering constraints. What was your process for reaching a solution?" (Highlight your problem-solving methodology, negotiation skills, and ability to facilitate compromise.)
• "How do you stay ahead of emerging design trends and integrate new technologies into production vehicle interiors while managing timelines and budgets?" (Emphasize your proactive approach to learning, strategic planning, and process for evaluating and incorporating new ideas.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about GM's current design philosophy and its vision for future mobility? How would your leadership align with this?" (Research GM's Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion goals and their Human Interface Design approach.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a design team and across cross-functional departments?" (Discuss your leadership style, communication methods, and experience building strong working relationships.)
• "How do you measure the success of design initiatives beyond aesthetics, considering user experience, brand impact, and production feasibility?" (Focus on metrics, feedback loops, and operational KPIs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Examples: Choose 2-3 projects that showcase your leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and ability to manage complex design execution from concept to production.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the operational challenges encountered, the solutions you implemented (focusing on process and team management), and the measurable outcomes.
• Highlight Operational Impact: Emphasize how your management approach facilitated efficient workflows, resolved roadblocks, and ensured the successful execution of design intent within production constraints.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, team dynamics, and specific technical aspects of the projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should tailor their responses to showcase their ability to manage processes, lead teams effectively, drive efficiency, and ensure successful project outcomes within a complex, cross-functional environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused design management position:

• Submit your application through the General Motors careers portal link provided.
• Curate Your Portfolio for Operations: Select case studies that prominently feature your leadership in managing design processes, cross-functional collaboration, and successful project execution from concept to production. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience, program management skills, experience with complex product development lifecycles, and proficiency in cross-functional team leadership. Use keywords such as "Design Management," "Process Optimization," "Cross-functional Collaboration," "Program Execution," and "Team Leadership."
• Prepare Your Presentation Narrative: Practice articulating your portfolio case studies with a clear focus on the operational aspects of design management – how you led teams, solved problems, and ensured successful project delivery.
• Research GM's Design & Operations: Familiarize yourself with GM's current design direction, especially regarding Human Interface Design, and understand their operational structure and commitment to innovation and user experience.

⚠️ 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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