Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer
Company: Schneider Electric
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Design & Engineering Operations
Date Posted: October 23, 2025
Experience Level: 6+ Years (with 3+ years in Project Management)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the planning, management, and delivery of high-quality digital assets, including 4K images, 360° visuals, simplified CAD, and system images for Schneider Electric's digital platforms.
• Oversee project execution from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with business leaders and engagement with diverse stakeholders across global teams.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment, mentoring junior designers and ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards for all visual assets.
• Drive continuous skill development to adapt to evolving 3D rendering platforms and asset management technologies, contributing to overall operational efficiency.
• Act as a key point of contact for project expectations, problem-solving, and decision-making, ensuring timely and effective delivery of design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Schneider Electric's Energy Management and Technical Communication team, indicating a strong focus on technical accuracy and clarity in visual communications for industrial and energy management products. The emphasis on digital asset delivery for e-commerce and promotional materials highlights its direct impact on commercial and marketing operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Delivery: Independently lead design projects from conception to final delivery, ensuring all project milestones are met within scope, budget, and timeline.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively manage expectations and communication with various business leaders, division heads, and cross-functional teams across different geographic locations and time zones.
• Team Management & Mentoring: Lead and manage a team of designers, providing guidance, mentorship, and training to new joiners and ensuring their professional development.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct rigorous quality checks on all rendered images, simplified CAD files, and other digital assets to ensure they meet Schneider Electric's high-quality standards and brand guidelines.
• Technical Asset Development: Continuously develop new skills and adapt to new technologies for various asset types, including 3D rendering, PDM (Product Data Management), DAM (Digital Asset Management), and technical illustration.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for process improvements within the design workflow to enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and improve overall output quality.
• Collaboration: Foster a collaborative working style, acting as a team player and actively contributing to cross-functional team efforts to achieve shared objectives.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Apply strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills to address design challenges and project roadblocks effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize not only design execution but also strong project and people management. The need to manage diverse stakeholders across time zones and geographies points to a complex operational environment requiring excellent communication and organizational skills, typical of senior roles in global operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Ideally a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, providing a strong foundation in product design and technical understanding.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience as a CAD Designer or Product Designer within a global technology company.
• At least 3 years of dedicated experience in project management, demonstrating the ability to lead and deliver complex projects.

Required Skills:

• CAD Software Proficiency: Mandatory experience with Creo Tool for 3D design and PDM management.
• Digital Asset Creation: Proven ability to create high-quality 4K and 360° product images, simplified CAD, and 2D views.
• Project Management: Demonstrated experience in planning, scheduling, managing, and delivering multiple parallel projects effectively.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to articulate ideas, manage stakeholders, and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Strong analytical capabilities to identify issues, evaluate solutions, and make sound decisions.
• Quality Focus: Keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality visual assets that meet stringent standards.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team, fostering a positive and productive collaborative environment.
• Mentoring & Training: Experience in guiding and developing junior team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Rendering Software: Additional knowledge of rendering software such as Blender or KeyShot.
• Illustration Tools: Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator or similar illustration tools for graphic asset creation.
• Customer-Centricity: Ability to understand and deliver product images tailored to specific project expectations and customer needs.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: A positive, open attitude and the flexibility to adapt to new challenges and evolving technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory requirement for Creo and PDM experience, along with preferred knowledge of rendering and illustration tools, indicates a specialized technical skill set within the design operations domain. The emphasis on project management experience at this level suggests a focus on operational efficiency and structured delivery of design outputs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Asset Showcase: A curated collection of high-quality digital assets, including 4K images, 360° visuals, and simplified CAD models, demonstrating technical proficiency and aesthetic quality.
• Project Management Case Studies: Specific examples of projects led, detailing the scope, challenges, your role in planning and execution, and the successful outcomes achieved.
• 3D Rendering Examples: Demonstrations of proficiency in 3D rendering software (e.g., Blender, KeyShot) showcasing realistic product visualizations.
• Technical Illustration Samples: Examples of technical illustrations or 2D views that clearly communicate product features or assembly instructions.
• Process Improvement Documentation: Evidence of contributions to workflow optimization, efficiency gains, or quality improvements within design or asset management processes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document and articulate design workflows, from asset request to final delivery, highlighting key stages, decision points, and quality gates.
• System Integration: Understanding of how design assets integrate with Product Data Management (PDM) and Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems.
• Quality Control Protocols: Documentation of quality assurance processes followed to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand standards for all visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase visual output but also demonstrate project management capabilities and an understanding of the underlying processes and systems (PDM, DAM) that govern asset creation and management within a large organization. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable results and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Designer with 6+ years of experience and 3+ years in project management in Bangalore, India, the estimated annual salary range is ₹1,200,000 to ₹2,000,000 (approximately $14,400 - $24,000 USD, subject to exchange rates). This estimate considers the company's global presence and the specific technical and leadership requirements of the role.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Covering medical, dental, and vision for employees and their dependents.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Company-matched contributions to a provident fund or similar retirement scheme.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and workshops to enhance skills in design, project management, and new technologies.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company achievements.
• Global Mobility Opportunities: Potential for international assignments or cross-functional projects within Schneider Electric's global network.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines and global team collaboration across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for Bangalore, India, based on the experience level, role seniority, and industry. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, negotiation, and Schneider Electric's internal compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Management and Industrial Automation. Schneider Electric is a global leader in digital transformation, offering integrated energy and automation solutions. Company Size: Over 150,000+ employees worldwide, indicating a large, established, and complex organizational structure. Founded: Founded in 1836, Schneider Electric has a long history and deep expertise in industrial sectors, emphasizing stability and a commitment to innovation.

Team Structure:

• Energy Management and Technical Communication Team: This specific team likely comprises technical writers, graphic designers, CAD specialists, and project managers focused on creating clear, accurate, and compelling visual and written documentation for Schneider Electric's products and solutions.
• Reporting: The Lead Designer likely reports to a Design Manager, Technical Communication Manager, or a Project Management Office (PMO) lead responsible for digital asset creation and delivery.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with Product Development, Engineering, Marketing, E-commerce, and Sales teams to ensure design assets are accurate, aligned with product roadmaps, and meet market needs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data from user feedback, market analysis, and product performance to inform design decisions and asset creation.
• Agile Project Management: Likely adoption of agile or hybrid methodologies for managing design projects, allowing for flexibility and iterative development.
• Standardized Processes: Implementation of standardized workflows for asset creation, review, and approval to ensure consistency and efficiency across global operations.

Company Website: https://www.se.com/ww/en/

📝 Enhancement Note: Schneider Electric's strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusion, and its "IMPACT" values (Inclusion, Mastery, Purpose, Action, Curiosity, Teamwork) suggests a corporate culture that values employee development, ethical conduct, and a commitment to making a positive global impact. This context is crucial for understanding the team's operational ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, a "Lead" role, indicating significant responsibility for project execution, team guidance, and technical expertise. It sits above individual contributor designer roles and below management positions. Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Head of Technical Communication, with direct reports being other designers or CAD specialists. This structure facilitates mentorship and oversight of design operations. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue by ensuring high-quality visual assets are available for e-commerce platforms, marketing collateral, and sales enablement materials, which are critical for product perception and conversion rates. Effective design operations contribute to a streamlined go-to-market process.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced 3D rendering, simulation visualization, or specific CAD software modules.
• Project Management Advancement: Transition into a dedicated Project Manager role within the Technical Communication or broader Engineering/Operations departments, managing larger or more complex initiatives.
• Leadership Development: Progress into management roles, such as Design Manager or Head of Technical Communication, leading larger teams and setting strategic direction for design operations.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related fields like Product Management, Marketing Operations, or UX/UI design, leveraging a strong understanding of product visualization and user experience.
• Learning & Development Programs: Access to Schneider Electric's extensive learning resources, including specialized courses, certifications, and mentorship programs focused on leadership, technical skills, and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title signifies a stepping stone towards management. Candidates should look for opportunities to demonstrate leadership potential, process improvement initiatives, and strategic thinking beyond just design execution to align with growth expectations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This suggests a traditional office setting where in-person collaboration, access to specific hardware/software, and direct team interaction are prioritized. Office Location(s): Bangalore, Karnataka, India. This location is a major technology hub, offering access to a skilled talent pool and a dynamic business environment. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration, with team areas, meeting rooms, and potentially shared design studios.
• Technology Access: Employees will have access to high-performance workstations, specialized design software (Creo, rendering tools), and necessary IT infrastructure to support complex visualization tasks.
• Team Interaction: The on-site nature facilitates spontaneous brainstorming, direct feedback sessions, and stronger team cohesion, which is beneficial for complex design projects.

Work Schedule: Standard professional working hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with some flexibility for project deadlines. The need to collaborate across time zones might necessitate occasional early morning or late evening communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major city like Bangalore indicates a need for candidates comfortable with a structured office environment and direct team engagement. This setting is often preferred for roles requiring intensive collaboration and access to specialized equipment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and online applications for minimum qualifications and relevant experience.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, project management skills, technical expertise (Creo, rendering), and understanding of the role's responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and team management approach.
3. Portfolio Review & Technical Assessment: A dedicated session where you present your portfolio. Expect to walk through specific projects, explaining your design process, technical challenges, solutions, and the outcomes. A technical test or a detailed discussion on Creo/rendering techniques might occur.
4. Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and key stakeholders from departments like Marketing, Engineering, or Product Management. This assesses your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate into the team.
5. Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader, focusing on cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the Lead Designer role and Schneider Electric's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in CAD design, 3D rendering, project leadership, and quality assurance.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used (especially Creo), challenges faced, your solutions, and the quantifiable results or impact delivered.
• Highlight Leadership: Include examples where you led a project or mentored team members, showcasing your ability to manage tasks and people effectively.
• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the intricacies of your CAD modeling, rendering settings, and PDM workflows.
• Showcase Quality: Ensure all visual assets presented are of the highest quality, with clear explanations of how quality standards were met or exceeded.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific design challenges, stakeholder conflicts, or project delays. Think about applying your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would improve the digital asset creation process at Schneider Electric, drawing on your experience with PDM, DAM, and workflow optimization.
• Team Motivation: Consider how you would motivate a design team, especially when facing tight deadlines or complex technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should prepare a digital portfolio that is well-organized, visually appealing, and clearly articulates their contributions to each project, particularly highlighting project management aspects and technical proficiency with required tools.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Creo Tool (mandatory), essential for 3D modeling and product design.
• PDM System: Product Data Management system for managing design data, revisions, and workflows. Experience with PDM integration is key.
• 3D Rendering Software: Blender, KeyShot, or similar visualization tools for creating high-fidelity product images.
• 2D/Illustration Software: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or similar for creating and editing 2D assets, technical illustrations, and refining rendered images.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience working with or understanding DAM systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets.
• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for planning, tracking, and reporting on project progress.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM Systems: Product Lifecycle Management systems, as PDM is often a component of a larger PLM suite.
• Automation Tools: Awareness of potential automation in rendering pipelines or asset management workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Creo and PDM is non-negotiable. Knowledge of rendering software and DAM systems is also highly valued, indicating the operational focus on efficient and high-quality digital asset production and management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Inclusion: Schneider Electric actively promotes an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, essential for creative problem-solving in design.
• Mastery: A commitment to continuous learning and achieving excellence in one's field, relevant for staying current with design technologies and processes.
• Purpose: A drive to contribute to a sustainable and efficient world, aligning design efforts with the company's broader mission.
• Action: A proactive approach to problem-solving and project execution, emphasizing initiative and timely delivery.
• Curiosity: Encouraging exploration of new ideas, tools, and methods to drive innovation in design and operations.
• Teamwork: A strong emphasis on collaboration, communication, and mutual support within and across teams to achieve collective goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with engineering, marketing, and sales to ensure visual assets meet diverse functional and market requirements.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to foster continuous improvement and high-quality output.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned within the design and technical communication teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "IMPACT" values are central to Schneider Electric's culture. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how their work and collaboration style align with these values, particularly in the context of driving operational excellence and contributing to sustainability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and priorities of stakeholders across different regions and business units in a fast-paced environment.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new 3D rendering platforms, CAD software updates, and asset management technologies to maintain high-quality output.
• Ensuring Brand Consistency: Maintaining a unified brand aesthetic and technical accuracy across a vast array of digital assets for different platforms and regions.
• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering high-quality visual assets efficiently under tight project deadlines, requiring strong time management and process optimization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Access to specialized courses and certifications for Creo, advanced rendering techniques, or new visualization software.
• Project Management Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in Agile, Scrum, or other project management frameworks relevant to design operations.
• Leadership Skills Development: Training programs focused on team leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic planning for aspiring leaders.
• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Participation in industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends in product design, visualization, and digital asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical of senior positions in global operations, requiring a blend of technical skill, project management acumen, and strong interpersonal abilities. Growth opportunities are well-defined, aligning with career progression in design and operations leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project you led from start to finish. What were the key challenges, how did you manage stakeholders, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on project management, stakeholder engagement, and results.)
• "How have you used Creo or other CAD tools to solve a specific design problem or improve a product's visualization?" (Demonstrate technical problem-solving with relevant tools.)
• "Imagine you need to create a series of 360° images for a new product launch with a tight deadline. How would you plan and execute this task, considering quality and stakeholder approvals?" (Assess planning, execution, and quality assurance processes.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency and technical accuracy across a wide range of digital assets produced by a team?" (Focus on quality control and process management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Schneider Electric's IMPACT values (Inclusion, Mastery, Purpose, Action, Curiosity, Teamwork) align with your professional approach to design and team collaboration?" (Connect your values to the company's.)
• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or training new team members. What is your approach to developing talent within a design team?" (Showcase leadership and team development skills.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in 3D rendering and digital asset creation?" (Highlight commitment to continuous learning and skill mastery.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly state the project objective, your specific role, the tools used (mention Creo, rendering software), the challenges overcome, innovative solutions, and the impact (e.g., improved conversion, clearer communication).
• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your work. For example, "Improved rendering speed by 15% through workflow optimization" or "Delivered all assets 2 days ahead of schedule."
• Showcase Project Management: Highlight how you managed timelines, communicated with stakeholders, and ensured quality throughout the project lifecycle.
• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific techniques, software settings, or troubleshooting related to Creo and rendering.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical design skills, robust project management capabilities, leadership potential, and a strong understanding of how design operations contribute to broader business objectives at a global company like Schneider Electric.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Schneider Electric careers portal (https://careers.se.com).
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your experience with Creo, PDM, 3D rendering, project management, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description to optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a digital portfolio that showcases your best work, emphasizing 4K images, 360° visuals, simplified CAD, and project management case studies. Ensure it is easily accessible and well-organized.
• Research Schneider Electric: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values (especially IMPACT), products, and recent sustainability initiatives. Understand how the Energy Management and Technical Communication team contributes to these.
• Practice Your Pitch: Prepare to articulate your experience, skills, and career aspirations clearly and concisely, particularly during portfolio review and interview stages. Be ready to discuss how your leadership and technical expertise can benefit Schneider Electric's design operations.

⚠️ 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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