Lead Interior Designer

About the role

The Lead Interior Designer defines and drives the creative direction of vehicle interiors for GM brands serving China and global markets. The role leads interior theme development from early advanced concepts through production execution, guiding a small team of interior designers and collaborating with UX/HMI, CMF, Studio Engineering, VSE, Product Planning and Customer Research. It is an on-site, full-time position reporting to the Advanced Technical Center in Shanghai.

Key responsibilities

• Lead interior design themes for assigned programs from early sketch to final CAS/digital model and design freeze
• Translate brand strategy, China customer insights and technology roadmaps into differentiated interior concepts
• Generate and review sketches, storyboards, digital renderings and VR/3D presentations
• Partner with UX/HMI and CMF teams to integrate displays, lighting, controls, materials and sound
• Work with Studio Engineering and Packaging to ensure technical feasibility, manufacturability and compliance with safety, ergonomics and regulations
• Drive design deliverables and gateways in line with the Design GVDP process
• Present proposals in studio reviews, DLT reviews, GDRs and executive design forums, and support customer clinics and VR evaluations
• Mentor and guide junior and senior interior designers, and partner with Global Design studios
• Contribute to advanced projects such as new interaction models, future cockpits and AI- or data-enabled experiences

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Transportation, Automotive or Industrial design, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of professional automotive design experience, preferably with international experience at prominent European OEM studios or design houses
• Ability to think conceptually and work across functions
• Strong understanding of user needs in different scenarios

Required skills

• Comprehensive interior design ability, from concept to 3D digital and full-size clay models
• Superb sketching and rendering skills; 2D visual communication is very important
• Dedication to a holistic design process