Product Design Team Leader – Consumer Devices (Milan, Italy | Onsite)
About the Role
Our client is a global technology leader with a strong focus on innovation in consumer electronics and smart devices. As part of their European design hub in Milan, they are building a forward-thinking design ecosystem to shape the next generation of products.
They are now seeking a Product Design Team Leader to drive future vision, concept development, and design strategy across a range of consumer devices including smartphones, wearables, and emerging smart products.
This is a highly strategic role combining design leadership, trend research, and conceptual innovation, with strong influence on global product direction.
Key Responsibilities
Design Strategy & Future Vision
* Lead research into emerging technologies, materials, and design trends to identify future product opportunities
* Develop forward-looking product concepts exploring new form factors, user interactions, and design languages
* Translate insights into clear design strategies and frameworks
Concept Development & Innovation
* Create high-level design concepts and visual narratives to communicate product vision
* Drive innovation in CMF (Colour, Material, Finish) and sensory design
* Explore sustainable and next-generation materials and design approaches
Leadership & Collaboration
* Lead and develop a team of designers, fostering a strong creative culture
* Collaborate closely with global product, engineering, and UX teams
* Influence stakeholders through compelling storytelling and presentations
Market & Trend Analysis
* Analyse consumer behaviour, competitor products, and industry trends
* Bring cross-industry inspiration (fashion, mobility, architecture, digital experiences) into product design
* Engage with external partners including design studios, suppliers, and research institutions
Requirements
Background & Experience
* Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field
* 8+ years of experience in product/industrial design, ideally within consumer electronics or similar industries
* Proven experience in design strategy, concept development, and future visioning
* Minimum 2 years of team leadership experience
Skills
* Strong conceptual thinking and ability to translate ideas into compelling design directions
* Experience with CMF design and material innovation
* Proficiency in design tools such as Rhino, KeyShot, Adobe Creative Suite (or similar)
* Strong visual storytelling and presentation skills
Personal Profile
* Strategic, forward-thinking, and highly creative mindset
* Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
* Passion for pushing design boundaries and shaping future products