Role purpose
Lead industrial design for priority SKUs and own the documentation system so engineering intent becomes simple, safe and delightful user actions. Embed design excellence and documentation discipline from early concept through engineering change orders so every product ships with ontime, error-free artefacts that reduce support load and lift customer outcomes.
What success looks like
* Portfolio outcomes: Hero SKUs deliver improved NPS and reduced assembly time verified in build tests; documentation defects are near zero at launch.
* Design system: A reusable library (components, iconography, patterns, CMF guides) is live, versioned and adopted across teams.
* Operations rhythm: A storyboard → illustrate → build-test → approve → publish pipeline is operating with measured cycle time and quality gates.
* Cross-functional trust: Engineers, QA and warranty rate artefacts ≥ 9/10 for clarity and correctness; creative brand passes are first-time.
Daily work when leading the stream
* Set and run the ID cadence: concept crits, design reviews, DFM/DFA checkpoints, ECO readiness and pre-build briefings.
* Convert CAD and test insights into buildable solutions; close loops with engineers within 24–72 hours depending on change class.
* Direct the documentation squad (designers/illustrators) on storyboards, sequence logic, call-outs, tooling and safety notes; own final pagination and release.
* Maintain a single source of truth: version artefacts by part/SKU/market; publish press-ready and digital assets ahead of cut-offs.
* Mine warranty/support signals to prioritise improvements; update libraries and patterns to prevent repeat issues.
Key responsibilities
* Industrial design leadership: Own ID for assigned SKUs from problem framing and concept generation to validation, CMF, packaging touchpoints and handover.
* DFX ownership: Drive DFM/DFA decisions with ME/EE; simplify parts, fasteners and sequences to reduce assembly time and error.
* Documentation system: Architect and enforce the documentation pipeline, standards and templates across brands/SKUs/markets.
* ECO and version control: Control artwork/versioning across part numbers, revisions, variants and languages; ensure compliance markings are correct.
* Build validation: Prove instructions in real builds; fix ambiguous steps, orientation, torque/tools and safety call-outs before release.
* Cross-functional leadership: Orchestrate inputs with engineering, QA/test, prototype shop, supply/manufacturing, warranty/support and creative brand checks.
* Mentoring and uplift: Coach junior designers/illustrators; run crits and skills sessions; raise the bar on information design and file hygiene.
* Vendor and print readiness: Prepare print specs, review proofs, and align packaging constraints with manufacturing timelines.
Decision rights and boundaries
* Owns: Concept direction within agreed product strategy, storyboard/sequence logic, illustration style within brand guardrails, pagination and release readiness.
* Recommends: Packaging inserts, labels, tool/fastener choices, step re-ordering, part simplification and tolerance changes backed by test data.
* Seeks approval: Changes affecting safety, compliance, functional performance, cost targets or brand exceptions.
Key interfaces
* Internal: ME/EE engineers, chief of product, QA/test, prototype shop, supply/manufacturing, warranty/support, creative.
* External: UK/EU print vendors, translation partners and selected design/fabrication partners.
Ways of working
* Daily: Stand-ups with UK office lead and engineers; change log updates; active work on storyboards/illustrations/prototypes.
* Weekly: R&D documentation/design reviews; incorporate QA/warranty feedback; prep assets for gate readiness.
* Fortnightly: Triage support insights; refresh libraries and pattern inventory; mentor sessions.
* Monthly: Portfolio health with head of R&D (quality, cycle time, pipeline, risks and benefits).
Language requirements
• Professional written and spoken English with plain-language mastery for global audiences.
Must-have experience
* 7–10+ years in industrial design with shipped consumer products; proven ownership from concept to launch.
* Demonstrated leadership inside R&D with engineers (ME/EE), QA/test and supply; able to influence DFM/DFA decisions.
* Hands-on validation in verification/pilot builds observing user behaviour; track record reducing support tickets tied to assembly or instructions.
* Portfolio showing information design excellence for complex assemblies and user-facing artefacts that improved outcomes.
Must-have skills
* Advanced concept development, prototyping and iteration; strong 3D form sensitivity and
CMF judgement.
* Information design that breaks complexity into sequential, visual steps with robust
iconography and call-outs.
* Strong Adobe Illustrator/InDesign and read-only CAD literacy; confident with PLM/parts
lists, version control and ECO flow.
* Clear written and visual English; crisp facilitation in engineering and cross-functional
forums.
Tools and credentials
* Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat for markup; read-only CAD viewer; PLM access;
shared drives/versioning; familiarity with print specs and packaging constraints.
* Desirable: Advanced translation/localisation workflows; usability testing methods; exposure
to ERP/WMS artwork release steps.
Role expectations
* Be meticulous, calm and user-obsessed; leave every process with clean SOPs, trained
owners and measurable benefits.
* Operate as a multiplier: mentor designers, uplift standards and land outcomes without
drama.