Senior Industrial Designer (f/m/d)

About the role

Personio is seeking an experienced designer to guide creative strategy and execution for diverse client projects in our Shanghai studio. You will shape design languages, lead client relationships, and translate human-centered insights into high-quality product solutions. The role requires a strategic thinker who can own the creative direction from research to final execution while maintaining the highest standards of design quality. You will act as a key contributor to the development of design languages that define the visual and tactile identity of our work. This position demands a balance of independent project management and collaborative leadership within a multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that design concepts are not only visually compelling but also strategically aligned with client and user needs.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Direct the creative output and strategy for multi-disciplinary projects across various industries and sectors.
• Explore and define visual design languages and product forms that respond to market demands and user expectations.
• Manage client communication, build professional trust, and facilitate decision-making through clear and persuasive narratives.
• Perform desk and qualitative research to uncover project insights and identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• Build strategic frameworks and narratives to support design concepts and ensure coherence across all deliverables.
• Organize and lead workshops for internal staff and external partners to foster collaboration and idea generation.
• Transform user-focused ideas into polished, final design deliverables that meet technical and aesthetic standards.
• Present work to clients to gain alignment and project approval, ensuring that design intent is clearly communicated.
• Engage in regular design reviews to improve team output and methodology, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Utilize design thinking methodologies to solve complex problems and create impactful solutions for clients.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure that design objectives are met and exceeded.
• Ensure that all design work is executed with attention to detail, quality, and consistency across all project phases.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate design seamlessly into the product development process.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to bring fresh perspectives to projects.
• Contribute to the growth and development of design processes and standards within the Personio Shanghai studio.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of professional industrial design experience within an international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead client meetings, workshops, and high-stakes presentations with confidence and clarity.
• Strong aesthetic sensibility with a focus on form, proportion, and design language that elevates the user experience.
• Ability to manage complex projects independently, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.
• Proficiency in CMF, brand strategy, research, and UX/UI principles to create holistic and user-centered designs.
• Native proficiency in Mandarin and professional fluency in English to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• A strong portfolio that demonstrates your ability to lead and execute industrial design projects successfully.
• Experience working in fast-paced and dynamic environments where adaptability and quick thinking are essential.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in people leadership to guide and mentor junior designers within the team.

Practical notes

We provide a structured onboarding process, flexible working hours, and a modern office space in the heart of Shanghai. Compensation includes a fitness allowance, home-office support, and a generous paid vacation policy to support work-life balance. Employees have access to ongoing professional development through training, conferences, and exhibitions to foster career growth and skill enhancement. The role operates within a collaborative and innovative studio environment where creativity and professionalism are highly valued. Regular team interactions and client engagements require a proactive and communicative approach to ensure project success. The position is based in the Personio Shanghai studio, offering the opportunity to work on impactful projects with a talented and diverse team.