Head of Product Design

Umbilical Advanced; München; Hybrid; EUR 120.000 - 170.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

30 days leave

Permanent role

Laptop provided

Pension & healthcare

2 days WFH

Zusammenfassung

Umbilical Limited is seeking a Head of Product Design to lead a multidisciplinary design team and shape the product design strategy. You will drive user-centred design, governance, and collaboration with engineering, manufacturing and commercial teams to deliver world-class products.

The role offers a hybrid setup with up to two days remote work and a strong benefits package including pension and healthcare, plus a competitive leave policy.

Qualifikationen

• Lead a multidisciplinary Product Design team and drive innovation.
• Define and implement design vision, strategy, processes and governance.
• Embed user needs and market insights across the product lifecycle.

Aufgaben

• Lead a Product Design team (10+ FTEs) and foster innovation and continuous improvement.
• Define and implement the design vision, strategy, processes, and best practices.
• Drive user-centred design methodologies across the lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams.
• Establish and maintain design systems, standards, and governance.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

People management

Stakeholder management

User-centred design

Design thinking

Product design strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Ausbildung

Degree in Product Design/Industrial Design/ related field

Jobbeschreibung

Location: Southern Germany || Commutable from Munich or surrounding areas

• 30 days annual leave + public holidays
• Full-time, permanent role (40 hours per week)
• Laptop and mobile provided
• Excellent pension and healthcare benefits
• Office-based with up to 2 days WFH

This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced Head of Product Design to drive design excellence, shape product strategy, and build a high‑performing design organisation. You will lead a talented team of Product Designers, engineering specialists, and design professionals responsible for creating innovative products and user experiences that support the company’s next phase of growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary Product Design team (10+ FTEs), fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement
• Define and implement the product design vision, strategy, processes, and best practices across the organisation
• Drive user‑centred design methodologies, ensuring customer needs and market insights are embedded throughout the product development lifecycle
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams to deliver exceptional products from concept through to launch
• Establish and maintain design systems, standards, and governance frameworks to ensure consistency and scalability
• Champion design thinking and advocate for the value of design at senior leadership level
• Oversee product design roadmaps, resource planning, and team performance metrics, providing regular updates to executive stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to improve product usability, customer satisfaction, and commercial performance through effective design leadership
• Act as a change agent, promoting collaboration, innovation, and customer‑focused decision‑making across the organisation

About You

• Role: Head of Product Design or leadership experience in hardware, systems design, product management, industrialisation, or operations
• Sectors: Ideal sector backgrounds include automotive electronics, radar, RF, semiconductors, telecoms, PCB manufacturing, industrial electronics, consumer electronics, antennas, test & measurement, satellite communications, high‑performance materials or a related field
• Leadership: Strong people management and coaching skills, with a proven ability to develop high‑performing design teams.
• Education: Degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Human‑Computer Interaction Design, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• Languages: Fluent English required; German language skills an advantage.
• Strong understanding of user‑centred design, design thinking, customer research, prototyping, and design systems.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of influencing at executive level.

Umbilical Limited is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience.

We do not discriminate based on age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.