Design Lead (Industrialisation & Production profile) - Freelance

VIV is recruiting, on behalf of a major international industrial group in the mobility sector, a key profile for its design studio in the Paris area. 

Our client's design studio brings together an international team of creative talents working on projects with a global reach. From forward-looking innovation to programmes in development, the team designs solutions that shape the way people will travel tomorrow. 

We are now looking for a hands-on, rigorous Design Lead who can take design projects all the way to series production: turning creative intent into solutions ready for industrialisation, upholding design quality against technical, cost and schedule constraints, and seeing their work in service around the world. 

Joining this team means becoming part of a dynamic, committed and supportive group, where design excellence goes hand in hand with a genuine culture of sharing and collaboration. 

The role 

The Design Lead drives the development of design solutions on ongoing programmes, from concept validation through to industrialisation and series production. They ensure that the design intent, aligned with the brand's DNA and with the expectations of operators and passengers alike, is faithfully reflected in the final product. 

As the design reference for the engineering and production teams, they combine aesthetic standards with pragmatism. They master industrial, technical and economic constraints and know how to find the right trade-off without compromising on quality. 

Key responsibilities 

Design leadership on programmes 

• Lead design projects from the development phase through to industrialisation and entry into service. 

• Ensure the design intent and internal standards are upheld throughout the product life cycle. 

• Take part in design reviews and programme milestones, and arbitrate change requests. 

• Plan design activities in line with quality, cost and delivery targets. 

Development and industrialisation 

• Translate concepts into actionable design specifications: CMF, surfaces, interfaces, ergonomics, appearance. 

• Work day-to-day with Engineering, Industrialisation, Procurement and Quality to ensure solutions are feasible. 

• Oversee the production of full-scale models, mock-ups and prototypes, and approve first-off parts. 

• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors on appearance, material and finish approvals. 

• Contribute to cost optimisation (design-to-cost) without compromising perceived quality. 

Project coordination and follow-up 

• Act as the interface between the studio and the Project, Engineering and Industrialisation teams. 

• Present progress and design choices at programme reviews and, where appropriate, to customers. 

• Report regularly to the studio's management. 

Team leadership and mentoring 

• Support junior and mid-level designers, particularly on development and industrialisation topics. 

• Spread best practices and capture lessons learned from programmes. 

• Contribute to building the studio's skills.