Automotive Chief Designer Exterior Concept & Vehicle
Creative Design
Goteborg, Gotlands län 10277 Contract On-Site Accepting Candidates Jun 30, 2026

Automotive Chief Designer – Exterior Concept & Vehicle Architecture

📍 Contract - Gothenburg, Sweden (On-site)
🌍 International Travel Required

Technicon Design Sweden is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Chief Designer – Exterior Concept & Vehicle Architecture to join our clients Gothenburg studio. This is a strategic leadership role shaping the future of our clients vehicles—from early concept through to production—while ensuring seamless alignment between design creativity, engineering feasibility, and global program goals.

Working within the clients Group, you will operate in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment, collaborating closely with teams across Sweden and China. This role offers significant creative influence and direct impact on multiple high-profile global design programs.

🔍 Role Purpose

As Chief Designer, you will lead exterior concept development and play a key role in defining vehicle architecture strategies. You will ensure design excellence while bridging the gap between styling intent and technical execution across global teams.

🎨 Key Responsibilities

Exterior Concept Development

  • Lead exterior ideation for advanced and production programs
  • Define strong proportions, form language, and innovative design directions aligned with the brands identity
  • Develop and deliver high-quality presentations for senior stakeholders in Sweden and China
  • Drive clarity, alignment, and efficient collaboration across international teams

Vehicle Architecture Integration

  • Work closely with Studio Engineering, Platform, and CAS teams
  • Define key volumes, packaging strategies, and ergonomic principles at concept stage
  • Assess feasibility across BIW, EV platforms, powertrain, battery layouts, ADAS, aerodynamics, cooling, and lighting systems

Team Leadership

  • Provide daily on-site leadership to the Gothenburg exterior design team
  • Mentor designers across all levels to drive consistent design quality
  • Collaborate with CAS, Alias, Blender, and physical model teams to ensure accurate 2D-to-3D translation
  • Travel regularly to China (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo) to support design reviews and executive workshops

✅ Qualifications & Experience

Professional Experience

  • 20+ years in automotive design (exterior, concept, and vehicle architecture)
  • Proven experience within OEMs or advanced design studios
  • Strong track record of leading early-phase design and presenting at executive level

Technical Expertise

  • Deep understanding of vehicle packaging, BIW, aerodynamics, and EV platforms
  • Strong collaboration experience with Clay and CAS/A-Class surface development
  • Knowledge of HMI/UI/UX integration, lighting systems, and cross-functional workflows

Leadership & Cultural Skills

  • Excellent communication skills in English (written & spoken)
  • Experience leading and mentoring multi-level design teams
  • Ability to work effectively across Swedish and Chinese business cultures
  • Structured, proactive, and solution-driven mindset
  • Mandarin language skills are a plus

🖥️ Tools & Software

  • Photoshop
  • Alias
  • Blender
  • V-Red

🤝 Reporting Line

You will report to the Head of Exterior Design and work closely with:

  • Chief Designers (Exterior, Interior & CMF)
  • Engineering teams in Sweden and China
  • CAS, Alias, Blender & physical modelling teams
  • PMO, executive stakeholders, and Design Board leadership

✈️ Additional Information

  • Travel: Yes – frequent international travel required
  • Location: On-site role based in Gothenburg, Sweden
 

👉 Apply now - send in a CV and portfolio (under 10mbs) or get in touch to learn more about this exciting opportunity.