DGM - Product Design Lead, Accessories

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

Role Overview

As part of the Mahindra Auto Division, the Design Lead (SPV & NU Platform) will be responsible for leading the end-to-end design vision and execution for Special Vehicle Program (SPV) and New Utility (NU) Platform initiatives. This role will shape the visual identity, styling direction, and customer experience of future vehicle programs while ensuring alignment with Mahindra's brand values and product strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Design Strategy & Creative Leadership

• Lead exterior and interior vehicle design activities across SPV and NU Platform programs.
• Define and evolve design themes that strengthen Mahindra's brand identity and create distinctive customer experiences.

Brand Identity & Styling Direction

• Own the design language, styling philosophy, and visual identity for vehicle Accessories programs.
• Ensure consistency across vehicle portfolios while driving innovation and differentiation through thoughtful design solutions.

Vehicle Concept & Design Development

• Guide the development of concept sketches, digital models, design themes, and production-ready vehicle designs.
• Review and refine design proposals to ensure alignment with customer expectations, business objectives, and brand aspirations.

CAS Quality & Surface Development

• Oversee Class A Surfacing (CAS) quality across vehicle programs.
• Ensure high standards of surface quality, continuity, aesthetics, and manufacturability throughout the design development process.

Design-to-Engineering Integration

• Manage the transition of designs into engineering development by ensuring seamless design-to-engineering handoff.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering teams to maintain design intent while meeting technical, safety, and manufacturing requirements.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product Development, Engineering, Program Management, and Manufacturing teams throughout the product lifecycle.
• Drive engineering feasibility reviews and support issue resolution to achieve program timelines and quality objectives.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong expertise in automotive exterior and interior vehicle design.
• Proficiency in ALIAS, ICEM Surf, and digital design development tools.
• Experience in Class A surfacing and design quality management.
• Strong understanding of vehicle proportions, brand aesthetics, CMF, and user-centric design principles.
• Knowledge of clay modelling and automotive design development processes.
• Ability to balance creative excellence with engineering feasibility and manufacturability.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and strategic thinking abilities.

Education Qualification

Experience & Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in automotive design, vehicle styling, transportation design, or related disciplines.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Transportation Design, Automotive Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Proven experience leading exterior and/or interior vehicle programs from concept through production.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating design leadership, innovation, and successful product launches.
• Experience working within automotive OEMs, design studios, or vehicle development organizations preferred.