At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects and guide creative teams to deliver innovative solutions.
- Company: Join tangerine, a renowned design consultancy shaping world-class products for top global brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic projects and mentor the next generation of designers.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in industrial or product design with strong 3D skills; transport design experience preferred.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading brands and enjoy a fast-paced, creative studio atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
tangerine is looking for an experienced Design Lead to help shape world‑class products, services and experiences for some of the most ambitious brands around the globe. This role is ideal for a senior designer who thrives on guiding teams, setting creative direction and bringing bold ideas to life.
About tangerine
tangerine is a strategic design consultancy based in London. For nearly four decades, we have partnered with leading international brands including Apple, British Airways, JAL, LG, Finnair, Hyundai and Volkswagen. The studio is globally recognised for its impact in transportation design, and our work has resulted in industry‑defining innovations, patents and breakthrough user experiences. Recent highlights include reimagining the British Airways First cabin and becoming the first UK design agency to design a Shinkansen high‑speed train.
Role Overview
As Design Lead, you will take creative ownership of key projects and guide multidisciplinary teams of designers through all stages of the design process. Working closely with the Leadership Team, you will help steer project strategy, uphold quality standards and play a central role in the running of the studio. You will typically lead one or two major projects at a time and may support others where your expertise adds value.
What You Will Do
- Lead projects and teams
- Set creative direction and guide teams of Senior, Mid‑weight and Junior Designers
- Shape project strategy in alignment with the Leadership Team
- Establish priorities and ensure delivery to budget, timeline and quality standards
- Oversee key phases of research, ideation, concept development, CAD, prototyping and refinement
- Ensure clarity of objectives at project kick‑off and throughout development
- Provide mentorship and elevate the capabilities of less experienced designers
Engage directly with clients
- Present ideas and proposals at a senior level
- Build trusted relationships with clients and partners
- Travel when required to review manufacturing feasibility and collaborate with engineering teams
About You
- 8+ years of experience in industrial or product design with strong 3D skills. Transport design experience is highly desirable.
- Confident across research, sketching, CAD (SolidWorks), prototyping, design for manufacture and rendering (Blender)
- Proven ability to lead teams and deliver high‑quality design outcomes
- Strong communicator who enjoys presenting and working directly with clients
- Comfortable balancing multiple projects in a fast‑moving consultancy environment
How to Apply
Please write to mail@tangerine.net with the subject line: 'Design Lead - LeManoosh' with your CV and Portfolio. Please state your right to work in the UK and your salary expectations.
Design Lead employer: Dolmen
Contact Detail:
Dolmen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design world, especially those who might have ties to tangerine. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your work! When you get the chance to present your portfolio, make it engaging. Highlight projects that showcase your leadership and creativity, especially those that align with tangerine's focus on innovative design.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching tangerine’s recent projects. Knowing their work inside out will help you connect your experience to their needs and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your 8+ years of experience in industrial or product design. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your best projects!
Tailor Your Portfolio: Your portfolio should reflect your strongest work, especially in transport design if you have it. We love seeing creativity and innovation, so pick pieces that really demonstrate your skills and thought process.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your CV and cover letter are easy to read and get straight to the point about why you’re the perfect fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dolmen
✨Know Your Design Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about every piece in your portfolio. Be ready to discuss the design process, challenges faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and ability to reflect on your work.
✨Research tangerine Thoroughly
Dive deep into tangerine's past projects and their impact on the industry. Understanding their design philosophy and recent highlights will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Team Leadership Questions
As a Design Lead, you'll need to showcase your leadership skills. Think of specific examples where you've guided teams through complex projects, mentored junior designers, or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your capability to lead and inspire.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll be presenting ideas at a senior level, practice articulating your design concepts clearly and confidently. Use mock interviews to refine your delivery and ensure you can engage clients effectively during discussions.