Product Design Team Lead

About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains – telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services – we are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.

At Huawei, innovation focuses on customer needs. We invest heavily in basic research, concentrating on technological breakthroughs that drive the world forward. We have more than 200,000 employees, of which 55% are employed in R&D, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions.

Huawei invests more than 20% of revenues in R&D every year: in the past 10 years our total R&D investments exceed 150B USD.

By the end of 2023, Huawei held +140.000 active patents.

Who we are

• Our motto is "make it possible", we use our customer-centric obsession, our perseverance, our dedication and a continuous self-challenge to accomplish the most challenging goals and always raise the bar!
• We think and execute very fast, but we are never superficial and always guarantee the highest standards.
• We are obsessed about continuous improvement and about creating value for the company, for the employees and for society.
• We are a multicultural team where relationships are informal and direct and where cooperation and support are our daily keywords.
• We are a place where "results talk and ideas walk", good ideas are always welcome, but you have to take ownership and make them happen too.
• Openness and flexibility are our mantra.

Product Design Team Lead in a nutshell

The position will be part of our Milan Aesthetic Research Center (MARC), one of Huawei Research Centers committed to enhancing the quality of Huawei products by creating a strong design ecosystem. The Team Lead, Product Design is responsible for leading research and future visioning for B2B and B2C devices, including consumer electronics such as smartphones, smartwatches, earphones, and smart glasses. This role focuses on trend forecasting, aesthetic and technological research, and conceptual innovation to inspire and inform the headquarters’ product design teams and bring innovative new products to markets globally. By investigating emerging materials, user behaviors, and design languages, this role ensures that future product concepts align with evolving consumer expectations, technological advancements, and market shifts.

What will be your main responsibilities?

Research & Future Vision Development:

• Conduct in-depth research on emerging technologies, materials, and design aesthetics to identify future opportunities and new design solutions.
• Develop speculative and visionary product concepts that explore new form factors, user interactions, and materials.
• Analyze macro and micro consumer trends to anticipate shifts in user preferences and industry standards.
• Collaborate with research teams on behavioral studies to understand evolving digital lifestyles and ergonomic needs.

Concept Creation & Aesthetic Innovation:

• Generate forward-thinking design strategies, design identity frameworks and guidelines, as well as design concepts that push the boundaries of traditional product designs and strengthen the design identity.
• Develop high-level storytelling and visual narratives to communicate new product visions to all involved stakeholders.
• Experiment with CMF (Color, Material, Finish) innovations to explore new tactile and sensory experiences in product design.
• Work with experts in different fields to explore new ways, including environmentally responsible design approaches and materials.

Collaboration & Influence:

• Partner closely with HQ’s product teams and UI/UX experts to inspire product strategies with innovative design visions.
• Translate research insights into compelling presentations, reports, and design frameworks to influence decision-making.
• Facilitate workshops and discussions with internal and external teams to challenge assumptions and foster innovative thinking.
• Act as a bridge between market research, design, and technology teams to ensure a holistic approach to future product ideation.

Trend & Market Analysis:

• Track and analyze competitor strategies, new product launches, and emerging consumer behaviors to stay ahead of industry shifts.
• Explore interdisciplinary design inspirations from fashion, architecture, mobility, and digital experiences to bring fresh perspectives into concepts.
• Work with external trend agencies, material suppliers, and academic institutions to deepen knowledge and expand research insights.

What are the skills required for this position?

Education & Background:

• Master’s Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in consumer electronics or product design, with a strong focus on research, future visioning, and design identity.
• Minimum 2 years team lead experience.

Technical Skills:

• Strong conceptual thinking, sketching, and 3D visualization abilities (Rhino, KeyShot, Adobe Creative Suite, and AI tools).
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and material innovations to support speculative design proposals.
• Experience in CMF trends and sensory design.
• Strong experience in design strategy and design identity developments.
• Ability to create compelling presentations and visual storytelling to communicate research insights and product visions.

Soft Skills:

• Strategic and visionary mindset with a passion for pushing design boundaries.
• Excellent storytelling and communication skills to engage stakeholders.
• Ability to synthesize complex research insights into clear, actionable opportunities and design directions.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities to foster a culture of innovation.

What We Offer:

We offer you an exciting opportunity in one of the leading and fastest growing multinational technology companies, challenging work and a competitive salary package. 

Privacy Statement

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If you have any queries in regards to Huawei WEU Data Privacy please feel free to contact our WEU Data Protection Officer by clicking here (https://www.huawei.com/en/personal-data-request).

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these characteristics. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Company Info:

Huawei Technologies Italia S.r.l.

Registered Office: Via Lorenteggio 240, Tower A, Milan

Milan Aesthetic Research Center Office address: Via Silvio Pellico 7, Milan