TEAMS Chicago is looking for a highly motivated Strategic Design Manager to join our team full-time in Chicago starting in March 2025.

You will work with a creative, passionate group of experts in areas such as product design, UX-design, and strategic design.

We would love to get to know you!

TEAMS Chicago, Andreas Bell, Product Pioneer Circle

You

As a Strategic Design Manager, you’ll serve as the critical link between creativity, technology, and business. Drawing on your experience with complex technical products and working with high-tier accounts, you’ll not only develop exceptional design solutions but also strategically plan and execute them. This role comes with multi-dimensional responsibilities, including: 

 

  • Creative Visionary & Partner: inspire and lead a talented team of junior and senior designers and engineers. Develop innovative design concepts independently, facilitate impactful internal and external workshops, and actively contribute to idea generation to drive creativity and innovation. Work confidently with C-level partners and clients, building strong relationships and delivering solutions that align with their strategic goals. 
  • Technical Expert: Apply your expertise in modern production processes and materials to solve complex strategic challenges. Combine design expertise with an engineering mindset to develop practical, innovative solutions that meet technical and business goals. 
  • Project & Account Manager: Manage major key accounts with professionalism and care, overseeing projects from the initial pitch to successful delivery. Confidently present ideas to clients, manage budgets effectively, and articulate solutions that resonate with stakeholders. Approach all interactions with clarity, professionalism, and tact. 

We

TEAMS is a globally recognized, multi-award-winning design studio specializing in the development of product-oriented brands, both physical and digital. Our expertise spans strategic innovation, user experience design, industrial design, and brand communication, making us a trusted partner for international clients. 

 

At our Chicago Studio, located in the heart of the city, we pride ourselves on state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment. Our in-house capabilities enable us to serve a diverse range of global clients with precision and excellence. 

 

However, our greatest asset are our people. Our team is composed of designers, engineers, strategists, and communication experts who collaborate seamlessly to tackle challenges and deliver innovative solutions. At TEAMS, teamwork is at the core of everything we do, making each day a fulfilling and collaborative journey. 

 

To strengthen our team, we are now looking for a Strategic Design Manager who can make a significant contribution to our design quality and project realisation with their experience, creative flair and technical expertise

Requirements

We’re looking for an experienced designer and/or manager with a sharp eye for detail, a passion for technical products, and a strong flair for innovative design. To excel in this role, you’ll need more than just a passion for industrial design—you’ll bring the following skills and qualifications: 

 

  • Educational Background: A degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a comparable specialization. Advanced academic degrees in Business Administration or equivalent business programs are a plus. 
  • Professional Experience: at least 8 years of experience in product/industrial design is required. Expertise in UI/UX, or digital products, VAVE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) or DTV (Design to Value) is highly desirable. 
  • Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of production methods and production-chain processes.
  • Tools of the trade: Advanced proficiency in industry-standard tools, including Rhino, KeyShot, Adobe Creative Cloud, and VBL Creation. 
  • Workshop Expertise: Experience in organizing and facilitating creative workshops, with the ability to actively contribute as an idea developer. 
  • Language Requirements: Business-level proficiency in English is required. Additional languages are a plus. 
  • Soft Skill Set: Strong creative capabilities combined with analytical, business, and technical acumen to drive design innovation and strategy. A confident and inspiring leadership style that motivates teams and builds lasting relationships with clients. Entrepreneurial thinking with a strong customer-oriented approach.
  • Project Management: Proven experience in planning, budgeting, and managing design projects, including customer-facing responsibilities and budget oversight. 
  • Residency Status: A valid Green Card for the United States with at least three years of remaining eligibility is mandatory. Temporary work visas or other forms of limited residency permits are not eligible for this role. 

What we offer you

At TEAMS Chicago, you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll have the chance to bring your ideas to life in a creative and technically skilled environment. Here’s what you can look forward to: 

 

Professional Opportunities:

 

  • A responsible position with ample creative freedom and involvement in exciting projects for renowned clients. 
  • Collaboration with an inspiring team of creative minds and technical experts working on innovative solutions. 
  • A modern and dynamic workplace with streamlined decision-making processes. 

 

Competitive compensation and a complete benefits package:

 

  • Lucrative bonus incentives tied to individual and company performance. 
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance to support your well-being. 
  • A Roth IRA retirement plan with company match to secure your financial future. 
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) to maintain work/life balance. 
  • A positive company culture that fosters collaboration and personal satisfaction. 
  • Regular company events to strengthen team connections. 
  • Professional development opportunities to enhance your career trajectory. 

Application

Does this sound like your next challenge? We’d love to hear from you! 

 

Please send us your application to the e-mail address: [email protected], including:

 

  • Your portfolio showcasing meaningful and relevant work.
  • A comprehensive CV.
  • A personalized cover letter.
  • Your salary expectations.
  • A link to your portfolio or visual works.

 

Residency Requirement & Language Proficiency
We want to ensure clarity on this: 

A valid Green Card for the United States with at least three years of remaining eligibility is mandatory. Temporary work visas or other limited residency permits will not be considered. 

Proficiency in English is essential for this role. Candidates must demonstrate strong English communication skills, both written and spoken. 

 

 

Please apply by e-mail only. No phone calls please. You will hear from us, but we would appreciate your patience in the face of a large number of applications.

 

 

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. 

TEAMS. Products of Empathy.