DGM - Vehicle Design & Styling Lead

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

Role Overview

As part of the Mahindra Auto Division, the Vehicle Styling & Design Lead will be responsible for defining and driving the overall design vision, styling strategy, and aesthetic direction for Special Vehicle Programs (SPV) and NU Platform vehicles. This role will lead the end-to-end design process from concept creation through production sign-off, ensuring that every vehicle embodies Mahindra's design philosophy, customer aspirations, and brand identity.

Key Responsibilities

Design Strategy & Creative Leadership

• Lead the overall exterior and interior vehicle design strategy for SPV and NU Platform programs.
• Define vehicle design direction, styling themes, and visual identity aligned with Mahindra's brand aspirations and long-term product roadmap.
• Drive innovation and design excellence across concept and production vehicle programs.

Vehicle Concept Development

• Oversee the creation of exterior and interior design concepts from ideation through design freeze.
• Guide design teams in developing breakthrough styling solutions that enhance vehicle appeal, functionality, and customer desirability.
• Review and approve design proposals, ensuring consistency with brand DNA and program objectives.

Sketching, Visualization & Design Communication

• Provide leadership in concept sketching, visualization, storytelling, and design presentations.
• Drive high-quality design communication through sketches, renderings, digital models, animations, and executive-level presentations.

Digital Design & CAS Oversight

• Oversee the development of 3D digital models and Class A surface quality across vehicle programs.
• Ensure design intent is accurately translated into production-feasible surfaces while maintaining aesthetic excellence and visual quality.
• Guide CAS teams through key design maturity gates and design freeze milestones.

Design-to-Engineering Integration

• Partner closely with Engineering and Product Development leaders to ensure successful integration of styling, functionality, manufacturability, safety, and performance requirements.

Customer, Market & Trend Insights

• Continuously monitor global automotive design trends, mobility innovations, emerging materials, CMF developments, and consumer preferences.
• Translate market insights into future vehicle concepts and styling strategies that strengthen Mahindra's competitive position.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong expertise in automotive exterior and interior vehicle design leadership.
• Advanced proficiency in ALIAS, ICEM Surf, Rhino, and digital design development tools.
• Deep understanding of automotive brand aesthetics, vehicle architecture, and styling strategy.
• Strong experience in Class A surfacing, design quality management, and production feasibility reviews.
• Working knowledge of clay modelling and digital-to-physical design processes.

Education Qualification

Experience & Qualifications

• 8–12 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 track record of leading exterior and/or interior vehicle programs from concept to production.
• Strong portfolio showcasing concept development, brand-defining vehicle designs, and production programs.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams within automotive OEMs, design studios, or vehicle development organizations.
• Exposure to global automotive trends, premium design practices, and advanced visualization tools is preferred.