Manager Interior Surface Design Concept

Ready to inspire change?

Do you step forward when opportunity arises? What can you see that others don’t, in those around you? We’re on the lookout for inspirational managers who want to bring out the best in their people. If you can inspire a team and guide people towards growth, this is your chance. The world of mobility is changing. Come and make your mark.

What we offer

Design is a crucial part of creating a product identity for the customer to relate to. The design of our cars is strongly influenced by our Scandinavian origins of elegance, function, and the purity of shapes. Design at Volvo is a creative hub where colleagues with different professions work closely together to fulfill Volvo’s design strategy. We offer you an exciting challenge in an international and growing company with a strong culture and great development opportunities. You will have the opportunity and responsibility to actively contribute to the growth of our business through people. 

What you'll do:

The Surface Design department is the largest unit within the Design Operations organization. Our main objective is to deliver digital design models that define the future of Volvo cars. We have four teams in the department, working cross-functionally across both interior and exterior design, from concept to Class A. We challenge our employees to grow in their specialties and broaden their skills through the complex surface design process.

As the Manager of Surface Design – Interior Concept, you will lead one of these teams. You will ensure your team has the necessary resources and support to excel in strategic interior and early production-phase projects, including resource management, procurement, and process optimization. Collaborating with the leadership team, you will develop strategies to ensure timely, successful project delivery and drive continuous improvements in the way of working.

You will navigate the challenges of managing a dynamic team, guiding them through the adaptation to a new design language and development in software technologies. The role also involves leading early-phase concept work and balancing day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals.

What you'll bring

We are looking for an engaged people manager who thrives on developing talent and operational excellence. You bring proven leadership experience and a solid background in concept surface design. You have a strategic mindset and the ability to coach and guide your team to success. You embrace change with enthusiasm, open-mindedness, and innovation, and communicate clearly and inspiringly. You are a self-driven team player who proactively collaborates with colleagues across teams and departments.

As part of the management team, you are a true collaborator—open, honest, and able to see the bigger picture. You take ownership of the budget and resources for your team, ensuring efficiency in meeting project goals. You are comfortable working in a dynamic environment and handling ambiguity with confidence.

You also have: 

• Proven leadership experience and the ability to guide a team of employees, consultants, and external resources. Managerial experience with direct reports is preferred, but not a requirement. What matters most is your ability to create clarity, delegate responsibility, and empower your team to take ownership and drive results. 

• Strong surface design experience in the automotive industry, with a deep technical understanding of complete interiors. 

• Proficiency in early-stage conceptual software such as Blender, Alias Subdivision, Grasshopper, and Dynamo, as well as traditional tools like Alias. 

• High proficiency in English communication and strong interpersonal skills. Additional languages are a plus. 

• Experience of managing external resources and collaborating cross-functionally in a complex, fast-paced environment.