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Lead Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$36.6K

$79.5K

$136.8K

How much do lead designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead designer in Michigan is $79,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $95,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lead Designer vs Senior Designer?

AspectLead DesignerSenior Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees design projects, manages design team, sets creative directionExecutes design tasks, develops concepts, and contributes to projects independently
Required SkillsStrong leadership, project management, advanced design skillsAdvanced design skills, creativity, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, team leadership, client interactionFocused on individual contribution, team collaboration
Common UsageUsed in agencies, tech companies, large organizationsUsed across similar industries, often as a senior individual contributor

The main difference between a Lead Designer and a Senior Designer lies in their scope of responsibilities. Lead Designers typically manage teams and oversee projects, while Senior Designers focus on executing complex design tasks independently. Both roles require advanced design skills, but Lead Designers also need leadership and project management abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Designer, you need advanced design skills, a strong portfolio, and experience with design principles and team leadership, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch, and familiarity with project management systems are essential. Exceptional communication, creative problem-solving, and leadership abilities help you guide teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure the delivery of innovative, cohesive designs that align with business goals and drive project success.

How does a lead designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

A Lead Designer frequently works cross-functionally, coordinating closely with product managers, developers, and marketing teams to ensure design solutions align with business objectives and technical constraints. They often participate in strategy meetings, provide design direction, and facilitate feedback sessions to harmonize the visual and functional aspects of a project. This collaboration helps maintain consistency in user experience and brand identity while ensuring that deliverables meet deadlines and stakeholder expectations.

What is a lead designer?

A lead designer is in charge of the creative aspects of a project. As a lead designer, you may work with a creative director to oversee design of a video game, a multimedia project, or website. Your job duties in this career include meeting with clients to assess their needs, creating a framework for the project, and working with an art team to execute the plan according to specifications. Qualifications vary, depending on the employer, but lead designers typically need a bachelor’s degree and several years of industry experience.

More about Lead Designer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Lead Designer jobs in Michigan? For Lead Designer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Designer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Designer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Lead Designer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Lead Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Designer jobs in MI? For Lead Designer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Designer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,455 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Industrial Design Architecture & Experience Lead Designer

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,272 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
At GM Design's Global Design Center in Warren, Michigan, the Lead Architecture and Experience Designer will be at the heart of a highly creative, collaborative studio, leading innovative projects across GM's global portfolio. In this role, you will drive the conceptualization, visualization, and development of corporate environments and branded experiences that are distinctly on-brand to GM. You will create design visions and lead the execution of spaces and their details-including interior architecture, finishes, furniture, fixtures, and environmental graphics-that showcase and reveal GM vehicles and products. You will work across exhibits, environments, and other immersive brand touchpoints that bring GM's product and brand stories to life for employees, partners, and guests. This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to influence how GM shows up physically around the world.
What You'll Do -
  • Lead the end-to-end conceptualization, visualization, and development of corporate environments and branded experiences that align with GM's brand and product strategy.

  • Design spaces and spatial details-including interior architecture, finishes, furniture, fixtures, and environmental graphics-that showcase and reveal GM vehicles and products across global programs.

  • Partner closely with GM Design, Marketing, Facilities, Fabrication and Prototyping, and external suppliers/creative agencies to ensure cohesive, on-brand experiences.

  • Use 2D and 3D digital tools, physical models, mockups, and visualization technologies to explore, communicate, and refine design concepts.

  • Collaborate with product design, sculpting, engineering, and fabrication teams to integrate vehicles and products seamlessly into spatial experiences.

  • Oversee the execution of installations, tracking design intent through documentation, vendor coordination, and on-site reviews to deliver high-quality outcomes on time and on budget.

  • Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, setting creative direction, guiding junior team members, and presenting concepts and recommendations to cross-functional and senior stakeholders.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • (Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Environmental Design, or a closely related field; master's degree preferred.

  • 7+ years of professional experience in architecture, interior, experiential, or environmental design, with a strong portfolio of high-impact, built or realized work.

  • Demonstrated ability to translate brand and product strategy into compelling spatial experiences, ideally across multiple global markets.

  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) for visualizations, storytelling, and executive-ready presentations.

  • Proficiency in 3D design and visualization tools such as Rhino and Enscape (or similar) for spatial concepting, real-time visualization, and design reviews.

  • Experience using AI-based tools for concept development, visualization, and animation to communicate design intent and accelerate iteration.

  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple complex projects from concept through execution in a fast-paced, highly creative environment.

  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design intent and rationale to both creative and non-creative stakeholders.

  • This position is primarily on site at the Design Center in Warren, Michigan, with some flexibility under our Work Appropriately model.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Experience delivering large-scale corporate, museum, exhibition, or brand environment projects, ideally within automotive, mobility, or technology sectors.

  • Familiarity with fabrication methods, materials, lighting, and detailing for high-finish interior and experiential projects.

  • Experience with real-time engines (such as Unreal Engine or Unity) and motion/experience design for immersive storytelling.

  • Prior experience working within or alongside in-house brand, marketing, or product design teams.

  • Comfortable presenting to senior leaders and executive stakeholders, with a strong narrative and visual communication style that champions the work and the team.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908

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