General Motors

Lead Exterior Creative Designer - Performance Studio

General Motors • $100K — $130K *
Warren, MI 48089In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or a related field
  • 7+ years of professional automotive exterior design experience with a strong performance-oriented portfolio
  • Proven experience leading design themes or sub-programs from concept to production
  • Expert sketching and visualization abilities, proficient in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Alias
  • Deep understanding of performance design language, proportion, surfacing, and aerodynamics, with strong mentoring skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead creative development of exterior performance design concepts for GM vehicles
  • Define and communicate a compelling design vision aligned with brand identity
  • Generate high-quality sketches and digital models that emphasize performance and aesthetics
  • Direct and mentor a team of designers, promoting innovation and collaboration
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to balance design intent with performance and feasibility
  • Champion performance graphics and visual signatures that enhance vehicle identity
  • Monitor industry trends and advocate for customer and enthusiast perspectives in design

Benefits

  • Relocation benefits may be available
  • Work in a dynamic, innovative environment with a focus on performance design
  • Opportunity to lead and inspire a team in a prestigious automotive setting
  • Engage in collaborative projects with various technical and creative departments
  • Stay at the forefront of automotive design through access to advanced design technologies
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role

Our Design organization plays a critical role in realizing GM's vision by shaping the emotional and functional character of every vehicle and experience we create. Within this organization, the General Motors Performance Studio is at the forefront of expressive, driver-focused performance design that elevates our iconic nameplates and future products.

The Lead Creative Designer - Performance Studio is responsible for leading advanced and production exterior performance design for GM performance vehicles and programs. This role focuses on performance-oriented products, including aero packages, exterior graphics, appearance packages, and motorsport opportunities.

The ideal candidate is a highly creative, hands-on exterior designer with a deep understanding of performance vehicle proportion, brand character, aerodynamics, and motorsports-inspired aesthetics, combined with the leadership skills to guide a team of designers and cross-functional partners.

What You'll Do
  • Lead the creative development of exterior performance design concepts for new and existing GM performance vehicles, programs, and accessories, from early ideation through production implementation.
  • Define and communicate a compelling performance design vision that aligns with each brand's DNA and GM's overall design strategy.
  • Generate high-quality sketches, renderings, and digital models that explore proportion, surface development, graphics, and aero elements with a strong sense of emotion, stance, and performance authenticity.
  • Direct, mentor, and inspire a small team of creative designers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in craft.
  • Partner closely with Studio leadership, Clay and Digital Sculpting, Engineering, Aerodynamics, Performance Engineering, Marketing, and Program Management to balance design intent with feasibility, performance targets, cost, and timing.
  • Champion brand-appropriate performance graphics, color-breaks, and visual signatures that reinforce vehicle identity on both road and track, leveraging GM's digital design workflows (including VR reviews and advanced visualization) to refine quality and accelerate decision-making.
  • Monitor industry, motorsports, and cultural trends related to performance, customization, and enthusiast communities and advocate for the customer and enthusiast perspective in all design decisions.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or related field from an accredited institution.
  • 7+ years of professional automotive exterior design experience with a strong portfolio of performance-oriented and advanced/production programs.
  • Proven experience leading design themes or sub-programs from concept through production in close partnership with clay/digital sculpting and engineering.
  • Expert sketching and visualization abilities (traditional and digital) plus proficiency in key design/visualization tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Alias, Blender, VRED or similar).
  • Deep understanding of proportion, surfacing, aero principles, and performance design language, with strong communication, collaboration, mentoring skills, and ability to work on-site in Warren, MI.


What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Experience working specifically on performance or motorsports programs (road cars, track cars, racing programs, or aftermarket performance products).
  • Prior experience in a lead, principal, or equivalent senior designer capacity within an OEM or advanced design studio.
  • Familiarity with GM brands and performance heritage and enthusiasm for the performance and enthusiast space.
  • Experience with VR-based design reviews, real-time visualization, and/or innovative digital design workflows.
  • Strong storytelling skills, including the ability to connect design solutions to brand strategy, customer insights, and business objectives.


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.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who drive success at General Motors.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at General Motors

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Lead Exterior Creative Designer - Performance Studio jobs:

NationwideWarren, MI