Head of Design and Research (all genders)

The Head of Design and Research will lead our multidisciplinary design and research team to craft meaningful, human-centered communication and experiences across GROPYUS’s digital and physical touchpoints. Drawing on your expertise in user experience, design strategy, brand expression, and applied research, you will shape how our products, communication, and services come to life — ensuring they are not only intuitive and authentic but also aligned with our vision of smart and sustainable living.  

About the Role:

• Define the design and research strategy that supports GROPYUS’s mission and business goals, creating consistent experiences for both B2B and B2C customer groups. 
• Lead the design and research team in developing user-centered concepts, communication and brand expression from early ideation through prototyping and final delivery. 
• Oversee methodologically robust research practices, including user interviews, usability testing, and market studies to inform product and design decisions. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams — including Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Production, Marketing and Communication as well as Sustainability — to ensure design and research insights shape product strategy and execution as well as company communication. 
• Champion design excellence and consistency across all GROPYUS products and platforms, fostering a strong design system and brand identity. 
• Build and nurture a high-performing team of designers (product, brand, industrial) and researchers (qualitative and quantitative), supporting their professional growth and ensuring efficient, transparent processes. 
• Drive a culture of evidence-based decision-making by integrating research findings and design metrics into the company’s workflows. 
• Define metrics that measure the impact of design and research on business outcomes (e.g., customer satisfaction, adoption, retention, brand perception, operational excellence). 
• Implement processes and tools that allow design and research to scale efficiently // Build scalable design systems and research practices that empower teams to move quickly while maintaining quality. 

About you:

• You hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field. 
• You have a minimum of 7 years of experience in design and/or user research, ideally with digital platforms, smart building technology, or in the real estate or construction sector. 
• You have proven success in leading design and research teams, with strong people management skills in fast growth or complex organizations.  
• You are comfortable with uncertainty, fast decision cycles and rapid changes. 
• You have a deep understanding of user-centered design, design systems, and research methodologies. 
• You are familiar with sustainability principles and green building practices. 
• You have exceptional communication, storytelling, and stakeholder management abilities. 
• You are an empathetic leader who can balance craft quality with business pragmatism and known for fostering inclusive and psychologically safe environments. 

What we offer

• An unlimited contract with 30 vacation days.  

• Flexible, hybrid work: You can work from home or come into the office on the schedule that works best for you. Feel like traveling and working from another location? No problem. Tune into meetings and work from abroad for up to 40 days per year. In addition, flex hours allow you to prioritize important moments in your day.  

• Attractive perks and benefits: We offer a company pension scheme, language courses (English/German), and employee discounts with selected sustainable brands. Furthermore, our external partners in mental health support you in strengthening your mental health through anonymous private/group sessions.   

• Virtual Shares Program: Participate in the success of GROPYUS through our Virtual Share Program.  

• Ownership: You can truly make your mark with your work and contributions – on  all our organizational levels. Find your solutions, drive and test them.  

• The chance to be part of something big: Our mission is to rethink an entire industry. Join us in reinventing construction and fostering sustainable, affordable living.   

• A diverse and enriching work environment: Become a valued member of a wonderfully diverse team of individuals from over 50 countries. At GROPYUS we value inclusion above all, ensuring that everyone feels they belong – no matter their background. In this way, our differences become strengths that help us grow as a team.