Verena Michel
Design Lead
Experience
Design Lead
Freelancer
- Deepening competencies in strategic leadership, AI applications in design, new work, innovation, and change management
- Completed full-time "Digital Leadership" program (grade: very good) and the "Super Intensive" English course (certificate: C1)
- Professional development through online courses, lectures, workshops, and active participation in industry and networking events
Co-Head of Corporate Product & UX Design
Eppendorf SE
Setting up and establishing Eppendorf's first in-house design department
Leading the Corporate Product & UX Design team both functionally and disciplinarily, including hiring, onboarding, and training new team members
Efficient resource planning to boost team productivity and project success
Promoting the personal and professional growth of team members
Managing and monitoring external agencies to ensure design quality and on-time delivery
Co-developing the design strategy
Responsible for the physical product design of the entire portfolio
Corporate Product Design Coordinator
Eppendorf SE
Coordinating and managing all design-related topics and projects
Co-developing and implementing a new product design language across the company
Managing and monitoring external agencies
Responsible for the product design guidelines, writing multiple guidelines to ensure a consistent look for all Eppendorf products
Establishing a design thinking toolkit to foster innovative approaches
Product Designer
Eppendorf SE
Creating design concepts for lab equipment in life sciences
Producing drawings, renderings, and CAD designs in Rhino and Creo Elements
Developing color concepts and product graphics, driving innovations
Working closely with R&D departments and production facilities
Freelancer
Freelancer
- Product design and consulting in product development and production
Product Designer
FUN FACTORY GmbH
- Developing design concepts for consumer goods: successfully brought over 50 products into production
- Creating sketches, renderings, and CAD designs
- Model making and rapid prototyping; producing samples as well as preparing data and operating CNC mills and 3D printers
- Presenting designs and prototypes to stakeholders, clients, partners, and suppliers
Intern Product Design
FUN FACTORY GmbH
Industries Experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.
Experienced in Biotechnology (8.5 years), Manufacturing (8 years), Information Technology (1.5 years), and Professional Services (1.5 years).
Business Areas Experience
The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.
Experienced in Product Development (18 years), Production (4 years), Project Management (2 years), and Strategy (1.5 years).
Summary
Structured and creative leader with 16 years of experience in product design and design management in the life science and consumer goods sectors — with a keen eye for user needs and brand impact, I develop strategies that translate innovations into real value and drive customer loyalty.
Skills
Team Leadership
User-centered Design
Design Process & Guidelines
Design Thinking Methods
Focus On Quality Standards
Servant Leadership
Strong Communication Skills
Strong Collaboration Skills
Promoting Innovation
Team Player
Strong Proficiency: Adobe Creative Suite, Ms Office, Confluence, Rhino Cad
Good Knowledge: Miro, Jira
Languages
Education
Art College at the University of Kassel
Diploma in Design, specializing in product design with a focus on industrial design · Product Design · Kassel, Germany
Jack-Steinberger-Gymnasium
High school diploma · High school diploma · Bad Kissingen, Germany
Certifications & licenses
Super Intensive language course
English Path, Malta
Digital Leadership
alfatraining Bildungszentrum GmbH
Kaizen Leadership Training and Basic White Belt
International Leadership Program
trans4motion group
Design Management and Leadership Program
PARK Europe
Design Thinking
Brainbirds GmbH Hamburg
Agility – success in complex environments
Eppendorf Academy
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.
Where is Verena based?
What languages does Verena speak?
How many years of experience does Verena have?
What roles would Verena be best suited for?
What is Verena's latest experience?
What companies has Verena worked for in recent years?
Which industries is Verena most experienced in?
Which business areas is Verena most experienced in?
Which industries has Verena worked in recently?
Which business areas has Verena worked in recently?
What is Verena's education?
Does Verena have any certificates?
What is the availability of Verena?
What is the rate of Verena?
How to hire Verena?
Average rates for similar positions
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
Similar Freelancers
Discover other experts with similar qualifications and experience
Experts recently working on similar projects
Freelancers with hands-on experience in comparable project as a Design Lead
Nearby freelancers
Professionals working in or nearby Hamburg, Germany
