I work in a small company (about 30 people), my title is “Senior Product Designer” and I’ve worked here for a year now, and I’m the only designer here. Previously I was also a senior designer for 3.5 years at a very large tech company. I dream of becoming a Lead Designer, but there’s no possibility right now of my current company hiring more designers, so I do not have anyone to “lead”. However I am the “lead” of design here, by being the only one and having sole responsibility of design, working with the design strategy for external clients. Have anyone got experience in how to progress in a situation like this? I do dream of being hired by another company as Lead Designer at some point, and therefore considering if it makes sense to argue for becoming a “Design Lead” or “Head of Design” where I am now, even though it’s only a title change and basically what I am doing already..
Curious if anyone has any experience in how progression can look from a senior position when there’s no other designers.