Industrial Design Studio Director

Job Overview

The Director of Industrial Design & Innovation is a visionary leadership role driving the “Haworth Design Point of View” with design excellence and innovation across the organization. This role oversees the Industrial Design Studio team delivering innovation strategy, advanced design development, and production design execution with a global impact. 

As a part of the Global Design, Research, Innovation and Sustainability Group, this position plays a critical role in delivering our creative culture and design excellence across the business. 

As a key member of the R&D organization, the Director collaborates cross functionally with engineering, marketing, and business unit leaders to guide product development from concept to execution. The Director leads through our Studio Managers to deliver on our design point of view we call ‘Performance and Desire’, which includes sustainable innovation, functional excellence, aesthetic integrity, and strategic alignment. This leader will also engage in projects, actively working within teams to "lead by doing.” A player/coach mentality is very important to the success of the role.

Success in this role is strengthened by an established professional network within the contract office furniture industry, enabling key partnerships, informed decision making, external collaboration, and deeper insight into emerging opportunities. This position is based onsite in Holland, Michigan.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborates with C-suite executives and key stakeholders to integrate design thinking strategy into all aspects of the business, influencing product roadmaps, and driving business growth at a global level.
• Partners with Product Line Management to define product aesthetics, functions, colors, textures, and finishes based on market research and customer needs; synchronize strategies across geographies and sectors.
• Leads, coaches, mentors and inspires a team of design professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, problem solving and design excellence at all levels.
• Maintains global ownership of the development and execution of design strategies for new and existing products, ensuring alignment with brand identity, market trends, and customer needs across all global markets.
• Represents the company's design philosophy and vision to external stakeholders, including customers, investors, and the design community.
• Shapes the design strategy and vision for the organization, aligning design thinking with business objectives and driving innovation across all product lines and markets.
• Leads, coaches, mentors and inspires a team of design professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, problem solving and design excellence at all levels.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with key external designers, design schools, organizations, strategic design and architecture partners, and thought leaders to attract and retain top design talent.
• Champion a culture of inclusion and belonging, promoting member engagement, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Direct capital and expense budgets, Requests for Expenditure (RFEs), and resource allocation; balance sector-level investments with global priorities to optimize profitability.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or in relevant field of study
• Education Equivalency: Associate's Degree plus 2 additional years industrial design experience OR 4 additional years industrial design experience if no post-secondary education
• 12 years Industrial Design experience with Bachelor’s Degree OR 10 years Industrial Design experience with Master’s Degree
• 7 years supervisory/management experience
• Proficient with current CAD tools in developing, packaging, and surfacing product designs as a part of the Designer’s tool set
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time internationally
• Portfolio submission required with application

Military Equivalency at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or in relevant field of study.
• Established professional network and prior experience engaging with key stakeholders and partners throughout the furniture industry.
• Proven ability to lead strategic and hands-on design work.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Demonstrated executive presence with excellent communication skills.
• Experience working in global markets and leading multicultural design teams.
• Background in consumer centric design.
• Ability to identify and shape new project briefs.
• Collaborative mindset with cross-functional experience. 
• Passion for design excellence, sustainability, and user experience.
• Experience with direct capital and expense budgets.