What are the responsibilities and job description for the Industrial Design Director position at Design Observer?
We are currently looking for a Director - Design Studio to join our team in Holland, MI.
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.
Job Responsibilities
Headquartered in Holland Michigan, Haworth is a family owned global powerhouse at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in the workspace interiors industry. Here, you'll have access to state of the art resources, collaborate with cross functional teams of passionate innovators, and experience a blend of global reach with personal growth opportunities. Whether you're developing new manufacturing processes, implementing smart factory solutions, or designing tomorrow's workspace solutions, you'll be empowered to make a lasting impact while growing your career.
We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent are the foundation of our success and enable us to build meaningful connections with our customers and each other.
At Haworth, members enjoy benefits from their first day of employment:
20 Days Paid Time Off: Plus, the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
Health Benefits: Priority Health Medical options, Delta Dental, and Vision Insurance.
401k Match: Contribute 6% of your annual salary, and Haworth will match up to 7%.
Insurance Coverage: Company-provided Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
On-Site Gym: Well-equipped gym, open 24/7.
Annual Bonus Programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Volunteer Time Off
Parental Leave
Pet Insurance
Zero Waste to Landfill
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.
Job Responsibilities
- Collaborates with C-suite executives and key stakeholders to integrate design thinking into all aspects of the business, influencing product roadmaps, and driving business growth.
- Partners with Product Line Management to define the design brief; 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 the creative culture and innovation. Stays at the forefront of design trends, technologies, and best practices, ensuring the organization remains competitive and innovative.
- 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.
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or in relevant field of study
- 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
- Ability to provide your current portfolio
- Applicants must be able to work a fully onsite position in Holland, MI
- Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US
- Military Equivalency at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military
- 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.
Headquartered in Holland Michigan, Haworth is a family owned global powerhouse at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in the workspace interiors industry. Here, you'll have access to state of the art resources, collaborate with cross functional teams of passionate innovators, and experience a blend of global reach with personal growth opportunities. Whether you're developing new manufacturing processes, implementing smart factory solutions, or designing tomorrow's workspace solutions, you'll be empowered to make a lasting impact while growing your career.
We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent are the foundation of our success and enable us to build meaningful connections with our customers and each other.
At Haworth, members enjoy benefits from their first day of employment:
20 Days Paid Time Off: Plus, the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
Health Benefits: Priority Health Medical options, Delta Dental, and Vision Insurance.
401k Match: Contribute 6% of your annual salary, and Haworth will match up to 7%.
Insurance Coverage: Company-provided Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
On-Site Gym: Well-equipped gym, open 24/7.
Annual Bonus Programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Volunteer Time Off
Parental Leave
Pet Insurance
Zero Waste to Landfill