What are the responsibilities and job description for the Industrial Design Manager position at GSM Outdoors?
Description
Job Purpose: The Industrial Design Manager oversees the industrial design process from concept to production, ensuring products are functional, manufacturable, and aligned with user and brand expectations.
Job Purpose: The Industrial Design Manager oversees the industrial design process from concept to production, ensuring products are functional, manufacturable, and aligned with user and brand expectations.
- Lead and manage a team of industrial designers, including hiring, performance management, and professional development. Drive the end-to-end industrial design process from concept through production, ensuring alignment with user needs, brand identity, and business objectives.
- Lead concept development, including sketching, 3D modeling, and visualization, to communicate design intent effectively. Collaborate closely with engineering, product management, and brand teams to translate user and business requirements into compelling product solutions.
- Ensure design intent is maintained throughout engineering development, prototyping, and manufacturing.
- Partner with overseas manufacturers and suppliers to communicate design details, review samples, and ensure high-quality execution of CMF (color, material, finish).
- Lead design reviews and critiques to ensure high-quality, innovative, and user-centered design solutions.
- Oversee the creation of prototypes, mockups, and visual assets to support product development and stakeholder alignment. Incorporate user research, usability testing, and feedback into design iterations to improve product experience.
- Ensure designs meet manufacturability, cost, and regulatory requirements in collaboration with engineering and overseas factories.
- Guide the development of design documentation, including specifications for materials, finishes, and product details.
- Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables to support product development schedules.
- Present design concepts and progress to internal stakeholders and executive leadership.
- Drive continuous improvement in design processes, tools, and team capabilities.
- Other duties as assigned.
- BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering and/ or Industrial Design Degree
- 5 years management experience
- 7 years in managing a team of Industrial Designers
- 10 years New Product Development for consumer-based products; outdoor products a plus
- Proficiency in industrial design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Alias, or similar 3D CAD software)
- Strong sketching, visualization, and concept development skills
- Experience developing products from concept through production
- Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and CMF (color, material, finish)
- Experience collaborating with engineering teams to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability
- Experience working with overseas manufacturers or suppliers
- Ability to clearly communicate design intent through sketches, renderings, and presentations
- Strong problem-solving skills with a user-centered design approach
- Strong organizational and project management skills