Director – Industrial Design & Innovation

Job Summary

The Director of Industrial Design is a visionary leadership role overseeing Haworth’s global design studios, driving innovation across the company. This role oversees design and innovation strategy, industrial design teams, advanced development process and production design execution, as well as the overall UX (user experience). Reporting to the Global Design, Research, Sustainability Officer, this position plays a critical role in shaping the future of the product portfolio by translating consumer insights and market trends into brand enhancing solutions. As a key member of the Development Value Stream, 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.

Job Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 at a global level.
• Leads, coaches, mentors and inspires a team of design professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, problem solving and design excellence at all levels.
• Overseesthe 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.
• Representsthe 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 global markets.
• Staysat the forefront of design trends, technologies, and best practices, ensuring the organization remains competitive and innovative.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with key 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, Industrial 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
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including international.
• Ability to provide your current portfolio. Applications will not be reviewed without a portfolio provided.
• Military Equivalency at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military
• Applicants must be able to work inHolland, MI without relocation assistance.
• Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US to be eligible for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in furniture or consumer product industry
• 12+ years of progressive design experience
• Proven ability to lead both strategic and hands on design work comfortable rolling up sleeves while providing executive level direction
• Strong organizational and planning skills; able to structure complex design programs and drive results across multiple initiatives
• Demonstrated executive presence with excellent communication skills; confident presenting to customers, executives, and global stakeholders
• Experience working in global markets and leading multicultural design teams
• Background in consumer centric design with a track record of delivering innovative, profitable product solutions
• Ability to identify and shape new project briefs aligned with brand strategy and market trends
• Collaborative mindset with experience working across engineering, marketing, and business units
• Passion for design excellence, sustainability, and user experience across physical and digital touchpoints
• Desire for continued growth into broader leadership roles within the organization