Senior Director of Product Design

Description

Reporting to the Vice President of Innovation, the Senior Director of Product Design will develop unique and custom products to meet business objectives required to develop world-class products that deliver exceptional value to customers. The position requires engineering of custom products from conceptual design through a prototype as part of a cross-functional Innovation Team (made up of product designers, product engineers, project management and other personnel as needed). This position will organize and lead cross-functional teams and interface with Accounting, IT, Sales and Marketing.

Requirements

Essential Duties:

• Create and develop – create conceptual designs, and prototypes. Transform into detailed technical specifications, including CAD drawings, tech packs, and material specifications.
• Collaborate & Innovate – work closely with Product Development, Engineering and Production teams to ensure designs are both creative and manufacturable.
• Ensure Quality – Participate in sample reviews, provide feedback, and refine designs to meet our high standards for construction, durability, and aesthetics.
• Drive Efficiency – manage product design and development from concept to production, helping optimize processes and solve technical challenges along the way.
• Stay Ahead of Trends – research industry trends, market preferences, and customer insights to contribute fresh, innovative design ideas.
• Work with Vendors – partner with domestic and international vendors to maintain consistency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
  
  

Every day, you will have the opportunity to bring products to life that make an impact while working in a collaborative, hands-on, and fast-moving environment where your designs will go from concept to reality.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• The ability to prepare rough sketches and models of customer products based on customer requests or custom designers.
• Mechanical, electrical and electronic aptitude.
• The ability to prepare final models and drawings.
• The ability to use hand tools and machines to create models and prototypes.
• Can identify and verify specifications.
• The ability to resolve discrepancies.
• The ability to execute projects and work with the project team to develop cost-saving measures if Value Engineered options are required.
• Will prepare and present engineering modes to the approval teams in custom design, custom engineering, and manufacturing.
• The ability to write reports and maintain record keeping as required by ISO procedures, legal department and project management.
• Can maintain an accurate document filing system.
• Effectively use analytical and problem-solving skills to help manage any design related concerns that may arise during the project.
• Will complete routine clerical work and paperwork for all patent applications.
• The ability to communicate with multiple departments keeping projects on time and withing budgetary constraints. This includes customers, sales team, suppliers, and supervisors.
• Be customer focused with a vision of continuously improving customer experience.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Training And Experience

• 5 years of experience in project management and/or estimating.
• Bachelor’s degree or certification in project management, industrial design, development/design engineering or related field recommended.
• Strong math skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management and strong organizational skills. Must be able to manage multiple projects at any given time.
• Experience organizing and leading cross-functional teams or working independently.
• Experience working with customers, vendors and manufacturers, both domestic and international.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams) and other Project Management tools such as Teamwork.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Sit and stand, sometimes for extended periods.
• Use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Walk, kneel, or crouch.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and more 25 pounds with assistance.
• Spend time working in the manufacturing environment to complete projects.
• Apply sight (vision) to monitor, observe processes and see fine details.
• Hear to sense alarms and differences in machine performance.