What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Studio Manager position at Refractory?
March 2025
Position: Design Studio Manager
Organization: West Supply LLC / Refractory
Job Location: Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-time, exempt
www.westsupply.com / www.refractory.studio
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DESIGN
- Project Manage new product development for Refractory, new product development for other WS clients, and custom lighting, furniture and architectural projects and commissions. Lead routine meetings on same.
- Capacity planning of the Design Studio and connecting milestones with Sales and Production teams.
- Oversee the complete life cycle of projects from concept/sketch approval through shop-drawing reviews, 3D dev, tooling, prototyping, sampling, photoshoots, Master Item List details, sales collateral and website updates.
- Supervision of the QC and content of shop drawings, 3D model revisions, 2D/3D files for CNC/printed/waterjet parts.
- Facilitation of 3D printers and plotters alongside Industrial Designer and Director of Development & Innovation.
- Oversight of UL listings for lighting.
- Manage the purchasing of parts/materials from vendors related to models and drawings, negotiating pricing, and lead times.
- Interface with independent clients and artists, architects, engineers, and interior designers.
- Willingness to engage in some hands-on work and facilitation in the workshop.
BRAND
- Support Brand and Marketing projects from concept to execution
- Oversee the management of the Digital Asset Management platform Brandfolder
- Photoshoot coordination (prep and on location)
- Create assets for marketing and web which included tearsheets, price list, installation instructions
- Order and administer use of marketing materials including samples, labels, packaging.
- Assist with hosting of client meetings and events as needed.
EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelors or equivalent degree in industrial design, product design or other engineering/technical related field.
- High level of experience in Project Management
- Interest in Fine Art and Design Production with specialization in Bronze, Glass, Composites, Sculpture and Lighting at highest levels of craftsmanship.
- Ability to work confidently and efficiently with production staff and craftspeople at all levels with positive, energetic, humble attitude, relationship building.
- Detail-oriented, versatile and self-driven with the ability to multi-task and take ownership of projects.
- Capable of working independently, have the ability to multitask, and be flexible to frequent changes in a fluid high-mix production environment.
- Strong leadership skills
KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Excel / Google Sheets (required) / Smartsheets (plus)
- Adobe Creative Suite proficiency - Illustrator / Indesign / Photoshop (required)
- Proficiencies in Rhino, Solidworks, or Fusion (we are migrating to Solidworks/Fusion), Autocad LT (plus)
- Z-Brush (plus), Blender (plus)
- CAM software and CNC file preparation (plus)
- Critical thinking and detailed problem-solving skills
- Strong oral, written and interpersonal skills required for interaction within dynamic teams, departments, and clients
COMPENSATION
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
BENEFITS
- Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Employee Personal Use of Workshop
- Working with a family of motivated artisans and world class designers within a great culture of support and pride in work and in one another