Director of Product Design

Job Description

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves.

If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated.

WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORT

This position is the strategic leader responsible for transforming ideas into market-winning products that drive growth, strengthen competitive advantage, and shape the future of the business for La-Z-Boy products, upholstery & casegoods. This role leads the innovation pipeline from opportunity identification through commercialization, bringing together customer insights, technical expertise, and operational excellence to deliver breakthrough physical products. Working across Marketing, Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, Consumer Insights, and Sales, this position champions a culture of innovation and execution while building a portfolio of products that create meaningful value for customers, consumers and the company.

• Develop, Lead & Execute La-Z-Boy new product design strategy for upholstery & casegoods with focus on innovation, functionality and consumer experience to drive brand preference, business growth and channel profitability
• Identify market trends, consumer needs and emerging technologies to drive category growth
• Build and maintain a multi-year product roadmap, inclusive of launch cadence and product lifecycle
• Co-lead and implement go-to-market launch process including commercial functions
• Establish and improve stage-gate development process for innovation
• Develop business cases for new products, conduct market and competitive analysis, support pricing, positioning and launch planning, monitor post-launch performance and drive continuous improvement
• Partner with:
  Consumer Insights ,R&D, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Pricing, Sales, Sourcing & Supply Chain
• Implement best practices in product development, ensuring efficiency, agility, and continuous innovation – building a culture of innovation, accountability & execution.
• Establish, track, and regularly review performance metrics, including product launch timelines, cost optimization, customer satisfaction, and market success.
• Manage external development partners and technical consultants.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocations.

This position leads the strategy, roadmap, and execution of the upholstery and casegoods innovation pipeline, driving growth, profitability, and brand differentiation. This role oversees the product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, aligning consumer insights, market opportunities, and business objectives to deliver successful product launches. Through cross-functional leadership and continuous improvement of development processes, this role drives innovation, accelerates speed-to-market, and creates products that enhance customer value and strengthen competitive advantage.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Product Design, or Marketing with 10+ years of related experience or equivalent
• 7+ years of supervisory/leadership experience managing category/ brand / product growth and development / go-to-market product & channel launch
• Proven success launching physical products from concept to market.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience with manufacturing processes and supply chain considerations.
• Skills:
  
  Strategic Thinker / Change Management / Communication / Leadership / Influence / Collaboration / Consumer First Mindset
• Proficient in:
  Microsoft Windows, E1, SAP, Miro
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to drive alignment, challenge assumptions, and lead through change In-depth knowledge of materials, mechanisms, and advanced furniture manufacturing processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
  Microsoft Access preferred
• Up to 30% travel, both domestic & international

• MBA
• Experience in durable goods / furniture industry or related field with a focus on upho