Industrial Design Director

Job Overview

The Director of Industrial Design & Innovation is a visionary leadership role driving the “Haworth Design Point of View” with design excellence and innovation across the organization. This role oversees the Industrial Design Studio team delivering innovation strategy, advanced design development, and production design execution with a global impact. As a key member of the Global Design, Research, Innovation and Sustainability Group, the director leads through Studio Managers to deliver on our design point of view—Performance and Desire—which includes sustainable innovation, functional excellence, aesthetic integrity, and strategic alignment.

• 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.
• Partners with Product Line Management to define the design brief, product aesthetics, functions, colors, textures, and finishes based on market research and customer needs; synchronizes strategies across geographies and sectors.
• Leads, coaches, mentors and inspires a team of design professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, problem solving and design excellence at all levels.
• Maintains global ownership of the 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.
• Represents the 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 markets.
• Leads the creative culture and innovation, staying at the forefront of design trends, technologies, and best practices to keep the organization competitive and innovative.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with key external designers, design schools, organizations, strategic design and architecture partners, and thought leaders to attract and retain top design talent.
• Champions a culture of inclusion and belonging, promoting member engagement, sustainability and continuous improvement.
• Directs capital and expense budgets, Requests for Expenditure (RFEs), and resource allocation; balances sector-level investments with global priorities to optimize profitability.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without accommodation.
• Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in the Haworth office environment.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or a relevant field of study.
• 12 years of Industrial Design experience with a Bachelor’s Degree or 10 years with a Master’s Degree.
• 7 years of supervisory/management experience.
• Proficiency with current CAD tools for developing, packaging, and surfacing product designs.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time internationally.
• Ability to provide a current portfolio.
• Must be able to work a fully onsite position in Holland, MI.
• Must possess an unrestricted right to work in the United States.
• Military equivalency information available at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• Education equivalency:
  Associate’s Degree plus 2 additional years of industrial design experience, or 4 additional years of industrial design experience if no post‑secondary education.

• Established professional network and prior experience engaging with key stakeholders and partners throughout the furniture industry.
• Proven ability to lead strategic and hands‑on design work.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Demonstrated executive presence with excellent communication skills.
• Experience working in global markets and leading multicultural design teams.
• Background in consumer‑centric design.
• Ability to identify and shape new project briefs.
• Collaborative mindset with cross‑functional experience.
• Passion for design excellence, sustainability, and user experience.
• Experience with direct capital and expense budgets.

Design your future with Haworth.

• 20 Days Paid Time Off (plus the option to buy up to 5 extra days).
• Health benefits:
  
  Priority Health Medical options, Delta Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) match:
  Contribute 6% of your annual salary;
  Haworth matches up to 7%.
• Insurance coverage:
  Company‑provided Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• On‑site gym:
  Well‑equipped, open 24/7.
• Annual Bonus Programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Volunteer Time Off.
• Parental Leave.
• Pet Insurance.
• Zero Waste to Landfill initiatives.