Industrial Design Director

Overview

Haworth Inc, headquartered in Holland, MI, is seeking a visionary Industrial Design Director to lead the Design Studio. This leadership role drives design excellence and innovation as part of the Global Design, Research, Innovation, and Sustainability Group, influencing product development globally in the contract office furniture industry.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with C-suite executives and stakeholders to embed design thinking throughout business functions, shaping product roadmaps and boosting growth.
• Work with Product Line Management to define design briefs encompassing aesthetics, function, finishes, and materials aligned to market and customer insights across regions and sectors.
• Lead and mentor a team of design professionals to foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and design excellence.
• Oversee global design strategy development and execution for product portfolios, ensuring brand coherence and responsiveness to trends and client needs.
• Represent the company’s design philosophy to external audiences including customers, investors, and the design community.
• Shape organizational design vision aligned with business priorities, championing innovation within product lines and markets.
• Drive a culture focused on creativity and innovation by staying current with design trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Build relationships with design schools, organizations, external design partners, and thought leaders to attract top talent.
• Promote an inclusive culture emphasizing member engagement, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage capital and expense budgets, resource allocation, and expenditure requests to optimize profitability at sector and global levels.
• Perform all essential functions with or without accommodation and utilize office automation tools effectively.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or relevant fields; or equivalent experience combining associate degree and additional years of experience.
• Minimum 12 years (Bachelor’s) or 10 years (Master’s) of industrial design experience with 7 years in supervisory or management roles.
• Proficient in current CAD tools for product design development, packaging, and surfacing.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 50% of the time.
• Availability to work fully onsite in Holland, MI.
• Unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to present a current portfolio showcasing expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Established professional network and prior experience collaborating within the furniture industry.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead both strategic and hands-on design initiatives.
• Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills with executive presence.
• Experience directing multicultural design teams and working across global markets.
• Background in consumer-centric design and ability to create/shape new project briefs.
• Collaborative approach with cross-departmental experience.
• Passion for design quality, sustainability, and user experience.
• Experience managing direct capital and operating budgets.

About Haworth

Haworth is a family-owned global leader in innovation and sustainable design for workspace interiors. With access to advanced resources and interdisciplinary teams, employees are empowered to impact the future of workspace solutions while advancing their careers. The company fosters a collaborative culture where every employee's contribution is valued and supported.

Employee Benefits

• 20 days paid time off annually, with option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
• Health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions up to 7%.
• Company-provided short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage.
• On-site fitness center open 24/7.
• Annual bonus programs, tuition reimbursement, volunteer time off, parental leave, pet insurance.
• Commitment to zero waste to landfill initiative.