Job Purpose
Establishes conceptual direction of and develops solutions for new product having high level of complexity, difficulty, breadth of scope, or for which few precedents exist, ensuring company objectives are met in areas of aesthetics, functions, performance, application, sustainability, and profitability.
A glimpse of your daily mission
Conceptualizes, develops, recommends and assists with implementation of product, resulting in profitable, world-class solutions.
Participates as design representative in product development process (leading design effort) to coordinate and ensure communication of all product design parameters from conception through introduction.
Establishes and controls design schedules and budgets for assigned projects to balance needs of project team with those of customer.
Creates sketches, renderings, reports, models, and presentations to completely describe concepts to development team and management.
Recommends surface finish treatments, materials, and colors for entire product offering appropriate for line to complement full portfolio.
Monitors and participates in construction of visual and functional product models for evaluation to lead to improvements and presentation to enhance understanding of internal and external audiences.
Conducts human factors analysis or consults with Corporate Ergonomist to ensure proper interaction between user and product; conveys same to development team.
Serves as liaison between and coordinates efforts of external design consultants and suppliers and internal Haworth functional groups resulting in solutions appropriate for market and company.
Collaborates with Product Marketing to organize and conduct internal and field research and focus groups to identify customer requirements and desires.
Utilizes personal computer and keyboard/mouse while performing functions of position.
Your Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or equivalent.
12-15 years product design experience, including five years product development experience.
Demonstrated working knowledge of various software, including Computer Aided Design (CAD), image manipulation, graphics, and desktop publishing.
PC and keyboard/mouse skills required.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints/floor plans required.
Should be based in a Haworth manufacturing location
Ability to travel overnight away to any Haworth location, Customer or Supplier as required up to 15 percent of time.
Experience in managing a team.
Travel Requirement
15%, ability to travel between Haworth international offices based on business needs, to meet with customers, conduct research, or attend training or industry events.
About us
Haworth is one of the world's largest manufacturers of office furniture, providing solutions for tomorrow's customers worldwide. At the center of our work is the human being: What does a person need to work, what pushes them, motivates them and what makes people feel comfortable at work? Only if we can answer that question, we are able to introduce designs to our customers that will make them achieve their goals. To stay one step ahead, we invest in our own research, have a worldwide network of interesting partners and are part of think tanks around the world who are trying to think ahead. The family-owned company, headquartered in Holland, Michigan/United States, employs more than 8.000 people and is represented in more than 150 countries in Asia, Europe and America with subsidiaries and partners.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or equivalent
- 12-15 years product design experience
- Five years product development experience
- Demonstrated working knowledge of various software
- PC and keyboard/mouse skills
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints/floor plans
- Experience in managing a team
What We Do
Haworth is a global, family-owned furniture manufacturer that designs and produces innovative workspace interiors, focusing on quality, performance, and sustainable design.
