Manager-Tile Designer (Ahmedabad)

Somany Ceramics Plant; Ahmedabad District; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodfit, Ahmedabad-based tile manufacturer, is seeking a Manager – Tile Design to lead the development of innovative ceramic tile collections. You will drive design excellence across the end-to-end lifecycle and work with R&D, Production, Marketing and Sales to ensure commercially successful launches.

The role requires 8–15 years in ceramic tile design, strong leadership, and expertise in digital design tools.

Qualifications

• 8–15 years of experience in ceramic tile design, surface design, or product development.
• Proven experience in leading design teams and managing multiple design projects simultaneously.
• Experience in premium, large-format, GVT, PGVT, or specialty tile categories is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the design roadmap aligned with business objectives and market trends.
• Lead the creation of innovative tile collections for floor, wall, outdoor, and specialty applications.
• Drive product differentiation through textures, finishes, patterns, colors, and surface innovations.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing design team; establish creative standards and processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and Procurement for feasible, timely launches.
• Ensure design quality across color matching, digital printing, glazing, textures, and finishes.
• Prepare presentations and product stories for leadership reviews and stakeholders.
• Leverage digital design tools and stay updated on ceramic printing technologies.

Skills

Design Strategy

Team Leadership

Trend Forecasting

Cross-functional Collaboration

Project Management

Communication

Innovation

Surface Development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Design

Master's in Design Management

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

CAD Software

3D Visualization Tools

Digital Printing Technology

Job description

Role Purpose

The Manager – Tile Design will lead the development of innovative, market-driven ceramic tile collections that strengthen the company's product portfolio and brand positioning. The role is responsible for driving design excellence, overseeing the end-to-end design lifecycle, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure commercially successful and technically feasible product launches while fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design Strategy & Product Development

• Develop and execute the design roadmap aligned with business objectives, customer preferences, and market trends.


• Lead the conceptualization and creation of innovative tile collections for floor, wall, outdoor, and specialty applications.


• Drive product differentiation through unique textures, finishes, patterns, colors, and surface innovations.

2. Innovation & Trend Research

• Monitor global and domestic design trends, consumer preferences, architecture, and interior design developments.


• Conduct competitor benchmarking and market research to identify emerging opportunities.


• Translate market insights into commercially viable product concepts.

3. Design Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of designers and design coordinators.


• Establish creative standards, design processes, and quality benchmarks.


• Foster a collaborative and innovation-driven work environment.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, Production, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and Procurement teams to ensure design feasibility and timely commercialization.


• Support new product launches by providing technical design inputs and marketing-ready design presentations.


• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to optimize design implementation without compromising aesthetics.

5. Design Quality & Process Excellence

• Ensure consistency in color matching, digital printing accuracy, glazing effects, textures, and surface finishes.


• Review prototypes and production samples to maintain design integrity throughout manufacturing.


• Implement best practices in design governance and continuous improvement initiatives.

6. Design Presentation & Stakeholder Management

• Prepare concept boards, mood boards, design presentations, and product stories for leadership reviews.


• Present design concepts and recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.


• Support customer presentations for strategic projects when required.

7. Technology & Digital Design

• Leverage digital design technologies and visualization tools to enhance design efficiency.


• Stay updated on advancements in ceramic printing technology, AI-assisted design tools, and surface engineering techniques.


• Promote digital innovation within the design function.

Role Specifications

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Design, Fine Arts, Ceramics, Architecture, Industrial Design, or a related discipline.


• Master's degree or specialization in Design Management will be an added advantage.

Experience

• 8–15 years of experience in ceramic tile design, surface design, or product development.


• Proven experience in leading design teams and managing multiple design projects simultaneously.


• Experience in premium, large-format, GVT, PGVT, or specialty tile categories will be preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of ceramic tile manufacturing processes, digital printing, glazing technologies, firing processes, and surface finishing.


• Hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, CAD software, and 3D visualization tools.


• Knowledge of color management systems, texture development, and print technology.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Creative professional with a strong aesthetic sense and commercial mindset.


• Passionate about innovation and design excellence.


• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire and develop teams.


• Excellent project management and stakeholder management skills.


• Analytical thinker with the ability to convert market insights into successful product offerings.


• Effective communicator with strong presentation and influencing skills.


• Adaptable to a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Ceramic Tile Design & Surface Development


• Digital Printing Technology


• Glazing & Surface Finishing


• Color Science & Texture Development


• CAD & 3D Visualization


• Adobe Creative Suite


• Product Lifecycle Management


• Prototype Evaluation


• Design Quality Assurance


• Manufacturing Process Understanding

Functional Competencies

• Product Development


• Design Strategy


• Trend Forecasting & Market Research


• Portfolio Management


• Cross-functional Collaboration


• Project Management


• Innovation Management


• Product Commercialization


• Design Review & Validation

Business Competencies

• Customer-Centric Product Development


• Commercial Awareness


• Competitive Analysis


• Strategic Thinking


• Brand Building


• Business Acumen


• Market Orientation


• Cost Optimization


• Process Improvement

Leadership Competencies

• Team Leadership


• Talent Development & Coaching


• Decision Making


• Change Management


• Stakeholder Management


• Collaboration & Influence


• Strategic Vision


• Performance Management

Behavioural Competencies

• Creativity & Innovation


• Problem Solving


• Attention to Detail


• Ownership & Accountability


• Learning Agility


• Adaptability


• Effective Communication


• Collaboration


• Result Orientation


• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Success Metrics

• Timely launch of new tile collections aligned with market demand.


• Number of successful product innovations introduced annually.


• Improvement in product acceptance and sales contribution from new designs.


• Reduction in design-to-production cycle time.


• Design quality compliance and first-time-right implementation rate.


• Stakeholder satisfaction across R&D, Production, Marketing, and Sales.


• Team capability development and engagement.


• Contribution to brand differentiation through innovative and commercially successful designs.