Industrial Design Director

Designer Interiors; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 104,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 Days Paid Time Off

Health Benefits

401k Match

On‑Site Gym

Annual Bonus Programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Volunteer Time Off

Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Zero Waste to Landfill

Job summary

Haworth Inc. in Holland, MI seeks a Director of Industrial Design & Innovation to lead the design studio and deliver the Haworth Design Point of View. You will guide strategy, development, and production design with global impact, collaborating across engineering, marketing, and business units.

The role requires 12+ years in industrial design with a degree, 7 years of management, and strong CAD skills, with up to 50% travel and onsite work in Holland, MI.

Qualifications

• 12 years industrial design experience with a bachelor’s degree OR 10 years with a master’s degree.
• 7 years supervisory/management experience.
• Proficient with current CAD tools for development, packaging, and surfacing.
• Ability to travel up to 50% internationally.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with C-suite and stakeholders to integrate design thinking into business and roadmaps.
• Lead and mentor a global design team to deliver design strategy and execution.
• Own development of design strategies across products and markets.
• Represent design philosophy to customers, investors, and partners.
• Shape design strategy aligning with business objectives and sustainability.
• Travel up to 50% internationally and manage budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Portfolio

CAD tools

Travel readiness

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design

Master’s Degree in Industrial Design

Educational Equivalency

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

Industrial Design Director

Company: Haworth Inc

Location: Holland, MI

Posted: Jun 17

We are currently looking for a Director - Design Studio to join our team in Holland, MI.

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 part of the Global Design, Research, Innovation and Sustainability Group, this position plays a critical role in delivering our creative culture and design excellence across the business. As a key member of the R&D organization, the Director collaborates cross functionally with engineering, marketing, and business unit leaders to guide product development from concept to execution. The Director leads through our Studio Managers to deliver on our design point of view we call ‘Performance and Desire’, which includes sustainable innovation, functional excellence, aesthetic integrity, and strategic alignment. This leader will also engage in projects, actively working within teams to “lead by doing.” A player/coach mentality is very important to the success of the role. Success in this role is strengthened by an established professional network within the contract office furniture industry, enabling key partnerships, informed decision making, external collaboration, and deeper insight into emerging opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

• 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; synchronize 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. Stays at the forefront of design trends, technologies, and best practices, ensuring the organization remains 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.
• Champion a culture of inclusion and belonging, promoting member engagement, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Direct capital and expense budgets, Requests for Expenditure (RFEs), and resource allocation; balance sector-level investments with global priorities to optimize profitability.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time internationally.
• Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US.
• Applicants must be able to work a fully onsite position in Holland, MI.
• Proficient with current CAD tools in developing, packaging, and surfacing product designs as part of the designer’s tool set.
• 7 years supervisory/management experience.
• 12 years Industrial Design experience with Bachelor’s Degree OR 10 years Industrial Design experience with Master’s Degree.
• Ability to provide current portfolio.
• Military Equivalency at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military.
• Education Equivalency: Associate's Degree plus 2 additional years industrial design experience OR 4 additional years industrial design experience if no post-secondary education.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or in relevant field of study.
• 12 years Industrial Design experience with Bachelor’s Degree OR 10 years Industrial Design experience with Master’s Degree.
• 7 years supervisory/management experience.
• Proficient with current CAD tools in developing, packaging, and surfacing product designs as part of the designer’s tool set.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time internationally.
• Ability to provide current portfolio.
• Applicants must be able to work a fully onsite position in Holland, MI.
• Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US.
• Military Equivalency at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military.
• Education Equivalency: Associate's Degree plus 2 additional years industrial design experience OR 4 additional years industrial design experience if no post-secondary education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or in relevant field of study.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• 401k Match: Contribute 6% of your annual salary, and Haworth will match up to 7%.
• Insurance Coverage: Company‑provided Short‑Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• On‑Site Gym: Well‑equipped gym, open 24/7.
• Annual Bonus Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Volunteer Time Off
• Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Zero Waste to Landfill

Headquartered in Holland Michigan, Haworth is a family owned global powerhouse at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in the workspace interiors industry. Here, you'll have access to state of the art resources, collaborate with cross functional teams of passionate innovators, and experience a blend of global reach with personal growth opportunities. Whether you're developing new manufacturing processes, implementing smart factory solutions, or designing tomorrow's workspace solutions, you'll be empowered to make a lasting impact while growing your career. We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent are the foundation of our success and enable us to build meaningful connections with our customers and each other.

Join the Future of Workspace Innovation at Haworth. Are you ready to shape the future of how people work, live, and thrive? At Haworth, we're not just creating furniture, we're revolutionizing the way the world interacts with spaces. As a global pioneer in workspace design since 1948, we've been pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities for over seven decades. We're looking for visionaries like you to help write the next chapter of our story.