Industrial Design Studio Director

Haworth, Inc; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 Days Paid Time Off

Health Benefits

401k Match

Disability & Life Insurance

On-Site Gym

Job summary

Haworth, Inc. in Holland, MI is seeking a Director of Design Studio to lead the Industrial Design & Innovation group. This onsite role directs the studio, champions the Haworth Design Point of View, and guides design execution from concept to production with global impact.

You will collaborate with engineering, marketing, and business leaders to align with the Performance and Desire design philosophy, ensuring sustainability and aesthetic integrity across all product lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or a relevant field of study.
• Education equivalency: Associate's degree + 2 years ID exp or 4 years if no post-secondary education.
• 12 years ID exp with Bachelor's or 10 years with Master's.
• 7 years supervisory/management experience.
• Ability to travel up to 50% internationally.
• Portfolio submission required with application.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with C-suite executives to integrate design thinking strategy into business and guide product roadmaps globally.
• Partners with Product Line Management to define product aesthetics, functions, colors, textures, and finishes based on market research.
• Leads, coaches, and mentors a team of design professionals to foster creativity and design excellence.
• Maintains global ownership of design strategies for new and existing products across all markets.
• Represents Haworth's design philosophy to customers, investors, and the design community.
• Shapes design strategy and aligns thinking with business objectives to drive innovation across markets.
• Builds relationships with external designers, design schools, and partners to attract top talent.

Skills

Leadership

Design thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Global collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial Design or related field

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

Posting Start Date: 7/31/26

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.

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 a 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. This position is based onsite in Holland, Michigan.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborates with C-suite executives and key stakeholders to integrate design thinking strategy into all aspects of the business, influencing product roadmaps, and driving business growth at a global level.
• Partners with Product Line Management to define 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, coaches, mentors and inspires a team of design professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, problem solving and design excellence at all levels.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or in relevant field of study
• Education Equivalency: Associate's Degree plus 2 additional years industrial design experience OR 4 additional years industrial design experience if no post-secondary education
• 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 a part of the Designer’s tool set
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time internationally
• Portfolio submission required with application

Military Equivalency at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military

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.

Design your future with Haworth
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.

At Haworth, members enjoy benefits from their first day of employment:

• 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
• Pet Insurance

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Haworth Values

At Haworth, we have a strong set of values that guide our business and help us align with our customers.

We listen to our Customers. We rely on our Members. We honor Integrity. We embrace Continuous Learning. We lead with Design. We create Value. We work to make the World better.

EEO / ADA Statement

As an EEOemployer, Haworth will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected genetic information, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, religion, height, weight, other protected group status, or any other basis protected by the laws where we employ people.

Haworth's AAP programs are available for applicant review. Requests can be made to your Recruiter to review during regular business hours.

This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.

If you have questions about any of the above policies, or if you require an ADA accommodation in the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team at (616)-393-1600.