Michigan, USA
Associate design director
at Roll & Hill
Roll & Hill has an opportunity for an associate design director to join its studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The role
The furniture design team is responsible for all new furniture product design as well as improvement of existing products. We are looking for a hands-on design manager with a passion for furniture design. It will be your responsibility to take a leading role in the product development of upcoming furniture collections. You will manage direct reports on the furniture design team and guide them towards project checkpoints and development deadlines. This work will require experience with furniture design, upholstery and solid wood construction. You will draw upon experience in Solidworks and an advanced understanding of the design process to help bring concepts into reality. Our model maker and supporting production staff on site in our Grand Rapids production facility will help you drive innovation and physical prototyping in our fast paced development cycle. You will report to the design director to keep pace with our broader design development goals.
Responsibilities:
- guide the product development process for Roll & Hill furniture
- manage direct reports on the design team
- work as needed with Alexis Manufacturing for production capacity in relation to new collections
- manage assigned project responsibilities and tight deadlines
- create, monitor and manage specification drawings and Solidworks Parts/Assemblies
- guide organized integration of new collections within PLM and ERP systems
- create a positive and innovative work environment for our design team and the broader Alexis Manufacturing staff
Requirements:
- a degree in industrial design or closely-related field
- 5-7 years of product design experience, ideally with a focus in furniture design
- 2-4 years of management experience with direct reports
- a developed portfolio exhibiting your product development success
- an understanding of woodworking, joinery and solid wood construction
- 3-5 years of experience using Solidworks
- an understanding of CAM and CNC fabrication
- mechanical aptitude, an eye for the details and understanding of tolerances
- critical thinking, the ability to foresee problems and suggest multiple solutions
- project management, the ability to manage multiple projects and scheduling complex tasks as needed to meet deadlines
- Communication. Great communication skills are a must, this is a collaborative team environment with a design office located directly next to the manufacturing floor.
Positive attitude, open-minded and professional.
Application details
Please submit a cover letter, PDF/link of resume and portfolio.
All applications will be reviewed. Your patience is appreciated.
Note: international candidates must hold a valid US working permit.