Associate Director, Furniture Design

The Associate Director, Furniture Design leads the creative and strategic development of seasonal assortments from concept to market. Partnering with the VP of Design, they execute brand-aligned product strategies while driving cross-functional collaboration and operational excellence. This role manages the design team and vendor relationships, leveraging expertise in materials and trends to deliver innovative, high-quality products that fuel business growth.This is an on-site position ("Monday through Thursday") based out of our Northbrook, IL office with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.A day in the life as an Associate Director, Furniture DesignPartner with the Vice President of Design to translate seasonal direction into commercially viable product strategies aligned with brand vision and business goalsServe as the creative lead for our team of designers for assigned product categories, driving the development and execution of cohesive, trend-right assortments across all categoriesLead and manage the end-to-end product development process, from concept through final approval, ensuring design integrity, quality, and adherence to timelinesEstablish and evolve processes and workflows to improve efficiency, communication, and overall team performance cross-functionallyOwn the structure, cadence, and outcomes of key product meetings, ensuring clear alignment across design, merchandising, sourcing, and external partnersDrive accountability to seasonal calendars, proactively identifying risks and communicating timeline changes or challenges to executive leadershipReview and approve all design concepts and technical specifications prior to vendor handoff, ensuring accuracy and readiness for developmentCollaborate with overseas vendors and agents to resolve development challenges, providing thoughtful solutions that balance design intent, cost, and feasibilityBuild and maintain strong relationships with collaborators through presentations, communication, and product approvalsTravel internationally as needed to review product developmentLead, mentor, and develop design team members by setting clear objectives, providing ongoing feedback, and supporting professional growthWhat You'll Bring To The TableStrong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across design, merchandising, sourcing, and executive teamsDeep passion for design, interiors, and product development, combined with a strong awareness of market trends, materials, and the evolving competitive landscapeUnderstanding of design history, trends, and market positioningProven ability to effectively communicate, influence, and align stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, external partners, and vendors, with strong negotiation and decision-making skillsStrategic thinker with a strong understanding of business priorities, able to translate high-level concepts into actionable design strategies that align with commercial viabilityExperience establishing and improving processes to drive efficiency and elevate team performanceStrong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environmentDetail-oriented with a high standard for quality, accuracy, and executionProven leadership capabilities with experience managing and developing high-performing teamsWe'd love to hear from you if you haveMust provide a link to portfolio (including password) on resume or provide PDF samples10 years of experience in product design and development within the furniture and lighting industry5 years of proven experience leading and developing a high-performing design teamBFA or MA in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, or a related design field, or equivalent practical experienceProficiency in industry-standard design software, including Solidworks, Keyshot, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop), and Google/Microsoft Suite applicationsExpert of the product design and development process, including deep technical expertise in materiality, product engineering, manufacturing best practices, and production processes for furniture and lightingDemonstrated ability in trend research and driving innovative cross-category product developmentExtensive experience traveling and working with factories in-country on product development projects, as well as travel for design inspiration#J-18808-Ljbffr