Director of Design

We are seeking a strategic Director of Design who possesses the ability to transform visionary product concepts into scalable, cost-effective realities that meet SURTECO's highest standards for quality and aesthetics.

The Director of Design will be responsible for leading and managing the design department, overseeing the development of innovative and high-quality surface products. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong background in design and a deep understanding of the manufacturing surfaces industry. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and technical expertise.  This position reports to the Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Design

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Develop and implement design strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and professional development of design team members.
• Drive the conceptualization and development of new surface products, ensuring they meet market trends and customer needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and production, to ensure seamless product development and launch.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technologies, and competitive landscape to maintain a cutting-edge design portfolio.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.
• Establish project timelines, assign tasks, and monitor progress to ensure successful project completion.
• Conduct regular design reviews and provide constructive feedback to ensure design excellence.
• Ensure all design outputs meet the highest standards of quality, functionality, and aesthetics.
• Oversee the compliance of designs with industry standards and regulations.
• Implement and maintain design processes and protocols to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored design solutions.
• Present design concepts and prototypes to clients and stakeholders, gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key industry partners and suppliers.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Proven track record of successfully managing design teams in a range of design projects and delivering innovative products to market.
• Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills to all levels of management
• Ability to read, write and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as measurements and volume, fundamentals of plane, geometry, and trigonometry and work with international units.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to define issues, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the manufacturing surfaces industry or a related field.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds as needed, up to 50 pounds on occasions
• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; bend; kneel; squat; climb stairs; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree is preferred.

Travel Requirements:

Time spent away from home or typical office location.

0%     10%     20%     30%     40%     50% or more

Company Statement:

SURTECO is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to providing equal access to employment. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all applicants to apply. In addition, the health and safety of those who contribute to business development is a priority. Open dialogue with our employees is a matter of course, and the further development of their knowledge is a special concern. We enable them to find the right balance between personal and professional life.

DISCLAIMER:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, success profile characteristics or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the Job at any time.

Monday- Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm