Wood Industrial Design Manager

Company Description

One of our clients, a well-established luxury furniture brand, is looking for a WOOD INDUSTRIAL DESIGN MANAGER. This is a great opportunity to be part of a brand that has made a mark in the furniture industry.

Job Overview:

The Wood Industrial Design Manager is the Technical Expert of the company. This position creates and develops designs for wooden products, balancing aesthetics, user needs, and production feasibility for manufacturing. This role optimizes the production of wood and wood-based products by developing efficient processes, improving material yields, reducing waste, and ensuring quality standards are met throughout the entire manufacturing lifecycle, from raw material purchasing to final product inspection.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Conceptualization & Design:
  Generate original ideas and concepts for new wooden products, improving existing lines, and ensuring designs meet user needs and company goals.
• Design Development:
  Create detailed sketches, 3D models, and prototypes using specialized software and materials to visualize and test designs.
• Collaboration:
  Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, marketers, and manufacturing specialists, to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and align with business strategies.
• User Research & Testing:
  Conduct research and gather feedback from users and stakeholders to understand ergonomic needs and improve product usability, safety, and functionality.
• Material & Process Selection:
  Recommend specific types of wood and finishing processes that optimize a product's aesthetics, durability, cost, and manufacturability.
• Presentation:
  Prepare and present design concepts, models, and prototypes to clients and managers to communicate ideas and incorporate their suggestions.
• Process Development:
  Creating and improving manufacturing processes to increase throughput, efficiency, and overall production.
• Material Yield & Waste Reduction:
  Developing methods to maximize the use of wood materials and minimize waste.
• Quality Control:
  Implementing and overseeing quality standards throughout the production process to ensure end products meet specifications.
• Data Analysis:
  Utilizing data to monitor machine utilization, identify inefficiencies, and make informed recommendations for improvements.
• SOP Development:
  Creating standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency in manufacturing processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Design or any related course
• Extensive experience in Wood design and manufacturing
• Proven track record in design, innovation, project landscape.
• Technical Skills:
  Proficiency in 3D CAD software and other design tools.
• Design Expertise:
  Strong skills in sketching and an understanding of design principles, product development, and user experience.
• Material Knowledge:
  Familiarity with various wood types, their properties, and their suitability for different products.
• Manufacturing Knowledge:
  Understanding of woodworking processes and how designs translate into automated manufacturing and assembly.
• Communication:
  Excellent presentation and communication skills to effectively convey ideas to non-design teams and stakeholders. Strong written and verbal abilities to communicate with various teams and explain technical concepts.
• Problem-Solving:
  Ability to identify and resolve design challenges to enhance product quality and functionality.
• Research:
  Capability to conduct user research, analyze market trends, and stay updated on industry innovations.
• Leadership & Initiative:
   The ability to take initiative, lead projects, and work independently or within a team.