Director of Product Design
Job Summary
This position is the strategic leader responsible for transforming ideas into market-winning products that drive growth, strengthen competitive advantage, and shape the future of the business for La-Z-Boy products, upholstery & casegoods.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop, Lead & Execute La-Z-Boy new product design strategy for upholstery & casegoods with focus on innovation, functionality and consumer experience to drive brand preference, business growth and channel profitability
Identify market trends, consumer needs and emerging technologies to drive category growth
Build and maintain a multi-year product roadmap, inclusive of launch cadence and product lifecycle
Co-lead and implement go-to-market launch process including commercial functions
Develop and improve stage-gate development process for innovation
Partner with: Consumer Insights ,R&D, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Pricing, Sales, Sourcing & Supply Chain
Implement best practices in product development, ensuring efficiency, agility, and continuous innovation – building a culture of innovation, accountability & execution
Manage external development partners and technical consultants
Manage departmental budgets and resource allocations
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Product Design, or Marketing with 10+ years of related experience or equivalent
7+ years of supervisory/leadership experience managing category/ brand / product growth and development / go-to-market product & channel launch
Proven success launching physical products from concept to market
Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills
Experience with manufacturing processes and supply chain considerations
Skills: Strategic Thinker / Change Management / Communication / Leadership / Influence / Collaboration / Consumer First Mindset
Proficient in: Microsoft Windows, E1, SAP, Miro
Preferred Requirements
MBA
Experience in durable goods / furniture industry or related field with a focus on upholstery and casegoods, or equivalent
Lever Product Development experience
Six Sigma, PMP, or equivalent certification
Supervisory Responsibilities
Up to 5 direct reports
Physical Demands/Work Environment
Office environment with no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands
Often required to sit, repetitive hand motion (such as typing), to hear, listen, to talk, stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb stairs
Seldom required to Climb ladders, kneel, squat, and reach overhead, pull, push or Lift up to /over 50 pounds
Not required to crouch, crawl, balance or shovel
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.