Design Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves.
 
If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated. 
 
WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORT

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. This role leads the innovation pipeline from opportunity identification through commercialization, bringing together customer insights, technical expertise, and operational excellence to deliver breakthrough physical products. Working across Marketing, Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, Consumer Insights, and Sales, this position champions a culture of innovation and execution while building a portfolio of products that create meaningful value for customers, consumers and the company.

Job Description:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

• 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
• Establish and improve stage-gate development process for innovation
• Develop business cases for new products, conduct market and competitive analysis, support pricing, positioning and launch planning, monitor post-launch performance and drive continuous improvement
• 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.
• Establish, track, and regularly review performance metrics, including product launch timelines, cost optimization, customer satisfaction, and market success.
• Manage external development partners and technical consultants.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocations.

SCOPE & IMPACT: 

This position leads the strategy, roadmap, and execution of the upholstery and casegoods innovation pipeline, driving growth, profitability, and brand differentiation. This role oversees the product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, aligning consumer insights, market opportunities, and business objectives to deliver successful product launches. Through cross-functional leadership and continuous improvement of development processes, this role drives innovation, accelerates speed-to-market, and creates products that enhance customer value and strengthen competitive advantage.

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
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to drive alignment, challenge assumptions, and lead through change In-depth knowledge of materials, mechanisms, and advanced furniture manufacturing processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Microsoft Access preferred
• Up to 30% travel, both domestic & international

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• MBA
• Experience in durable goods / furniture industry or related field with a focus on upholstery and casegoods, or equivalent
• Lean 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.

Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit offerings to employees and their families include: Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance, available 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%. Paid time off includes: 9-11 paid holidays each year, two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire and either personal time (non-exempt only) or state mandated sick time.

More information can be found via: https://learn.bswift.com/la-z-boy

If this role requires travel / driving in order to perform the key responsibilities outlined above, candidates must be able to meet the qualifications noted in the company’s Driver Management Program to be considered for the role.

At La-Z-Boy Incorporated, we're an equal opportunity employer. We understand that our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and deliver the best possible service, quality products, and is of utmost importance as we work together to build comfort. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We are committed to fostering an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table. If you are a qualified individual that may need a change or adjustment to the application/interviewing/hiring process as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodations by emailing our recruiting team at recruiting@la-z-boy.com or by calling 734-242-1444.