Job Summary:
La-Z-Boy Incorporated is an industry-leading organization focused on transforming the power of comfort through innovative products. The Director of Product Design is responsible for leading the product design strategy and innovation pipeline to drive growth and enhance customer value across upholstery and casegoods.
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
• 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.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 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:
• 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.
Company:
La-Z-Boy Incorporated brings the transformational power of comfort to people, homes, and communities around the world—a mission that began when our founders invented the iconic recliner in 1927. Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in Monroe, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.