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Strategic Design Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Manager, UX Product Design

Detroit, MI · On-site

$115K/yr

Make strategic design and user-experience decisions related to core, and new, functions and features * Develop new approaches to complex design problems and convey these designs in the form of ...

Make strategic design and user-experience decisions related to core, and new, functions and features * Develop new approaches to complex design problems and convey these designs in the form of ...

Lead, UX Product Designer

Detroit, MI

$108K - $142K/yr

Make strategic design and user-experience decisions related to core, and new, functions and features * Develop new approaches to complex design problems and convey these designs in the form of ...

Lead, UX Product Designer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$105K - $138K/yr

Make strategic design and user-experience decisions related to core, and new, functions and features * Develop new approaches to complex design problems and convey these designs in the form of ...

... strategy to support business goals. • Analyze technical needs, requirements, and state of the network's infrastructure design, integration, and operations ( WAN and LAN). • Work with technical ...

Responsibilities: • Manages and coordinates the design and release to production of products, which meet customer needs and reflect current/future strategic manufacturing processes. • Analyzes ...

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Showing results 1-20

Strategic Design information

See Michigan salary details

$32.2K

$103.7K

$164.7K

How much do strategic design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic design in Michigan is $103,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $129,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Strategic Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Strategic Designer, you need a strong foundation in design thinking, business strategy, and user research, often supported by a degree in design, business, or related fields. Proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Miro, and familiarity with frameworks such as Lean Startup or Agile is typical. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help in aligning multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure that innovative, user-centered solutions are developed and successfully integrated with organizational goals.

What is strategic design?

Strategic design is the practice of using design principles to solve complex business challenges and shape organizational strategy. It goes beyond traditional design by integrating research, creative thinking, and business objectives to create solutions that align with a company's long-term goals. Strategic designers work collaboratively across disciplines to innovate processes, products, services, and systems, helping companies adapt to change and remain competitive. This approach often involves user-centered research, prototyping, and testing to ensure that solutions are both practical and effective.

What is the difference between Strategic Design vs User Experience Designer?

AspectStrategic DesignUser Experience Designer
FocusHolistic business and brand strategy, aligning design with organizational goalsDesigning user interfaces and interactions to enhance user satisfaction
SkillsDesign thinking, business strategy, branding, researchWireframing, prototyping, user research, usability testing
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with marketing, branding, and product teamsWorks closely with developers, product managers, and users
CertificationsDesign thinking, strategic planning, UX certificationsUX certifications, UI design courses

While both roles involve design, Strategic Design focuses on aligning design with business strategy and brand goals, whereas User Experience Designers concentrate on creating intuitive and satisfying user interfaces. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right roles for their project needs.

What is the salary of a strategy designer?

The salary of a strategy designer typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

What does a strategy designer do?

A strategy designer develops and plans long-term approaches to help organizations achieve their goals. They analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and create frameworks that guide decision-making, often using tools like data analysis and strategic frameworks. Strong problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills are essential for this role.

How does a Strategic Designer typically collaborate with stakeholders and cross-functional teams during a project?

Strategic Designers often work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including product managers, engineers, marketers, and executives, to align design solutions with business objectives. They facilitate workshops, lead design sprints, and use research-driven insights to ensure everyone has a shared understanding of project goals. Effective communication and the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives are crucial, as Strategic Designers act as a bridge between creative and business teams. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures that proposed solutions are both user-centered and strategically viable.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI is transforming the field of strategic design by automating repetitive tasks and providing data-driven insights, but it does not replace the need for human creativity, critical thinking, and strategic planning. Designers who adapt by learning new tools and integrating AI into their workflows can enhance their productivity and innovation. The role of a strategic designer continues to evolve, emphasizing skills in problem-solving, user research, and conceptual development alongside technical proficiency with AI tools.

What is the highest paying job in design?

In design, roles such as Creative Director or Design Director tend to be the highest paying, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong portfolio, typically overseeing large teams and strategic projects.
What are popular job titles related to Strategic Design jobs in Michigan? For Strategic Design jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Strategic Design job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,745 per year, or $49.9 per hour.
Industrial Design Studio Director

Industrial Design Studio Director

Haworth, Inc.

Holland, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Haworth rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 46 rated furniture manufacturers


Job description

Industrial Design Studio Director
Posting Start Date: 5/29/26
Join the Future of Workspace Innovation at Haworth
Are you ready to shape the future of how people work, live, and thrive? At Haworth, we're not just creating furniture, we're revolutionizing the way the world interacts with spaces. As a global pioneer in workspace design since 1948, we've been pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities for over seven decades.
We're looking for visionaries like you to help write the next chapter of our story.
Discover more here!
We are currently looking for a Director - Design Studio to join our team in Holland, MI.
Job Overview
The Director of Industrial Design & Innovation is a visionary leadership role driving the "Haworth Design Point of View" with design excellence and innovation across the organization. This role oversees the Industrial Design Studio team delivering innovation strategy, advanced design development, and production design execution with a global impact.
As a part of the Global Design, Research, Innovation and Sustainability Group, this position plays a critical role in delivering our creative culture and design excellence across the business.
As a key member of the R&D organization, the Director collaborates cross functionally with engineering, marketing, and business unit leaders to guide product development from concept to execution. The Director leads through our Studio Managers to deliver on our design point of view we call 'Performance and Desire', which includes sustainable innovation, functional excellence, aesthetic integrity, and strategic alignment. This leader will also engage in projects, actively working within teams to "lead by doing." A player/coach mentality is very important to the success of the role.
Success in this role is strengthened by an established professional network within the contract office furniture industry, enabling key partnerships, informed decision making, external collaboration, and deeper insight into emerging opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
  • Collaborates with C-suite executives and key stakeholders to integrate design thinking into all aspects of the business, influencing product roadmaps, and driving business growth.
  • Partners with Product Line Management to define the design brief; product aesthetics, functions, colors, textures, and finishes based on market research and customer needs; synchronize strategies across geographies and sectors.
  • Leads, coaches, mentors and inspires a team of design professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, problem solving and design excellence at all levels.
  • Maintains global ownership of the development and execution of design strategies for new and existing products, ensuring alignment with brand identity, market trends, and customer needs across all global markets.
  • Represents the company's design philosophy and vision to external stakeholders, including customers, investors, and the design community.
  • Shapes the design strategy and vision for the organization, aligning design thinking with business objectives and driving innovation across all product lines and markets.
  • Leads the creative culture and innovation. Stays at the forefront of design trends, technologies, and best practices, ensuring the organization remains competitive and innovative.
  • Builds and nurtures relationships with key external designers, design schools, organizations, strategic design and architecture partners, and thought leaders to attract and retain top design talent.
  • Champion a culture of inclusion and belonging, promoting member engagement, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
  • Direct capital and expense budgets, Requests for Expenditure (RFEs), and resource allocation; balance sector-level investments with global priorities to optimize profitability.
  • Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
  • Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
  • Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or in relevant field of study
  • Education Equivalency: Associate's Degree plus 2 additional years industrial design experience OR 4 additional years industrial design experience if no post-secondary education
  • 12 years Industrial Design experience with Bachelor's Degree OR 10 years Industrial Design experience with Master's Degree
  • 7 years supervisory/management experience
  • Proficient with current CAD tools in developing, packaging, and surfacing product designs as a part of the Designer's tool set
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time internationally
  • Ability to provide your current portfolio
  • Applicants must be able to work a fully onsite position in Holland, MI
  • Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US

Military Equivalency at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Spatial Design, or in relevant field of study.
  • Established professional network and prior experience engaging with key stakeholders and partners throughout the furniture industry.
  • Proven ability to lead strategic and hands-on design work.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills.
  • Demonstrated executive presence with excellent communication skills.
  • Experience working in global markets and leading multicultural design teams.
  • Background in consumer centric design.
  • Ability to identify and shape new project briefs.
  • Collaborative mindset with cross-functional experience.
  • Passion for design excellence, sustainability, and user experience.
  • Experience with direct capital and expense budgets.

Design your future with Haworth
Headquartered in Holland Michigan, Haworth is a family owned global powerhouse at the forefront of innovation and sustainable design in the workspace interiors industry. Here, you'll have access to state of the art resources, collaborate with cross functional teams of passionate innovators, and experience a blend of global reach with personal growth opportunities. Whether you're developing new manufacturing processes, implementing smart factory solutions, or designing tomorrow's workspace solutions, you'll be empowered to make a lasting impact while growing your career.
We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference. Your hard work, dedication, and talent are the foundation of our success and enable us to build meaningful connections with our customers and each other.
At Haworth, members enjoy benefits from their first day of employment:
  • 20 Days Paid Time Off: Plus, the option to buy up to 5 extra days.
  • Health Benefits: Priority Health Medical options, Delta Dental, and Vision Insurance.
  • 401k Match: Contribute 6% of your annual salary, and Haworth will match up to 7%.
  • Insurance Coverage: Company-provided Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
  • On-Site Gym: Well-equipped gym, open 24/7.
  • Annual Bonus Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Volunteer Time Off
  • Parental Leave
  • Pet Insurance
  • Zero Waste to Landfill

#LI-HM1
Haworth Values
At Haworth, we have a strong set of values that guide our business and help us align with our customers.
We listen to our Customers. We rely on our Members. We honor Integrity. We embrace Continuous Learning. We lead with Design. We create Value. We work to make the World better.
Join the Haworth family. Apply for this job, or learn more about the many possibilities at Haworth: Home Page
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EEO / ADA Statement
As an EEO employer, Haworth will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected genetic information, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, religion, height, weight, other protected group status, or any other basis protected by the laws where we employ people.
Haworth's AAP programs are available for applicant review. Requests can be made to your Recruiter to review during regular business hours.
This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.
If you have questions about any of the above policies, or if you require an ADA accommodation in the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team at (616)-393-1600.
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