Design Development and Innovation Manager - Temp Displays

Outform Group•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Design Development & Innovation Manager expands the technical and production capabilities of the Temporary Structural Design team while supporting Special Projects & Experiential (SPX) initiatives. This role is responsible for developing repeatable structural systems, modular frameworks, and scalable production methodologies that help move the department from one-off project solutions toward more efficient, reusable platforms. Working closely with Structural Design, Creative, Procurement, Estimating, Production, and external fabrication partners, this position identifies, validates, and implements new materials, fabrication methods, and supplier capabilities that can be translated into practical, production-ready solutions for retail display programs. The role also oversees the prototype development resources within the Chicago facility, ensuring teams have the tools, materials, and technical support needed to rapidly develop, test, and refine new concepts. This role owns the development and implementation of future-state structural capabilities, repeatable design systems, and scalable production methodologies for the Temporary Structural Design team while supporting Special Projects & Experiential (SPX) initiatives. The position is accountable for identifying, validating, and introducing new materials, fabrication methods, supplier capabilities, and workflow improvements that expand what the business can produce while improving manufacturability, speed-to-market, and margin performance. Operating across Structural Design, Procurement, Estimating, Production, and external fabrication partners, this role serves as the technical bridge between creative exploration and commercially viable execution. The role is also accountable for the effectiveness of prototype development resources within the Chicago facility, including equipment readiness, material availability, workflow support, and direct oversight of the Development Technician(s). Unlike roles primarily focused on executing current-state client work, this position is responsible for building the systems, standards, and technical pathways that strengthen future capability, broaden revenue opportunities, and move the department toward more scalable and reusable platforms.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in structural design, display development, retail display engineering, exhibit fabrication, prototyping, or related environments.
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Structural Packaging Design, or Mechanical Engineering.
Strong understanding of structural packaging or display development processes, including prototyping and fabrication methods used in retail display production.
Experience translating design concepts into scalable production solutions.
Proficiency in ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks, or a comparable structural CAD design platform.
Working knowledge of fabrication technologies such as digital cutting systems, CNC fabrication, thermoforming, additive manufacturing, and specialty print or build processes.
Experience evaluating new materials, fabrication techniques, and external production capabilities.
Ability to assess manufacturing feasibility, cost implications, scalability, and execution risk.
Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with Creative, Structural Design, Procurement, Estimating, Production, and external partners.
Experience managing small teams, technical resources, or development support functions in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with automation tools, parametric design systems, or AI-assisted workflows is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop, test, and implement repeatable structural systems, modular frameworks, and scalable design solutions for temporary displays, experiential activations, pop-ups, product launches, and other short-run retail environments.
Translate creative concepts into practical structural approaches that can be prototyped efficiently and produced cost-effectively at commercial scale.
Research, evaluate, and validate new materials, hybrid material systems, fabrication processes, finishing approaches, and emerging technologies for technical performance, manufacturability, and commercial applicability.
Build and maintain internal development standards, CAD libraries, templates, and system-based design approaches that improve consistency, reuse, and efficiency.
Partner with Procurement, Estimating, Production, and external suppliers to assess feasibility, pricing, lead time, quality, and margin implications for new development approaches.
Build, evaluate, and maintain a network of specialized fabrication and manufacturing partners to support prototype development, complex retail display programs, and experiential executions.
Document testing results, material findings, supplier capabilities, and recommended application guidelines to support informed decision-making and future adoption.
Support the evaluation and deployment of automation, AI-enabled, and other process-improvement tools that strengthen technical capability and workflow efficiency within the design team.
Oversee prototype development resources within the Chicago facility, including equipment readiness, material inventory, scheduling, and workflow support across the plotter room, print center, and structural sample development area.
Direct the day-to-day work of the Development Technician, ensuring timely execution of prototype and development deliverables and proper maintenance of equipment and workspaces.
Provide technical development support on strategic or high-complexity programs where new structural approaches, materials, or fabrication methods are required.