Industrial Design Director

We are seeking an Industrial Design Director to co-lead our Industrial Design practice in our NY Studio. The ideal candidate should have prior consulting experience and be skilled in business development, project leadership, and team management. Our Industrial Design practice is hands-on, focusing on creating prototypes, testing concepts, and improving the way people live and work. The Director will be responsible for leading product development projects, advocating for design vision, managing staff, and actively participating in the design community. The candidate should have at least 15 years of experience as an industrial designer, specific experience in a consulting environment, and experience managing a team of designers.

• Contribute to business development activities in collaboration with Smart's leadership team (planning and scoping projects, presenting and storytelling in pitches, outreach, etc.)
• Lead product development projects driven by user insights with expert understanding of core ID skills (sketching, digital visualization, CAD, materials and manufacturing knowledge) and also front end of innovation programs that may influence a product roadmap, with no tangible deliverable.
• Advocate for design vision and process to clients and teams.
• Manage staff, defining responsibilities and expectations for report-tos, and project team members, providing project guidance and helping their professional growth.
• Be active in the design community in forms of competitions, teaching, or thought leadership such as blog posts, speaking engagements, etc.

• Prior consulting experience
• Experience in business development
• Ability to provide hands-on project leadership
• Ability to manage a team of designers
• Well-developed sense of form, proportion, color, and materials
• Comfortable leading client work on the front-end of innovation
• Ability to contribute to business development activities
• Expert understanding of core ID skills (sketching, digital visualization, CAD, materials and manufacturing knowledge)
• Ability to advocate for design vision and process to clients and teams
• Experience managing staff and defining responsibilities and expectations
• Active involvement in the design community (competitions, teaching, thought leadership)
• 15+ years of experience as an industrial designer
• Specific experience in a consulting environment leading human-centered design projects
• Experience managing a team of designers

• Competitive salary range
• Bonus and benefits eligibility
• Opportunity for professional growth
• Involvement in business development activities
• Leadership role in product development projects
• Ability to manage a team of designers
• Active participation in the design community
• Hybrid work model (2-3 days per week onsite)
• Inclusive culture and equal opportunity employer