Director of Industrial Design
Westfield Outdoors – Indianapolis, IN
Who We Are
Westfield Outdoors is a leading provider of outdoor sporting goods, serving a diverse client base through OEM, ODM, Private Label, and our own brands. Committed to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship, we develop products that inspire outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Based in Indianapolis, our dedicated team collaborates to design and manufacture high-performance outdoor gear, including camping equipment, hunting accessories, and recreational products. As a midsized company, we offer a dynamic and engaging work environment where employees can make a meaningful impact, contribute to innovation, and grow with us. By maintaining strong partnerships with top retailers and staying at the forefront of industry trends, we ensure our products deliver exceptional value and elevate outdoor experiences.
Position Summary
The Director of Industrial Design leads the design strategy, execution, and innovation for all product lines at Westfield Outdoors. This role ensures that product aesthetics, functionality, and market appeal align with the company’s brand identity and strategic goals. As a key driver of innovation, the Director of Industrial Design collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop high-quality, consumer-driven outdoor products that strengthen Westfield’s market position.
This role requires strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of industrial design and manufacturing, and the ability to balance creativity with business objectives. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who fosters a culture of innovation while ensuring product feasibility and manufacturability.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and manage the industrial design team, ensuring efficient resource allocation and alignment with business priorities.
- Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development to enhance team performance and creativity.
- Establish and implement design workflows to optimize efficiency and meet project deadlines.
- Product Design & Development
- Oversee the creation of innovative, aesthetically appealing, and functional designs that meet consumer expectations and reinforce brand standards.
- Collaborate with product management to integrate consumer insights and market needs into design strategies.
- Work closely with engineering teams to ensure designs are feasible for production and manufacturability.
- Market Research & Innovation
- Continuously analyze industry trends, emerging materials, and new technologies to drive innovation.
- Leverage insights to develop groundbreaking products that enhance performance, sustainability, and consumer engagement.
- Ensure Westfield Outdoors maintains a competitive edge in the outdoor sporting goods market.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Gather and incorporate feedback from internal stakeholders, product managers, and retailers to refine and optimize product designs.
- Work closely with the EVP of Product Design & Development to balance retailer-specific customization requests while maintaining brand integrity.
- Align design strategies with overall business objectives to support company growth and market expansion.
- Execution & Quality Assurance
- Monitor design quality and assess market reception to evaluate the impact of design-led innovations on business success.
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support design execution and ensure manufacturing alignment.
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field.
- 7-10 years of experience in product design, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Experience in the outdoor product category preferred.
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Creative, outside-the-box thinker with a passion for innovation.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
- High-level expertise in design principles, aesthetics, and consumer behavior.
- Strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
- Knowledge of manufacturing techniques and materials.
- Experience in product innovation and trend forecasting.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong understanding of market dynamics and brand consistency.
- Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution.
Technical Skills
- Expert: Adobe Creative Suite
- Proficient: Microsoft Office
- Basic: AI Design Integration
- Bonus Skills:
- Trello project management
- Blender or other 3D software
