Industrial Designer Lead

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Industrial Designer will be responsible for leading entry to senior-level Industrial Design team members in support of RealTrucks extensive product roadmap lifestyle and branding needs. This role will be highly collaborative with Engineering Product Management and Marketing covering the development of products in Truck Jeep and Off-Road accessories. This position will help define industrial design of all new products within a designated category and strengthen the brands presence within the category with innovative feature rich design.

CORE FUNCTIONS

• Lead other designers within a category working in close collaboration with Engineering R&D Category Management teams to deliver insight driven cohesive approach to the design of our products.
  • Lead creative workshops and other design activities that result in innovative design solutions.
  • Deliver compelling design meeting the criteria outlined that supports the desired brand identity and design language.
• Coach mentor and guide lower-level designers sharing knowledge and developing their level of contribution to design projects.
  • Educate others on the value and contribution of industrial design.
  • Seek out opportunities to relay the design vision and strategy.
• Manage several projects concurrently while ensuring communication flow to design lead and stakeholders is maintained.
• Drive the communication of ideas within the team by using a combination of sketching CAD visualization 3D models and working prototypes to evaluate potential solutions.
  • Lead other Designers in the contribution of the development of a design language that solidifies the RealTruck brand for the category.
  • Research design related areas of influence such as trend color materials processes software and AI aided design practices.
  • Develop designs through sketching CAD/surfacing high-quality renderings mock-ups and 3D printed models.
  • Communicate the design intent through visual storytelling to gain acceptance by project teams.
  • Explore concept generation through ideation competitive assessments and identification of unmet user needs.
  • Participate in brainstorming and concept-generation events to establish opportunities to explore and develop.
  • Create the materials required to convey the design direction to management or cross-functional partners through renderings and models.
• Develop design expertise within the category seeking to gain in-depth knowledge of the user the competition and our production capabilities to drive the development of industry leading design for the category.
  • Contribute to the identification of new ideas products and/or features that improve customer satisfaction seek opportunities to reduce costs and keep our product line at the forefront of our industry.
  • Hold a creative mindset that can aid in making design decisions in support of the user and the brand/design vision.
  • Utilize consumer insights and functional needs to provide conceptualization/visualization that enhances new product concepts enabling consumer-centric and winning products for the category.
  • Maintain awareness and solid understanding of existing products and competitive products within the industry.
• Contribute to and support the Company Growth Plan and its goal to Lead the industry through innovation and superior product offering by accomplishing the following:
  • Lead as a key contributor that supports targeted incremental revenue growth via new product introduction.
  • Aid in building an inspired product pipeline for the category.
  • Introduce category specific consumer-driven innovations year over year.
  • Help to define product platforms that allow for differentiation and step-up strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Industrial Design required.
• 7 years of experience as an Industrial Designer of consumer products required.

Skills Abilities and Knowledge

• Knowledge of CAD Modeling Solidworks.
• Knowledge of Rendering Software Keyshot.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite Photoshop Illustrator.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook); ability to prepare professional PowerPoint presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills that bring a positive and collaborative working relationship at all levels.
• Excellent communication (verbal/written) and presentation skills.
• Ability to write speak and comprehend English.
• Proven leadership skills that inspire and motivate team members and colleagues.
• Strong understanding of branding and the development of a design strategy that aligns with the brand.
• Naturally curious passionate and relentlessly driven to find better solutions to solve for users needs.
• Ability to dive in learn analyze and create strategy out of ambiguity.

Travel

• Occasional domestic travel may be required; less than 10%.

COMPETENCIES

• Analytical Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Design Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Innovative Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.
• Interpersonal Skills Focuses on solving conflict not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others ideas and tries new things.
• Professionalism Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Teamwork Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyones efforts to succeed.
• Verbal Communication Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead: working team member who coordinates supports trains and is a knowledge resource for other team members. No direct reports or supervisory responsibility.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is subject to Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift carry push pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involved sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally.

Physical Activities

This position is subject to the following physical activities: standing walking talking and hearing.

Visual Acuity

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.

Working Conditions

This position is an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Perks That Go the Extra Mile :
At RealTruck we take care of our peoplebecause they drive our success. Enjoy great benefits like medical dental and vision coverage company-paid life insurance and disability and a 401(k) with company match (eligible the first of the month after you start). Need balance Weve got wellbeing days and parental leave. Want to grow Take advantage of educational reimbursement. Plus earn referral bonuses and score exclusive employee discounts on RealTruck products. Great benefits. Great people. Even better careers.

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck Jeep Bronco and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor Michigan RealTrucks 6000 associates operate from 35 facilities across four continents. RealTrucks industry leading product portfolio which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand boastsover 1000 patents and pending applications. The companys omni-channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at as well as through its 12000 dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships.

Required Experience:

IC