Director of Product Design

Job Summary

This position is the strategic leader responsible for transforming ideas into market‑winning products that drive growth, strengthen competitive advantage, and shape the future of the business for La‑Z‑Boy products, upholstery & casegoods. This role leads the innovation pipeline from opportunity identification through commercialization, bringing together customer insights, technical expertise, and operational excellence to deliver breakthrough physical products.
Key Responsibilities

Develop, lead & execute La‑Z‑Boy new product design strategy for upholstery & casegoods with focus on innovation, functionality and consumer experience to drive brand preference, business growth and channel profitability.
Identify market trends, consumer needs and emerging technologies to drive category growth.
Build and maintain a multi‑year product roadmap, inclusive of launch cadence and product lifecycle.
Co‑lead and implement go‑to‑market launch process including commercial functions.
Establish and improve stage‑gate development process for innovation.
Develop business cases for new products, conduct market and competitive analysis, support pricing, positioning and launch planning, monitor post‑launch performance and drive continuous improvement.
Partner with Consumer Insights, R&D, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Pricing, Sales, Sourcing & Supply Chain.
Implement best practices in product development, ensuring efficiency, agility, and continuous innovation – building a culture of innovation, accountability & execution.
Establish, track, and regularly review performance metrics, including product launch timelines, cost optimization, customer satisfaction, and market success.
Manage external development partners and technical consultants.
Manage departmental budgets and resource allocations.
Scope & Impact

This position leads the strategy, roadmap, and execution of the upholstery and casegoods innovation pipeline, driving growth, profitability, and brand differentiation. It oversees the product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, aligning consumer insights, market opportunities, and business objectives to deliver successful product launches. Through cross‑functional leadership and continuous improvement of development processes, this role drives innovation, accelerates speed‑to‑market, and creates products that enhance customer value and strengthen competitive advantage.
Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Product Design, or Marketing with 10+ years of related experience or equivalent.
7+ years of supervisory/leadership experience managing category/brand/product growth and development/go‑to‑market product & channel launch.
Proven success launching physical products from concept to market.
Strong project management and cross‑functional leadership skills.
Experience with manufacturing processes and supply chain considerations.
Strategic thinker, change management, communication, leadership, influence, collaboration, consumer‑first mindset.
Proficient in Microsoft Windows, E1, SAP, Miro, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Microsoft Access preferred.
Up to 30% travel, domestic & international.
Preferred Requirements

MBA or equivalent advanced degree.
Experience in durable goods/furniture industry or related field with focus on upholstery and casegoods, or equivalent lean product development experience.
Six Sigma, PMP, or equivalent certification.
Supervisory Responsibilities

Up to 5 direct reports.
Physical Demands / Work Environment

Office environment with no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands. Requires sitting, repetitive hand motion (typing), hearing, listening, talking, standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing stairs. Seldom required to climb ladders, kneel, squat, reach overhead, pull, push or lift up to/over 50 pounds. Not required to crouch, crawl, balance or shovel.
Other Duties

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits

Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 6%; 9–11 paid holidays; two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire; personal time or state‑mandated sick time.
Travel

If this role requires travel or driving to perform key responsibilities, candidates must meet the qualifications noted in the company’s Driver Management Program.
Equal Opportunity Employer

At La‑Z‑Boy Incorporated, we are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We are committed to fostering an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table. If you require a change or adjustment to the application/interviewing/hiring process as a result of a disability, please request a reasonable accommodation by emailing recruiting@la‑z‑boy.com or calling 734‑242‑1444.

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