SUMMARY
This is a global position supporting all regions of the Wellness organization. The Design + Innovation team plays a key role in
strategic pipeline definition, consumer insight research and creative direction, management, and execution of all new
product launch initiatives. This position holds a leadership seat on the Innovation Team helping to innovate and build the roadmaps for each category and identify new categories of business. The ID Manager is expected to maintain the cross departmental relationships and build the processes that allow the design department to accomplish their goals.
This position involves partnering with brand, product, engineering, sourcing, regulatory and program managers across the global and regional marketing organizations of the company. The cross-functional teams plan and execute programs
within a multi-year product roadmap. A key function of the ID manager will be to collaborate and manage external design agencies and serve as champion of design quality and brand consistency with collaboration with the cross -functional teams.
The Industrial Design Manager will have experience and education specializing in industrial design and additional experience with UX/UI graphic design and design research activities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ownership and leadership of industrial design process; research through implementation
- Directing design with a keen focus on user experience, brand design language, manufacturing feasibility & COGs targets
- Managing outsourced industrial design suppliers, agencies & consultants
- Collaborating with cross-functional cohorts (Marketing, Insights, Engineering, Regulatory & Program Management )
- Maintaining Industrial design consistency with Master brand language
- Participating in and translating consumer/ethnographic insights into new product opportunities
- Generate ID briefs and associated process presentations throughout the design process
- Manage Industrial Design project schedules and budgets
- Manage design control documentation including color/material specifications
Performs other duties as assigned
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SKILLS REQUIRED
- Fluency in English and Chinese required
- Prefer candidates educated in western design schools and / or experience at Western multi-national companies
- Minimum of 5+ years as an industrial designer/manager; experienced in all phases of product design from consumer insights, user experience to final CAD design deliverables
- Demonstrated skill in turning consumer insights into commercially successful, brand-aligned designs
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams of Marketing, Engineering, R&D, Sales, etc.
- Influences product strategy through design thinking, research synthesis, and storytelling. Proactively brings design and consumer POV through industrial design
- Familiarity with consumer research methodologies (Qualitative & Quantitative)
- Strong communication (writing, speaking and presentation skills)—with solid rationale and objectives
- Strong understanding of manufacturing, materials & processes
- Digital UX product experience a plus
- Visualization and sketching skills
- Familiar with both Eastern and Western design trends
- Organizational skills (able to set a plan to reach final deliverables)
- Presentation skills (Knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint required)
- 2D CAD skills: Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop a must
3D CAD skills: Solidworks a must, ProEngineer a plus
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COMPETENCIES
Creativity & Innovation
Functional/Technical Expertise
Global Mindset
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Team Player
Business Acumen
Consumer Insights
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversight of outsourced design agencies and consultants
- Collaborate w/Product manager partner on management of key cross-functional projects and initiatives
Collaborate with jr/associate ID managers
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EDUCATION OR EQUIVALENT REQUIRED
Bachelor's Degree (IDSA is not commonly found in China, we can simply say Industrial Design is more appropriate) college or university
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Minimum 5 years of experience as an industrial designer/managing industrial design
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED
N/A
WORK CONDITIONS
Travel within China; opportunity for overseas travel
This role requires flexibility to attend meetings and calls aligned with U.S. time zones, as needed to support global stakeholders.
#LI-DNI
Founded in 1968, Helen of Troy is a prominent player in the global consumer products industry, offering diverse career opportunities across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. We boast a collection of renowned brands such as OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Honeywell, PUR, Braun, Vicks, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, and Revlon – many of which rank #1, #2, or #3 in their respective categories, making the Helen of Troy name synonymous with excellence and ingenuity.
At Helen of Troy, our strategy involves acquiring brands that we can integrate and enhance, amplifying their unique attributes to drive growth and profitability. Embracing a culture of collaboration internally and externally, we are committed to providing innovative solutions tailored to consumers, operational excellence, global scalability, and exceptional shared services to support our brand portfolio. This dedication to fostering development and success sets Helen of Troy apart as a pioneer in the industry, propelling our brands to unparalleled heights of success and recognition worldwide.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change duties of the position at any time.
