Away
Design
AssociateDesignDirector,Luggage
“Associate Design Director, Luggage at Away. Skills: Industrial design, Material R&D, Product strategy. Execute design and innovation strategy. Manage luggage design strategy”
What You'll Achieve.
Define future of core luggage category; Ensure product delivers on brand commitment; Drive category innovation; Modernize internal processes; Evolve existing platforms; Identify whitespace opportunities; Align with category health; Align with business metrics; Maintain design intent and quality standards; Improve clarity and speed-to-market; Enhance customer experience
Industry & Context.
Up to 20% travel, Stationary work at computer, Hands-on interaction with prototypes
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
7 years industrial design experience, Supervising/mentoring design talent, Supporting successful product launches, Advanced understanding of complex product construction, Material R&D, Manufacturing processes, Fusion 360 proficiency, KeyShot proficiency, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, Exceptional sketching skills, 3D visualization skills, Balance creative ambition with commercial viability, Balance engineering constraints, Direct experience working with overseas factories, Direct experience working with suppliers, Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 20%), Comfortable working in a design studio setting
Nice to Have
Interest or experience in leveraging emerging technologies, Experience in AI tools
What You'll Do.
Execute design and innovation strategy
Manage luggage design strategy
Translate consumer insights into design systems
Champion elevated product concepts
Build and manage design team
Provide tactical creative direction
Cultivate technical excellence
Deliver multi-year innovation roadmap
Evaluate and implement new materials
Partner with Product Development
Partner with Engineering teams
Manage material libraries
Manage innovation references
Manage prototyping systems
Manage AI-assisted design workflows
Identify opportunities to improve weight optimization
Identify opportunities to improve repairability
Identify opportunities to improve sustainability
Manage end-to-end luggage design process
Operationalize scalable workflows
Improve documentation standards
Improve communication protocols
Collaborate with Merchandising
Collaborate with Brand
Collaborate with Quality
Collaborate with Supply Chain teams
Participate in global travel
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Cross-functional partners; Senior leadership; Product Development teams; Engineering teams; Merchandising teams; Brand teams; Quality teams; Supply Chain teams; Overseas manufacturing partners
Communication Scope
Present project directions
Process & Methodology
Roadmap planning
Applying for this Associate Design Director, Luggage role?
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