Industrial Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Industrial Design Manager

Company: Godfrey Marine

Location: Elkhart, Indiana, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: November 03, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and development of innovative interior and exterior designs for recreational boats, driving product differentiation and brand appeal.

• Manage the end-to-end design process, from initial concept exploration and trend research to final production execution, ensuring alignment with brand DNA, functionality, and budget constraints.

• Foster a collaborative design environment, working cross-functionally with engineering, product management, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless project completion and product excellence.

• Champion the integration of new technologies and methodologies, including AI tools, into the design workflow to enhance creativity, efficiency, and product innovation within the recreational boating sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a blend of creative leadership and operational execution. The emphasis on working cross-functionally with engineering, product management, and supply chain, alongside balancing brand DNA, functionality, and budget, highlights the operational backbone of this design leadership position. The requirement to immerse in the boating lifestyle and understand customer passion underscores a Go-To-Market (GTM) operations perspective, focusing on market relevance and customer connection.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling and innovative interior and exterior designs for Godfrey Pontoons and Hurricane Boats, leveraging 2D and 3D design tools to translate concepts into tangible product visions.

• Conduct thorough competitive analysis and trend research, focusing on emerging aesthetics, materials, and manufacturing processes within the marine and recreational product industries.

• Create engaging design presentations and effectively communicate the design story and strategic rationale to executive leadership, securing buy-in and support for design initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with engineering, product management, and supply chain teams throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring designs are feasible for production, meet budget targets, and are delivered on schedule.

• Facilitate and contribute to brainstorming sessions and design workshops, encouraging creative problem-solving and fostering a culture of innovation within the product development team.

• Lead the creation of prototypes and mock-ups to validate design concepts, test functionality, and gather early feedback from stakeholders and potential customers.

• Research and troubleshoot design-related challenges, identifying and implementing effective solutions that maintain design integrity and production viability.

• Stay abreast of advancements in design software, manufacturing techniques, and emerging technologies, including AI-driven design tools, and assess their potential application to enhance product development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Balance brand DNA, functionality and budget to create designs that meet budget and scope" indicates a strong focus on GTM operations, specifically product lifecycle management and cost control. The requirement for "Prototyping and mock-up creation" points to hands-on involvement in the operational aspects of design validation, a key component in efficient product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or a closely related field. Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in industrial design, with a focus on product development and management.

• Demonstrated experience in leading design projects from concept through to production, with a proven track record of successful product launches.

• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders to achieve design objectives. Required Skills:

• Exceptional creative thinking, strategic vision, and analytical skills, with the ability to work independently and manage variable schedules for project completion.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling, rendering, and visual creation software platforms, including but not limited to Solidworks, Rhino, and the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Strong three-dimensional thinking with a refined sense of form, proportion, and aesthetics.

• Proven ability to conduct competitive analysis, research market trends, and provide color and material recommendations.

• Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and strategic narratives compellingly to executive leadership.

• Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration with engineering, product management, and supply chain teams to ensure timely and successful product execution.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to identifying and resolving design and manufacturing challenges.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, facilitating clear and effective interaction with internal teams and external partners. Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of various materials and manufacturing processes for metal, aluminum, composite, and plastic materials.

• Familiarity with upholstery and sewing practices using foam, vinyl, and various substrate materials.

• Experience within the recreational boating industry or a related lifestyle product sector.

• Willingness and ability to implement AI tools into the design process.

• Proficiency or willingness to use power tools for prototyping and mock-up creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Understanding various materials and manufacturing processes" and "Understanding of upholstery and sewing practices" points towards a need for practical, operations-focused design knowledge. The "Willingness to implement AI into your design process" is a forward-looking requirement, suggesting an operations focus on leveraging technology for process improvement and innovation. The "Boating experience is not required, but a general knowledge and passion for creating recreational products is a must" indicates a GTM focus on understanding the end-user and market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a range of interior and exterior design projects, with a clear emphasis on the product development lifecycle from concept to production-ready designs.

• Include case studies that detail the problem-solving process, design iterations, and final outcomes, highlighting your ability to balance aesthetic innovation with functional requirements and budget constraints.

• Showcase proficiency in 3D modeling, rendering, and visual creation software, illustrating your technical capabilities in bringing design concepts to life.

• Present examples of cross-functional collaboration, illustrating how you have worked with engineering, manufacturing, and product management teams to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, including concept development, user research, trend analysis, and design reviews.

• Illustrate your approach to managing design projects, including timeline management, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies within a product development context.

• Showcase your ability to translate complex design requirements into actionable plans for prototyping, testing, and manufacturing, demonstrating an understanding of operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should not only display aesthetic talent but also evidence of operational thinking. This includes demonstrating an understanding of manufacturing constraints, material properties, cost implications, and cross-functional team coordination – all critical aspects for a manager overseeing the operational execution of design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for an Industrial Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the Elkhart, Indiana area, a competitive salary range is estimated between $95,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of the role, the required technical and leadership skills, and the cost of living in the region. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions (e.g., 401(k)).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training on new design software, AI integration, and industry conferences.

• Employee discounts on company products and potential access to company recreational facilities or events. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, the role requires a willingness to work a variable schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to ensure successful project completion and meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications, interview performance, and company-specific compensation structures. The emphasis on "variable schedule to assure successful project completion" highlights the operational demands and project management aspects of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Recreational Boating Manufacturing. Godfrey Marine is a key player in the recreational boating industry, known for its Godfrey Pontoons and Hurricane Boats brands. This sector is characterized by a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, customer passion, and continuous innovation to meet the demands of lifestyle-oriented consumers.

Company Size: Godfrey Marine is part of a larger organization, suggesting a stable and established corporate structure. As part of a medium to large-sized enterprise, it likely offers structured processes, established career paths, and robust resources for product development and operations.

Founded: While the exact founding date of Godfrey Marine isn't provided, its long-standing presence and award-winning brands indicate a history of expertise and market leadership in recreational boating. This longevity suggests a company culture that values experience, loyalty, and sustained quality.

Team Structure:

• The Industrial Design Manager will be part of the Product Development team, working closely with a talented engineering group. This implies a collaborative environment where design and technical expertise are integrated from the outset.

• The reporting structure likely places the manager under a Director of Product Development or a similar senior leadership role, with direct reports potentially including junior designers or industrial design specialists as the team grows.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role, requiring seamless interaction with product management (defining market needs), engineering (technical feasibility), and supply chain (material sourcing and production efficiency). Methodology:

• The team likely employs a data-driven approach to design, using market research, customer feedback, and competitive analysis to inform design decisions and ensure market relevance.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be crucial, focusing on streamlining the design process from ideation to production to enhance efficiency and reduce time-to-market.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be encouraged, particularly through the adoption of new technologies like AI in design, to improve output quality and speed.

Company Website: https://www.godfreypontoonboats.com/ (Note: The provided URL was for the careers portal; this is a likely company website for product information).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "award-winning brands in recreational boating" suggests a culture that values innovation and quality, aligning with the need for a strong Industrial Design Manager to maintain and elevate these standards. The emphasis on "boating lifestyle" and "passion boating enthusiasts have" indicates a GTM orientation where understanding and catering to the end-user's emotional connection to the product is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management-level position within the Product Development Operations function. The role demands leadership in translating creative vision into executable product plans, requiring strategic thinking, project oversight, and cross-functional team coordination. It sits at the intersection of creative ideation and manufacturing realities, making it a critical operational hub.

Reporting Structure: The Industrial Design Manager will report to a senior leader within Product Development, likely a Director or VP. They will be expected to manage and mentor a team of designers, fostering their growth and ensuring the team's output aligns with company objectives. Collaboration with peers in Engineering, Product Management, and Supply Chain will be extensive, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Operations Impact: The designs developed by this manager directly impact Godfrey Marine's market competitiveness, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue. Innovative and well-executed designs can lead to increased sales, customer loyalty, and premium pricing. Conversely, design flaws or production issues stemming from poor design integration can result in costly recalls, decreased sales, and damage to brand reputation. Therefore, this role has a significant and direct impact on the company's Go-To-Market (GTM) success and financial performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Director of Product Development or VP of Design role, overseeing broader product portfolios and strategic design initiatives.

• Specialization & Innovation: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in marine design, advanced materials, or the integration of new technologies like AI and VR in the design process.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into roles within Product Management, Brand Strategy, or even Operations Management, leveraging a deep understanding of the product lifecycle and market demands.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to leadership development programs, industry conferences, and opportunities to mentor junior designers, building a strong foundation for future leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section emphasizes how design management directly influences revenue and GTM success, positioning this role as strategically vital. The "Growth Opportunities" are framed around expanding operational influence and leadership within the product development and broader company structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office setting within Godfrey Marine's facilities. The environment is expected to be collaborative, fostering close interaction with engineering teams and other product development professionals.

Office Location(s): Elkhart, Indiana. This location is a hub for marine and RV manufacturing, providing a rich ecosystem of suppliers, skilled labor, and industry peers. The facilities are likely equipped with design studios, prototyping labs, and access to manufacturing floors.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will support a highly collaborative atmosphere, encouraging regular interaction, brainstorming sessions, and design reviews with cross-functional teams.

• Access to state-of-the-art design tools, including high-performance workstations with 3D modeling and rendering software, as well as physical prototyping tools and potentially access to advanced manufacturing technologies.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with the product lifecycle, including visits to manufacturing lines and potentially hands-on work with prototypes and mock-ups, providing a tangible connection to the design's real-world application.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, the role demands flexibility, requiring the willingness to work variable hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet project deadlines and ensure the successful completion of critical design milestones. This flexibility is essential for managing the operational demands of product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the workspace and location emphasizes the hands-on, integrated nature of the role, which is typical for operational management positions in manufacturing environments. The requirement for flexibility in the work schedule directly relates to the operational demands of product development timelines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A preliminary review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities. Focus on highlighting your industrial design expertise, project management skills, and cross-functional collaboration experience.

• Technical Interview & Portfolio Review: This stage will involve a deep dive into your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining your design process, problem-solving approach, material considerations, manufacturing insights, and the impact of your designs. Expect questions on your proficiency with 3D modeling software (Solidworks, Rhino) and rendering tools.

• Cross-Functional Interview: You will likely meet with key stakeholders from engineering, product management, and supply chain. This interview will assess your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and understand the operational and business constraints of design. Prepare examples of successful cross-functional partnerships.

• Leadership & Behavioral Interview: This final stage will focus on your leadership style, team management capabilities, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Be ready to discuss your approach to motivating teams, handling challenges, and contributing to a positive work environment. Questions may also explore your understanding of the boating lifestyle and customer passion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to manage the entire design lifecycle, from concept to production. Include examples that highlight interior and exterior design, material innovation, and problem-solving.

• Showcase Process & Rationale: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, key decisions made (especially regarding materials, manufacturing, and cost), and the final outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples or descriptions of how you collaborated with engineering, manufacturing, or other teams. Emphasize your ability to translate design intent into actionable manufacturing specifications.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and other relevant software. If you have experience with AI design tools, showcase those applications.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the results of your design work (e.g., improved efficiency, cost savings, positive market reception).

Challenge Preparation:

• You may be given a design challenge or a case study related to developing a new feature or improving an existing design for a recreational boat.

• Focus on a structured approach: understand the brief, identify constraints (budget, materials, manufacturing), brainstorm solutions, present a well-reasoned concept with supporting visuals, and discuss implementation feasibility.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would integrate your design with existing engineering processes and supply chain capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges highlights the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Applicants need to demonstrate not just creative talent but also a solid understanding of the operational realities of product development and manufacturing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling & CAD Software: Solidworks, Rhino (essential for creating detailed product models and technical drawings).

• Rendering & Visualization Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Keyshot, or similar platforms for creating high-fidelity product visualizations and presentations.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with 3D printing, CNC machining, or other rapid prototyping methods.

• AI Design Tools: Willingness to explore and implement emerging AI-powered design software for ideation, optimization, or generative design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to interpret market research, trend reports, and competitive analysis data is crucial for informing design strategy.

• Familiarity with tools used for project management and tracking progress (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how design choices impact the customer journey and sales process (as managed through CRM systems) can be advantageous, though direct CRM management is unlikely.

• Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems may be beneficial for understanding how designs are managed and version-controlled throughout development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific 3D modeling and rendering software, along with the "Willingness to implement AI into your design process," points to a need for digitally proficient operations professionals. The inclusion of prototyping tools highlights the hands-on, execution-focused aspect of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A commitment to pushing design boundaries and developing novel solutions that resonate with boating enthusiasts.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing open communication and mutual support across design, engineering, and other departments to achieve collective goals.

• Customer Focus: Deeply understanding and empathizing with the boating lifestyle and customer passion to create products that enhance their on-water experiences.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to high standards in design execution, material selection, and manufacturing, ensuring the durability and aesthetic appeal of Godfrey Marine products.

• Efficiency & Pragmatism: Balancing creative aspirations with practical considerations of budget, manufacturability, and project timelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers, engineers, and product managers work in close proximity, often in shared studio spaces or through frequent joint meetings.

• The team likely embraces a culture of constructive feedback, where design concepts are openly shared and refined through iterative reviews involving multiple disciplines.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged, with an emphasis on cross-pollinating ideas and best practices across different projects and teams to foster continuous improvement in design and development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" are framed to reflect a blend of creative excellence and operational discipline, essential for a manager in this field. The "Collaboration Style" emphasizes the cross-functional teamwork critical for GTM success in a product development context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively managing the inherent tension between creative vision, functional requirements, budget limitations, and production feasibility. This requires strong negotiation and prioritization skills.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and integrating evolving design trends, material innovations, and technological advancements (like AI) in the fast-paced recreational product market.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and buy-in from diverse teams (engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain), each with potentially different priorities and perspectives.

• Production Execution: Translating complex 3D designs into manufacturable products that meet quality standards and timelines, often requiring hands-on problem-solving on the production floor.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software & AI: Training on cutting-edge 3D modeling, rendering, and AI-driven design tools to enhance creative output and efficiency.

• Material Science & Manufacturing Processes: Deepening knowledge of new materials, composites, and advanced manufacturing techniques relevant to marine applications.

• Leadership & Project Management: Developing skills in team leadership, strategic planning, and operational project management to advance career prospects.

• Industry Immersion: Opportunities to attend marine industry trade shows, customer events, and participate in product testing to gain deeper insights into user needs and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section highlights the operational complexities inherent in product design management, requiring strategic problem-solving and adaptability. The "Learning & Development Opportunities" are geared towards enhancing both technical design skills and operational leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a highly innovative design concept with significant budget or manufacturing constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, negotiation skills, and ability to find pragmatic solutions).

• "How do you stay current with design trends, material innovations, and emerging technologies like AI in the recreational product space? Can you provide an example of how you've integrated a new trend or technology into a design?" (Demonstrate your research methodologies and proactive adoption of innovation).

• "Walk us through your process for collaborating with engineering and supply chain teams on a complex product development project. What are the key communication touchpoints and potential pitfalls to avoid?" (Highlight your cross-functional collaboration skills and understanding of operational workflows). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Godfrey Marine and the recreational boating industry? How do you see your design philosophy aligning with our brand DNA and customer base?" (Show your research into the company and your passion for the lifestyle).

• "Describe your leadership style and how you motivate a team of designers to achieve ambitious goals, especially under pressure." (Focus on your management approach and ability to foster a positive, productive environment).

• "How do you measure the success of a design project beyond aesthetics? What key performance indicators (KPIs) are important to you and your stakeholders?" (Demonstrate your understanding of design's impact on business objectives and operational outcomes). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges overcome, and the final results. Use a clear, logical flow.

• Emphasize Operational Considerations: Explicitly discuss material choices, manufacturing feasibility, cost implications, and how you collaborated with other departments. This shows you understand the "how" beyond the "what."

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality renderings, concept sketches, and prototype photos to visually communicate your ideas. Explain the rationale behind each visual.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Know your software inside and out. Be ready to discuss specific modeling techniques, rendering settings, or how you would approach a particular modeling challenge.

• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time. Be confident and passionate about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating both creative prowess and operational acumen. Candidates must be ready to articulate how their designs translate into tangible business results and how they manage the complex interplay of creative, technical, and business requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Industrial Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the ADP careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately and your resume is up-to-date.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with interior and exterior design for consumer products, especially those involving materials like composites, plastics, and upholstery. Showcase your proficiency in 3D modeling software (Solidworks, Rhino) and rendering.

• Resume Optimization: Emphasize keywords related to industrial design, product development, concept development, 3D modeling, Solidworks, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, cross-functional collaboration, trend research, manufacturing processes, and team management. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving strategies, and collaborative experiences. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio confidently, focusing on the operational aspects of your design work.

• Company Research: Invest time in understanding Godfrey Marine's brands (Godfrey Pontoons, Hurricane Boats), their target market, and the broader recreational boating industry. Familiarize yourself with their current product lines and identify potential areas for design innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Godfrey Marine before making application decisions.