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 / Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of innovative interior and exterior designs for recreational boating products, ensuring alignment with brand DNA and market trends.

• Drive the product development lifecycle from initial concept ideation through to production readiness, collaborating closely with engineering, product management, and supply chain teams.

• Champion a data-driven and customer-centric design approach, leveraging market research, competitive analysis, and user feedback to inform design decisions and enhance product appeal.

• Manage and mentor a team of designers, fostering a creative and collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement in design processes and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a management position within product development, focusing on industrial design for recreational boating. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, concept development, and production execution indicates a need for strong project management and leadership skills, alongside robust design capabilities. The "5-10 Years" AI-derived experience level suggests a mid-to-senior level role, likely requiring prior experience in design leadership or senior design roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and present compelling design concepts for both exterior hull forms and interior layouts, utilizing advanced 2D and 3D design software.

• Conduct thorough market research, trend analysis, and competitive benchmarking to identify emerging opportunities and inform design strategies for Godfrey Pontoons and Hurricane Boats.

• Collaborate intimately with engineering teams to ensure designs are feasible, manufacturable, and meet performance specifications, while also balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal.

• Oversee the selection and application of materials, colors, and finishes (CMF), with a keen understanding of their impact on brand perception, durability, and cost.

• Manage the creation of prototypes and mock-ups to validate design concepts and facilitate effective communication with stakeholders and manufacturing teams.

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

• Ensure all designs adhere to brand guidelines, product roadmaps, and budgetary constraints, while striving to exceed customer expectations and market demands.

• Work closely with supply chain partners to understand manufacturing capabilities and material limitations, ensuring seamless integration of designs into production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design leadership, strategic market insight, and practical production oversight. The emphasis on "brand DNA," "functionality and budget," and "production execution" points to a role that bridges creative vision with business objectives and manufacturing realities, common in well-structured product development operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in industrial design, with a significant portion focused on product development within the consumer goods or recreational product sectors.

• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or management role, guiding design teams and projects. Required Skills:

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

• Exceptional aesthetic sensibility, a strong understanding of form, proportion, and visual harmony in design.

• Proven ability to think creatively, strategically, and analytically, with robust problem-solving capabilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and present complex information effectively to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.

• Experience in conducting competitive analysis and trend research to inform design direction.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced product development environment. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with various materials and manufacturing processes relevant to marine applications, such as metal, aluminum, composites, and plastics.

• Understanding of upholstery, sewing practices, and material applications (foam, vinyl, substrates).

• Experience with AI tools integrated into the design process.

• Hands-on experience with power tools for prototyping and mock-up creation.

• A passion for or experience within the boating lifestyle and recreational products market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core industrial design competencies, particularly in 3D software proficiency and aesthetic judgment. The preferred skills and "Other Skills/Abilities" section reveal a practical, hands-on approach, including familiarity with manufacturing processes, materials, and even power tools, which is crucial for translating designs into tangible products in a manufacturing setting. The inclusion of AI integration and a passion for boating suggests a forward-thinking and industry-aligned candidate profile.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of interior and exterior design projects for consumer products, ideally within the recreational or marine industries.

• Demonstration of the full design process, from initial concept sketches and ideation through to detailed 3D models, renderings, and potentially prototype imagery.

• Case studies that highlight problem-solving approaches, user-centric design considerations, and how design decisions addressed specific project challenges or market opportunities.

• Evidence of cross-functional collaboration, illustrating how designs were translated into production-ready specifications and executed effectively.

• Visualizations that clearly communicate design intent, material choices, and functional aspects of the product. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design concepts were iterated and refined based on feedback from engineering, product management, or market research.

• Documentation of trend research and competitive analysis that directly influenced design outcomes.

• Evidence of creating detailed design specifications or contributing to the Bill of Materials (BOM) for manufactured goods.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Industrial Design Manager role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not only creative talent but also strategic thinking, an understanding of manufacturing constraints, and the ability to manage projects from concept to completion. The emphasis should be on showing the process and impact of the designs, not just the final aesthetics.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for an Industrial Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Elkhart, Indiana, the estimated salary range is $95,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region, the specialized nature of marine product design, and the management responsibilities involved. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to product launches and company success.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training in new design software, materials science, or leadership skills.

• Employee discounts on Godfrey Marine products. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 per week, with potential for overtime or adjusted schedules to meet project deadlines and ensure successful project completion, as noted in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for a management role in industrial design varies significantly by location and industry. Elkhart, Indiana, is a manufacturing hub, but recreational marine design is a specialized niche. The estimated range reflects a blend of general industrial design management compensation and the specific demands of the marine industry. Benefits are standard for full-time roles but tailored to attract skilled professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Recreational Boating & Marine Manufacturing. Godfrey Marine is a prominent player known for its pontoon boats (Godfrey Pontoons) and deck boats (Hurricane Boats). This industry demands a blend of aesthetic appeal, functional design for water environments, durability, and adherence to safety standards.

Company Size: Likely medium to large, given the mention of established brands and a product development team. This size suggests structured processes but also potential for cross-functional agility.

Founded: Godfrey Marine has a long history, founded in 1958, indicating stability, established market presence, and a deep understanding of the boating consumer. This legacy implies a culture that respects tradition while needing to innovate for future growth.

Team Structure:

• The Industrial Design Manager will likely lead a team of industrial designers and potentially CAD modelers.

• This team reports into a broader Product Development or Engineering department, with direct collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

• Close liaison with Marketing, Sales, and Manufacturing departments is expected to ensure design alignment with market needs and production capabilities. Methodology:

• Emphasis on a customer-centric and lifestyle-oriented design approach, deeply understanding the passion and needs of boat owners.

• Integration of trend research and competitive analysis to ensure product relevance and market differentiation.

• A structured product development process that balances creative ideation with rigorous engineering validation and manufacturing feasibility.

• Increasing adoption of digital tools, including advanced 3D modeling, rendering, and potentially AI for design exploration and optimization.

Company Website: https://www.godfreypontoonboats.com/ (and likely a separate site for Hurricane Boats)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Godfrey Marine's position in the recreational boating market is key. The company's long history suggests a culture that values heritage and quality, while the need for an Industrial Design Manager points to a commitment to modern aesthetics and innovation. The role requires someone who can not only design but also understand the unique demands of watercraft.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-to-senior management level within the Product Development function. It requires a blend of deep technical design expertise and leadership capabilities. The "5-10 years" experience level suggests an individual ready to take on significant project ownership and team guidance.

Reporting Structure: The Industrial Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Product Development, VP of Engineering, or potentially a Chief Product Officer. They will oversee a team of industrial designers and collaborate extensively with managers and leads in Engineering, Product Management, Marketing, and Manufacturing.

Operations Impact: The Industrial Design Manager's work directly influences product appeal, brand perception, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, sales revenue. Innovative and well-executed designs can create market differentiation, drive demand, and build strong brand loyalty within the competitive recreational boating sector. Successful design execution also impacts manufacturing efficiency and cost.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Director of Industrial Design or Head of Product Development role, managing larger teams and broader product portfolios.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term design strategy and brand identity for Godfrey Marine's product lines.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise within the marine industry, becoming a recognized leader in recreational boat design.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain broader business acumen by working closely with marketing, sales, and operations to understand the full product lifecycle and business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within product development and design management, particularly within a specialized industry like marine manufacturing. The emphasis on impact and growth opportunities should appeal to ambitious design professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, suggesting a dedicated design studio or office space within Godfrey Marine's facilities in Elkhart, Indiana. This environment is likely designed to foster collaboration and access to prototyping resources.

Office Location(s): Elkhart, Indiana, is a significant hub for RV and marine manufacturing, providing a rich ecosystem of related industries and skilled labor. The specific address is 4500 Middlebury Street, Elkhart, Indiana, 46516.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate hands-on design activities, including access to 3D modeling stations, rendering hardware, and potentially a model shop or prototyping area.

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers, engineers, and product managers regularly interact to review designs, solve problems, and make decisions.

• The atmosphere likely balances creative exploration with the practical demands of manufacturing and production timelines.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the job description notes a "willingness to work variable schedule to assure successful project completion," which is common in product development where deadlines are critical. This might involve occasional longer days or weekend work during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Elkhart, Indiana, is crucial. It implies a hands-on, collaborative environment typical of manufacturing companies, where proximity to engineering and production teams is essential for effective product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or talent acquisition will review applications and resumes for basic qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (likely Director of Product Development or similar) to assess experience, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their design portfolio, detailing their process, problem-solving approaches, and project outcomes. This is a critical stage.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Engineering, Product Management, and potentially Marketing to evaluate collaboration skills and design feasibility understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Engineering) for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in interior and exterior design, concept development, and problem-solving relevant to recreational products.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process (ideation, sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping), your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the final outcome or impact.

• Highlight Management Skills: If applicable, include projects where you led a team or mentored junior designers, showcasing your leadership approach.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate your command of 3D modeling, rendering, and other relevant software through high-quality visuals.

• Emphasize Marine/Recreational Relevance: If possible, include projects that show an understanding of the unique demands of boat design (e.g., ergonomics for marine environments, material durability, user experience on water).

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Expect questions about materials, manufacturing processes, and design for specific environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates may be given a hypothetical design challenge or asked to critique an existing product to assess their analytical and creative thinking on the spot.

• Practice articulating your design thinking process concisely and logically.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a new product development brief, considering brand DNA, target audience, and manufacturing constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical component for this role. Candidates must be prepared to not only showcase their creative work but also to articulate the strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative effort behind each project.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: Solidworks, Rhino (essential). Proficiency in these is non-negotiable for creating detailed product designs and manufacturing-ready models.

• Rendering Software: Keyshot, V-Ray, or similar, integrated with 3D modeling tools for creating high-fidelity visualizations.

• 2D Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop for image manipulation and concept ideation, Illustrator for technical drawings and graphics, InDesign for presentations).

• Prototyping Tools: Access to 3D printers, CNC machines, and potentially hand tools for physical mock-ups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, designers will use market research data, competitive analysis reports, and potentially customer feedback metrics to inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how product information flows into PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) or ERP systems would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard 3D CAD and rendering software. Proficiency here is a baseline requirement. The mention of AI integration suggests an openness to exploring new tools and workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to create novel and compelling designs that push the boundaries of recreational boating.

• Customer Focus: A deep understanding of and passion for the boating lifestyle, translating customer needs and aspirations into tangible product experiences.

• Quality & Durability: Commitment to designing products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also robust and reliable in demanding marine environments.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork to achieve the best possible product outcomes.

• Efficiency: Balancing creative vision with practical manufacturing considerations and budget constraints to deliver successful products on time.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and active listening between design, engineering, product management, and manufacturing teams.

• Regular design reviews and feedback sessions to ensure alignment and address challenges collaboratively.

• A culture that encourages sharing of ideas and constructive criticism to elevate the design quality of all products.

• Respect for diverse expertise across different departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, reflecting its long history in the marine industry. The emphasis on customer passion and collaborative problem-solving is key for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics with Functionality/Cost: Harmonizing innovative design concepts with the practical requirements of marine environments, manufacturing capabilities, and cost targets.

• Rapid Trend Evolution: Staying ahead of design trends in the recreational boating sector and integrating them effectively without compromising brand identity.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design intent and managing expectations across diverse departments (e.g., engineering, marketing, sales).

• Integrating New Technologies: Successfully incorporating AI and other emerging technologies into the design workflow while maintaining a human-centric approach.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to master new features or specialized modules within CAD, rendering, or AI design tools.

• Materials & Manufacturing Seminars: Deepen knowledge of new materials, composite technologies, and advanced manufacturing processes relevant to boat building.

• Leadership Development Programs: Training in people management, project management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership.

• Industry Conferences: Attending marine industry trade shows and design conferences to stay abreast of trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for design management roles in manufacturing, requiring a strategic mindset to navigate competing priorities. The growth opportunities are well-defined for someone looking to advance their career in design leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new boat interior from concept to production. What are the key decision points and potential challenges?" (Assesses process, problem-solving, and understanding of the product lifecycle).

• "How do you balance a strong brand DNA with the need for innovation in your designs, especially in a traditional industry like boating?" (Evaluates strategic thinking and brand stewardship).

• "Tell me about a time you had to present a design concept that was met with significant resistance from engineering or stakeholders. How did you navigate that situation?" (Tests communication, persuasion, and conflict resolution skills).

• "How would you approach integrating AI tools into our current industrial design workflow?" (Gauges forward-thinking, adaptability, and practical application of new technologies). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about Godfrey Marine's current product line, and where do you see opportunities for design improvement or innovation?" (Shows research and critical thinking about the company's offerings).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within a design team, especially when working alongside engineering and product management?" (Assesses leadership and team-building approach).

• "What does 'customer lifestyle' mean to you in the context of recreational boat design?" (Probes understanding of the target market and user-centric design philosophy). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career and design philosophy, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Visuals: Use high-quality renderings, sketches, and photos of prototypes. Ensure your 3D models are well-presented.

• Narrative: Focus on the "why" and "how" behind your design decisions. Connect your work to business objectives, user needs, and manufacturing feasibility.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process, software usage, and decision-making rationale. Make it interactive.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily focus on showcasing not just design talent but also leadership, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the manufacturing and business context. The portfolio presentation is the primary vehicle for this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Industrial Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP portal link.

• Curate your portfolio: Select projects that best showcase your experience in interior and exterior product design, concept development, 3D modeling, and cross-functional collaboration, with a preference for recreational or marine products.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight leadership experience, proficiency in key design software (Solidworks, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite), and any experience with materials, manufacturing processes, or AI integration. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio presentation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving methodologies, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail and answer technical questions.

• Research Godfrey Marine: Familiarize yourself with their brands (Godfrey Pontoons, Hurricane Boats), product lines, and market position. Understand their brand DNA and the recreational boating lifestyle.

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