Product Design Manager

Covercraft Industries, LLC is the leading branded manufacturer of Automotive, Marine, and Recreational Vehicle protection products, as well as a market leader in outdoor protection products for Home and Gardens since 1965. We're rapidly expanding and want to add energetic, goal-oriented new team members who will join in our growth in these exciting industries.

With nearly 1000 team members in 7 US states as well as operations in Mexico.

Our Mission is to design and manufacture quality products that protect the things that move you. Our Goal and Vision is to be the most sought-after source for customers seeking to protect their investments, hobbies, adventures, and memories. Covercraft expects to accomplish this by embracing our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Innovation, and being Customer-Focused.

Our team members are the key to our success and that is why we offer career opportunities with outstanding benefits including:

• medical, dental, vision,
• 401(k) Retirement Plan/Employer Matching
• Supplemental voluntary benefits (STD, Life, Accident)
• Generous PTO Policy: beginning at 80 hours the 1st year of employment -> 120 hrs. 2nd year of employment; Paid holidays; Paid Bereavement
• FSA -Flexible Spending Account
• Profit-Sharing Plan - All active team members are eligible
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Educational Tuition Reimbursement
• Basic Life and Disability

Position Summary:

The Product Design Manager is responsible for leading a team of product designers and engineers focused on the development of premium automotive soft goods - including seat covers, dash mats, floor mats and related interior/exterior products. This role blends creative design leadership with strong project management and process improvement skills to accelerate speed-to-market, elevate product quality, and champion innovative solutions.

You will oversee the full product lifecycle - from concept and prototyping to production readiness - while continuously enhancing design processes and tools such as 3D scanning and CAD systems (e.g., SolidWorks). The ideal candidate is both a visionary and a doer: someone who leads by example, thrives on solving complex problems, and empowers their team to push boundaries.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of product designers (entry to senior level), ensuring alignment with company goals and performance expectations
• Drive the design and development of new automotive soft goods, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, customer appeal, and brand alignment
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring on-time and on-quality product delivery
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Engineering, and Operations to ensure successful product launches
• Leverage 3D vehicle scanning, CAD (SolidWorks), and other design technologies to improve accuracy and reduce development cycles
• Identify and execute continuous improvement opportunities in design processes, workflow, and documentation
• Develop innovative product solutions that respond to market trends, customer needs, and material advancements
• Monitor competitive landscape and emerging technologies to inform product strategy
• Coordinate technical training and provide guidance to internal stakeholders (e.g., Customer Service, Sales) on new or updated products
• Maintain technical documentation, design standards, and vehicle reference libraries
• Support initiatives to improve data management and design handoff to downstream systems (e.g., ERP, customer portals)

AUTHORITY:

All personnel are responsible for quality and therefore have the authority to stop production, if necessary, to correct quality problems.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks), with experience in prototyping and manufacturing methods
• Proven track record of process improvement and managing cross-functional projects
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Detail-oriented with a passion for quality, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, Spanish bilingual is a plus

Preferred:

• Experience in automotive aftermarket or soft goods (fabrics, foams, trims)
• Familiarity with 3D scanning tools and digital pattern-making processes
• Experience working with ERP (SAP) systems
• Lean or Six Sigma certification or training

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE:

5+ years of experience in product design, industrial design, or engineering (automotive or textile/soft goods preferred)

3+ years of experience in a leadership or managerial role

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS:

Must have 20/20 vision or corrected.

Must be able to perceive colors and shade of colors.

Must be able to use computer for extended periods of time.

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds with no assistance

Must be able to stand, walk and bend for extended periods of time.

Must be able to work in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment with hands-on product interaction

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Industrial Design, Product Development, or a related field

This written job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, requirements, experience, duties and skills required. Further, this job description may be changed or amended at anytime in the sole discretion of Covercraft.