Head of Department - Product Design

Job Summary

Head of Department for Product Design

Key Responsibilities

1. Academic Leadership & Strategy

• Curriculum Development:

  Lead the design, review, and continuous update of the Product Design curriculum (covering Industrial Design, UI/UX, Design Thinking, Prototyping, and CAD/FEA), ensuring alignment with global standards and emerging industry trends.

• Program Vision:

  Define and articulate the long-term strategic vision for the department, focusing on areas of specialization, research, and innovation.

• Accreditation & Quality:

  Ensure all academic programs meet institutional, national, and international quality and accreditation standards.

2. Faculty Management & Development

• Hiring & Mentorship:

  Lead the

  hiring, training, and performance evaluation

  of full-time and adjunct teaching staff.

• Professional Growth:

  Mentor faculty in teaching methodologies, research activities, and professional practice to enhance the department's profile.

• Workload Management:

  Oversee faculty workload, course allocation, and scheduling to ensure effective departmental functioning.

3. Industry Engagement & Research

• Build Industry Connections:

  Establish and maintain robust partnerships with design studios, manufacturing firms, technology companies, and start-ups for student internships, placements, and collaborative projects.

• Applied Research:

  Foster a culture of research and innovation, encouraging faculty and student participation in live projects, grants, and patent applications related to product design and manufacturing.

• Resource Management:

  Oversee the procurement, maintenance, and optimization of design studios, workshops, and high-tech labs (e.g., 3D printing, CNC, VR/AR equipment).

4. Administrative & Operational Oversight

• Budget Management:

  Manage the departmental budget, allocating resources efficiently for faculty, equipment, materials, and professional development.

• Student Success:

  Monitor student academic performance, oversee admissions processes, and address student grievances.

• End-to-End Functioning:

  Be

  responsible for the end-to-end functioning of the department

  , including all administrative, operational, and reporting duties to the senior management.

Required Qualifications

• Education:

  A Master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering (with a design focus), or a closely related field.

• Experience:

  Minimum

  8-10 years

  of combined experience in senior professional design roles (e.g., Design Director, Principal Designer) and academic administration/teaching.

• Knowledge:

  Deep expertise in the full product development lifecycle, from concept to commercialization, including manufacturing processes and material science.

• Skills:

  Exceptional leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.