Product Design and Development- Deputy Manager

Role & responsibilities

• Develop and implement modular architecture strategies for workplace furnishing products (e.g., seating, tables, storage, workstations).
• Define common platforms, modules, and sub-assemblies to support product family expansion.
• Create and manage interface standards for mechanical, material, and dimensional consistency across variants.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to balance aesthetic appeal, functionality, and manufacturability.
• Monitor design performance using metrics like component reuse ratio, BOM complexity index, and lead time reduction.
• Lead workshops and training on modularity, platform thinking, and system design.
• Benchmark modular architecture best practices from leading global furniture and consumer durable companies.
• Support product development projects by executing and overseeing technical tasks.
• Collaborate with global engineering teams to ensure reuse of modules and standard interfaces across product lines and regions.
• Support configuration management, BOM simplification, and variant control processes.
• Provide hands-on design and engineering support to direct team members.
• Assist in planning, tracking, and reporting on project progress.
• Mentor Junior engineers or interns and provide technical feedback.
• Participate in design reviews and implement engineering best practices.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders for alignment on technical deliverables.

Preferred candidate profile

• 1015 years of experience in mechanical product design and development. with 0-3 years in a technical leadership role.
• Product engineer with extensive product experience, responsible for delegating project tasks and providing guidance to team members.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in global work environment, managing complex projects, and resolving conflicts effectively to maintain productivity and alignment
• A proven track record of successfully executing role responsibilities and showcasing strong technical and people leadership skills.

• Knowledge of structured methods like 8D, Root Cause Analysis, or Six Sigma to solve engineering design issues, DFMEA & PFMEA
• Experience in driving innovation, mentoring talent, and ensuring successful outcomes

Competencies:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (metal, plastic, composites, etc.).
• Demonstrates early leadership traits such as initiative, accountability, and decision-making
• Knowledge of product development, lifecycle and stage-gate processes.
• System thinking and architectural mindset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Collaboration and stakeholder influence
• Innovation mindset for mass customization and modular reuse

Key Capabilities:

• Strong technical background in product design and validation.
• Demonstrates proactive problem-solving and a willingness to take initiative.
• Effective in balancing project demands and team capabilities.
• Committed to quality and fostering a learning environment.
• Able to translate design needs into practical engineering solutions.
• Eager to grow into a broader people leadership role.