Project Designer (18-Month Maternity Contract)

PROJECT DESIGNER (18-MONTH MATERNITY CONTRACT)

Salary range - $70,000 - $75,000

This is an 18-month maternity contract position.

WHO IS KEILHAUER?

Founded in 1981, Keilhauer is a privately owned, design-focused contract furniture manufacturer. Keilhauer manufactures seating and tables that makes work more comfortable for all. Keilhauer products are thoughtfully made to support communication and engagement in spaces such as meeting rooms, collaboration areas, lobbies and lunchrooms. Working with world-renowned furniture designers, Keilhauer is internationally recognized for award-winning design, built with extreme craftsmanship, to the highest environmental standards.

SUMMARY

The Project Designer assumes responsibility for education and support of the sales representatives and North American dealership network as it relates to product application expertise. As an open line, Keilhauer distributes product through a broad range of furniture dealers. In our pursuit to be the industry leader for collaborative furniture solutions, your role with the Sales Representatives, Dealership personnel and A & D clients will be paramount. In this role, you will apply your expertise with product and IT applications to produce high-quality design work to support sales and expert consultation on dealer requirements.

As the Project Designer, you are highly resourceful, flexible and adaptable. You are proactive, ambitious and driven to succeed. You are able to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities. You lead with the ability to inspire, mentor, coach, and partner effectively. You are able to define responsibilities and set goals and expectations, giving feedback and coaching when necessary. Excellent communication, relationship-building skills and problem-solving abilities are critical for this role, as you will interface and collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders. You understand the voice of the customer and work hard to ensure satisfaction.

This position is best suited to a resourceful, creative problem solver with excellent attention to detail who enjoys building meaningful, productive working relationships with others. You are a creative thinker who seeks to create solutions and efficiencies that help to improve workflows and business processes. Ensuring our customers receive exactly what they need enables Keilhauer to further its mission of making work comfortable for all.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Business Development

• Generates accurate scope of job based on customer expectations and works with internal team to produce industry-leading visual response. 
• Works with Sales Reps in their territories either physically or virtually to call on dealerships in order to educate Designers and Dealer Reps on product solutions, manufacturing capabilities and available tools to assist in the sales process.
• Assists in the development of sales strategy when required. 
• Maintains current knowledge of the industry, products, methods and trends in design and specification.

2. Design Consultation

• Establishes meaningful visual space planning requirements of proposal preparation and provides alternative solutions if required. 
• Prepares design proposals including RFP proposals and creative content for Rep requests.
• Works with Sales Reps and Dealer Reps to leverage the CET tool, AutoCAD and other digital tools to create timely product solutions and product packages while continuously developing new ways to enhance the experience and build relationships. 
• Prepares graphic renderings of Keilhauer's multi-component lines and configurable pieces to support and enhance Sales Rep presentations and processes. 
• Works with Sales Reps, Dealers and/or Engineering department to review any required design modifications; produces revised product drawings/specifications based on modifications.

3. Project Management

• Manages projects through all necessary departments in order to accomplish goals within time and cost constraints without compromising quality. 
• Maintains strong product knowledge to support Sales Reps and Dealers.
• Collaborates with various internal and external stakeholders to develop project requirements and formulates plans for execution. 
• Ensures the project scope and timing takes into consideration minimizing waste and reducing complexity to the business system.
• Identifies, tracks and resolves project issues and mitigates project risks. 
• Proactively distributes project information to all stakeholders.

4. Planning and Administration of Tasks

• Identifies and documents all business, technical, product and process requirements.
• Maintains complete files on all projects. 
• Works with all internal departments to obtain necessary resources to formulate accurate, timely responses to external requests. 
• Conducts research on competitive products and identifies value-based solutions as required. 
• Leads change management by ensuring that any modifications to the original product scope are documented, accounted for, and priced with the MSQ team. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree, plus at least 3-5 years' design experience required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with solid understanding of manufacturing processes and mechanical design.
• Office furniture dealership experience or commercial design strongly preferred.
• Previous experience directing teams is an asset.
• Ability to work in multiple platforms (AutoCAD, SketchUp, CET, Revit, G Suite, NetSuite, PPT, Slack, etc.)
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office Programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk or hear and meet with groups of people. The noise level is quiet to moderate. Many of your duties will be fulfilled with the use of a computer and office equipment, with communications taking place by phone, email or in person. Some functions of your role will be conducted in the manufacturing facility, where you may be exposed to dust particulates and noise.

• Must be comfortable with frequent, dynamic interaction with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Must be able to manage interruptions and adapt to priorities quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Must maintain a sense of urgency and composure under tight timelines, particularly ahead of client presentations.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must follow all company and OHSA Safety regulations; works in a safe manner and uses personal protective equipment, if required; reinforces housekeeping and Keilhauer's core values.

DOES THIS ROLE SOUND LIKE A FIT?

Keilhauer is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful environment for all employees. If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know and we will work with you to support your needs.

If this role is for you, please send your resume and tell us why you would be a great addition to our team! Please note that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please note that AI may be used during the recruitment and selection process.