As the Design Team Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving our design team to create captivating and innovative furniture designs that resonate with our brand identity and meet customer needs. You will oversee all aspects of the design process, from conceptualization to the development of SIF files, ensuring that our designs exceed customer expectations in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with Sales, Project Quoting, and RFP teams to ensure seamless execution of projects.
• Provide guidance and support to team members, utilizing your expertise to assist with processes, training, and administrative tasks.
• Conduct training sessions to empower team members, ensuring they can handle medium to large-sized projects independently.
• Plan team schedules, ensuring coverage during your absence and adherence to project deadlines.
• Develop and implement Project Design Standards to maintain consistency and quality across designs.
• Maintain a comprehensive sample library and stay updated on product knowledge, especially on lesser-known manufacturers.
• Drive innovation in product design by exploring new materials, technologies, and techniques.
• Keep abreast of industry trends, competitor products, and consumer insights to inform design decisions.
• Uphold high-quality standards for all design documents, including drawing packages, completed SIFs, and product pages.
• Enhance processes to improve efficiency and speed, focusing on delivering a wow experience for clients.
• Conduct sales presentations as required, supporting the sales team with design expertise.
• Develop metrics for each team member's role and ensure their success through regular performance evaluations and feedback.
• Foster a positive team environment, promoting collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Initiate courageous conversations to address challenges and drive improvements for the future.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Architecture, or related field.
• Proven experience in furniture design, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative designs.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to mentor and motivate a design team.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong knowledge of furniture manufacturing processes and materials.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for design innovation and staying updated on industry trends.

Qualities and Attributes

• 100% client-focused; always looking to create a WOW experience for clients
• Team player - ready and willing to go above and beyond to support others on the team
• A can-do person - you are always looking for solutions.
• Glass half full - you see the positive side of life and think the best about others.
• Results-oriented - you love getting things done and crossing things off your list.
• Detail-orientated - people come to you to proofread things and organize parties.
• Self-starter - you are accountable for your work and take pride in delivering quality work every single day.

What you can expect from us

• Competitive salary – Based on experience, skills, and education.
• Support for work-life balance – 3 weeks vacation, weekly work-from-home day, birthday flex day, and performance-based earned time off.
• Core Health Benefits – 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage, and additional funds for flex spending accounts.
• Longevity Rewards – You are an important part of the team, and we value long-term commitment and contributions. We recognize your loyalty and service at key milestones with a gift, pre-paid gift card, or RRSP contribution.
• Tailor-fit workspace – We outfit your workspace with tailor-fit furniture solutions to make your work-life comfortable and enjoyable.
• Inclusive and family-oriented work environment – You will build meaningful relationships with people who genuinely want to help you succeed.

CDI Spaces is a leader in providing furniture solutions and space design for educational institutions and corporate workspaces. We pride ourselves on our ability to assist our clients with tailor-fit solutions that support learners, educators, and workers to be productive, engaged, and successful.

Working with the team at CDI Spaces is fun, productive, and challenging in all the right ways. We have a great work environment with smart and friendly colleagues, celebratory lunches, and a fantastic space with the latest innovative furniture solutions and trendy space design to foster connection, collaboration, and creativity. After all, designing and building spaces is what we do. Let's do great things together; please apply!