Asia Design Director - Eagle Ottawa - Tokyo

Job description
OBJECTIVES:
The Director, Asia Design reports to the Vice President, Design Asian Brands and supervises the Eagle Ottawa design team in Asia. The key priority of the position will be to author and lead the development of design strategies for key regional customers in support of the overall sales plan. This activity will require cross-functional organizational alignment, a strong understanding of the automotive market and customer approval processes, and ongoing development of the design staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Own and lead the regional development of design strategies and activities for key brands in Asia.
Manage the Asian design team insuring key customers and sales targets are well defined and supported.
Identify product and capability gaps that are needed to secure new business and work with cross-functional teams to identify and implement solutions.
Develop strong relationships with OEM design executives and color and trim designers.
Promote Eagle Ottawa’s capabilities and expertise to customers to build the Eagle Ottawa brand in Asia.
Participate in the development of Eagle Ottawa global design presentations (for example InterAuto 360 – presently bi-annually).
Gather and communicate customer insights through all available channels and communicate them internally to identify differentiation opportunities.
Ensure that the Design Department is aware of trends & improvements in both techniques & technology that are relevant to the business & assessing which will contribute to achieving new business and customer solutions.
Lead and participate in cross-functional, cross-location project teams related to corporate initiatives. (global team, global design every year, different customer
Lead and develop design team members by providing insightful feedback and guidance as well as by providing challenging and effective development opportunities.
Desired Skills and Experience
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
A bachelor's degree or equivalent in design (graphic, interior, fashion, product, or textiles), fine arts or a design related field is required.
A minimum of 10 years progressive responsibility and experience in the automotive industry in color and materials or a related role is required. At least 2 years of staff leadership is required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Effective and proven relationship development, leadership and interpersonal skills.
Ability to proficiently communicate orally and in writing in English with native and non-native English speakers.
Ability to work effectively across cultures globally.
Knowledge of automotive market (especially China) with an interest in learning the automotive leather business.

LOCATION:

Tokyo, Japan or Shanghai, China

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