Role Purpose
The Manager – Tile Design will lead the development of innovative, market-driven ceramic tile collections that strengthen the company's product portfolio and brand positioning. The role is responsible for driving design excellence, overseeing the end-to-end design lifecycle, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure commercially successful and technically feasible product launches while fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
1. Design Strategy & Product Development
Develop and execute the design roadmap aligned with business objectives, customer preferences, and market trends.
Lead the conceptualization and creation of innovative tile collections for floor, wall, outdoor, and specialty applications.
Drive product differentiation through unique textures, finishes, patterns, colors, and surface innovations.
2. Innovation & Trend Research
Monitor global and domestic design trends, consumer preferences, architecture, and interior design developments.
Conduct competitor benchmarking and market research to identify emerging opportunities.
Translate market insights into commercially viable product concepts.
3. Design Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of designers and design coordinators.
Establish creative standards, design processes, and quality benchmarks.
Foster a collaborative and innovation-driven work environment.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with R&D, Production, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and Procurement teams to ensure design feasibility and timely commercialization.
Support new product launches by providing technical design inputs and marketing-ready design presentations.
Coordinate with manufacturing teams to optimize design implementation without compromising aesthetics.
5. Design Quality & Process Excellence
Ensure consistency in color matching, digital printing accuracy, glazing effects, textures, and surface finishes.
Review prototypes and production samples to maintain design integrity throughout manufacturing.
Implement best practices in design governance and continuous improvement initiatives.
6. Design Presentation & Stakeholder Management
Prepare concept boards, mood boards, design presentations, and product stories for leadership reviews.
Present design concepts and recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.
Support customer presentations for strategic projects when required.
7. Technology & Digital Design
Leverage digital design technologies and visualization tools to enhance design efficiency.
Stay updated on advancements in ceramic printing technology, AI-assisted design tools, and surface engineering techniques.
Promote digital innovation within the design function.
Role Specifications
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in Design, Fine Arts, Ceramics, Architecture, Industrial Design, or a related discipline.
Master's degree or specialization in Design Management will be an added advantage.
Experience
8–15 years of experience in ceramic tile design, surface design, or product development.
Proven experience in leading design teams and managing multiple design projects simultaneously.
Experience in premium, large-format, GVT, PGVT, or specialty tile categories will be preferred.
Technical Knowledge
Strong understanding of ceramic tile manufacturing processes, digital printing, glazing technologies, firing processes, and surface finishing.
Hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, CAD software, and 3D visualization tools.
Knowledge of color management systems, texture development, and print technology.
Desired Candidate Profile
Creative professional with a strong aesthetic sense and commercial mindset.
Passionate about innovation and design excellence.
Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
Excellent project management and stakeholder management skills.
Analytical thinker with the ability to convert market insights into successful product offerings.
Effective communicator with strong presentation and influencing skills.
Adaptable to a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment.
Key Competencies
Technical Competencies
Ceramic Tile Design & Surface Development
Digital Printing Technology
Glazing & Surface Finishing
Color Science & Texture Development
CAD & 3D Visualization
Adobe Creative Suite
Product Lifecycle Management
Prototype Evaluation
Design Quality Assurance
Manufacturing Process Understanding
Functional Competencies
Product Development
Design Strategy
Trend Forecasting & Market Research
Portfolio Management
Cross-functional Collaboration
Project Management
Innovation Management
Product Commercialization
Design Review & Validation
Business Competencies
Customer-Centric Product Development
Commercial Awareness
Competitive Analysis
Strategic Thinking
Brand Building
Business Acumen
Market Orientation
Cost Optimization
Process Improvement
Leadership Competencies
Team Leadership
Talent Development & Coaching
Decision Making
Change Management
Stakeholder Management
Collaboration & Influence
Strategic Vision
Performance Management
Behavioural Competencies
Creativity & Innovation
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Ownership & Accountability
Learning Agility
Adaptability
Effective Communication
Collaboration
Result Orientation
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Success Metrics
Timely launch of new tile collections aligned with market demand.
Number of successful product innovations introduced annually.
Improvement in product acceptance and sales contribution from new designs.
Reduction in design-to-production cycle time.
Design quality compliance and first-time-right implementation rate.
Stakeholder satisfaction across R&D, Production, Marketing, and Sales.
Team capability development and engagement.
Contribution to brand differentiation through innovative and commercially successful designs.