Storyteller Overland LLC
Design Director
Storyteller Overland LLC, Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35275
Our History:
The Storyteller Overland vibe started out as a drawing on a restaurant napkin in 2017 illustrating a desire to help people live more adventurous lives. Back then, very few had ever heard of an adventure van, and some at the restaurant table with CEO Jeffrey Hunter had doubts it would ever sell.
The company officially launched in 2018 with a humble yet confident team of seven employees. Over the next year, we worked on launching our MODE 4x4 and finding dealer partners to work with, and finally, the dream was turning into a reality.
We've been fortunate to be full speed ahead since then. We've added sister companies to our galaxy and built out quite the impressive team - hopefully you included. We hit 500 vans built, then 1,000, then so many more that these milestones became difficult to keep track of. We've added new vehicles to our lineup and have built a massive community of like-minded adventurers that also continues to grow.
As we reflect on our history, though, we remind ourselves that our best ideas are still ahead of us, not behind us. Here's to saying yes to the next grand adventure!
Workplace Vibe:
Storyteller Overland aims to maintain a positive and productive work environment. Each team member plays a role in fostering this environment. Everyone should bring their full selves to work each day, approach the day with a positive outlook, and operate with team spirit (camaraderie, cooperation and collaboration).
Role Overview:
As the Design Director, you will lead design excellence at Storyteller Overland, collaborating with the TED team and company leadership to drive innovation and elevate our global design standards. You will ensure design and innovation are central to our development process, aligning with the company's current goals and future vision across partners and subsidiaries.
A visionary leader with hands-on expertise, you will actively contribute by stepping into a Designer role as needed, delivering high-quality outputs, providing tactical support, and modeling best practices. You will work closely with planning, marketing, engineering, and testing teams to integrate design thinking into finished products, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with the brand.
As a team player and brand ambassador, you will uphold and enhance our reputation within the vibrant community of vanlifers, adventure seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts, shaping designs that inspire and empower their journeys.
General Responsibilities:
Inspire and cultivate a creative environment that fosters innovation, empowering the Design department within TED to explore market opportunities, address emerging trends, and solve complex problems through visionary design solutions, Collaborate with company leadership to align design strategies with business objectives, ensuring a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive positioning, Translate the executive team's vision into actionable design strategies and roadmaps, creating a tangible and scalable framework for execution that balances innovation with feasibility, Develop and communicate a forward-looking design vision, anticipating industry trends, technological advancements, and competitive challenges to position Storyteller Overland as a market leader, Demonstrate hands-on expertise by stepping into the role of a Designer as needed, effectively executing tasks and projects to the same standard expected of the team, Co-create a comprehensive product strategy with the Planning team, focusing on delivering exceptional customer value, fostering product differentiation, and ensuring sustainable product lifecycles and cohesive product families, Lead market research initiatives to understand customer behavior, competitor offerings, and emerging trends, leveraging insights to drive strategic design decisions and maintain a competitive edge, Establish and nurture a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and belonging within the Design department, ensuring all stakeholders feel valued and represented in the creative process, Advocate for efficient collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, balancing the pursuit of rapid innovation with a commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, Promote a mindset of openness and creative flexibility, encouraging the exploration of multiple problem-solving approaches while fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and innovative thinking, Partner with Talent Acquisition and other leaders to attract top design talent who align with Storyteller's ethos while bringing fresh perspectives that encourage team growth and evolution, Mentor and coach designers at all levels, developing leadership capabilities within the team and nurturing cross-functional growth to elevate the organization's design competency, Lead the Design discipline in refining processes and strategies that ensure efficient, detailed execution while maintaining alignment with broader organizational goals, Continuously assess the competitive landscape to identify new opportunities, threats, and differentiators, integrating these insights into design and product strategies, Advocate for and integrate emerging design tools, technologies, and practices to stay ahead of industry trends and enhance the team's innovation capacity, Contribute to the overall success of the TED team by fostering a spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie, ensuring alignment and shared success across all functions, Perform all other duties as assigned, ensuring alignment with Storyteller Overland's mission and strategic priorities. Work Schedule:
Flexible: Operating hours are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M - F Compensation:
Starting at 126k + Incentives + Rewards Qualifications/Skills:
Experience in creative and collaborative environments that encourage innovation and brainstorming. Identifying new trends, opportunities, or underserved segments in the front end conceptual phase either through working with other creative team members or learning from shows or discussions on needs, experience with general hand/shop tools and willing to be hands on as needed, understanding the total design process and being able to jump in where ever that process is and help out, ability to effectively visualize and diagram designs or needs for users that experience our products, getting hands dirty in either prototyping or modeling when needed, exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, demonstrates the ability to work effectively in a team environment, active listener and relationship builder. Proficiency with tools such as MS Office, Solidworks, Rhino, Keyshot, and artificial intelligence assisted concept generation.
Education and Experience Preferred:
10+ years of Design experience 10+ years of manufacturing/process engineering Graduate degree in Design Management or Industrial/Graphic Design Proven track record of working in a fast-paced, high-impact position that requires high levels of attention to detail and follow through Position Scorecard:
Core Competencies - Visionary Leadership, Strategic Thinking & Tactical Execution, Task Orientation, Hands-On, Willingness to 'Roll Up Sleeves', Market & Customer Insight, Innovation, Creativity, Collaboration, Process Optimization, Competitive Awareness, Communication Skills, Talent Development, Resilience, Adaptability, Commitment to Quality, and Business Acumen. Position Mission - The mission of the Design Director is to lead the creation of innovative, market-driven design strategies that align with Storyteller Overland's vision and elevate its competitive positioning. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture, this role ensures the delivery of exceptional products that inspire customers, strengthen the brand, and set new industry standards. Anticipated Outcome - Develop innovative, high-quality designs that enhance Storyteller Overland's market leadership, resonate with customers, and drive long-term business success. Physical Requirements:
Candidates should be prepared for the following:
Sitting: The majority of the workday will be spent sitting at a desk, using a computer, and performing tasks that require sustained attention and focus. Light Lifting: Occasionally, employees may need to lift and carry boxes or office supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Reaching and Stretching: There may be instances where reaching or stretching is required to access files, office equipment, or supplies. Visual and Mental Concentration: The position may require employees to read documents, analyze data, and perform tasks that demand a high level of visual and mental concentration. Repetitive Tasks: Some tasks may involve repetitive motions, such as filing, scanning, or using office equipment, which may require attention to ergonomics and comfort. Ability to Sit and Stand for Meetings: Meetings or discussions may require employees to sit or stand for varying periods.
It's important to note that this job primarily involves office-based work, and the physical demands are generally minimal. Accommodations will be provided as needed to ensure the comfort and well-being of employees in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Exemption Status: Exempt
The Storyteller Overland vibe started out as a drawing on a restaurant napkin in 2017 illustrating a desire to help people live more adventurous lives. Back then, very few had ever heard of an adventure van, and some at the restaurant table with CEO Jeffrey Hunter had doubts it would ever sell.
The company officially launched in 2018 with a humble yet confident team of seven employees. Over the next year, we worked on launching our MODE 4x4 and finding dealer partners to work with, and finally, the dream was turning into a reality.
We've been fortunate to be full speed ahead since then. We've added sister companies to our galaxy and built out quite the impressive team - hopefully you included. We hit 500 vans built, then 1,000, then so many more that these milestones became difficult to keep track of. We've added new vehicles to our lineup and have built a massive community of like-minded adventurers that also continues to grow.
As we reflect on our history, though, we remind ourselves that our best ideas are still ahead of us, not behind us. Here's to saying yes to the next grand adventure!
Workplace Vibe:
Storyteller Overland aims to maintain a positive and productive work environment. Each team member plays a role in fostering this environment. Everyone should bring their full selves to work each day, approach the day with a positive outlook, and operate with team spirit (camaraderie, cooperation and collaboration).
Role Overview:
As the Design Director, you will lead design excellence at Storyteller Overland, collaborating with the TED team and company leadership to drive innovation and elevate our global design standards. You will ensure design and innovation are central to our development process, aligning with the company's current goals and future vision across partners and subsidiaries.
A visionary leader with hands-on expertise, you will actively contribute by stepping into a Designer role as needed, delivering high-quality outputs, providing tactical support, and modeling best practices. You will work closely with planning, marketing, engineering, and testing teams to integrate design thinking into finished products, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with the brand.
As a team player and brand ambassador, you will uphold and enhance our reputation within the vibrant community of vanlifers, adventure seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts, shaping designs that inspire and empower their journeys.
General Responsibilities:
Inspire and cultivate a creative environment that fosters innovation, empowering the Design department within TED to explore market opportunities, address emerging trends, and solve complex problems through visionary design solutions, Collaborate with company leadership to align design strategies with business objectives, ensuring a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive positioning, Translate the executive team's vision into actionable design strategies and roadmaps, creating a tangible and scalable framework for execution that balances innovation with feasibility, Develop and communicate a forward-looking design vision, anticipating industry trends, technological advancements, and competitive challenges to position Storyteller Overland as a market leader, Demonstrate hands-on expertise by stepping into the role of a Designer as needed, effectively executing tasks and projects to the same standard expected of the team, Co-create a comprehensive product strategy with the Planning team, focusing on delivering exceptional customer value, fostering product differentiation, and ensuring sustainable product lifecycles and cohesive product families, Lead market research initiatives to understand customer behavior, competitor offerings, and emerging trends, leveraging insights to drive strategic design decisions and maintain a competitive edge, Establish and nurture a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and belonging within the Design department, ensuring all stakeholders feel valued and represented in the creative process, Advocate for efficient collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, balancing the pursuit of rapid innovation with a commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, Promote a mindset of openness and creative flexibility, encouraging the exploration of multiple problem-solving approaches while fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and innovative thinking, Partner with Talent Acquisition and other leaders to attract top design talent who align with Storyteller's ethos while bringing fresh perspectives that encourage team growth and evolution, Mentor and coach designers at all levels, developing leadership capabilities within the team and nurturing cross-functional growth to elevate the organization's design competency, Lead the Design discipline in refining processes and strategies that ensure efficient, detailed execution while maintaining alignment with broader organizational goals, Continuously assess the competitive landscape to identify new opportunities, threats, and differentiators, integrating these insights into design and product strategies, Advocate for and integrate emerging design tools, technologies, and practices to stay ahead of industry trends and enhance the team's innovation capacity, Contribute to the overall success of the TED team by fostering a spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie, ensuring alignment and shared success across all functions, Perform all other duties as assigned, ensuring alignment with Storyteller Overland's mission and strategic priorities. Work Schedule:
Flexible: Operating hours are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M - F Compensation:
Starting at 126k + Incentives + Rewards Qualifications/Skills:
Experience in creative and collaborative environments that encourage innovation and brainstorming. Identifying new trends, opportunities, or underserved segments in the front end conceptual phase either through working with other creative team members or learning from shows or discussions on needs, experience with general hand/shop tools and willing to be hands on as needed, understanding the total design process and being able to jump in where ever that process is and help out, ability to effectively visualize and diagram designs or needs for users that experience our products, getting hands dirty in either prototyping or modeling when needed, exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, demonstrates the ability to work effectively in a team environment, active listener and relationship builder. Proficiency with tools such as MS Office, Solidworks, Rhino, Keyshot, and artificial intelligence assisted concept generation.
Education and Experience Preferred:
10+ years of Design experience 10+ years of manufacturing/process engineering Graduate degree in Design Management or Industrial/Graphic Design Proven track record of working in a fast-paced, high-impact position that requires high levels of attention to detail and follow through Position Scorecard:
Core Competencies - Visionary Leadership, Strategic Thinking & Tactical Execution, Task Orientation, Hands-On, Willingness to 'Roll Up Sleeves', Market & Customer Insight, Innovation, Creativity, Collaboration, Process Optimization, Competitive Awareness, Communication Skills, Talent Development, Resilience, Adaptability, Commitment to Quality, and Business Acumen. Position Mission - The mission of the Design Director is to lead the creation of innovative, market-driven design strategies that align with Storyteller Overland's vision and elevate its competitive positioning. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture, this role ensures the delivery of exceptional products that inspire customers, strengthen the brand, and set new industry standards. Anticipated Outcome - Develop innovative, high-quality designs that enhance Storyteller Overland's market leadership, resonate with customers, and drive long-term business success. Physical Requirements:
Candidates should be prepared for the following:
Sitting: The majority of the workday will be spent sitting at a desk, using a computer, and performing tasks that require sustained attention and focus. Light Lifting: Occasionally, employees may need to lift and carry boxes or office supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Reaching and Stretching: There may be instances where reaching or stretching is required to access files, office equipment, or supplies. Visual and Mental Concentration: The position may require employees to read documents, analyze data, and perform tasks that demand a high level of visual and mental concentration. Repetitive Tasks: Some tasks may involve repetitive motions, such as filing, scanning, or using office equipment, which may require attention to ergonomics and comfort. Ability to Sit and Stand for Meetings: Meetings or discussions may require employees to sit or stand for varying periods.
It's important to note that this job primarily involves office-based work, and the physical demands are generally minimal. Accommodations will be provided as needed to ensure the comfort and well-being of employees in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Exemption Status: Exempt