About Stokke: Here We Grow

For over 80 years, Stokke has embraced Scandinavian heritage, craftsmanship, and quality. Known for innovative children’s products, we've spent four decades designing for family connection and future generations. With offices across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, we’re united by our mission: Confident Kids for a Better World.

Pursue Excellence: The Team

As Design Director, you’ll lead our design team within the Innovation organization, shaping and executing a strategy that aligns with our brand and business goals. Your role ensures our products stay true to Stokke’s DNA, maintaining design consistency and a human-centered approach. You’ll foster a high-performing creative team and collaborate with external partners to drive innovation and excellence. This position reports to the VP of Innovation.

Take Responsibility: The Position

We’re looking for a passionate leader to champion design as a core pillar of innovation. You’ll mentor a talented team, drive creative excellence, and collaborate across departments. This role is part of the extended leadership team, requiring a dynamic, hands-on, and strategic mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advocate for design excellence across teams and leadership
• Integrate trend and user insights into product development
• Drive sustainability initiatives in design strategy and execution
• Manage external design partnerships to enhance innovation
• Maintain and evolve Stokke’s Design Guidelines for brand consistency
• Ensure optimal design, functionality, and manufacturability
• Oversee technical specifications for soft parts
• Evaluate business viability of design concepts
• Experiment with new materials and technologies
• Continuously refine design processes for efficiency and best practices

 

Better Together: The Ideal Profile

You are a visionary leader with a hands-on approach, blending creativity with strategic execution. You inspire your team, push design boundaries, and tell compelling stories. You thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and can advocate for design at the executive level. This position is to be based in our beautiful heritage hub in Alesund, Norway.

What We’re Looking For:

• Inspirational leader aligned with Stokke’s values
• Excellent communicator with strong storytelling and presentation skills
• Strategic thinker who drives results
• Empathetic, influential, and highly collaborative
• Business-savvy with a holistic approach to problem-solving
• Passionate about continuous improvement and innovation
• Adaptable, open-minded, and culturally curious

Qualifications:

Education:

• Master’s degree in Industrial Design or equivalent

Experience & Skills:

• 10+ years in product design & development, including 5+ years in leadership
• Proven experience managing diverse design portfolios
• Strong background in internal team leadership & external collaborations
• Deep understanding of user needs, ergonomics, and materials
• Expertise in design and CAD software (Adobe Suite, SolidWorks, Rhino)
• Track record of launching products in global markets (Europe, North America, Asia)

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to travel internationally
• Flexible and adaptable mindset
• International experience preferred

Keep Growing: What We Offer:

• Dynamic, innovative work environment
• Professional growth and leadership opportunities
• Collaborative and creative culture
• International exposure and diverse team interactions
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• This role is based in Ålesund where we offer a beautiful contemporary office, daily lunch and fantastic social events such as summer parties, yoga classes and evening skiing. 

Join us in shaping the future of Stokke’s design and innovation!