Product Development Designer

Our client are looking for a Product Development Designerin Midrand, where every day is an opportunity to innovate, solve practical challenges, and help bring beautifully personalised products to life.

As an R&D Designer, you will focus on improving thier products and production processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Youll be at the heart of product innovation designing jigs, layouts, and die-lines that optimize production, reduce waste, and ensure smooth, timely rollouts of both new and existing products.

You will have the chance to research, prototype, and test new products, materials, and techniques , contributing directly to how our products are packaged, personalized, and presented to customers. This is a hands-on role where your design expertise meets practical problem-solving , and where your creative solutions will have a real impact on our operations and customer experience.

Product & Process Improvement

• Design, refine, and implement jigs, layouts, and die-lines that enhance product quality, reduce waste, and optimize production efficiency.
• Test various branding and personalization methods on products, documenting results, materials, and costings.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing production and packaging processes and implement practical design solutions.
• Assist the Production team in resolving issues related to templates, branding, or production workflows.

Research & Prototyping

• Research new product concepts, materials, processes, and techniques to support innovation and efficiency.
• Prepare accurate prototypes, samples, and test reports within deadlines, including cost analysis and technical specifications.
• Train the Production team and new staff/temps on templates, personalization methods, and new product designs.
• Liaise with internal teams and suppliers to coordinate new product rollouts, samples, and equipment needs.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and report on material or product wastage, proposing improvements where needed.
• Maintain organized records of samples, jigs, templates, and task lists to ensure smooth workflows.
• Follow up on ad hoc tasks to ensure timely completion and alignment with production goals.

Personal Performance & Development

• Continuously develop design skills, process knowledge, and technical expertise relevant to product development and packaging.
• Exhibit strong work ethic, positive attitude, and teamwork to support colleagues and enhance team performance.

What Were Looking For

• A newly qualified Industrial Designer with a passion for product and process innovation.
• Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills , with the ability to design practical and efficient solutions.
• Interest in packaging, product personalization, and production workflows .
• Enthusiasm for hands-on experimentation , prototyping, and learning new techniques.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills , with a proactive, can-do attitude.