Based in Leicester, RDD specialises in designing, developing, and manufacturing retail POS displays for high-street and luxury brands. We are seeking a motivated, organised, and proactive Development Designer to join our team. You will apply your technical, creative, and project management skills to transform client briefs into innovative retail solutions.
Working closely with the Operations Director, Studio, and Production Teams, the Development Designer will be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and high standards.
Person Specification – Essential Skills and Experience
· Proven experience in the point-of-sale (POS) display sector
· Excellent planning and organisational skills, strong decision-making skills.
· Meticulous attention to detail to maintain consistently high standards and a results-driven approach
· The ability to act decisively, solve problems and grasp concepts quickly
· The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with your team, managers and clients
· The capability to work under pressure, in a logical, systematic manner and motivate others to meet tight deadlines
· Professional proficiency in core software, including SolidWorks and AutoCAD
· Good understanding of materials, including different types of plastics and MDF
· Understanding of manufacturing processes, including joinery, fabrication, CNC and laser cutting, vacuum forming and digital printing
· Strong prototyping skills, including operating 3D printers, CNC and laser cutters, vacuum form, hand tools, and digital printers, desirable but not essential.
Core responsibilities include:
1. Design
Transform client briefs into practical, innovative designs, working across a range of materials and manufacturing processes. Resolve technical and design challenges efficiently.
· Design, engineer, and develop cost-effective solutions while maintaining the highest quality standards.
· Develop solutions optimised for RDD's manufacturing capabilities and available technologies.
· Integrate environmental and sustainability considerations into material selection, processes, delivery, and the product lifecycle.
· Create accurate 3D models in SolidWorks ready for manufacture.
· Prepare 2D files in AutoCAD for CNC and laser processes.
· Prepare artwork files for digital and 3D printing as required.
· Actively participate in team and sub-team meetings to drive continuous improvement and knowledge
2. Prototype and Production
· Collaborate and support the prototype team to ensure prototypes meet design specifications and quality standards.
· Ensure design changes are documented, and drawings are kept current throughout the project lifecycle.
· Support prototype creation to obtain direct feedback on design quality and manufacturability.
· Optimise designs to align with RDD's machine capabilities and production capacity, ensuring manufacturability.
· Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality and timely delivery of prototypes and parts.
· Provide technical support and guidance during the production process.
· Ensure all production items are manufactured according to design specifications.
· Gather and act on feedback from production teams to continually improve manufacturability and efficiency.
3. Project and Account Management
The role includes project and account management responsibilities that bridge the Projects and Design Teams, including:
· Prepare quotes for development and prototyping projects.
· Ensure design solutions align with client budgets and production constraints.
· Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and new clients.
· Resolve client technical issues efficiently and professionally, ensuring clear communication throughout.
· Advise on processes for assigned projects, providing guidance internally and externally.
· Oversee suppliers to ensure adherence to budgets, quality standards, and deadlines.
· Liaise with departmental managers to deliver high-quality results through internal production.
· Monitor production to ensure quality standards and delivery timelines are met.
· Manage your own time and priorities to keep projects on track.
· Use our bespoke project management tools to keep design hours up to date, supporting production planning and cost control.
· Manage project budgets to ensure commercial viability and profitability.
4. Health and Safety
· Ensure all health and safety standards are met and promptly report any concerns.
· Maintain site security at all times.
Employment Details
· Type: Full-Time
· Location: Leicester LE1
· Start Date: Immediate
· Salary: £30k - £50k depending on experience
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person