Development Designer

Job Title: Development Designer (SolidWorks) Retail Joinery & In-House Manufacturing

Location: South Leicestershire (on-site) with option to work from home 12 days/week

Hours: Full-time

Salary: From £40,000 - £55,000

About Us
Our client is a specialist retail joinery company based in South Leicestershire designing and manufacturing high-quality shopfittings, fixtures and bespoke retail interiors in-house. We partner with retail brands to deliver from concept through production to installation, combining creative design with precision manufacturing.

Role Summary
Were seeking a Development Designer skilled in SolidWorks to turn concepts into manufacturable joinery. Youll work closely with sales, project management and the workshop to develop detailed 3D models, drawings, BOMs and production files that ensure designs are accurate, efficient and buildable. Regular workshop collaboration and occasional site visits are required; flexible remote working (12 days/week) is available.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and refine 3D SolidWorks models and assemblies for retail joinery, fixtures and displays.
• Produce detailed manufacturing drawings, flat patterns, exploded views and assembly instructions.
• Generate BOMs, nesting/parts lists and CNC-ready files (DXF/IGES/STEP) for routing/CNC and other processes.
• Collaborate with project managers, estimators and workshop technicians to meet cost, lead-time and production constraints.
• Review prototypes and samples; implement engineering changes based on feedback.
• Ensure designs comply with strength, safety and material constraints; specify appropriate materials and fixings.
• Maintain version control and project documentation.
• Support site surveys and occasionally attend client meetings or installations.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proficient in SolidWorks (parts, assemblies, drawings).
• Experience designing furniture, cabinetry or joinery for retail/contract markets.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing: CNC routing, panel processing, veneering/lamination, metalwork, finishing and assembly.
• Able to produce clear, manufacturable technical drawings and BOMs.
• Strong attention to detail, problem solving and spatial awareness.
• Good communication and cross-functional teamwork.
• Technical qualification or relevant apprenticeship desirable.

Desirable

• Experience with nesting/CAM software and CNC programming.
• Knowledge of sheet materials (MDF, plywood, timber), metal fabrication and finishes.
• Familiarity with production scheduling and project management tools.
• Previous joinery or furniture manufacturing experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working with the option to work from home 12 days per week.
• Hands-on involvement from design to production and installation.
• Collaborative environment with direct workshop feedback.
• Opportunity to influence product design and manufacturing efficiency.
• Training and career development.

How to Apply
Send CV, SolidWorks portfolio/examples to contact email with subject Development Designer South Leicestershire.

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