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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to design and develop stylish sofas from concept to production.
- Company: Next is a leading UK retailer known for quality furniture and innovative online operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, and benefits in a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of modern British manufacturing and make a real impact on product design.
- Qualifications: Degree in Furniture Design or related field with 2+ years in design development required.
- Other info: Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS and hands-on skills in prototyping are highly valued.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Armthorpe, Doncaster, DN3 3FQ
Pay: From £29,500 per annum, plus bonus and benefits.
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: 38.75 hours per week
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 5:30 AM - 1:45 PM and 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Next is one of the UK’s best known high-street retailers and most established online operations, but have you ever wondered who builds our stylish and comfortable sofas? In 2016, we opened our doors with just one production line, and 8 years later, we have 200 employees and 14 production lines. We’re leading modern British manufacturing from our home in Armthorpe, Doncaster.
Your Next Role
Reporting to the Technical Manager, the Design & Development Technician will work within the New Product Development Team to define project requirements and product specifications to support design activities and development for pre-production and high-volume sofa manufacturing. This role involves working directly with internal planning and production teams, procurement, and third-party suppliers to implement the New Product Development process, produce production-ready files and drawings, prepare prototypes for testing and validation, facilitate change requests, create product specifications and assembly guides, and support manufacturing.
You will utilize engineering principles to:
- Develop cost-effective, structurally sound frames
- Generate detailed 3D CAD files and production drawings
- Collaborate on prototype development
- Create Bill of Materials (BOM) lists
- Produce product information packs, specifications, and assembly training guides
- Ensure product compliance through coordination with testing agencies
Let’s take it on!
The role requires a degree-level technical qualification (preferably in Furniture Design, Product Design, or related fields), with at least two years of experience in design development and new product development processes. The ideal candidate will be proficient in SOLIDWORKS 3D, LECTRA Design Concept 3D, Alphacam, Lectra Modaris, and Lectra Diamino. Skills in Adobe CC applications such as Illustrator and Photoshop are highly desirable. Experience in the sofa, furniture, and upholstery industry, with hands-on prototyping, woodworking, upholstery, and sewing skills, is preferred.
Design And Development Technician employer: Next
Contact Detail:
Next Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design And Development Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in furniture design and manufacturing. Understanding current market demands and innovations can give you an edge during interviews, showing your passion and knowledge about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the furniture and upholstery industry. Attend trade shows, workshops, or online webinars to connect with potential colleagues and employers, which can lead to valuable insights and job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your technical skills, especially in SOLIDWORKS and other relevant software mentioned in the job description. Consider taking short courses or tutorials to enhance your proficiency, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role. Be ready to explain your design process, challenges faced, and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Design And Development Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in design development and new product processes. Emphasise your proficiency in SOLIDWORKS 3D and any other software mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the requirements of the Design and Development Technician role. Mention your degree-level qualification and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Portfolio: If applicable, include a portfolio of your previous work that demonstrates your design capabilities, particularly in furniture design or related fields. Highlight any projects that involved prototyping or CAD work.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your proficiency in SOLIDWORKS 3D and other relevant software during the interview. Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully used these tools to develop designs or prototypes.
✨Understand the Company’s Products
Familiarise yourself with Next's product range, especially their sofas. Being able to discuss specific products and how your skills can contribute to their design and development will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in design and development scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to prototyping and manufacturing.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you’ve effectively communicated and worked with others to achieve project goals.
