At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transition to SolidWorks and create bespoke furniture designs.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at a premier furniture manufacturing distributor.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 28 days holiday, and a company pension scheme.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in furniture design while mentoring a creative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in SolidWorks and a passion for bespoke furniture design.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Permanent Full-Time
Salary – £40,000 to £45,000 DOE
Location – Office based in Chichester, West Sussex
Join a premier manufacturing distributor specialising in bespoke commercial and educational furniture solutions. Known for their close-knit, lively team and high-quality precision work, they are currently investing heavily in SolidWorks to elevate their design and manufacturing capabilities.
This is a hands-on senior position central to our client's transition from AutoCAD (Autodesk) to SolidWorks. To accelerate the transition, you will work alongside the existing designers. You will produce immediate manufacturing drawings for custom furniture while simultaneously configuring the SolidWorks system for the wider business and mentoring a team of four AutoCAD designers through this transition.
Responsibilities, but are not limited to:
- Produce accurate SolidWorks manufacturing drawings and specifications for bespoke furniture commissions under tight deadlines
- Set up and configure the SolidWorks environment, including templates, part libraries, drawing standards, and best-practice workflows
- Work closely with the existing SolidWorks designer to drive current projects forward and reduce the backlog
- Train, mentor, and upskill four AutoCAD designers to bring the entire team up to speed on SolidWorks
- Partner with Sales and Production teams to troubleshoot, develop new furniture designs, and support project implementation
- Take ownership of updating and managing drawings and documents as the team matures in the new system
Experiences required:
- Proven professional SolidWorks & SWOOD (desirable) experience specifically within a furniture, joinery, cabinetry, or timber/woodwork manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated experience configuring or setting up SolidWorks for a production workflow
- Strong understanding of bespoke, made-to-order furniture manufacturing processes
- Prior experience guiding, supporting, or mentoring a team
- Confident reading and interpreting technical drawings
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a close team
Package:
Flexible Hours | Monday to Friday | 28 Days Holiday Inc. Bank | Company Pension Scheme | Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Lead Furniture Designer - SolidWorks in Chichester employer: Solid Talent
Join a dynamic and innovative team in Chichester, West Sussex, where your expertise as a Lead Furniture Designer will be valued and nurtured. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers flexible working hours, a generous holiday allowance, and a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and creativity. As part of a premier manufacturing distributor, you'll have the unique opportunity to lead the transition to SolidWorks while mentoring a talented team, making this an exciting and rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Furniture Designer - SolidWorks in Chichester
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Solid Talent, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Furniture Designer - SolidWorks in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Solid Talent specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solid Talent
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Solid Talent, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Solid Talent value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
