Inhouse Development Manager in Sittingbourne

WSR is recruiting for an experienced In-House Development Manager on behalf of an established client based in Sittingbourne.

• In House Development Manager -
• Bespoke Retail Fixtures and Prototype Manufacturing

Location

Sittingbourne

Salary

Job Type

• Permanent
• on site

The role

This hands-on development and engineering role will take responsibility for bespoke retail fixtures and prototypes from initial brief through to manufacture, installation and final sign-off.

You will coordinate internal production teams, designers, project managers and external suppliers to ensure every project is technically sound, commercially viable and delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

The successful candidate will combine practical joinery and shopfitting knowledge with strong project management, design-for-manufacture and engineering capabilities.

You will act as the technical lead for prototype development while helping the business expand its CNC, 3D-printing and in-house production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend project briefing sessions with Account Management, Project Management and Design teams to establish requirements, milestones and delivery dates.
• Take ownership of prototype and bespoke fixture projects from concept and material approval through to production, installation and sign-off.
• Coordinate the model shop, assembly department and external manufacturing partners so that project requirements and expectations are clearly understood.
• Work with designers and project managers to source, review and approve suitable materials.
• Prepare cost estimates covering internal labour, materials and subcontracted production.
• Provide practical engineering support to estimating, design and production teams.
• Lead the design-for-manufacture process for bespoke retail fixtures and prototypes.
• Produce technical drawings, compliance packs and supporting data sheets.
• Manage client, brand and retailer approval processes.
• Ensure designs are fit for purpose, suitable for the intended retail environment and capable of being manufactured efficiently.
• Recommend design changes that improve manufacturability, quality, cost or delivery.
• Identify project risks and advise on appropriate risk assessments and mitigation.
• Communicate costs, timescales and progress clearly to internal stakeholders throughout each project.
• Coordinate the purchasing of materials, components and services required for production.
• Use Smartsheet to maintain project plans, costs, purchase orders and quality-control requirements.
• Produce detailed in-house production plans with clear milestones and responsibilities.
• Liaise with and visit external suppliers to support successful project delivery.
• Monitor internal and outsourced production to ensure components are delivered on time, within budget and to specification.
• Attend relevant client meetings alongside Account Managers and communicate manufacturing information to key stakeholders.
• Complete project-close reviews, including lessons learned and final budget summaries.
• Develop the model shop's CNC capabilities and support the technical development of the CNC operator.
• Manage the internal prototype presentation area, ensuring equipment is booked, stored and disposed of appropriately.
• Lead 3D-printing requirements, including estimating costs and lead times, coordinating production and reviewing completed parts.
• Lead the development of electrical requirements for retail displays, including wiring diagrams and hardware specifications.
• Ensure finished units comply with relevant regulations and client requirements.
• Conduct site surveys to capture location-specific requirements and incorporate them into design solutions.
• Support installation, snagging and on-site resolution when required.
• Provide ongoing development, manufacturing and engineering support to the in-house production and design teams.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable hands-on experience within an in-house production, model-making, shopfitting or bespoke manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical equipment knowledge.
• Shopfitting engineering experience, from initial sketches through to detailed Solid Works drawings.
• Knowledge of CNC machining and associated production processes.
• Experience developing prototypes and bespoke retail fixtures.
• Understanding of design for manufacture, materials, finishing and assembly.
• Experience producing technical drawings and compliance documentation.
• On-site installation and final sign-off experience.
• Ability to prepare estimates and manage project costs, materials and labour.
• Confidence working with internal teams, customers, suppliers and subcontractors.
• A proactive, commercially aware approach and the confidence to make decisions.
• Strong organisation, time management and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deliver within demanding timescales.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• A self-motivated and resourceful approach, with the ability to work under pressure.
• Computer literacy and basic Excel skills; experience using Smartsheet would be advantageous.

This is an opportunity for an experienced development, engineering or shopfitting professional to take ownership of varied and technically interesting projects.

You will play a key role in developing the client's in-house production capabilities while working ac