Product Designer – Bespoke Fitness & Storage. - #2157429

Product Designer - Bespoke Fitness & Storage. UK Steel and Wood Manufacturing Company

Bristol based Product Designer - Fitness & Storage

Job Title: Product Designer - Fitness & Storage

Location: Bristol, Avonmouth BS11 (on site - design office within our factory)

Reports to: Design Manager

Employment Type: Full-time, permanent

Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 per annum, depending on experience

About Us:

Moduflex Ltd is a UK based manufacturer of steel and wood storage solutions and fitness equipment, committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service. Our in-house design team works inside our Avonmouth factory, alongside the people who cut, fold, weld, machine and assemble what we design. That means every design you create is built a few metres from your desk, and you will see first-hand what makes a product easy, or difficult, to make.

Job Overview:

We are looking for a Product Designer to join our design team. This role suits a recent graduate or someone with practical design experience gained in industry - we welcome applications from both. The role combines design and costing across our storage and fitness ranges, with a strong emphasis on fitness - from gym storage and equipment, CrossFit and gym rigs, to commercial fit-outs for gyms, boxing clubs and similar training spaces.

Design for manufacture is at the heart of what we do. You will take projects from customer enquiry right through to a complete production pack, turning customer requirements into practical, cost-effective products, working closely with production to make sure designs are right first time on the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Take projects from initial customer enquiry through costing, design and design iterations to a complete production pack - including manufacturing drawings, bills of materials, cut lists, and fixings and hardware schedules.
2. Design products, layouts and bespoke solutions for fitness and storage projects, from initial concept to production-ready drawings.
3. Apply design for manufacture (DFM) and assembly principles - material selection, sheet metal and timber constraints, tolerances, fixings, and ease of fabrication and installation.
4. Produce accurate 3D models, general arrangement drawings, manufacturing drawings, flat patterns and bills of materials in SolidWorks.
5. Prepare costings for projects and quotations, including materials, manufacturing time and bought-in components, and identify opportunities to reduce cost.
6. Work closely with production, engineering, sales and project management teams to resolve design issues and support products through manufacture.
7. Spend time on the factory floor to understand our processes and gather feedback that improves future designs.
8. Create clear visuals and presentations to support customer proposals and design reviews.
9. Research fitness industry trends, equipment and training spaces to help develop new products and improve our range.
10. Track design progress and deadlines, participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback into your work.

Essential:

• A degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or a related field - or equivalent practical design experience.
• Experience of design for manufacture, whether through study, placements, projects or working in a manufacturing environment.
• Competent in 3D CAD - SolidWorks is ideal; experience with other 3D design packages (e.g. Inventor, Fusion 360, AutoCAD) will be considered.
• A portfolio showing design work that has been made, prototyped or considered for manufacture.
• Good numerical skills and confidence working with costs, quantities and materials.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• A proactive attitude towards problem-solving and a desire to learn and grow.

Desirable:

• An interest in fitness - gyms, boxing, CrossFit and gym rigs, or similar training environments - and an understanding of how these spaces are used.
• Experience with sheet metal and/or timber-based products; knowledge of SWOOD is a bonus.
• Experience of costing or estimating products or projects.
• Rendering software experience
• Familiarity with Lean principles and methodologies.

What We Offer:

• Salary of £27,000 - £30,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Hands-on involvement in taking products from design through to manufacture, all under one roof.
• A collaborative and creative work environment within a friendly, growing business.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their CV, a short cover letter explaining their interest in the role, and a portfolio of design work to Toby Moore, Moduflex Ltd, [email protected]

Moduflex Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of background. If you need any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know.