Another vacancy!
Product Development Designer

Product Development Designer –
Play Equipment & Adventure Parks.

Salary: £24,000 – £35,000 plus bonus scheme, dependent on experience

Bristol Office

Looking to work with a leading design and build company focused on timber playground equipment? TouchWood Play is seeking an enthusiastic and technically experienced Product Development Designer to join our Product Development team in creating beautiful play spaces for top leisure attractions, schools, public parks and more.

About Us

At TouchWood Play, we are passionate about real play. We design, build and install unique, natural playgrounds that inspire, challenge and connect children with nature. Since 2002, we’ve created hundreds of play experiences for parks, schools, visitor attractions, trusts, charities and commissions both in the UK and across the world.

TouchWood creates amazing environments where children of all ages – and their imaginations – can run wild. Our playgrounds offer freedom, learning through play and a safe space where each visit feels like a new adventure. From zip wires to dens, towers to slides, and epic swings to mud kitchens, our installations appeal to everyone, including parents, carers and community members. Best of all, we strive to make everything as local, sustainable and natural as possible.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled Product Development Designer to join our Product Development team. This team plays a key role in designing an expanding range of play features to add to a catalogue of designs. These designs will be used by our Sales and Concept Design teams to create engaging and innovative play environments.

As a Product Development Designer, you will collaborate closely with our Workshop Manufacturing, Sales and Concept Design teams. Your main tasks will include:

  • Creating initial sketches and 3D models
  • Developing detailed technical drawings and manufacture/site install instructions
  • Producing accurate cost estimates
  • Ensuring all designs meet the required standards for timber construction and on-site installation

You’ll be expected to have a solid understanding of timber construction and practical experience with on-site installations. Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow processes are essential. Familiarity with play provision regulations, inclusive design principles, and industry standards will be an advantage.

We’re looking for a designer who is passionate about working with wood and dedicated to creating innovative and imaginative designs. If you have a talent for designing unique play features and want to be part of a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you.

About You

You have a deep appreciation for the great outdoors, the enchantment of the woods and the beauty of natural materials. With a strong interest in timber construction and a sharp eye for detail, you’re eager to apply your creative talents to designing and enhancing play spaces and structures.

If you’re ready to apply your talents to designing beautiful play features, we’re looking for:

Required:

  • Advanced skills in 3D modelling software, particularly SketchUp and LayOut
  • Experience in producing and working from technical drawings
  • Good attention to detail
  • Understanding of the structural and technical requirements of timber structures – how they fit together
  • Autonomy, self-motivation and strong team spirit
  • Ability to sketch ideas on paper and present them to the team
  • An impressive design portfolio showcasing your abilities

Desirable:

  • Practical, hands-on experience in construction – in work or life
  • Strong project management skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel (or similar) to manage and organise the delivery of small and large projects
  • Empathy, adaptability and communication skills to work effectively with a wide range of people
  • An appreciation for designing according to industry guidelines and standards

In return, you will join a supportive team of talented designers, creating extraordinary play features for installation across the UK and internationally. As an integral part of a company with ambitious growth plans, you’ll enjoy a collaborative and friendly work environment.

Want to apply but missing a bit?

Use your imagination and make us believe in you – sometimes the best applications are those that show, not tell!

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV, cover letter and a portfolio of concept and technical drawings to jules@touchwoodplay.co.uk

The closing date for applications is 30th August 2024.