Technical R&D Specialist

Role Purpose

• The Technical R&D Specialist is a hands-on, mid-to-senior technical role within the Design, Research & Development (DR&D) department. This position has been created to strengthen and expand the company’s technical design and manufacturing capability.
• Working closely with the Head of R&D, the incumbent will contribute directly to product development, tooling design, machinery optimisation, and continuous process improvement within a wood-based manufacturing environment.
• The successful candidate will bring a minimum of five years’ experience in technical design and manufacturing within the wood industry, along with strong practical workshop capability. This role forms part of the company’s strategic initiative to build a multiskilled and sustainable R&D function.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Design & Development

• Translate product concepts into manufacturable designs suitable for production.
• Develop detailed technical drawings and 3D models of products, components, and tooling.
• Collaborate with the Head of R&D to refine existing product designs for improved manufacturability and efficiency.
• Ensure all technical designs align with production capabilities, material specifications, and quality standards.
• Document technical processes, machine settings, and development outcomes to support structured departmental growth.

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2. Product Development & Tooling

• Design, develop, and refine jigs, templates, moulds, and specialised tooling.
• Lead and support prototyping, testing, and product refinement processes.
• Identify opportunities to enhance structural integrity, cost-effectiveness, and production output.
• Contribute practical workshop insights to accelerate time-to-market for new products.
• Evaluate materials and components to optimise durability and performance.

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3. Process Improvement & Manufacturing Optimisation

• Analyse production workflows and identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks.
• Develop and implement practical, workshop-ready process improvements.
• Draft, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting support for technical challenges in production.
• Ensure solutions are compliant, safe, and aligned with company standards.

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4. Machinery & Workshop Support

• Contribute to preventative maintenance and machine optimisation initiatives.
• Support the safe and efficient operation of specialised and custom-built machinery.
• Assess equipment performance and recommend enhancements.
• Work closely with Production and Maintenance teams to resolve issues effectively.
• Contribute to machinery adjustments and upgrades where required.

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5. Technical Administration & Systems

• Maintain accurate and structured technical documentation.
• Capture and formalise procedures, machine configurations, and development records.
• Provide technical input into costing exercises.
• Organise and manage technical drawings and R&D documentation systems.

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Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in technical design and manufacturing, preferably within a wood-based production environment 
• Proven woodworking or cabinet-making experience within furniture, joinery, or related industries.
• Strong hands-on workshop capability.
• Mechanical aptitude, including knowledge of metalwork and welding.
• Proficiency in CAD (AutoCAD or similar) and 3D modelling software (e.g., Fusion or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to translate design concepts into manufacturable products.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Own reliable vehicle.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Qualification in Cabinet Making, Wood Technology, Mechanical Trade, or related field.
• Experience working with custom tooling, mould creation, and production optimisation.
• Experience in a structured manufacturing or production environment.

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Key Competencies

• Strong technical problem-solving ability
• Detail-oriented and process-driven
• Solutions-focused and improvement-minded
• High initiative and accountability
• Ability to work independently while contributing within a collaborative R&D team
• Strong documentation and organisational skills
• Committed to contributing to the long-term development of the DR&D department

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Working Hours

• Monday – Thursday: 08:30 – 17:00
• Friday: 08:30 – 15:45
• After-hours work may be required in emergency situations or during critical project phases.

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What We Offer

• Opportunity to play a strategic role in expanding a growing R&D function
• Exposure to specialised machinery and product innovation
• Collaborative technical environment
• Long-term growth within a specialised manufacturing business

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