With continued global success and exciting growth in Victoria, the company is now looking for a Product and Design Lead to join their expanding team at their brand-new site in Essendon Fields. This is an incredible opportunity to further your career in manufacturing with a supportive, fast-growing, and innovation-driven business.
THE ROLE:
This is a newly created national position, perfect for someone with strong technical experience and a passion for process improvement and quality. As Product & Design Lead, you will become the central expert across the company’s product range, design practices, and CNC manufacturing systems.
You'll manage one direct report and support and mentor three state-based designers, working closely with CNC operators and production teams to ensure products are made consistently, efficiently, and to the highest standard - no matter where they’re produced. You’ll also collaborate with a Queensland-based counterpart who focuses on training and implementation. Together, you’ll lead the full design-to-delivery process across Australia.
Key Responsibilities
Lead National Design Practice
- Mentor a small team and provide national oversight
- Influence design, pricing, material usage, and production efficiency
- Deliver technical guidance to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes
Standardise Production Methods
- Audit machine settings, cut files, and processes across locations
- Develop and implement national Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Ensure consistency across CNC operations and final product quality
Drive Product Development
- Become the subject matter expert on our clients product range, understanding how products are made, combined, and customized
- Assess feasibility of custom requests and new product ideas
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to implement new products and processes consistently nationwide.
ABOUT YOU:
- Background in industrial/product design with strong insight into manufacturing
- Sound understanding of CNC routers and cutting machines is a MUST
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills – able to influence, mentor, and collaborate across states and teams
- Experience with robotics or automation (bonus, not essential)
- Diploma in product design, architecture, or related field (preferred) - or hands-on experience gained from progressing through the workshop, running machines, leading teams, and developing standard operating procedures.
Hours: Core Buiness Hours TBC
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Start with training in Bayswater and Richmond (travel support available, depending on location), then move to Essendon Fields (Aug/Sept 2025)
THE PERKS:
- $140K – $150K + Super
- Incentive plan
- Ongoing training and professional development support
- Join a thriving Australian company with real growth plans
If you’re a confident problem-solver who loves improving systems, collaborating with great people, and taking pride in smart, well-designed products - this is your kind of place. Click APPLY NOW or for more information please reach out to Jess at SMAART Recruitment - jess@smaart.com.au
