Designer - Play Equipment and Adventure Parks

ZipRecruiter; Bristol; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Industrial Designer to join their creative team. This role involves designing innovative timber play structures that inspire children and connect them with nature. You'll work closely with clients and colleagues, transforming ideas into practical designs while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. With a focus on sustainability and creativity, this position offers the chance to make a significant impact in the field of outdoor play. If you have a passion for design and a love for the outdoors, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of industry experience in design.
• Advanced skills in 3D modelling software, especially SketchUp.

Responsibilities

• Transform ideas into creative, safe timber play structures.
• Collaborate with sales, manufacturing, and installation teams.

Skills

3D Modelling

SketchUp

Technical Drawing

Timber Construction

Project Management

Communication Skills

Tools

LayOut

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

TouchWood Play

Designer – Play Equipment & Adventure Parks

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

Location: Bristol

Are you interested in joining a leading design and build company specialising in timber playground equipment? TouchWood Play is searching for a passionate and technically proficient Industrial Designer to join our growing and focused team, who create 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 looking for a talented Industrial Designer to work with clients, communities and colleagues to transform great ideas into creative, safe and practical timber play structures. You will work in parallel with our sales team developing new conceptual play experiences and presenting them to clients with illustrations and renders. You will also work closely with our manufacturing and installation teams to deliver projects on time and on budget. Your responsibilities will range from initial sketches to 3D modelling, technical drawings, costing and adapting to site constraints.

You will have practical knowledge and experience related to timber construction and on-site installation. An understanding of regulations and guidelines about play provision, including inclusive design and industry standards, would also be beneficial.

So, if you’re a first-rate designer with a passion for working with wood and creating innovative and imaginative designs, we want to meet you.

About You

You feel a real connection to the great outdoors, the magic of the woods and the beauty of natural materials. Your creative skills are well-developed, and you are eager to use them to design and enhance play spaces and constructions.

If you’re going to turn your talents to the design of bespoke play spaces, we would like to see:

Required:

• A minimum of 3 years of industry experience
• Advanced skills in 3D modelling software, particularly SketchUp and LayOut
• Experience in producing and working from technical drawings
• 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 or clients
• An impressive design portfolio showcasing your abilities

Desirable:

• Practical, hands-on experience in landscaping or 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 spaces 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.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV, cover letter and a portfolio of concept and technical drawings to [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is 30th April 2025.