Digital Designer (KTP Associate)

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£2,000 per year for personal training

Reduced cost on higher degree

Potential permanent position at end of

Job summary

JDD Furniture in Manchester is seeking a Digital Designer to join a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Manchester Metropolitan University. The role is based at JDD's Manchester premises and offers hands-on development of novel design and manufacturing capabilities for the commercial furniture sector.

You will work with an academic team to apply 3D design, additive manufacturing and sustainability principles to real projects.

Qualifications

• Honours degree (2.1 or 1st) in Textiles, Digital Design and Manufacturing or related.
• Secondary qualification in related field desirable (e.g. Product Development, Engineering).
• Knowledge of 3D design software and parametric design processes; Rhino & Grasshopper; digital workflows for 3D printing.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel design and manufacturing capabilities for furniture through KTP.
• Collaborate with academic team to translate design concepts into tangible prototypes.
• Communicate complex technical information to non-experts.

Skills

Rhino & Grasshopper

3D printing

Materials knowledge

Sustainability

Inclusive design

Communication

Education

Honours degree in Textiles, Digital Design & Manufacturing

Related discipline (e.g. Product Development, Engineering)

Tools

Stratasys

SLS

Job description

Position: Digital Designer (KTP Associate)

Based at: JDD Furniture, Manchester

Salary: £33,000 - £35,000 dependent on experience

The role:

An exciting opportunity has become available for a graduate to work full time on a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to develop novel design and manufacturing capabilities that will enhance product innovation within the commercial furniture sector.

Employed and supported by an academic team from the University, you will be based at JDD Furniture's premises in Manchester.

The Company:

We're JDD, a UK-based commercial furniture manufacturer with a friendly and honest approach to business and design. Since 2010, we've designed and built imaginative, practical furniture that enhances workspaces. From imagination to installation and aftercare, everything is handled in-house, ensuring projects run smoothly and our clients feel supported every step of the way. Our skilled team of makers, upholsterers, and designers craft meeting pods, soft seating, and bespoke solutions that bring people together. Great furniture shouldn't be complicated. It should be sustainable, functional, and built with care. Creative sustainable design made simple.

To find out more about JDD Furniture.

Qualifications we require:

Hold, or be about to obtain, an honours degree (2.1 or 1st) in Textiles, Digital Design and Manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, or a related discipline.

A secondary qualification in a related field (e.g. Product Development, Engineering) is desirable.

Application requirements:

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of 3d design software and parametric design processes (e.g. Rhino & Grasshopper), along with digital workflows for 3d printing.

• Knowledge of 3D printing technologies, e.g. Stratasys resin‑based systems and Selective Laser Sintering processes, etc.

• An understanding of material behaviour and structural performance associated with different performance parameters, e.g. durability or colour.

• Knowledge of sustainability and circular design principles, considering efficiency, longevity, and recyclability.

• An understanding of how neurodivergent needs can be met through inclusive Design.

Attributes:

• A passion for creative design and developing people‑focused products.

• Commitment to excellence with independent and collaborative problem‑solving skills.

• Able to communicate complex technical information to non‑experts.

Experience:

• Industry experience in digital design and 3d printing projects.

Due to current right to work and visa requirements: This role requires your current right to work in the UK to be valid until the end of the contract. If your current right to work is due to expire before the end of the contract, you will be required to apply for an appropriate visa to cover the full duration of the contract, prior to commencing employment. Should you be successful in securing this KTP contract, our UKVI Immigration & Compliance team will be able to advise and support you through the process.

About KTP:

For 50 years, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have been helping to innovate for growth by connecting businesses that have an innovation idea with the academic expertise to help deliver it. Currently around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases and over 800 graduates are involved in KTPs – collaborative, transformative three‑way partnerships creating positive impact and driving innovation.

Benefits:

• £2,000 per year to spend on personal training

• opportunity to register on a higher degree at a reduced cost

• opportunity of a permanent position with the company: 70% of host companies make a permanent job offer to their Associate at the end of the project

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Mark Beecroft [e-mail].

Due to the nature of KTP funding, this opportunity is intended for candidates who have not previously completed more than one year on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). Applications from candidates who have exceeded this may still be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we may close vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.