Design & Product Development Project Manager

RecruitMyMom; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 446,000 - 781,000; Full time

Job summary

RecruitMyMom is seeking a Design & Product Development Project Manager in Cape Town to lead end-to-end design and product development for assistive technologies. You will coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

Based in Ottery, this full-time role emphasizes risk management, ISO 13485 familiarity, grant reporting, and seamless handovers between design and manufacturing to ensure initiatives restore independence and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in engineering, manufacturing, product development, or related technical environment.
• Ability to manage schedules, financial tracking, and risk mitigation.
• Strong cross-functional coordination to bring structure to complex projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with medical devices or assistive technology is a plus.
• Exposure to ISO 13485 or ISO 17025 environments.
• Experience managing grant-funded projects or innovation programmes.

Responsibilities

• Manage project priorities, timelines, dependencies, and risks across all active design and product development initiatives.
• Coordinate new product development, product enhancement, and customization projects.
• Support innovators within the innovation center and coordinate testing activities in the R&D lab.
• Facilitate handovers between design teams and manufacturing operations.
• Support ISO 13485 documentation and maintain quality control processes.
• Monitor project budgets, track grant milestones, and compile reporting for funders.
• Enhance project management systems to optimise cross-functional collaboration and efficiency.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional coordination

Budget tracking

Grant management

Regulatory knowledge

Risk management

Communication

Tools

Odoo

Job description

Design & Product Development Project Manager

Ottery, Cape Town, South Africa | Posted on 21/08/2026

• Industry Nonprofit Charitable Organizations
• Job Type Permanent
• Remuneration Term Per Month
• Date Opened 21/08/2026
• State/Province Western Cape
• City/Town Ottery, Cape Town
• Country South Africa

Job Description

Driving operational excellence across inclusive innovation initiatives in the medical field, this position coordinates the end-to-end delivery of a diverse portfolio of design and product development projects. Serving as the central operational connector, the role ensures innovative concepts move seamlessly from initial design through testing, manufacturing, and deployment.

Operating across multidisciplinary units including clinical services, manufacturing, business development, and innovation hubs, the role brings structure, risk management, and clarity to complex technical processes. The position is vital in translating practical ideas into life-changing assistive technologies that restore independence and mobility.

Based in Cape Town, this full-time role works closely with cross-functional teams, external partners, and funders to ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage project priorities, timelines, dependencies, and risks across all active design and product development initiatives.
• Coordinate new product development, product enhancement, and customization projects.
• Support innovators within the innovation center and coordinate testing activities within the research and development lab.
• Facilitate seamless handovers between design teams and manufacturing operations.
• Support ISO 13485 documentation and maintain strict quality control processes.
• Monitor project budgets, track grant milestones, and compile reporting for funders.
• Enhance project management systems to optimise cross-functional collaboration and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• 5 or more years of project management experience within engineering, manufacturing, product development, or a related technical environment .
• Demonstrated ability to manage project schedules, financial tracking, and risk mitigation .
• Strong cross-functional coordination skills with an ability to bring structure to complex projects .
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills .
• Experience working with medical devices or assistive technology .
• Exposure to ISO 13485 or ISO 17025 regulatory environments .
• Experience managing grant-funded projects, innovation programmes, or business incubators .

Required Software Skills

• ERP or project management systems (e.g. Odoo) .

An opportunity to be a part of a successful and well-respected social organisation that has a major impact on the communities and groups they serve.

Opportunities for career growth and professional development in a supportive environment.