Junior Product Developer

Weylandts; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 350 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African furniture retailer is seeking a Junior Product Developer to support the product development process. You will assist in managing new furniture and homeware product initiatives, communicate with suppliers, and ensure timely sampling and costing. Ideal candidates should have a diploma in design, proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, and 1-2 years of relevant experience. The role requires a proactive approach and strong decision-making abilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-2 years working experience in product development, project coordination or design.
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Product Developer with collating briefs for suppliers on new product designs.
• Follow up on sampling and costing to ensure internal deadlines are met.
• Prepare and update spec sheets outlining product information.

Skills

Proficiency in design software

Ability to coordinate projects

Strong decision-making abilities

Education

Diploma or degree in drafting, industrial design, or product design

Tools

AutoCAD

Fusion

Job description

About us:

From our humble beginnings in 1964 as a traditional furniture store in Windhoek, Namibia, Weylandts has grown into South Africa’s leading furniture and homeware retailer with 9 stores nationwide. Chris Weylandt inherited his father’s eye for extraordinary furniture and an appreciation for good living in its broadest sense. Under his leadership, the brand evolved into one that is synonymous with bold, confident aesthetics and timeless taste. At the heart of Weylandts’ vision is a unique fusion of clean, contemporary design with the soul of natural material.
This position will be based in Greenpoint, Cape Town.

Role overview:

The Junior Product Developer plays a crucial support role in the product development process, assisting the Product Developer in managing the product development of new furniture and homeware products from initial design approval through to delivery of product. This position involves communication with local and international suppliers, ensure timely sampling and costing, and maintain up-to-date documentation. The Junior Product Developer will aid in the preparation of technical specifications, technical drawings and assembly instructions. By ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all product-related tasks, this role contributes to the successful execution of new product initiatives.

Key responsibilities:

• Assist the Product Developer with collating Briefs for local and international suppliers on new product designs for development once the designs are approved.
• Following up on sampling and costing to ensuring internal deadlines are met by suppliers.
• With the help of suppliers, assist with putting together assembly instructions where needed as part of spec briefs.
• Ensure the filing system is kept up to date on all product development designs/briefs and signed off specs.
• Prepare and update spec sheets outlining all product information on each new product for signoff by supplier and buyer – cross checking for accuracy.
• Work closely with the Product Developer to assist in ensuring all new product information is relayed timeously to ensure a successful product launch.
• Assist the product developer in putting together technical drawing for New Product briefs.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams to streamline feedback and resolve any issues.
• Prepare additional documentation such as presentations for internal meetings or supplier briefings as needed.
• Help evaluate prototypes and samples, providing feedback on design, functionality, and materials.
• Help coordinate with production teams to ensure manufacturing processes align with product specifications.

What you bring:

• Diploma or degree in drafting, industrial design, or product design
• Proficiency in design software e.g. AutoCAD, Fusion, or similar 3D design tools
• Minimum of 1-2 years working experience in product development, project coordination or design.
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport

Competencies and behaviours of success:

• A proactive, hands-on approach with a strong can-do attitude.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Energetic, self-motivated, and solutions-oriented with strong decision-making abilities.
• Ability to perform under pressure and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.
• Capable of managing multiple projects efficiently while remaining detail-focused, resourceful, and strategic in execution.