R&D Proto Manager - Coricraft - Epping Factory

TFG (The Foschini Group); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Coricraft, part of The Foschini Group, is seeking a senior Furniture Design Professional to lead new product development from concept to prototyping in a design-led environment in South Africa.

You will oversee technical development, documentation, and team workshop management, collaborating across functions to deliver craft-led, sustainable pieces.

Candidates should have 7-10 years in prototyping and a degree in furniture/design, with CAD skills and a passion for storytelling through design.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Furniture design, industrial design, product engineering or related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in furniture prototyping, R&D or technical development, preferably in a high-end or design-led environment.
• Strong understanding of traditional and modern furniture construction techniques and sewing techniques.
• Proficiency in CAD software.
• Familiarity with production processes.
• Knowledge of sustainability and circular design principles is advantageous.
• Strong problem solving, organizational and communication skills.
• Passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling through design.

Responsibilities

• New Product Development & Prototyping
• Research & Innovation
• Technical development & documentation
• Team Leadership & Workshop oversight
• Cross Functional collaboration

Skills

Strong problem solving

Strong organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Passion for craftsmanship

Education

Degree or diploma in Furniture design, industrial design, product engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

Familiarity with production processes

Job description

• Degree or diploma in Furniture design, industrial design, product engineering or related field
• 7-10 years of experience in furniture prototyping, R&D or technical development, preferably in a high-end or design-led environment
• Strong understanding of traditional and modern furniture construction techniques and sewing techniques
• Proficiency in CAD software
• Familiarity with production processes
• Knowledge of sustainability and circular design principles is advantageous
• Strong problem solving, organizational and communication skills
• Passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling through design

Responsibilities

• New Product Development & Prototyping
• Research & Innovation
• Technical development & documentation
• Team Leadership & Workshop oversight
• Cross Functional collaboration

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Furniture design, industrial design, product engineering or related field
• 7-10 years of experience in furniture prototyping, R&D or technical development, preferably in a high-end or design-led environment
• Strong understanding of traditional and modern furniture construction techniques and sewing techniques
• Proficiency in CAD software
• Familiarity with production processes
• Knowledge of sustainability and circular design principles is advantageous
• Strong problem solving, organizational and communication skills
• Passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling through design

Preference will be given to employees from the designated groups in line with the provisions of the Employment Equity Act. NO. 55 or 1998 (and any amendments thereto)

About Us

Who we are is because of our people. They are our greatest asset. TFG is an internationally diversified retail portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that Inspire our Customers to live their Best Lives and are woven into the lives of millions. Our vision is to create the most remarkable omnichannel experiences for our customers. TFG is more than a workplace, it's a launchpad for your growth. Join us and explore endless growth opportunities across our diverse brands. We’re a purpose-led business, and on this team, you’ll share the pride of making an impact across a whole industry.

We’re the designers, the makers, the shakers and the teams behind the scenes.

Are you with us?

About The Team

Consistently on-trend, and always accessible, Coricraft has become Southern Africa’s interior inspiration. Since 1995, Coricraft’s founding store in Cape Town has grown to 44 showrooms across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. With easy and efficient online shopping, Coricraft comes to wherever you are.

South African born, we remain proudly local. Our Cape Town factory boasts highly skilled and experienced hands. Our manufacturing team knows their craft intimately, making unique couches to customer specifications. The value for money on lifetime purchases continues to make Coricraft South Africa’s most desirable furniture destination.