SMAART Recruitment is proud to partner with a highly successful Australian-based manufacturing and product development company. Specialising in high-performance interior acoustics and industrial products, this business creates beautiful, functional solutions for spaces where people come together to work, learn, and live.

With continued global success and exciting growth in Victoria, the company is now looking for a Product and Design Lead to join their expanding team at their brand-new site in Essendon Fields. This is an incredible opportunity to further your career in manufacturing with a supportive, fast-growing, and innovation-driven business.

THE ROLE:
This is a newly created national position, perfect for someone with strong technical experience and a passion for process improvement and quality. As Product & Design Lead, you will become the central expert across the company’s product range, design practices, and CNC manufacturing systems.

You'll manage one direct report and support and mentor three state-based designers, working closely with CNC operators and production teams to ensure products are made consistently, efficiently, and to the highest standard - no matter where they’re produced. You’ll also collaborate with a Queensland-based counterpart who focuses on training and implementation. Together, you’ll lead the full design-to-delivery process across Australia.

Key Responsibilities
Lead National Design Practice
- Mentor a small team and provide national oversight
- Influence design, pricing, material usage, and production efficiency
- Deliver technical guidance to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes

Standardise Production Methods
- Audit machine settings, cut files, and processes across locations
- Develop and implement national Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Ensure consistency across CNC operations and final product quality

Drive Product Development
- Become the subject matter expert on our clients product range, understanding how products are made, combined, and customized
- Assess feasibility of custom requests and new product ideas
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to implement new products and processes consistently nationwide.

ABOUT YOU:

• Background in industrial/product design with strong insight into manufacturing
• Sound understanding of CNC routers and cutting machines is a MUST
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills – able to influence, mentor, and collaborate across states and teams
• Experience with robotics or automation (bonus, not essential)
• Diploma in product design, architecture, or related field (preferred) - or hands-on experience gained from progressing through the workshop, running machines, leading teams, and developing standard operating procedures.

Hours: Core Buiness Hours TBC
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Start with training in Bayswater and Richmond (travel support available, depending on location), then move to Essendon Fields (Aug/Sept 2025)

THE PERKS:

• $140K – $150K + Super
• Incentive plan
• Ongoing training and professional development support
• Join a thriving Australian company with real growth plans

Our client blends creativity, innovation, and sustainability with a down-to-earth, energetic team culture. Think funky office spaces, relaxed-but-driven vibes, modern leadership, and a team that genuinely enjoys what they do.

If you’re a confident problem-solver who loves improving systems, collaborating with great people, and taking pride in smart, well-designed products - this is your kind of place. Click APPLY NOW or for more information please reach out to Jess at SMAART Recruitment - [email protected]