Lead Model Maker

Set up the workshop and build the first models for a new innovation team that has just been given all of a major British brand's new product development. Appearance models for the board and consumer clinics, working demonstrators for user tests, and a real say in how the workshop runs.You'll be joining a well-known British home appliance brand. Its parent group has just brought all of the brand's innovation and new product development into the UK, adding around 27 roles this year. The new team works from a loose brief, explores, builds and fails fast, and puts something real in front of senior stakeholders.The roleDay to day you'll turn Industrial Design concepts into appearance models, ergonomic studies and functional demonstrators, finished to a standard that holds up in an executive review. You'll choose the process for each part, program and run the CNC, and use five 3D printing processes, laser cutting and manual machining. You'll work with Industrial Design, Design Research and Advanced Development, and co-own the workshop, from standards and kit to inductions.The team and workshop are new, so the standards you set are the ones it runs on. It suits a model maker who wants to own the whole chain, from CAD to a painted, assembled model.What you'll needProven experience building appearance models and prototypes for a product design team, in consumer products, appliances, medical devices or a design consultancy.Presentation-quality finishing, including filling, priming, spraying, colour matching and cosmetic detail on models that go in front of senior management.Hands-on CNC with CAM, setting up, programming and running jobs yourself, plus several additive processes including the post-processing.Experience running builds, setting standards or looking after a workshop, including tools, maintenance, inductions and safe working.The detailsReporting to the Design Director, Innovation (being appointed)Co-own the workshop with the Front-End Innovation EngineerWork with Industrial Design, Design Research and Advanced DevelopmentEasy to reach from the M5 and M42Degree, HND or apprenticeship routes all welcomeStart: ASAPUp to 10% bonusPension and protection coverPrivate medical after six months25 days holiday plus bank holidaysWhat it isn'tThis isn't a management job. There are no direct reports, and you'll spend most days making. It's four days a week on site, because the workshop is where the work happens. The team is new, so some structure is still being built, and the Design Director the role reports to is still being hired. If you'd rather shape a model shop than walk into a finished one, that's the point.If this sounds like your next move, click Apply and we'll be in touch.