INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT DESIGNER

Department: Lifestyle
Reports to: Head of Lifestyle 

Location: Johannesburg

Employment Type: One (1) Year Fixed -Term Contract

Overview:

As an Industrial Product Designer within the Lifestyle Department, you will be responsible for conceptualising, designing, and developing innovative lifestyle products that align with MaXhosa Africa’s luxury brand identity. This includes homeware, furniture and other lifestyle offerings that embody African heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury. The role bridges creativity, technical design, and production, ensuring all products reflect the brand’s ethos while meeting functional and market requirements.

Roles & Responsibilities (But not limited to the following):

• Research trends in luxury retail, lifestyle, and African-inspired design to inform product development.

• Develop detailed sketches, 3D models, prototypes, and technical drawings for production.

• Collaborate with the Design Team Leader and Creative Director to align designs with seasonal themes and brand vision.

• Partner with suppliers and manufacturers to develop samples, refine prototypes, and conduct quality checks throughout production.

• Test and evaluate materials, finishes, and structures for durability, functionality, and aesthetic excellence.

• Ensure designs embody MaXhosa Africa’s storytelling, product concepts, cultural heritage, and luxury positioning, while adhering to sustainable and ethical design practices.

• Conduct user and market research to identify opportunities and guide product innovation.

• Iterate designs based on user testing, feedback, and market insights.

• Work closely with the fashion design team to ensure collections transition cohesively from apparel to lifestyle products.

• Collaborate with retail and sales teams to understand consumer preferences and integrate feedback into future designs.

• Provide input on marketing plans by identifying key product features and benefits that resonate with customers.

• Stay up to date with global luxury design trends, emerging materials, and production techniques.

• Support exhibitions, pop-ups, and installations showcasing lifestyle products to reinforce the brand’s luxury identity.

• Assist in preparing relevant departmental reports 

Desired Experience & Qualification(s):

Education:

• Grade 12 (Essential)

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or related field.

Experience:

• 3–5 years’ experience in Product Design, preferably in Luxury, Lifestyle, or Retail brands.

• Proven track record in developing products from concept to market.

• Experience working with artisans and manufacturers (local and global) is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies:

Creative & Technical Design:

• Strong industrial/product design portfolio, preferably with luxury or lifestyle experience.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software (Rhino, Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Blender, Adobe Illustrator).

• Skilled in drawing, sketching, and mechanical drafting.

• Ability to merge creativity with functionality while staying true to brand identity.

Material & Manufacturing Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of materials (textiles, wood, metals, ceramics, composites, etc.).

• Familiar with various production processes and comfortable in a manufacturing environment.

• A knack for hardware, tools, and machines with hands-on problem-solving ability.

• Meticulous attention to detail in design execution and finishing.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:

• Able to concisely articulate design concepts to both creative and technical audiences.

• Excellent collaboration skills across creative, production, and marketing teams.

• Persuasive and logical in presenting design rationale and ideas.

• Great interpersonal skills for working with artisans, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Package & Remuneration:  TBC

Closing date: 24 October 2025

Please note – Should you not hear from us within two weeks of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.