Product Development Specialist Manhole – CLPDSM

Main Job Function

Our client is seeking a Product Development Specialist to drive end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) across a Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) component portfolio. The role will manage the full development lifecycle — from concept and engineering design through validation, testing and successful product launch — while ensuring compliance with relevant engineering standards and quality requirements.

 

The successful candidate will work closely with technical, production, commercial and supplier teams to develop innovative, high-quality FRP solutions

 

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Technology, or a related field. (Required)
• Post-graduate qualification or relevant certifications in Product Development, Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2), or FRP/composite materials will be advantageous.

 

Experience
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a product development, engineering design, or process engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing NPD projects from concept to launch.
• Experience in FRP, GRP, composites, or similar materials manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Exposure to structural testing, laminate analysis, or material qualification processes will be advantageous.

 

Technical Knowledge
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of NPD methodologies such as Stage-Gate, APQP, or Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Familiarity with relevant standards (ISO, ASTM, SANS, BS, DNV GL, or equivalent composite/FRP standards).
• Understanding laminate theory, mould design, and common FRP manufacturing processes (hand lay-up, infusion, RTM, spray-up, pultrusion) is advantageous.
• Competency in MS Office Suite; MS Project or equivalent project management tools.

 

Competencies
• Engineering design & drawing
• NPD process & stage-gate management
• Material science & FRP knowledge
• Testing & validation methodology
• Standards & regulatory compliance
• Risk & FMEA analysis
• Technical documentation & reporting

 

Criteria
Main Responsibilities

NPD Framework & Process Management
• Champion and implement a structured New Product Development (NPD) process across all product lines, including Stage-Gate or equivalent methodology.
• Manage the full product development lifecycle: concept, feasibility, design, prototype, testing, validation, and launch.
• Maintain and continuously improve NPD documentation including design briefs, development plans, risk registers, and product dossiers.
• Ensure all NPD projects are tracked against timelines, milestones, and budget.

 

Engineering Design & Technical Development
• Develop and implement product design strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for new product development and product improvements.
• Drive innovation and technology adoption within the engineering function.
• Develop product roadmaps and engineering development plans.
• Lead the engineering design of new FRP components and assemblies using appropriate CAD tools and design standards.
• Review and verify structural calculations for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable design standards and requirements.
• Approve or reject simulation results based on technical validity and compliance requirements.
• Ensure that all customer requirements are incorporated into the design.
• Produce detailed drawings, specifications, material selections, and bills of materials (BOMs) for new and modified products.
• Ensure design intent is clearly communicated to production, tooling, and quality teams.
• Investigate and apply new FRP materials, resins, reinforcement fabrics, core materials, and manufacturing methods to improve product performance.
• Conduct design reviews (PDR, CDR) at key NPD stage gates and implement recommendations.

 

Testing, Validation & Compliance
• Define and execute product testing plans appropriate to each product type (structural, mechanical, environmental, durability, fire/smoke/toxicity, etc.).
• Coordinate testing with internal laboratories, approved third-party test houses, and certification bodies.
• Analyse test results, compile technical reports, and manage non-conformances and corrective actions.
• Ensure products meet relevant standards including but not limited to SANS, ISO, ASTM, BS, DNV, or client-specific specifications.
• Maintain and manage product qualification records, test certificates, and compliance documentation.

 

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work with Sales and Business Development to translate customer requirements into product specifications.
• Collaborate with Production and Process Engineering to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective.
• Liaise with Supply Chain and Procurement on raw material qualification and supplier approvals for new products.
• Support the Quality team in establishing in-process controls, acceptance criteria, and inspection plans for new products.

 

Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Monitor market trends, competitor products, and emerging FRP technologies to identify opportunities for product innovation.
• Initiate value engineering activities to reduce costs or improve performance of existing products.
• Participate in lessons-learned reviews and apply findings to future NPD projects.
• Maintain a product development pipeline and support prioritization with the Head of Technical & Engineering.

 

Documentation & Reporting
• Maintain accurate and complete NPD project files in line with client’s document control procedures.
• Provide regular progress reports to the Head of Technical & Engineering on all active NPD projects.
• Prepare technical presentations and product data sheets for internal and external stakeholders.

 

Remuneration
• Market related

 

A consultant will be in touch if you are shortlisted for the position. Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not have been contacted within 2 weeks. We will keep your CV on our database and contact you should you match the criteria of any other vacancies.