Product Development Specialist – Water Tanks, Roofing Sheets – CLPDS

Main job function
Job Summary
The Product Development Specialist is responsible for driving end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) for the company’s Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) component portfolio. This role ensures that all new and modified products are developed within a structured NPD framework — from concept through design, validation, testing, and successful launch — while maintaining compliance with applicable engineering standards and quality requirements. The incumbent works closely with the Head of Technical & Engineering, production teams, clients, and suppliers to deliver world-class 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
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.
Analyze 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 the company’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.