Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Universal Business Team

Location: Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / Industrial Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation in product design by transforming initial concepts into tangible, market-ready products through a comprehensive development lifecycle.

• Leverage advanced 3D CAD software and prototyping techniques to create, refine, and test product designs, ensuring functionality and manufacturability.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and clients to champion high-quality product development and explore novel materials and manufacturing processes.

• Utilize cutting-edge AI-assisted tools to enhance concept generation, visualization, and overall design efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level opportunity, ideal for recent graduates or those with up to two years of professional experience in product design or a related field. The emphasis on "turning ideas into reality" and "hands-on" work suggests a practical, execution-oriented design environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop innovative product designs originating from client briefs and market needs.

• Create, modify, and refine detailed 3D models using advanced CAD software, ensuring design integrity and manufacturability.

• Fabricate and rigorously evaluate physical prototypes using in-house equipment to validate design concepts and identify potential issues.

• Manage projects from the initial ideation phase through to successful final production, ensuring seamless transitions.

• Engage directly with suppliers to confirm design feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to manufacturing standards.

• Conduct thorough research into emerging materials, advanced finishes, and novel production techniques to drive product innovation.

• Articulate and present design concepts, solutions, and project updates effectively to internal teams and external clients.

• Integrate AI-assisted tools into the design workflow for enhanced concept development, visualization, and efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle product development involvement, from creative ideation to production oversight. The inclusion of "design-for-manufacture" and "commercially viable" underscores a practical, business-minded approach to design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or a closely related technical or creative discipline.

Experience: Entry-level candidates with relevant internships or a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles will be considered alongside those with up to 2 years of professional experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for 2D design and graphic elements.

• Solid working knowledge of 3D CAD software, with a strong emphasis on SolidWorks or comparable platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to sketch and visually communicate design concepts clearly and effectively.

• Strong aptitude for problem-solving and analytical thinking to overcome design challenges.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.

• Proficient presentation skills to convey design ideas persuasively.

• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all design outputs.

• Ability to thrive and collaborate effectively within a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D rendering software for creating photorealistic visualizations.

• Familiarity with 3D printing and various prototyping techniques.

• Foundational understanding of manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacture principles.

• Exposure to or experience with AI design tools and visualization software.

• Prior industry placement or commercial product design experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both foundational design software (Illustrator) and advanced 3D modeling (SolidWorks) indicates a need for a designer comfortable with both graphic and structural design aspects. The inclusion of AI tools as a desirable skill suggests the company is forward-thinking in its technology adoption.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive product design projects that demonstrate the full design process from concept to completion.

• Clearly articulate the problem statement, your design approach, user research (if applicable), concept development, CAD modeling, prototyping, and final outcomes.

• Highlight projects that emphasize problem-solving, innovation, and practical application of design principles.

• Include examples of design-for-manufacture considerations and how commercial viability was addressed.

• Demonstrate proficiency in 3D CAD software and any relevant rendering or prototyping tools used. Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, provide a concise overview of the design workflow followed, including key stages and decision points.

• Detail the methods used for prototyping and testing, and how feedback influenced design iterations.

• Explain how manufacturing constraints and supplier feedback were integrated into the design process.

• Illustrate the use of any specific design software or tools, including AI-assisted applications, and their impact on the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, especially for entry-level candidates. The expectation is to see not just final designs, but a clear demonstration of the thought process, problem-solving abilities, and practical execution that led to those designs. The company values a structured approach to design and manufacturing integration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £30,000 - £45,000 per annum, dependent on experience (DOE).

Benefits:

• Quarterly company bonus scheme, rewarding collective and individual performance.

• Generous holiday allowance: 23 days annual leave plus all UK Bank Holidays.

• Comprehensive private medical care for employee well-being.

• Complimentary on-site parking, offering convenience for commuters.

• Daily provision of lunch, reducing employee expenses and fostering team interaction.

• Structured induction program to facilitate a smooth onboarding process.

• Continuous ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance skills.

• Clear pathways and genuine opportunities for career progression and professional growth.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, totaling 37.5 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an entry-level to mid-level Product Designer role in the Peterborough area. The extensive benefits package, including provided lunch and significant development opportunities, points to a company that invests in its employees and fosters a supportive work environment. The early start time suggests a focus on efficiency and early-morning workflow.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing & Product Development. The company operates within a sector that requires a blend of creativity, technical precision, and an understanding of production processes. This context implies a culture that values both innovation and robust execution.

Company Size: Established and growing business with a close-knit design team. This suggests an environment where individual contributions are highly visible and can have a significant impact. It also implies a supportive atmosphere with opportunities for close collaboration.

Founded: The company is described as "established," indicating a stable operational history and a proven track record in its industry. While the exact founding date isn't provided, this suggests a company with mature processes and a solid market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will join a "close-knit design team," implying a collaborative and potentially smaller group of specialized designers.

• Reporting likely occurs within a design department structure, with potential for interaction with project management, engineering, and sales teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving designers, project teams, suppliers, and clients, emphasizing a unified approach to product development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on "technicality," "CAD development," and "design-for-manufacture" implies that design decisions are informed by technical feasibility, material properties, and production constraints.

• Iterative Prototyping: The responsibility to "produce and evaluate physical prototypes" and "support projects from concept through to final production" points to an iterative design process where testing and feedback loops are integral.

• Collaborative Innovation: The mention of "developing innovative, high-quality products" and "pushing the boundaries" suggests a culture that encourages creative thinking and collaborative brainstorming to achieve cutting-edge results.

Company Website: Universal Business Team (URL: https://jobs.workable.com/company/ih5MaFDNwGxPQpt2dJaQLd/jobs-at-universal-business-team)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to balance creative exploration with practical engineering and manufacturing considerations. The "close-knit" team structure and the "growing" nature of the business suggest a dynamic environment where individuals can influence direction and contribute significantly to product success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Entry-Level to Junior Product Designer, suitable for individuals with foundational design education and/or limited professional experience (0-2 years). The scope of responsibilities, including concept development, CAD, prototyping, and supplier liaison, provides a comprehensive learning curve across the product development lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report into a Design Team Lead or Manager, working within a "close-knit design team." This structure offers direct mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, facilitating skill development and integration into the company's design processes.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly influences the tangible output of the company – its products. By developing innovative, manufacturable, and commercially viable designs, this role has a significant impact on product quality, customer satisfaction, production efficiency, and ultimately, the company's revenue and market competitiveness. Their contributions are central to bringing new offerings to market and refining existing ones.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced CAD modeling, materials science, sustainable design, or AI-assisted design tools.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, potential to take ownership of smaller projects or lead specific design phases within larger initiatives.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Possibility to move into roles involving closer collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, or even client-facing project management, leveraging a broad understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Senior Design Roles: Progression to Senior Product Designer, Lead Designer, or Design Manager roles, with increased responsibility for strategy, team mentorship, and complex project oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly mentions "genuine opportunities for progression and development," and the role's broad responsibilities provide a solid foundation for future growth. The emphasis on continuous training and a "growing business" environment suggests a commitment to employee advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Peterborough, within a "close-knit design team" environment. This suggests a dedicated workspace that likely fosters collaboration and direct interaction among team members. The provision of lunch further indicates a communal aspect to the work environment.

Office Location(s): Peterborough, England, United Kingdom. This location offers a blend of urban amenities and accessibility within the UK. Specific details on office accessibility (e.g., public transport links, proximity to major routes) would be beneficial for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The "close-knit design team" implies a workspace designed for interaction, brainstorming sessions, and shared project work. Proximity to colleagues is likely key for rapid feedback and problem-solving.

• Tool Accessibility: Expect access to essential design tools including 3D CAD workstations, in-house prototyping equipment (e.g., 3D printers), and potentially rendering stations.

• Team Integration: Opportunities for frequent face-to-face communication with designers, project managers, and potentially engineers, fostering a cohesive workflow and shared understanding.

Work Schedule: The specified working hours (Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM) indicate a structured, on-site work schedule. While the early start might require adjustment for some, it allows for a full workday with potential for personal commitments in the late afternoon. The schedule is conducive to consistent project work and team availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the specific working hours suggest a traditional, structured work environment focused on team presence and consistent operational hours. The provision of lunch and on-site parking points to a company that aims to support employee comfort and reduce daily friction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess foundational skills, relevant experience, and educational background.

• Technical Interview: A deeper dive into CAD proficiency (SolidWorks), Adobe Illustrator skills, sketching abilities, and understanding of manufacturing principles. This may involve a live demonstration or technical questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present 1-2 key projects from their portfolio, detailing their design process, problem-solving approach, and outcomes. This is a critical stage to assess communication and design thinking.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with members of the design team and potentially other stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style, problem-solving approach in a team context, and alignment with company values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations, overall fit, and confirm salary expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, clearly state the brief, your role, the challenges, your process, the solutions, and the results.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals – renders, photos of prototypes, CAD screenshots, sketches. Explain your design decisions and rationale.

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your problem-solving skills and how you iterated on designs. Show early concepts, user feedback (if applicable), and how you arrived at the final design.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved functionality, cost savings, user satisfaction).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities and preferred skills mentioned in the job description, particularly those involving CAD, prototyping, and design-for-manufacture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve sketching concepts for a given brief or a short CAD exercise.

• Practice articulating your design process concisely and clearly.

• Research Universal Business Team's existing products or industry trends to inform your approach and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Prepare questions for the interviewer about the team, projects, and design challenges they face.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be thorough, with a strong emphasis on assessing practical design skills through portfolio review and potential technical challenges. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design thinking process and demonstrate how they translate concepts into manufacturable products.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: SolidWorks (required), or similar parametric modeling software (e.g., Inventor, Fusion 360). Proficiency in creating complex assemblies, detailed part models, and technical drawings is essential.

• 2D Design Software: Adobe Illustrator (required) for graphic elements, concept sketching refinement, and potentially creating technical illustrations.

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Exposure to or experience with AI tools for concept generation, visualization, or design optimization is desirable, indicating a willingness to adopt modern design methodologies.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for a designer, understanding how product performance is tracked (e.g., sales data, return rates, user feedback) can inform design decisions. Familiarity with data interpretation for design improvement is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design role, but awareness of how product information flows into sales or customer support systems might be beneficial for understanding the broader product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around SolidWorks and Adobe Illustrator. The inclusion of AI tools as a desirable skill suggests the company is looking for designers who are adaptable and open to leveraging new technologies to enhance their creative output and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A strong drive to develop novel and high-quality products, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with materials and manufacturing.

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to precision, accuracy, and a deep understanding of the technical aspects of design and manufacturing.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within a "close-knit design team" and across departments, valuing input and shared problem-solving.

• Customer Focus: Developing products that meet client needs and are commercially viable, ensuring market relevance and satisfaction.

• Hands-On Approach: A practical, execution-oriented mindset where designers are involved in the tangible creation and testing of their ideas.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design Process: Close working relationships with project teams, suppliers, and clients to ensure alignment and smooth project progression.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages open communication and feedback to refine designs and improve processes, facilitated by the "close-knit" team environment.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share insights on new materials, technologies, and manufacturing techniques within the design team and potentially broader company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of creative ideation and rigorous technical execution. The emphasis on collaboration and a hands-on approach suggests a supportive environment where designers are empowered to contribute actively throughout the product development lifecycle.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Constraints: Effectively translating innovative ideas into designs that are feasible within manufacturing limitations, budget, and timelines.

• Rapid Prototyping & Iteration: Managing the cycle of prototyping, testing, and refining designs efficiently to meet project deadlines.

• Supplier Communication: Ensuring clear communication and alignment with suppliers to guarantee design intent is met during production.

• Staying Current: Keeping abreast of rapidly evolving design technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes, including AI applications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced designers within the close-knit team.

• Hands-on Experience: Working across the full product development lifecycle, from concept to production, providing invaluable practical learning.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in SolidWorks, 3D rendering, and potentially explore new design software or AI tools.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about diverse manufacturing processes and materials through supplier interactions and research.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement within the design team and potentially into broader product development roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for hands-on learning and skill development in a practical design and manufacturing setting. Challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, particularly in balancing creative vision with technical realities and adapting to new technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a product you've designed from concept to prototype. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and iteration.)

• "How do you approach design-for-manufacture? Can you give an example from your portfolio?" (Demonstrate understanding of production constraints.)

• "Imagine a client has a vague product idea. What steps would you take to develop it into a concrete design concept?" (Showcase your concept development process and client interaction skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Universal Business Team and this specific Product Designer role?" (Research their products and industry.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Highlight your collaborative and adaptable nature.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. What is your preferred collaboration style?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative with a clear beginning (the problem), middle (your process and solutions), and end (the outcome).

• Visual Clarity: Use high-resolution images and clear CAD renders. Annotate key features or design decisions.

• Process Emphasis: Dedicate significant time to explaining your thought process, iterations, and problem-solving strategies.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the specific CAD features you used, material choices, and manufacturing considerations.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting within a set timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes per project) to respect the interviewers' time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their design output but also articulate their design thinking process, technical skills, and collaborative approach. Demonstrating an understanding of manufacturing realities and a proactive attitude towards learning will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your degree, relevant coursework, CAD proficiency (especially SolidWorks), Adobe Illustrator skills, and any project experience that demonstrates the core responsibilities. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your 3D CAD skills, concept development, prototyping experience, and understanding of design-for-manufacture. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., PDF or online link) and well-organized.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving, and technical execution. Be ready to discuss specific design choices and challenges.

• Research the Company: Understand Universal Business Team's industry, product types, and any publicly available information about their mission or values to tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.