About the role

Working closely with the Operations & Sales Teams, you will translate project requirements into clear drawings and manufacturing specifications, then work with suppliers throughout production and through to project completion. You will take ownership of supplier relationships, particularly in China, using your Mandarin skills and technical knowledge to communicate requirements, resolve manufacturing issues and keep production on track.

Your responsibilities will also cover local suppliers and overseas sourcing, including Vietnam and other countries as required.

Key responsibilities

- Managing relationships with Chinese factories, local suppliers and other overseas manufacturing partners
- Preparing, interpreting and marking up technical drawings, specifications and manufacturing details
- Working with the Product Development Manager and factories to refine designs for manufacture, balancing function, appearance, quality and cost
- Coordinating samples, prototypes and production approvals with the internal team
- Managing contract manufacturing from initial supplier discussions and quotation through production, delivery and project completion
- Negotiating pricing, tooling costs, payment terms, lead times and supplier contracts
- Benchmarking supplier pricing, quality and manufacturing capability
- Identifying and assessing suppliers for retail fixtures, racking, joinery, building materials and components
- Monitoring manufacturing progress and resolving technical, quality and delivery issues
- Maintaining clear communication between suppliers and internal teams throughout each project

About you





- Strong spoken and written Mandarin, together with excellent English communication skills
- Direct experience working with Chinese factories on product sourcing, manufacturing and supplier management
- Experience in industrial design or product development, ideally involving retail fixtures, racking, joinery, cabinetry or related manufactured products
- Robust technical drawing skills, including the ability to create, interpret and mark up drawings for manufacture
- High technical aptitude and a practical understanding of materials, finishes, manufacturing processes and assembly methods
- Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing contract manufacturing arrangements
- Strong attention to detail, organisation and the ability to manage multiple products and project deadlines
- Proficiency in SolidWorks, SketchUp or Revit will be viewed favourably, although experience with these specific programs is not essential
- Relevant qualifications in industrial design, engineering or a related discipline are desirable
- Applicants with a strong cabinetmaking or joinery background and demonstrated design and supplier management experience are also encouraged to apply

About us Retail Fixtures Australia, part of parent company Associated Projects, is seeking a technically capable Industrial Designer with hands-on experience managing overseas suppliers and contract manufacturing. As part of Associated Projects, you will have the opportunity to contribute beyond design, directly influencing how products are developed, manufactured and delivered.

📌 Industrial Designer – Product Development & Supplier Management (Dandenong South)
🏢 ASSOCIATED PROJECTS
📍 Dandenong South