About
I am passionate about creating innovative and elegant user centred design solutions that deliver market changing product outcomes. My creative and methodical approach to problem solving through design enables me to produce considered and commercial products that implement the latest capabilities in technology and manufacturing. As a design leader, I aim to generate a culture in which innovative thought can flourish, and plan, manage, & execute the product development process accordingly
10+ years of commercial experience designing products from concept to production
70+ products in the market, from multi-million pound revenue items, to premium brand showpieces
Proven track record in completing projects on time and to tight cost constraints
Experienced in a wide range of materials, including; plastics, metals, ceramics, glass, composites
Highly proficient user of key software, particularly; SolidWorks (CSWP Certified) & Adobe Creative Suite
Conduct daily communication with manufacturing partners and work closely with on-site engineering teams
Excellent hand sketching & visual communication skills
Manage concurrent projects and complete tasks at a rapid turnaround
Function successfully within a high pressure, competitive environment
Spent 6 months as the sole product design function for Europe’s second largest sports retail chain
High First Class Master of Design degree from one of the UK’s top design schools
Experience
Design Manager, DKB Household UK Ltd. october 2019 – may 2021
Provide leadership and direction for design and engineering teams, whilst managing project assignment process through both internal and external allocation. Interpret new product briefs, and develop best in class, commercially viable design solutions. Oversee recruitment, planning & tracking for NPD team, taking budget and resource management into account. Supervise and mentor all direct reports, including those in the Far East, ensuring their continual learning, development, and performance against the needs of the business. Manage third party design agencies in the delivery of projects, ensuring they meet the needs of the brief
Senior Product Designer, DKB Household UK Ltd. january 2019 – october 2019
Engage in full design process, from initial research and ideation, to concept development and manufacture. Conduct concurrent projects, prioritising workload to suit planned timings whilst liaising directly with manufacturers and category managers throughout the project. Lead technical reviews across the team to verify solutions prior to manufacture, and tasked to implement sustainable design practices within the company. Directly supervise junior designer to manage workflow and support design decisions
Product Designer, DKB Household UK Ltd. january 2016 – january 2019
Responsible for bringing inventive yet commercially viable products to market at planned cost targets across various brands. Successfully developed creative designs for the kitchen and housewares industry whilst gaining experience of working with numerous materials and processes
Technical Product Designer, Dunlop Slazenger Intl. Ltd. march 2012 – december 2015
Created design solutions across a range of brands, from sports products to consumer electronics and protective equipment. Seconded into mid-weight position for final year in place. Managed and executed multiple concurrent products according to project plans
Junior Design Internship, Health & Design Technology Institute, Coventry. november 2009 - july 2010
Involved in the design of numerous healthcare products; from idea generation through to final prototyping
Runner up: ‘Young Designer of the Year 2010 Award’. april 2010 - october 2010
Contact
jclayman.design@gmail.com
