Technical Manager at Weylandts Furniture Cape Town (Pty) Ltd

Role Overview

• We are looking for a strategic and technically astute Technical Manager to lead our technical team in delivering premium, design-led furniture. This role requires a hands-on leader with deep industry knowledge who can drive innovation, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness—while ensuring that quality and craftsmanship remain uncompromised.
• You will lead a team of Draughtsmen and technical specialists, taking full ownership of the design-to-production process. You will report directly to the CEO and play a key role in shaping the technical roadmap aligned with business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Translate the CEO’s directives and business objectives into actionable technical strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the technical team.
• Build a performance-driven culture centered on innovation, quality, and accountability.
• Ensure all technical outputs align with the brand’s design vision and manufacturing capabilities.

 Project & Product Development

• Lead the technical execution of projects from concept through to production.
• Address design inefficiencies and cost drivers (e.g., reducing material cost in a sofa range).
• Work closely with Product Development, Buying, and Production to ensure feasibility and alignment.

 New Plant Investment  

• Prior to investment, responsible for technical motivation for new equipment/machinery in partnership with Production Manager.
• Ensure capital investment decisions support future growth and efficiency.

 Technical Oversight

• Approve and supervise the production of technical drawings, BOMs, and prototypes.
• Set and enforce technical standards and best practices across the department.
• Guide material selection, joinery solutions, and production methodology enhancements.
• Facilitate accurate handover and communication between technical and production teams.

 Process & Innovation

• Identify and implement improvements in technical workflows and CAD/CAM tools.
• Drive adoption of advanced technologies (e.g., CNC integration, parametric modelling).
• Develop and oversee digital libraries, SOPs, and knowledge-sharing systems to support scalable growth.

 What You Bring:

• Degree or diploma in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years’ experience in a technical role within furniture or joinery manufacturing.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a leadership or management capacity.
• Deep understanding of wood materials, manufacturing processes, CNC operations, and joinery techniques.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver on time and within budget.

 Competencies & Behaviours for Success:

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding project management and organisational abilities.
• Strong leadership and people development skills.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to precision and quality.
• Collaborative and adaptable – able to work across creative, commercial, and operational teams.
• Passionate about craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Clear and confident communicator, able to simplify complex technical information for stakeholders.