Job Description

Are you interested in joining a leading design and build company specialising in timber playground equipment? TouchWood Play is searching for a passionate and technically proficient Industrial Designer to join our growing and focused team, who create beautiful play spaces for top leisure attractions, schools, public parks and more.

About Us

At TouchWood Play, we are passionate about real play. We design, build and install unique, natural playgrounds that inspire, challenge and connect children with nature. Since 2002, we've created hundreds of play experiences for parks, schools, visitor attractions, trusts, charities and commissions both in the UK and across the world.

TouchWood creates amazing environments where children of all ages - and their imaginations - can run wild. Our playgrounds offer freedom, learning through play and a safe space where each visit feels like a new adventure. From zip wires to dens, towers to slides, and epic swings to mud kitchens, our installations appeal to everyone, including parents, carers and community members. Best of all, we strive to make everything as local, sustainable and natural as possible.

The Role

We are looking for a talented Industrial Designer to work with clients, communities and colleagues to transform great ideas into creative, safe and practical timber play structures. You will work in parallel with our sales team developing new conceptual play experiences and presenting them to clients with illustrations and renders. You will also work closely with our manufacturing and installation teams to deliver projects on time and on budget. Your responsibilities will range from initial sketches to 3D modelling, technical drawings, costing and adapting to site constraints.

You will have practical knowledge and experience related to timber construction and on-site installation. An understanding of regulations and guidelines about play provision, including inclusive design and industry standards, would also be beneficial.

So, if you're a first-rate designer with a passion for working with wood and creating innovative and imaginative designs, we want to meet you.

About You

You feel a real connection to the great outdoors, the magic of the woods and the beauty of natural materials. Your creative skills are well-developed, and you are eager to use them to design and enhance play spaces and constructions.

If you're going to turn your talents to the design of bespoke play spaces, we would like to see:

Required:

Advanced skills in 3D modelling software, particularly SketchUp and LayOut

Experience in producing and working from technical drawings

Understanding of the structural and technical requirements of timber structures - how they fit together

Autonomy, self-motivation and strong team spirit

Ability to sketch ideas on paper and present them to the team or clients

An impressive design portfolio showcasing your abilities

Desirable:

Practical, hands-on experience in landscaping or construction - in work or life

Strong project management skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel (or similar) to manage and organise the delivery of small and large projects

Empathy, adaptability and communication skills to work effectively with a wide range of people

An appreciation for designing according to industry guidelines and standards

In return, you will join a supportive team of talented designers, creating extraordinary play spaces across the UK and internationally. As an integral part of a company with ambitious growth plans, you'll enjoy a collaborative and friendly work environment.

Want to apply but missing a bit?

Use your imagination and make us believe in you - sometimes the best applications are those that show, not tell!

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV, cover letter and a portfolio of concept and technical drawings to torin.lee@touchwoodplay.co.uk

The closing date for applications is 25th July 2025.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 24,700.00-35,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme
Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends
Ability to commute/relocate:

Bristol: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Design: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 25/07/2025