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Polypipe are hiring a

Year in Industry - Product Designer

Closing Date for Application:

Sunday 03/05/2026

Year in Industry:

Product Designer

Location:

Ripley, Derby, DE5

Company:

Manthorpe Building Products (part of Genuit Group)

Duration:

12 months starting in September 2026.

Salary:

£24,000

Who We Are

Manthorpe Building Products is a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of plastic injection moulded, vacuum formed and extruded products for the building industry.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a curious, hands-on Product Design student to join our team for a year in industry. You’ll work closely with the Development team, Sales Director, and Production department to research, design, and manage new product projects. You’ll also support the development and technical improvement of existing products, serving both the new build and refurbishment sectors of the construction industry.

You’ll get to:

  • Research the current market and monitor changes in the building industry to identify new product opportunities
  • Develop design briefs and write product design specifications to guide the design process
  • Create concept designs using traditional sketching, physical modelling, CAD, and rapid prototyping techniques
  • Use 3D CAD software to develop commercially viable products, selecting appropriate materials and manufacturing methods
  • Produce 2D technical drawings and supporting documentation to assist the manufacturing process
  • Evaluate and test prototypes and final components to ensure they meet performance standards and design specifications
  • Create technical literature and installation instructions using standard IT tools
  • Provide technical support for existing products and assist with troubleshooting as needed
  • Help ensure the existing product range continues to meet market needs and complies with evolving industry regulations

What we’re looking for

We don’t expect you to know everything — that’s what this placement is for! But we’d love to hear from you if you’re:

  • Studying Product Design
  • Curious, analytical, and great at spotting patterns in data.
  • A team player who enjoys problem-solving (and doesn’t mind getting hands-on).
  • Eager to learn, improve, and make an impact.

If you’ve got enthusiasm, initiative, and a genuine interest in how things are made, you’ll fit right in.

What’s in it for you

  • A year of real Product Design experience in a major UK manufacturer.
  • Mentorship from experienced professionals who want you to succeed.
  • A chance to see your ideas come to life.
  • A solid boost to your CV.
  • A welcoming, down-to-earth team.

How to apply and what to expect if you’re shortlisted

Apply by using the Apply Now button at the bottom of this page! Our Resourcing Team will be in touch with you to ask for a short Video Submission – A 2-minute pitch: "What do you think makes a great Product Designer, and how do you see yourself developing those skills during your placement year?"

Face to Face interview – A one-on-one conversation to go deeper and a real-life view of the business, allowing you to get a great feel for us and if it aligns with your vision for your placement!

Here at the Genuit Group we recognise and develop the contribution our people make to the Group’s success and are committed to attracting talent from the widest pool. We have a role to play in making the built environment more sustainable, building a low carbon business ourselves as well as delivering sustainable solutions at scale.