- Salary
- $65k – $75k
- Location
- Toronto, ON
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- IT
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Source
- PCRecruiter
Description
CTI Living - Technical Design Specialist - Plastic Plant Pots
Please apply directly at https://www.nafor.com/ctiliving
OVERVIEW: This is a highly creative, hands on design role focused on developing visually compelling, trend forward plastic planters for the North American retail market. The primary objective is to conceive and design new planter collections across a wide range of colours, textures, forms, sizes, and price tiers, guiding each concept from initial inspiration through launch. In this role, you will support product development through design, technical strategy, and process improvement, translating concepts into manufacturable products while aligning with cost targets, materials, and production methods. You will evaluate and refine designs for efficiency, scalability, and commercial viability, collaborate closely with cross functional teams, and contribute to workflow improvements, product catalog development, and innovation initiatives, ensuring that all products are both creatively compelling and strategically aligned with business objectives. The position operates in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment that offers significant creative autonomy. Successful designs move quickly from concept to store shelves and into homes across North America. At CTI, you will gain meaningful hands on experience and real market impact.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Reporting to the Director of Design and Marketing, this role supports product development through design, technical strategy, and process improvement.
PRODUCT DESIGN AND PRESENTATION- Develop new product concepts aligned with market trends
- Create visually compelling presentations for internal and external use
- Communicate design intent and product positioning clearly
- Translate concepts into manufacturable designs
- Define materials, processes, and structural direction
- Align designs with cost targets and scalability
- Evaluate materials, manufacturing methods, and cost structure
- Review packing efficiency and product complexity
- Approve or revise concepts before mold development
- Improve efficiency through design and material choices
- Reduce tooling complexity
- Optimize for shipping and scalability
- Work closely with Technical Design Supervisor
- Participate in pre-mold reviews
- Support alignment between strategy and execution
- Improve development workflows
- Reduce iteration cycles
- Support scalable systems
- Define product categorization and naming
- Maintain structured catalog organization
- Coordinate with marketing for execution
- Identify eligible innovation activities
- Prepare documentation
- Collaborate on submissions
- Align development with pricing and margins
- Support cross functional teams
- Ensure commercially viable solutions
- Perform additional duties as assigned
- Comply with company policies and procedures
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 5 years of experience in product, industrial, or consumer goods design.
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development, form exploration, colour direction, and execution through to final product.
- Proven ability to take products from initial concept through launch.
- Solid understanding of retail market dynamics and consumer trends.
DESIGN AND TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Exceptional design sensibility with a strong eye for form, proportion, colour, and surface detail.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
- Working proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD software to build and refine 3D concepts.
- Foundational understanding of plastic product development and production constraints sufficient to design responsibly and cost effectively.
- Experience with 3D modeling, rendering, and physical prototyping methods such as 3D printing or model making.
- Familiarity with sustainable design principles and responsible material selection.
COMMERCIAL AND COLLABORATIVE STRENGTHS
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to collaborate cross functionally with sales, marketing, and technical partners.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to balance aesthetics, cost targets, and consumer expectations.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast paced environment.
- Self motivated, proactive, and capable of leading projects independently.
- Broad interest in consumer products, retail trends, and evolving design influences.
- Willingness to travel occasionally within North America and Asia as required.
BENEFITS
- Casual dress code
- Company events
- Growth opportunities within your role
- Supportive, smaller-sized teams
- Free on-site parking
- Easy access via TTC
- Paid time off
- Free products
- Work with plants
- Bonus pay
ABOUT CTI: CTi Living is a manufacturer and supplier of indoor/outdoor containers for the floral and home decor markets. They showcase a broad range of containers for their customers - from simple, turnkey designs to unique, custom-tailored programs. At the heart of their business, they are a team driven by excellence in design, production quality and customer service. Their in-house creative enables them to achieve container designs that are pleasing to the eye, functional, and colourful, thereby attracting customers. Their manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China, enables them to turn concepts into reality, sporting terrific colours and finishes to enhance seasonal decor and special occasions alike in high volume. Their dedicated service team ensures a positive customer experience from the initial call through order delivery and beyond. They are suppliers of choice to some of the largest retailers in the world.
SALARY: $65,000 to $75,000
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1
AI STATEMENT: Artificial intelligence (AI) is not used in reviewing applications for this role. Your application is reviewed by our team.
HOURS: For the most part, this is a Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm role; however, flexible hours may be necessary. There is a bit of flexibility to work from home, but the majority of work will take place at our Etobicoke office location. Occasionally, tight deadlines may require late hours.
CONTACT: Jeff Richmond at 416-238-6400 or [email protected]
For more information, see: https://www.nafor.com/ctiliving
CTI-Centrade embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We're committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or family status. If you require disability-related accommodation during the application or interview process, simply let us know and we’ll work with you to ensure you have a positive experience.
Please apply directly at https://www.nafor.com/ctiliving or using the link or button below.
