Product Designer

AGNI Product Designer

(Product Development, Quality Control & Supply Chain)

Organization: AGNI Artisans Growth Network of India

Project: Women-led Enterprise & Brand

Location: Alwar, Rajasthan (with frequent field travel)

Engagement Type: Full-time

Duration: 12 months (extendable)

• Role Summary

The AGNI Product Designer will lead the design, development, quality assurance, and market positioning of women-produced products, including pottery, Bhagwan jis clothes and accessories, jutti, and embroidery items. The role focuses on bridging traditional skills with urban and institutional market demand, ensuring high-quality, contemporary, and commercially viable product lines.

• Key Responsibilities

1. Market-Oriented Product Development

• Conduct market research to assess urban, institutional, gifting, and retail demand.
• Develop product designs, collections, and prototypes aligned with current trends and buyer expectations.
• Create niche product categories and signature lines under the AGNI brand.

1. Training & Capacity Building

• Design and deliver training modules for SHG women and artisans on new designs, finishing, sizing, colour palettes, and packaging standards.
• Build women artisans capacity to interpret designs, follow specifications, and maintain consistency.
• Mentor master trainers and lead artisans to cascade skills at the cluster level.

1. Quality Control & Production Standards

• Develop quality benchmarks, design specifications, and inspection protocols.
• Conduct regular quality audits during production and before dispatch.
• Address rejection issues, improve finishing, and enhance durability and market acceptability.

1. Supply Chain & Production Planning

• Support sourcing of raw materials and trims suitable for product quality and cost targets.
• Plan production batches aligned with market demand and order timelines.
• Coordinate with logistics and operations teams for inventory, packaging, and dispatch readiness.

1. Innovation & Niche Development

• Identify opportunities for premium, seasonal, festive, gifting, and export-ready lines.
• Introduce sustainable, eco-friendly, and culturally differentiated product innovations.
• Support brand storytelling through design narratives and artisan identity.
• Product Categories Focus

1. Pottery & ceramic crafts
2. Bhagwan jis clothes (temple wear & ritual textiles)
3. Jutti & traditional footwear
4. Embroidery, hand-stitched and textile-based crafts

• Qualifications & Experience
• Degree/Diploma in Product Design, Craft Design, or related field.
• Minimum 57 years of experience in product development for handicrafts, handlooms, artisan clusters, or ethical/sustainable brands.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with artisans, SHGs, or rural producer groups.
• Key Skills & Competencies
• Strong understanding of urban retail, gifting, and institutional market trends.
• Hands-on experience with product sampling, prototyping, and quality control.
• Ability to train and mentor grassroots women producers.
• Strong visualisation, communication, and design translation skills.
• Ability to balance creativity with commercial viability and cost structures.
• Desirable Attributes
• Experience with Rajasthan crafts and traditional clusters.
• Exposure to export or premium craft markets.
• Understanding of ethical trade, fair pricing, and women-led enterprises.
• Ability to work in low-resource field environments with high impact orientation.
• Compensation

Remuneration will be competitive and commensurate with experience.