Responsibilities:

• Stay up-to-date with furniture trends and apply insights to product development, ensuring alignment with the furniture product strategy and driving commercial execution.
• Planning timelines 6 to 12 months ahead.
• Understand the performance of furniture styles at each stage of the product lifecycle; determine which products need updates, which are new, and which should be phased out, and strategize how to replace sales.
• Prepare for seasonal workshops by collaborating closely with trend, supplier, and buying teams.
• Collate and present a proposal of concepts to the business, including product visuals and sources of supply.
• Understand the broader business and product strategy to align technical development with organizational goals.
• Take clear direction from the buying team, translating their focus areas into actionable development.
• Work with trend researchers to identify new opportunities based on global lifestyle and product trends.
• Design and develop styles that are engineered to meet quality standards while ensuring they align with the targeted cost and commercial value.
• Update best sellers with fresh styling details and materials, and develop new, innovative items that contribute to revenue growth.
• Present the final product to the buying team, along with accurate costings.
• Identify and source suppliers, working with the buying team to review the supply base and identify any gaps. Source new factories to fill strategic gaps that meet group standards.
• Collaborate with buyers to prepare for Range Review, ensuring the product meets target price points, minimum order quantities, and required timelines.
• Ensure sample dates are met aligned to merchandise buying calendar for Range reviews and production order signoff
• Ensure the DC teams have the necessary assembly instructions and tools for new products, and that training is provided for new material types and product categories.
• Supply all relevant documentation to support training and product knowledge to sales teams.

 Qualifications and Experience:

• Diploma in Interior and Furniture Design
• Relevant retail & brand experience is essential
• Minimum 3-years’ Furniture Design and Technical Manufacturing experience is essential
• Furniture factory managing experience desirable