Product Developer / Product Technologist (REF 1229)
- Up to £40,000, depending on experience
- Surrey
We are looking for a talented Product Developer / Product Technologist to join a contemporary furniture brand, to play an integral part in bringing beautiful, commercial products to market. This successful business is going from strength to strength.
Working as part of the product team, you will have responsibility for both product development and compliance within your categories, working closely and collaboratively with the design and buying teams. You will liaise closely with their global vendor base, ensuring all product specs are complete and correct, that products are compliant with current standards, and all necessary certification is obtained. The ideal candidate will have a love of product, be trend-aware and commercial, and have a keen interest in sustainability.
Duties for this Product Developer / Product Technologist position will include:
- Responsibility for both the compliance and product development for your product categories
- Working closely with the design team from the initial stages of development, including idea generation, building range plans, and providing technical input
- Being highly commercial, having innovation at the forefront of new product ideas and concepts
- Build, develop and maintain excellent supplier relationships so information is communicated in a timely manner, including all technical data and audits
- Look at sustainability within the supply chain and vendor base, working with suppliers to ensure products are being made ethically and as eco-friendly as possible
- Work with external testing houses, arranging applicable tests to ensure all products are compliant for the relevant markets, and required certification is obtained
- Form strong working relationships with internal teams, particularly Design and Buying, supporting them on product and technical matters
- Organise, manage and take responsibility for technical data, ensuring test files and any certification are complete, recorded and up to date before shipment
- Review artwork and packaging safety text for the countries in which it will be shipped, ensuring that all information is accurate and compliant prior to final sign off stage
- Maintain the critical path for your product areas, ensuring all are delivered on time and to the correct technical spec
- Understand and interpret manufacturing standards, test certificates and product regulations
Experience and skills required:
- Solid experience within a Product Development or Technologist role within lifestyle, homeware or furniture
- Experience across furniture (hard and upholstered lines), decorative accessories, lighting or garden desirable
- A passion for furniture is a must!
- Someone who is highly commercial, creative, and curious – always on the lookout for new and emerging trends and ideas within the industry
- A strong interest in sustainability, as this business is keen to implement innovation in this field within its manufacturing and supplier base
- An eye for detail, accurate, and an excellent multi-tasker who is deadline driven
- A first-class communicator and people person, with the ability to communicate clearly and positively across all levels, both internally and externally
- Being comfortable when working under pressure, ability to act on your own initiative
- A proactive problem solver, with excellent negotiation skills and the ability to foresee issues
- A positive attitude, friendly, flexible, and a team player!
Diversity & Inclusion: ILMJ values diversity, equality and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and identities.
