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

Skills:

Computer literate Must be able to work on one of the following design programs, Inventor, Solid Works, Autocad and/or Inventor Good with Excel / Word / PowerPoint Digitally savvy Project Management (activations, new store openings, launches, CSI, etc.) Good verbal communication skills Good organisational & planning skills Commercial awareness Able to work independently & show initiative Adaptability Good team working skills Great written communication skills Good numerical & analytical skills A passion for retail & the furniture environment The ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment - work on multiple projects simultaneously.  The ability to work independently The ability to take initiative A high level of attention to detail

 Behaviours:

Forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective Applies market and business insights in order to drive organisational objectives Conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success Understands and applies financial concepts and principles to make informed financial decisions  Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems Understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people Thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation

 

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.

 

#LI-MS1