Development Administration Manager in Nottingham

The Development Administration Manager oversees the administrative side of product development, ensuring accurate records, regulatory compliance, and efficient processes. Key duties include managing model specifications, critical path timelines, and TRG portal updates, as well as coordinating product sign-offs and maintaining audit documentation. The role also leads the implementation of DFS code of practice, supports continuous improvement, and ensures effective change management. Working closely with ESG and compliance teams, the manager drives efficiency and cost reduction while leading the Development Administration team.

What you'll be doing:

• Responsible for building and maintaining accurate records of model specification bibles.
• Set up and reintroduce critical path process for new model introduction.
• Manage and update the TRG portal with details relating to new and existing products as necessary.
• Introduction and ownership of DfS code of practice into the development process.
• Introduction & implementation of continuous improvement methodology ensuring that issues raised are dealt with according to code of practice procedure.
• Maintain and control fabric samples required for both fire retardancy and performance testing in line with regulation and DFS company policy.
• Be responsible for maintaining accurate documentation relating to SMETA audit requirements.
• Coordinate new product sign off, by communicating to key personnel dates to attend and preparing documents required for sign off in relation to the new product.
• Take ownership of the design and development element of the change management process ensuring that product changes are documented and communicated to key stakeholders.

Leadership/Training:

• Lead the Development Administration function ensuring that all compliance, critical path and processes are fully embedded within the development function.
• Work closely with the ESG and compliance team to ensure that new regulatory requirements are introduced at the point of development in a controlled way.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements to improve departmental efficiency.
• Reduce airfreight costs for product launch by introduction of critical path process and robust communication plan with all stakeholders.

The role is for you if...

• You hold extensive knowledge of the Product Development process.
• Ability to manage expectation regarding product launch dates.
• Detailed knowledge of legal and compliance testing requirements.
• Ability to lead a team, in a time critical environment with understanding of impacts in a Just in Time business process.
• Ability to train and explain in a calm and controlled manner.
• Continuous improvement champion.
• Good IT skills including spreadsheets, documents and Navision.
• Extensive experience leading a design and development function.
• Excellent process implementation skills.
• Great communicator.
• Problem solving ability.

DFS Benefits:

• A huge 30% colleague discount, plus 15% friends & family discount across our Group (DFS, Sofology, Dwell).
• Holiday allowance - the time you need to rest and relax (and the longer you're with us, the more time you'll get!).
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to give you the time you need to settle in with your new family member.
• Access to a range of high street & online discounts from: Sainsburys, ASOS, Currys PC World, IKEA, John Lewis and more.
• Discounted Gym and Cinema memberships to help you unwind.
• Progression and Development opportunities to grow your skills.
• Group Pension Scheme.
• Group Sharesave Scheme.
• Life Assurance & Company Sick Pay.