FFE Design Lead in London

FFE Design Lead in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Neko Health

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of furniture and fixtures to enhance member experiences globally.
  • Company: Join Neko Health, a pioneer in preventative care and innovative health solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on creativity and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of health environments and make a real difference in people's lives.
  • Qualifications: Degree in design and 8+ years in FF+E design and procurement.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

MissionNeko is redefining what prevention means, from treating illness when it arrives, to sustaining health before it's ever at risk. Our mission: make data-driven, preventative care accessible to more people, before symptoms appear. In a single, non-invasive visit under an hour, proprietary technology and direct clinical care combine to deliver personalised, actionable insights. It's a team that thinks in 10x, not 10%. Every role here plays a part in building a world where prevention is the norm, and where your work genuinely helps people live longer, healthier lives.

Role Purpose

The FF+E Design Lead will own the development and stewardship of Neko Health’s global furniture, fixtures, equipment, and accessories strategy — defining the physical objects, materials, and product selections that shape the member experience across every Neko location worldwide. Working within the Architecture Creative Leads team, this role sits at the intersection of interior design, physical user experience, and procurement strategy. Your primary focus is establishing a scalable, globally consistent FF+E standard that ensures every Neko space feels considered, cohesive, and unmistakably Neko.

You will develop FF+E and accessories standards for the Location Design Playbook, drive product development and selection and provide concept-level creative guidance to regional design teams delivering projects globally. This role reports to the Architecture Creative Studio Lead and partners closely with the Architecture Design Studio Leads for the US and Europe, the Industrial Design Lead, and cross-functional teams in Hardware, Operations, Brand, and Procurement.

What You’ll Deliver in the First 6–12 Months

  • Comprehensive global standards, documented in the Location Design Playbook — covering furniture, fixtures, accessories, for all key clinic zones — with clear specifications, product lists, and sourcing guidance ready for regional teams to implement.
  • A scalable procurement and vendor strategy for FF+E, with preferred suppliers identified globally and regionally, supporting consistent quality, cost efficiency, and lead-time reliability across markets.
  • Concept-level FF+E guidance on at least two active regional projects, ensuring selections align with Neko’s design language and experience principles while adapting to local availability and requirements.
  • Contribute to the development of bespoke FF+E and accessory items that cannot be sourced off-the-shelf — collaborating with the Industrial Design Lead and external vendors to develop proprietary solutions that reinforce the Neko brand.

Minimum Requirements

  • Degree in Interior Design, Product Design, Furniture Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in FF+E design, specification, and procurement, with a portfolio demonstrating a strong eye for material quality, detail, and cohesive design language.
  • Demonstrated experience developing FF+E standards, product libraries, or specification playbooks for a multi-site, global or scaling organization.
  • A keen eye for colour, material and finishes.
  • Deep understanding of bespoke furniture and product manufacturing methods — materials, finishes, construction methods, durability and sustainability considerations.
  • Experience managing vendor relationships and procurement processes, including sourcing, sampling, cost negotiation and quality control across multiple markets.
  • Strong understanding of ergonomics, accessibility, and relevant product safety and compliance standards within a commercial retail environment.
  • Excellent communication skills — able to articulate design intent and product rationale to both creative and operational audiences, and comfortable presenting to leadership.
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-growing, scaling environment where standards are still being built and processes are evolving.
  • Alignment with Neko’s studio culture: enablers not heroes, creative problem solvers, craft-driven.

Preferred

  • Experience crafting environments where furniture and fixtures play a direct role in customer experience.
  • Familiarity with branded retail, hospitality, or experiential environments at scale — where FF+E consistency is critical to brand expression.
  • Experience developing bespoke or custom-manufactured furniture and accessory products from concept through production.
  • Knowledge of sustainability and circular design principles in product selection — lifecycle analysis, material health, and responsible sourcing.

About titles at Neko

We use a simplified internal title framework that prioritises clarity over hierarchy, so internal titles may differ from market‑facing role titles. Scope, impact and level of the role are fully aligned and will be clearly discussed throughout the process.

Hiring Process

Candidates progress from application and structured screening through thoughtfully designed interviews culminating in a formal offer and final pre-employment checks before joining the team.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement

Neko Health is committed to inclusive hiring and member-first care. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to request reasonable adjustments to support your application.

FFE Design Lead in London employer: Neko Health

Neko Health is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and employee development, making it a rewarding place to work in London. With a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful healthcare initiatives. Join us to be part of a team that values your input and offers unique opportunities to make a real impact in the community.

Neko Health

Contact Details:

Neko Health Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land FFE Design Lead in London

Get Your Portfolio Game On Point

As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!

Slide into Networking Events

Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Neko Health who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!

Learn the Software Inside Out

Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.

Refine Your Interview Skills

Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!

We think you need these skills to ace FFE Design Lead in London

FF+E Design
Interior Design
Product Design
Furniture Design
Industrial Design
Procurement Strategy
Material Quality Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Neko Health!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Neko Health. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!

Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Neko Health

Master the Technical Questions

In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.

Bring Your Portfolio to Life

Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability

In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Neko Health.