Product Developer

Employment Type: Permanent, Part Time (3 days per week)

Location: Flexible (UK-based – with travel to suppliers, coordinated days in Queens Park London studio and WFH flexibility)

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: £21,000 (based on £35,000 FTE)

About Us

Nicola Harding & Co is a recognised authority on creating liveable, soulful interiors, characterised by colour, attention to detail, and an eclectic mix of found and considered objects. The practice works with private clients across residential and hospitality projects, and is widely published as a leading voice in contemporary British interior design. NiX by Nicola Harding (NiX Living Ltd) is our homeware venture, founded by Nicola and her husband Andy. Our mission is simple: to create beautifully useful products, made responsibly, that are aspirational yet accessible, and built to last for generations. Our growing product range — spanning upholstery, sofas, lampshades, and fabrics — combines timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and a genuine commitment to sustainability and responsible making. Every product is designed to feel as considered and individual as the interiors Nicola is known for. We sell through our Queen’s Park showroom, our UK and US websites, and through an expanding network of trade and distribution partners in the UK and US.

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced and hands‑on Product Developer to join our team on a part‑time basis (3 days per week). This is a key role focused on managing our UK supply base across upholstery, sofas, lampshades, and fabrics. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager (based in Portugal), you’ll work with a high degree of autonomy day‑to‑day, with clear lines of communication and a collaborative approach to decision‑making. This structure works well for someone who is self‑directed, proactive, and comfortable taking ownership without needing close oversight. You’ll take ownership of supplier relationships, quality control, and lead times — ensuring our products meet the highest standards while moving efficiently from development through to production. Crucially, you’ll also act as a guardian of the NiX aesthetic, understanding not just the technical requirements of each product but the design intent behind it. This is an ideal role for someone who combines a strong operational skill set with a genuine passion for considered, design‑led product.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Management and Ownership
• Act as the main point of contact for UK‑based suppliers across upholstery, sofas, lampshades, and fabrics
• Build strong, collaborative relationships and drive supplier performance
• Visit suppliers regularly to oversee production, development, and quality
• Ensure suppliers understand and consistently deliver to NiX’s quality and aesthetic standards
• Quality Control and Lead Times
• Own quality standards across all product categories
• Identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively, with a brand‑first mindset
• Ensure production stays on track and lead times are consistently met
• Maintain clear records of QC outcomes and flag patterns or recurring issues
• Product Development
• Lead development across key categories — upholstery, sofas, lampshades, and fabrics — from concept through to approval
• Work closely with the design team to refine and evolve the product range, always in service of the NiX aesthetic
• Manage sampling, approvals, and iterations with precision and an eye for detail
• Contribute ideas and flag opportunities to improve or extend the range
• Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing
• Champion NiX’s commitment to responsible making throughout the supply chain
• Support supplier assessments with sustainability and ethical sourcing in mind
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve materials, processes, or packaging in line with the brand’s values
• Critical Path and Coordination
• Manage timelines and flag risks early
• Work closely with operations and customer services to ensure smooth delivery
• Support purchase order accuracy and production readiness
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with the Supply Chain Manager, ensuring alignment on priorities and decisions

Skills and Attributes Required

• A genuine passion for interior design, considered product, and design‑led lifestyle brands — with a strong aesthetic sensibility that aligns with the NiX brand
• The ability to act as a champion of brand integrity through the development process: understanding not just what a product needs to do, but why it looks and feels the way it does
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams effectively in a part‑time role
• Proactive and comfortable working autonomously in a growing start‑up environment
• Confident communicator, able to work cross‑functionally and maintain strong remote working relationships
• Comfortable using project management and workflow tools
• Willingness to travel within the UK to visit suppliers as required

Experience Required

• Proven experience in product development, ideally within interiors, furniture, lighting, or textiles
• Strong understanding of quality control and manufacturing processes across upholstered and soft goods categories
• Demonstrable experience managing UK‑based suppliers and maintaining lead times in a fast‑moving environment
• Familiarity with responsible sourcing practices and sustainability considerations in manufacturing

What we offer

• The opportunity to play a central role in a young, design‑led brand with a distinctive identity and genuine momentum
• Real autonomy and ownership — this is not a support role; you’ll be trusted to lead
• Close involvement with a highly respected design practice (Nicola Harding & Co) and exposure to the broader world of luxury British interiors
• A collaborative, creative working environment with a small, committed team
• Career growth opportunities as the business scales across the UK and US
• Flexible working arrangements, with a genuine balance of studio, supplier, and home‑based working

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience, and alignment with our values.