Head of Product Design & Development in Abingdon

We are currently looking to recruit a full‑time Head of Product Design & Development to lead and shape the direction of our product design and development strategy at our Oxfordshire Head Office. We operate a hybrid working model: three or more days from the office, with the remainder of the week from home.

ABOUT US

We know the best work is done by people who enjoy their jobs, so we create a fun and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and is able to thrive. We are looking for a visionary and experienced Head of Product Design & Development with strong leadership skills, creativity, and a passion for driving innovation and product excellence. Reporting to the CCO, the Head of Product Design & Development will oversee the entire product design and development process, from initial concept to final product launch, ensuring the creation of beautiful, functional, and high‑quality products that reflect the OKA brand.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the product design and development team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Oversee the design and development of all product lines, ensuring they meet both customer expectations and OKA’s brand standards.
• Work closely with the Buying, Merchandising, and Marketing teams to ensure product designs align with market trends and business objectives.
• Manage the product development lifecycle, from initial concept sketches to final product delivery, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
• Conduct research and monitor trends in product design, materials, and manufacturing to drive innovation and maintain OKA’s competitive edge.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and external partners to ensure the highest product quality.
• Ensure the seamless integration of new products into the inventory and merchandising systems, collaborating with the operations and logistics teams.
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards, ensuring all products meet safety, functionality, and aesthetic requirements.
• Develop and manage the product development budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Champion sustainability and ethical design practices within the product development process.
• Stay informed on industry advancements and consumer insights to continually refine and improve product offerings.

ABOUT YOU

• Proven experience in product design and development, ideally in the homeware, furniture, or retail industry.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and managing successful design teams.
• Excellent understanding of design processes, from ideation to execution.
• Creative, with a strong sense of design, innovation, and attention to detail.
• In-depth knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and quality control standards.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and with external partners.
• Proficient in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, etc.) and project management tools.
• A passion for the OKA brand, with a commitment to delivering exceptional and innovative products.

OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE

• 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), plus Length of Service increases.
• Day off for your birthday.
• Private Medical Cover.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme.
• Discounts on 60+ UK retailers via My OKA benefits platform.
• Plus a suite of additional employee benefits including Company pension scheme, life assurance cover, free eye tests, cycle to work scheme, interest free travel loans, social events, online well being centre and more.

If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast‑paced and dynamic business. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and details of your current salary, salary expectations, notice period and right to work information via the link provided.

ABOUT OKA

Founded over 20 years ago by three entrepreneurial women with a passion for beautiful, practical and comfortable homes, OKA is more than a furniture and homeware retailer: it is a love affair with living well. We inspire people to confidently create a home that reflects their personality, a space where nothing should be too precious or perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends. British‑born, today we have 14 stores across the UK – an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail‑order service and a thriving website.