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- Tasks: Lead and innovate product design, ensuring beautiful and functional homeware.
- Company: Join OKA, a passionate homeware retailer with a fun and nurturing culture.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, private medical cover, discounts, and more perks.
- Why this job: Shape the future of home design while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in product design and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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 wellbeing 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.
Head of Product Design & Development employer: OKA
Contact Detail:
OKA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Design & Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend design events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, be ready to discuss your projects and how they align with OKA's vision of beautiful and functional design.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching OKA’s products and values. Think about how your experience in product design can contribute to their mission of creating comfortable homes. Tailor your answers to reflect your passion for their brand!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the OKA family. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Design & Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design: When you're writing your application, let your love for product design shine through! Share specific examples of your past work that reflect your creativity and attention to detail, especially in homeware or furniture.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Product Design & Development role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in leading teams and managing product lifecycles, to show us you’re the perfect fit for OKA.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at OKA.
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA
✨Know Your Design Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own design philosophy and how it aligns with OKA's values. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've created beautiful and functional products in the past, as this will show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Product Design & Development, strong leadership is key. Prepare to share stories about how you've successfully managed teams, fostered collaboration, and driven innovation. Highlight any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to inspire confidence in your leadership abilities.
✨Research Market Trends
Stay ahead of the game by researching current trends in homeware and furniture design. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence OKA's product lines and how you would integrate them into the design process. This shows that you're not just creative but also strategic.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about OKA's future direction, their approach to sustainability, and how they envision the role evolving. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
