At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop stunning furniture collections while collaborating with a creative team.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant brand passionate about beautiful and functional homeware.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, health cash plan, and a fun work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and innovation in design.
- Qualifications: 1 year experience in product design and strong skills in Adobe and 3D modelling tools.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ 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 and an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail‑order service and a thriving website. We are currently looking to recruit a full‑time Junior Product Designer – Furniture to support our Product Design & Development Team, based at our office in Didcot, Oxfordshire. We operate a hybrid working model: three or more days from the office, 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 an agile and proactive Junior Product Designer – Furniture with a positive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit who can help us nurture this company culture. Reporting directly to the Product Design & Development Manager – Furniture, the Junior Product Designer is responsible for supporting the design and development of our furniture collections, helping to bring creative concepts to life while maintaining the OKA brand’s signature aesthetic.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the design and development of all furniture products including seating, sofas, storage, and beds.
- Generate sketches, concept boards, 3D renderings, and material/finish proposals to support the creative process.
- Conduct trend, market and material research to inform product ideas and ensure designs are commercially relevant.
- Support prototype and sample creation, liaising with suppliers and internal teams to maintain design integrity.
- Prepare presentations and visual materials for design reviews and cross‑functional meetings.
- Help maintain the furniture design library, including materials, finishes, and product references.
- Collaborate closely with merchandising, photography, and sourcing teams to ensure timely delivery and accurate product information.
- Document all design processes, maintaining PLM/WFX system entries, and tracking sample orders as needed.
- Take part in design meetings and range reviews, recording notes and ensuring follow‑up actions are completed.
- Contribute to ongoing improvement of design processes and PLM system workflows.
ABOUT YOU
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a product design, homewares, or related creative department (including internships).
- Strong design sensibility with a keen eye for form, colour, material, and detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop skills.
- Knowledge of 3D modelling tools such as Rhino, Fusion 360, or similar.
- Strong organisational skills, able to multi‑task and work collaboratively across departments.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with a creative and problem‑solving mindset.
- Passion for the OKA brand and for beautifully designed, functional homewares.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of product lifecycle from concept to launch is a plus.
OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE
- 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement), plus Length of Service increases.
- Day off for your birthday.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Enhanced Parental Leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Eligibility for a discretionary company Bonus Scheme.
- Plus a suite of additional employee benefits: 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.
Junior Product Designer - Furniture employer: OKA
Contact Detail:
OKA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Product Designer - Furniture
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work and reflects your design sensibility. Include a variety of projects that highlight your skills in furniture design, sketches, and 3D renderings.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow designers, attend industry events, or join online forums. Building connections can lead to opportunities and insider info about job openings at companies like OKA.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching OKA’s brand and products. Understand their aesthetic and values so you can demonstrate how your design philosophy aligns with theirs during the chat.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Product Designer - Furniture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for design and the OKA brand shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating beautiful, functional spaces that reflect personality.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product design or homewares. We’re looking for someone who can bring creative concepts to life, so showcase any projects or skills that align with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your ideas are easy to understand and your communication skills come across well.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the OKA family.
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA
✨Know Your Design Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your design principles and the latest trends in furniture design. Be ready to discuss your previous projects and how they align with OKA's aesthetic. Show them you’re not just a designer, but someone who understands the market and can bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially any sketches, 3D renderings, or concept boards you've created. Be ready to explain your design process and how you tackle challenges. This is your chance to demonstrate your creativity and problem-solving skills!
✨Research OKA
Dive deep into OKA’s brand values and product lines. Understand their signature style and think about how you can contribute to their mission of creating beautiful, practical homes. Mention specific products or collections during your interview to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the design process at OKA. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the company culture is the right fit for you. Plus, it demonstrates your proactive attitude!