At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of innovative homeware products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join OKA, a vibrant brand passionate about beautiful and practical home living.
- Benefits: Enjoy a birthday day off, discounts, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in product design while nurturing creativity in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in product design, strong leadership, and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
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 experienced, innovative, and creative Product Design & Development Manager with a strong understanding of product design, an eye for detail, and a passion for delivering exceptional homeware products.
Reporting to the Head of Product Design & Development, the Homewares Product Design & Development Manager will be responsible for overseeing the entire product development cycle, ensuring the creation of products that align with the OKA brand while meeting customer needs and market trends.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the product design and development process, from initial concept to final product launch, ensuring designs meet market demands, customer needs, and company standards.
- Collaborate with the Merchandising, Retail, Ecom & Marketing teams to ensure alignment between product development, merchandising strategies, and customer experience.
- Develop product briefs, manage timelines, and coordinate with design teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
- Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, customer preferences, and opportunities for new products.
- Work closely with suppliers and manufacturers to source materials, negotiate costs, and ensure the highest product quality.
- Manage the product testing and quality control processes to ensure compliance with OKA’s standards for safety, durability, and design.
- Oversee the creation of prototypes and product samples, ensuring they meet the required specifications and are ready for mass production.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior members of the product design and development team, fostering creativity and growth.
- Ensure that all new products are integrated into the sales, marketing, and inventory systems accurately.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to launch new products and ensure they are aligned with promotional campaigns and seasonal trends.
- Monitor and report on product performance, using customer feedback and sales data to improve future designs.
ABOUT YOU
- Minimum 5 years proven experience in product design and development within a retail or homeware environment.
- Proven strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a team and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve business objectives.
- Excellent creative and product development skillset, with the ability to turn concepts into commercially viable products.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and product quality standards.
- Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple product lines and seasons simultaneously while meeting tight critical path deadlines.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with suppliers, internal teams, and senior management.
- A keen eye for design and detail, with a strong understanding of current market trends.
- Proficiency in design software (e. g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD) and project management tools - advantageous.
- Passion for the OKA brand, with a commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative homeware products that delight customers.
- OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE
- Day off for your birthday
- 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.
- 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 preciousor perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends.
British-born, today we have 15stores across the UK – an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail-orderserviceand athriving website.
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Product Design & Development Manager in Milton employer: OKA
At OKA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Packaging Technologist, you'll benefit from a comprehensive package including 33 days of holiday, enhanced parental leave, and opportunities for professional growth within our dynamic team. Located in the UK, we are committed to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that your contributions will make a meaningful impact in the furniture and homewares industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Design & Development Manager in Milton
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like OKA!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at OKA would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at OKA through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Design & Development Manager in Milton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Design & Development Manager, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Design & Development Manager position at OKA. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at OKA
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
