Midweight FF&E Designer in Southampton

The FF&E Designer is responsible for managing the FF&E aspect of projects, liaising with the Project Director and Project Manager to ensure that they are delivered on time, in budget and to an exceptional standard. This includes managing both the internal studio team and external suppliers to ensure every project is completed to the highest standards, in line with RWD’s vision to be the most inspiring yacht design studio in the world. This will involve visiting our global client base and shipyards, therefore being willing and able to travel internationally is an essential part of this role. The FF&E designer will also oversee and mentor junior team members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & TASKS

• Working with the Project Director, Head of Interiors and Project Manager to ensure a full understanding of the design brief and lead the FF&E elements of the project to successful completion.
• Take responsibility for all FF&E design, curation and presentation stages of projects, coordinating with other project team members, external visualisers and unique and trusted suppliers.
• Working closely with the Procurement Manager to understand the owner’s supply schedule for the project and have a clear understanding of the budget position of the project at any point in time.
• Working closely with the Project Manager to ensure the work relating to FF&E is produced in a timely manner, schedules are met, and all stakeholders are kept up to date with progress.
• Liaising and coordinating with other departments to ensure a holistic design approach and language throughout each project.
• Develop strong design concepts which are unique to every project & client.
• Selecting furniture, materials and finishes and create engaging and outstanding client presentations.
• Liaising with the client and shipyard to ensure materials selected are compliant, fit for purpose and meet the client’s brief.
• Responsible for ensuring the owner’s supply specification is complete and up to date, and all information required for purchasing is successfully handed over to the Procurement Manager in a timely manner.
• Alongside the Interior Designer and Project Manager, oversee and manage the production of bespoke items.
• Represent RWD at project meetings, confidently communicate and translate designs to the client.
• Working with the Interior Designer and Procurement Manager to manage quality control and sign-off for all FF&E items.
• Working with the full project team and shipyard to ensure the successful on-board implementation and installation of all FF&E items.
• Compiling maintenance documentation for all FF&E supplied items and ensuring this is shared with all relevant stakeholders.
• Mentor junior FF&E team members throughout projects.
• Constantly work to minimize our social and environmental impact, providing options that make this an easy choice for the client, and being a champion for this within the department.
• Working with the broader FF&E team to ensure the studio library is current and up to date.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, shipyards and client teams.
• Keeping current with industry trends and developments from leading artists, craftsmen and fabric houses.
• Attend industry fairs to source new suppliers and expand the FF&E Library.
• Seek continued professional development.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• 4+ years’ experience in FF&E design for luxury yachts or top-end residential projects, with experience in the FF&E design and curation process from concept to completion.
• Creative, passionate and innovative FF&E design skills.
• Keen interest in sustainable design practices and materials that result in a positive social and environmental impact.
• Strong knowledge of unique suppliers, both in the UK and overseas.
• Strong knowledge of materials and finishes and their implementation on board a yacht.
• Strong team player with interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills and eloquence to convey ideas with curated presentations, themes and schemes etc.
• Ability to think on one’s feet, making project decisions to ensure client expectations are met.
• Ability to spot ahead and manage risk, knowing at what point to escalate to the Team Principal or Head of Interiors for support.
• Excellent attention to detail, whilst also being able to maintain a good overview of a project.
• Strong IT skills: InDesign, Photoshop, AutoCAD, MS Office, Excel.
• Excellent time management skills.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Quality of FF&E curation and design output.
• Achievement of project deadlines.
• Successful supplier and client/owner’s team relationships.
• Client satisfaction.
• Internal team feedback.
• Achievement of agreed personal objectives.
• Living the company values.