At a Glance
- Tasks: Bring innovative furniture designs to life from concept to production.
- Company: Soho House, an inclusive employer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health perks, discounts, and continuous training.
- Other info: Enjoy fun team events and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make a real impact in product development.
- Qualifications: Experience in upholstery development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This job is with Soho House, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
The Role… As a Product Developer within our Upholstery team, you will be responsible for bringing commercially viable, design-led furniture to life—from initial concept through to production. Working closely with Design, Product Development, and Sourcing, you will ensure all products are developed to meet quality, cost, and timeline expectations while staying true to brand vision.
Key Responsibilities…
- Product & Technical
- Own the end-to-end development of upholstery products from concept through to production
- Translate design briefs into detailed product specifications, ensuring feasibility and consistency
- Manage the development critical path, ensuring key milestones are met
- Lead on construction, comfort, and material specifications (frames, fillings, fabrics, finishes)
- Work closely with suppliers to refine prototypes, ensuring quality and cost targets are achieved
- Troubleshoot development issues, proposing solutions without compromising design integrity
- Work with QA teams on testing protocols and approvals
- Maintain accurate technical documentation and product data
- Supplier Management
- Partner with global suppliers to develop and engineer products to required standards
- Conduct regular reviews on prototypes, samples, and production readiness
- Build strong supplier relationships to drive innovation and continuous improvement
- Commercial Awareness
- Ensure products are developed within target cost prices and margin expectations
- Understand customer needs and market trends to inform product decisions
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Design to maintain creative intent throughout development
- Partner with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Logistics teams to ensure smooth product launches
- Support range building and sign-off processes
Experience Required
- Proven experience in upholstery product development within a retail or furniture brand
- Strong technical understanding of upholstery construction, materials, and manufacturing processes
- Experience working with overseas suppliers (e.g. Europe/Asia)
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance cost, quality, and design
- Excellent project management and organisational skills
- Confident communicator, able to influence cross-functional teams and suppliers
- Detail-oriented with a problem-solving mindset
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience working in an in-house design-led brand
- Knowledge of testing and compliance standards for upholstery (e.g. fire regulations, durability)
- Exposure to sustainable materials and responsible sourcing practices
Benefits…
Soho House offers competitive compensation packages that feature global benefits and perks. Whether you’re seeking entry-level employment or a new opportunity to expand your profession, we offer training to develop the technical and managerial skills necessary to grow your career.
- Soho Friends Membership
- 50% off Food & Drink, 7 days a week
- Staff Room Rates
- Private Health and Dental Care
- Weekly Pay
- Life Assurance
- Up to 50% Staff Discount on Cowshed & Soho Home
- In Office Dog Policy on Fridays
- Season Ticket Loan
- Christmas Office Closure
- In conjunction with Soho Impact, take 2 days paid a year to support a charity of your choice.
- Free Counselling Sessions
- Cookhouse & House Tonic: Our Cookhouse & House Tonic programmes offer unique food and drink trainings, events and opportunities to inspire and educate.
- Continuous training to develop yourself personally and professionally
- Exclusive access to our benefits platform with hundreds of discounts on shopping, gym memberships, holidays, insurance and much more
- Team Events: From fitness sessions to cinema screenings and art classes, each month we hold a series of fun events which you can sign up to.
Product Developer, Soho Home - 12 Month FTC in London employer: Soho House
Soho House is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, offering a unique opportunity for growth and development in the culinary arts. With benefits like weekly pay, team meals, and extensive training programmes, employees are encouraged to connect, learn, and thrive in a supportive environment. Located in a dynamic setting, the role of Chef de Partie not only allows you to showcase your passion for food but also to engage in meaningful community initiatives through Soho Impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Developer, Soho Home - 12 Month FTC in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Soho House. Attend events or join online groups where you can chat with current employees and get the inside scoop on what they look for in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! If you've got experience in upholstery product development, make sure to have a solid portfolio ready. Highlight your best projects that demonstrate your skills in design, materials, and project management.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview! Research Soho House’s brand values and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to their team. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the company. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer, Soho Home - 12 Month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Product Developer role. Highlight your experience in upholstery product development and how it aligns with Soho House's vision. We want to see how you can bring design-led furniture to life!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your technical understanding of upholstery construction and materials. We’re looking for someone who can manage the development process smoothly, so let us know about your project management skills and any relevant experience with suppliers.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that highlights your key achievements and experiences without fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed efficiently, and we can get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining the Soho House family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Soho House
✨Know Your Upholstery Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of upholstery construction, materials, and manufacturing processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your technical understanding and how it relates to the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your project management experience, especially in relation to product development timelines and milestones. Have a couple of examples ready where you successfully managed a project from concept to production, highlighting any challenges you overcame.
✨Understand the Brand and Market Trends
Do your homework on Soho House and their brand vision. Familiarise yourself with current market trends in furniture design and upholstery. This will help you articulate how your ideas align with their goals and customer needs during the interview.
✨Build Rapport with Cross-Functional Teams
Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve influenced cross-functional teams to achieve a common goal. This is crucial for a role that requires working closely with Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing.
