Head of FF&E

Job Summary

We are seeking an exceptional Head of FF&E to lead one of Studio Ashby’s most important creative disciplines.

This is a senior leadership role, responsible for shaping the creative direction, commercial performance and operational excellence of the FF&E department across a portfolio of luxury residential and hospitality projects in the UK and internationally.

Working closely with the Partners, Creative Directors and Head of Operations, you will lead and inspire a talented team, oversee procurement and installation, develop supplier partnerships, and ensure every project is delivered to the exceptional standard synonymous with Studio Ashby.

As Studio Ashby continues its international growth, this role offers the opportunity to influence not only the delivery of world‑class projects, but also the future evolution of the department, its people and the wider business.

• What we’re looking for
• Passionate about luxury design with an uncompromising commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
• An exceptional creative with an outstanding eye for furniture, lighting, art, antiques, textiles and materials.
• An inspiring leader who enjoys mentoring and developing people.
• Commercially aware, balancing creativity with financial performance.
• Highly organised and confident managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• A natural relationship builder with clients, suppliers and consultants.
• A confident communicator with excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
• Proactive, adaptable and solutions‑focused.
• Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement.
• The ideal candidate must have
• Experience: Minimum 8–12 years’ post‑graduate experience leading FF&E within the luxury residential and hospitality sector.
• Luxury Market Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of luxury furniture, lighting, textiles, art, antiques, bespoke craftsmanship and global suppliers.
• Design Expertise: Outstanding creative vision with exceptional attention to detail, colour, scale, proportion and materials.
• Procurement & Systems: Strong experience managing international procurement programmes and procurement platforms such as Programa, Esti Mac, Design Manager or equivalent.
• Commercial Awareness: Experience managing budgets, cost plans, supplier negotiations and commercial performance.
• Leadership: Experience leading, mentoring, recruiting and developing high‑performing creative teams.
• Client Leadership: Outstanding client‑facing skills with confidence presenting to UHNW private clients, developers and hospitality operators.
• Education: Degree in Interior Design, Product Design or a related discipline preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction of the FF&E department, inspiring exceptional design, innovation and quality across all projects.
• Oversee projects from concept through installation, maintaining responsibility for programmes, client relationships, presentations, budgets and overall delivery.
• Take ownership of departmental profitability, procurement budgets, forecasting, supplier negotiations and KPI reporting in partnership with Finance and the Head of Operations.
• Build and maintain exceptional supplier relationships while overseeing sourcing, procurement, logistics, installations and continual process improvement.
• Recruit, mentor, coach and develop the FF&E and Procurement teams, creating a collaborative, high‑performing culture.
• Drive continuous improvement through evolving procurement systems, AI tools, department standards, material libraries and best practice.
• Studio Ashby Collection & Brand Collaborations
• Support the continued evolution of Studio Ashby’s retail collection, bespoke furniture and wider brand collaborations.
• Strategic Contribution
• Work closely with the Partners and Head of Operations on departmental strategy, business development, resource planning, recruitment and long‑term growth.
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