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- Tasks: Lead innovative furniture design and manage the entire product lifecycle.
- Company: Join a trusted supplier of stylish, functional furniture for care environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free snacks, and a modern workspace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive culture that values your ideas.
- Qualifications: BA in Furniture Design or related field; strong design vision and CAD skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for team leadership and growth.
Description Location: Thetford | Salary: £50,000 – £70,000 DOE + Bonus | Hybrid Role Are you a creative and innovative product designer with a passion for developing high-quality furniture solutions? Do you have the vision and leadership skills to drive new product development, take products to market, and ensure commercial success? If so, this is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established company supplying durable, stylish, and functional furniture to the care sector. Why Join This Business? This organisation is a trusted supplier of innovative contract furniture designed specifically for care environments, ensuring both resident comfort and operational efficiency. With a strong industry reputation, they are committed to delivering exceptional products that meet the highest standards. The Role As Product Development Manager, you will be responsible for leading the design and functionality of the furniture range, ensuring it aligns with business goals and customer needs. A key part of the role will be managing the product lifecycle, from concept and development through to product launch and market introduction. You will need a strong commercial mindset, ensuring that products are not only well-designed but also commercially viable. Your key responsibilities will include: * Product Innovation – Researching industry trends, gathering customer feedback, and designing furniture solutions tailored to care environments. * Creative Design & Development – Selecting suitable materials, sketching concepts, developing CAD models, and overseeing prototyping. * Product Launch & Market Introduction – Managing the entire product development cycle, ensuring successful go-to-market strategies and commercial success. * Supplier & Quality Management – Collaborating with suppliers, conducting quality control audits, and maintaining high standards across all product ranges. * Team Leadership – Supporting and expanding the product development team to drive innovation and growth. Requirements What We’re Looking For * Qualifications – BA (Hons) in Furniture Design, Industrial Design, or Product Design (or equivalent). * Skills & Experience – Strong design vision, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software. * Commercial Acumen – Understanding of product costing, pricing strategies, and market positioning to ensure the commercial viability of new products. * Personal Attributes – A self-starter, team player, and effective communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Benefits As part of the team, you’ll benefit from: * Competitive salary (£50,000 – £70,000) plus bonus scheme * Newly refurbished offices in Thetford, providing a modern and inspiring workspace * Free snacks, creating a positive and welcoming environment * Opportunities to develop and grow, including the chance to expand and lead the product development team * A supportive and forward-thinking company culture, where your ideas will make a real impact Apply Now If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a meaningful impact in the care furniture industry, we’d love to hear from you. Apply for this job
Product Development Manager employer: Universal Business Team
Contact Detail:
Universal Business Team Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Research the latest trends in furniture design, especially those tailored for care environments. This will not only help you understand the market better but also allow you to speak knowledgeably about how your ideas can align with the company's vision during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past product development projects. Highlight your role in the design process, any challenges you faced, and how you ensured commercial viability. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with SolidWorks or similar CAD software if you haven't already. Being able to showcase your proficiency in these tools during discussions can set you apart from other candidates and show your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasize your leadership skills and ability to work in a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or collaborated with others to drive innovation. This is crucial as the role involves supporting and expanding the product development team.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Product Development Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, so you can tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in product design and development, particularly in the furniture sector. Showcase specific projects where you led product innovation or managed the product lifecycle.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks and your understanding of commercial aspects such as product costing and pricing strategies. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter that reflects your passion for furniture design and your vision for the role. Mention why you are excited about the opportunity to work with a company that supplies innovative contract furniture to care environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Business Team
✨Showcase Your Design Vision
Prepare to discuss your design philosophy and how it aligns with the company's focus on innovative furniture solutions. Bring examples of your previous work that demonstrate your creativity and ability to meet customer needs.
✨Understand the Product Lifecycle
Be ready to explain your experience with managing the product development cycle. Highlight specific instances where you successfully took a product from concept to market, emphasizing your role in each stage.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Familiarize yourself with product costing and pricing strategies relevant to the furniture industry. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure that your designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also commercially viable.
✨Emphasize Team Leadership Skills
Discuss your experience in leading teams and fostering collaboration. Share examples of how you've supported team members in their development and how you drive innovation within a group setting.
