Product Design & Development Manager in Oxfordshire, England at OKA Direct LTD

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 precious or perfect to be enjoyed with family and friends. British-born, today we have 15 stores across the UK – an established Interior Design and Trade business, a mail-order service and a thriving website. ​

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ABOUT US

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

· 33 days holiday (including bank holiday entitlement)

· Day off for your birthday

· Health Plan

· Generous staff discount: 45%

· 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.

If successful you will become part of the OKA family, a fast-paced and dynamic business. If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and details of your current salary, salary expectations, notice period and right to work information via the link provided.